Reception honors Davis’ 12 years of service

May 16 2012 by LHT Staff

Luke and his wife Paula, with his parents, Joan Davis and Dr. O.L. Davis, Jr.

Luke with board president, Kim Quirk

Luke received a proclamation from State Representative, Angie Chen Button, at the May 7th reception

Earlier this year Lake Highlands resident and RISD board member, Luke Davis, announced his retirement after 12 years as a trustee for the RISD school board.

Fellow board members and RISD employees, along with friends and family, held a reception in his honor preceding the board meeting on May 7th at RISD's administration building.

When we visited with Davis in January of this year, following the announcement that he would not seek reelection, he spoke of his "RISD family – students, staff and community" that made his years of service so worthwhile.

Next Monday, May 21st the board will welcome Lake Highlands resident and new Place 1 representative, Adam Meierhofer, as the newest trustee at the last regular meeting of the school year.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m.

Meierhofer is hoping the voters and volunteers who supported his campaign efforts will be in attendance.

"It would be great to see some of the young families there to symbolize our new representation on the board via the seat the community has placed me in," said Meierhofer.

The ceremony is scheduled for the top of the meeting in the horseshoe of the RISD administration building auditorium.

The administration building is located at 400 S. Greenville Avenue in Richardson.

Photos courtesy of Richardson Independent School District

Forest Meadow gears up for ImagiNation Competition

May 16 2012 by Jodi Stewart

Moss Haven students Ryan Brockette, Evan Stewart, Stephanie Stolte and Catherine Bryant with Dr. Jim Murray

The Destination Imagination global competition will feature teams from all 50 states and 37 countries

The Forest Meadow TBD’s Destination Imagination team has advanced to the Global Finals competition in Knoxville, Tennessee, and they would love your support.

All TBD team members are selling raffle tickets for a Kindle Fire to help offset the costs of attending the competition. Dr. Murray at Abrams Royal Animal Clinic has generously offered to sponsor the raffle and help the TBD’s reach their goal.

The global competition will feature teams from all 50 states and 37 countries. It is hosted at the University of Tennessee over Memorial Day Weekend.

The 7th grade team includes Ryan Brockette, Catherine Bryant, Evan Stewart and Stephanie Stolte. This is their third trip to the global competition.

The TBDs compete in the structural and architectural design challenge. They have created an extremely light-weight structure of only wood and glue; they will perform a skit, deliver golf balls into the structure and stack weights onto the structure.

The goal is to maximize the ratio of weights stacked plus golf balls delivered to the weight of the structure before it crushes.

Forest Meadow Junior High was proud to send two teams to the Destination ImagiNation state tournament in April.

The Last Taffys Standing (members Kate Brackenridge, Brooke Elkjer and Caroline Lewis) competed in the improvisational skit challenge.

Destination ImagiNation is an after-school activity that encourages student’s creativity, teamwork and problem solving.

Teams are tested to think on their feet, work together, and devise original solutions that satisfy the requirements of specific challenges.

To help support the TBD's trip to the global finals, you can purchase raffle tickets to win a new Kindle Fire.

Raffle tickets are $2 each, 3 tickets for $5, 6 for $10 and $20 for 12 chances to win.

The winning ticket will be drawn on June 2nd, you do not need to be present to win.

All proceeds of the raffle will help pay the entry fee for the Destination Imagination competition.

Tickets are available via email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 214-557-5446.

To learn more about Destination Imagination visit the group's national website HERE.

Teaming up with Kidventure

May 15 2012 by LHT Staff

Offering much more than an XBOX summer for 6th-9th graders

Week-long sessions include outdoor field trips and activities

Community service is an important part of the Kidventure Leads experience

Camp sessions begin June 4th and run through the week of July 9th

There's an awesome middle school summer camp based on leadership and community service coming to Lake Highlands this summer.

The program is called Kidventure Leads, and Patrick Biron, the Camps Coordinator, is calling all 6th through 9th graders to step up and join the fun beginning next month.

"Each week in June and July we have a motivational guest speaker come in to talk to the kids, followed by an all day community service trip."

"We round out each session with good, fun, positive socialization including sports, challenges, and field trips to places like Laser Tag and Hawaiian Falls Water Park."

Biron says the motivational speakers include people like Walter Patterson, who contracted Polio as a toddler, but didn't let that stop him from climbing to Mt. Everest's base camp.

"He'll be speaking to the youth about how having a good attitude in the face of adversity can change everything."

Community service activities for campers will also include working with groups like Buckner International on the Shoes for Orphans Souls project, the Citizens Development Center, Senior Source, Recycle Revolution, and the North Texas Food Bank.

"We're excited to offer this unique program to the families in Lake Highlands, especially since parents of children in this age group sometimes feel like summer activities are limited to XBOX or just letting them hang out at the mall."

Kidventure Leads is hosted at the St. Patrick School in Lake Highlands and offers week long sessions beginning June 4th.

Boys and girls entering grades 6-9 are eligible to participate.

Camp hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with extended care hours available.

For more information or to register visit the Kidventure Leads website or email Patrick Biron at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Neighborly News: Lake Highlands North

May 15 2012 by Lindsay Baronoskie

Another gem of a neighborhood we're highlighting in our Neighborly News series is Lake Highlands North. These 505 homes are within the boundaries of Walnut Hill, White Rock Trail, Church Road, and Audelia Road.

Lake Highlands North has a very strong homeowners' organization, which helps with a variety of projects that benefit the neighborhood and the community as a whole.

There are more than 40 residents who patrol the neighborhood for over 150 hours each month. Over the years, over 130 residents have taken the Dallas Police Department's VIP training. They have an active Crime Watch patrol in which three Dallas police officers are employed and patrol approximately 100-125 hours each month.

The Lake Highlands North beautification committee ensures that the landscaping around the perimeter of the neighborhood, particularly at the corner of Walnut Hill and White Rock Trail, stays beautiful. They put up decorations several times each year for occasions such as July 4th, and the group participates in the sponsorship of the Lake Highlands Junior Women’s League Fun Run each year.

Their active governmental affairs group identifies issues of interest in the community including activities in which residents can participate.

Residents recently took part in the City of Dallas "It’s My Park Day" where a number of volunteers came out on a Saturday morning to clean up the Lake Highlands North Park.

The quarterly General Membership meetings highlight a speaker who addresses issues of importance to the residents. Quarterly newsletters and an active website, as well as their new Facebook page, keep the residents well informed about all that's going on in Lake Highlands.

Lake Highlands North sponsors several fun neighborhood events throughout the year, too.

The Cellar Dwellers group generally has 20-30 residents who enjoy a wine tasting event held at different residents' homes with varying themes each month. In conjunction with Cellar Dwellers, there's an annual Sip-n-Stroll event, a progressive wine tasting during the Christmas holidays where attendees move from house to house sampling wines provided by the hosts.

Along with these social events, residents recently organized a babysitting co-cop that offers parents a safe place to leave their children so everyone can participate.

The Dine Around events are all-family gatherings at local restaurants. A wonderful opportunity for residents to gather at neighborhood restaurants to have dinner and get to know each other better, it’s also a way to support local spots on weeknights when business might be slower.

Restaurants that have opened their doors to Dine Around include Highlands Cafe, Offshore's Nextdoor, and Tukta Thai.

The biggest event each year is focused around National Night Out, which is generally held at the Lake Highlands North Recreation Center. It includes food, music, a bounce house, pony rides, and clowns and other activities for children and adults.

Kirby Drake Quine is the proud president of the Lake Highlands North HOA.

"I've lived in Lake Highlands North for almost eight years and have found that this has been one of the most welcoming and active areas that I've ever lived in."

"I like that we have such a varied group of residents of all ages and backgrounds, including original owners of a number of the homes, as well as young professionals and families."

"I'm especially thankful for having so many wonderful well-established trees and gently rolling hills, making our neighborhood so beautiful and uniquely Lake Highlands."

Connect and learn more through the Lake Highlands North HOA website, or find the group on Facebook.

Local volunteer celebrates 45 years of service

May 14 2012 by Mary Gallagher Williams

In 45 years, Christensen has volunteered over 7,000 hours at Doctors Hospital

Doctors Hospital is located at 9440 Poppy Drive at Garland Road

When the lady with the grayish-color eyes walked through the doors of Doctors Hospital years ago, she probably never expected that over four decades later she would be recognized for an uncommon milestone.

Shirley Christensen recently celebrated 45 years as a volunteer at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake and during that time has volunteered nearly 7,000 hours.

"We wouldn’t know what we’d do without her," said Paula O’Neil, the manager of the post-operative Anesthesia Care Unit in the recovery room. "She should get paid. She's part of the staff."

Christensen started volunteering at the hospital when it was located in what is now the institution's Professional Building II on Garland Road. After the current hospital was completed, she continued helping on the patient floors.

Eventually she transferred to the recovery room, and then the holding area where people check in prior to surgery. One of her favorite things to do for patients is to bring them blankets heated in a warmer.

"They're so nervous," Christensen said about the people going into surgery. "Nerves make you shiver, a lot."

Longtime Lake Highlands neighbor, Fran Sessions, attests to Christensen's desire to comfort and help others.

"I know how she treats the neighbors," Sessions said. "[She's] extremely thoughtful and always does things for other people."

Christensen has helped out in other capacities at the hospital also. One of the three committees she has served on is the Ethics Committee. As a member, she pushed for the installment of rooms so doctors can talk privately with patients.

Through the years Christensen has volunteered in other settings around Dallas, as well. She started serving as a Dallas tour guide in 1987 and began leading group tours at the Meyerson Symphony Center in 1989 when the building was completed. Her love for art evolved as she conducted tours in local art collectors' homes.

Christensen is an artist in her own right.

An accomplished amateur photographer, she snapped the photographs showcased on the walls of her Merriman Park home.

The photos highlight her world travels to such places as Denmark, South America, and Kenya.

She and her husband, Chris, no longer travel to the extent they did in the past, and once digital cameras became the norm, Christensen retired her film camera for good.

Now she keeps active by gardening, cooking and exercising. She enjoys a good read, too. Michael Connelly’s thriller Echo Park is currently on her nightstand.

The one thing that has remained constant in her life is volunteering.

Christensen said her day is a worthwhile one when she's able to bring a smile to a patient's face.

She's been doing just that for 45 years.

Smooching pigs at LHE

May 14 2012 by Carol Blakeman

Floyd the Pig makes a special visit to Lake Highlands Elementary

The librarian at Lake Highlands Elementary, Wanda Meador, just kissed a pig!

Yes, you read that right – she kissed a pig.

Mrs. Meador made a deal with her LHE students to put her money where her mouth is, so to speak.

If 900 books were sold at the school's fall book fair, then she promised to kiss a pig.

Students met her challenge by purchasing over 1,200 books! She held true to her word and Friday, May 11th, cute little Floyd the Pig arrived at school to help her out.

Meador also challenged students during the spring book fair to buy at least 700 books. 944 was the grand total!

This Friday, May 18th at LHE's Field Day she will be doused in water by some lucky students.

She has also been known to dye her hair pink, hold a snake, and take a pie in the face.

"It's so much fun challenging the students regarding books," says Meador of her unique tactics.

"Whether it's to buy them or check them out, I love getting books into the hands of our students."

"The looks on their faces when I do something crazy is great. They talk about it until the next year!"

Stay up to date on all the latest neighborhood school news on the LH Today Schools Page.

Want to share your good school news, too?

Email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with an update about your campus and student activities.

Gardens of East Dallas await

May 14 2012 by LHT Staff

The White Rock East Garden Tour & Artisans returns for its 11th installment next Sunday, May 20th.

Creative gardens in the East Dallas neighborhoods of Forest Hills, Little Forest Hills and Casa Linda Estates will be showcased this year.

Green thumbs and art lovers will enjoy a sampling of peaceful retreats, large organic gardens, water features, outdoor entertaining venues, and fun, funky art.

The tour will feature three gardens in each of the neighborhoods in addition to a plant sale with contributions from local gardeners.

Choices will include plants, shrubs, ground covers, herbs, and perennials at below-retail prices.

Unique art from local artists will also be for sale at each stop along the way.

Tickets are $10 per person (children under 12 are free) and are available at four garden locations.

A map of the garden and payment locations can be viewed HERE.

Proceeds benefit the events and services funds for the residents of the three participating neighborhoods.

The White Rock East Garden Tour is scheduled for Sunday, May 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. rain or shine.

Visit the event website HERE or on Facebook for more details.

Jazzy way to celebrate Mother’s Day

May 11 2012 by Anne Roth

Featuring LH Jazz One, the FMJH Charger Jazz Band & various LH jazz combos

Enjoy the evening, Sunday, May 13th beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner - admission is always free!

Jazz Under the Stars is the Lake Highlands way to celebrate Mother's Day!

In its annual tradition, the LH Area Jazz Bands are hosting Jazz Under the Stars again this year.

The concert kicks off at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 13th on the field at Wildcat Stadium at the high school.

This year's concert will feature the wonderful LH Jazz One, the FMJH Charger Jazz Band, and various LH jazz combos, soloists and section features.

It's a fun, casual event for the whole family.

So bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner! Admission is free!

Lake Highland High School is located at 9449 Church Road.

To learn more about the Lake Highlands symphonic, concert and jazz bands visit the Lake Highlands Area Band Club website.

Stay up to date on all the latest neighborhood school news on the LH Today Schools Page.

Want to share details about your school events, too?

Email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with an update about your campus and student activities.

In focus: Issues on aging at NorthPark Presbyterian

May 11 2012 by Molly Stewart

"Aging is inevitable and brings with it changing circumstances requiring decision making for which we are not prepared. You may not think you need information now, but waiting until you confront these issues is too late."

"Very impressive conference, well planned and very well organized," was how one attendee described the recent conference hosted by NorthPark Presbyterian Church.

The Silver Tsunami: Aging Challenges and Choices was a day-long conference co-sponsored by Presbyterian Communities and Services, C.C. Young, Juliette Fowler Homes, The Senior Source, Dallas Area Agency on Aging and the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association on Saturday, April 28th.

More than 150 people heard keynote speaker, Jolene Brackey, share her thoughts on the inevitability of change.

Her sage advice included preparation for the sometimes difficult journey and "carrying as many tools in your back pocket as possible, to create the best moments possible."

Ten conference workshops provided information for attendees on those very tools and how to make necessary transitions as aging progresses.

Workshop presenters included such experienced speakers such as Pamela Yip, Dallas Morning News personal financial columnist and Barbara Davis from the UT-Southwestern Neurology Department.

Pam Kovacs, of The Family Place, Carolyn Toliver, from the Area Agency on Aging and Merry Bailey and Linda Ross participated as well.

These speakers offered information on financial costs, initiating family discussions, dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, legal and spiritual concerns, depression, and the importance of pre-planning.

Additionally, over 23 exhibitor sponsors filled the narthex and education building hallways offering additional materials and handouts.

Senior attendees and family members alike commented on the great vendors and plethora of helpful information.

To learn more about NorthPark Presbyterian and programs and events hosted by the church, visit their website HERE.

Photos courtesy of Robb Stewart

Lake Highlands History: 1930s Hilltop Stables

May 11 2012 by Ted A. Campbell

1933: Hilltop Stables Clubhouse

Preparation and construction for the 1930s track

Owners and promoters T. R. Jones, Eddie Haughton, and R.B. George

1942: An aerial photograph shows the remains of the track in the flats along White Rock Creek

White Rock Creek is the most prominent natural feature of the Lake Highlands area.

Early settlers to Dallas County valued property along the creek, and it has served later generations as a wonderful recreational area.

A small part of what is now Harry S. Moss Park, near the corner of Royal and Greenville, was once the site of the Hilltop Stables. Originally designed as a venue for horse racing and pari-mutuel betting, Hilltop Stables became a center for equestrian instruction for Dallas folks.

The property was eventually purchased by Harry S. Moss around 1940 and became a City of Dallas public park in the 1970s.

The December 24, 1933, issue of the Dallas Morning News carried a headline about proposals for a new racetrack under construction in northern Dallas County.

Its owners and promoters were T. R. Jones, Eddie Haughton, and R.B. George.

Photos show the track being prepared and a clubhouse that had already been built for the facility.

"Things are happening out north of Dallas," the article explained, "and already there is assurance that Dallas County will have thoroughbred racing."

Hopes ran high.

"Then, Mr. George, you hope to have one of the outstanding racing stables in America?"

"Listen young man," Mr. George admonished somewhat gruffly. "There is no guesswork to this at all. We're going to have one of the greatest racing stables in this country."

The article states that the track, identified as Hilltop Stables, was being built about a mile north of Vickery. The little Vickery community was at the present intersection of Park Lane and Greenville Avenue.

If you stop in to the Great Outdoors sandwich shop on Greenville, you'll see pictures of that very building when it was the Vickery Feed Store.

The site a mile north of Vickery is where White Rock Creek crosses Greenville – across Greenville from the Royal Oaks Country Club and across the creek from the present soccer fields.

A 1942 aerial photograph shows the remains of the track, though it appears to have fallen into disrepair by that time. This photo shows that the track was in the flats along White Rock Creek.

All of us who jog there know that the creek regularly floods that entire area. I suspect that the frequent flooding may have led the developers to abandon the racetrack.

Why they called it "Hilltop Stables" will have to remain a mystery, but the name will join the ranks of ironic (or even dumb) names that must have seemed fanciful to developers.

The Dallas Morning News shows that in 1934 races were underway at Hilltop Stables, but later News articles do not mention racing. In fact, articles in 1935 indicated that the Dallas Country Club was considering purchasing the property to build a new 18-hole golf course, though eventually they decided not to.

The Dallas Athletic Club later acquired the facility, but it seems to have been run as a riding stable from that time.

Later issues of the News in the 1930s carried advertisements for Hilltop Stables, offering equestrian instruction.

Toronto native Harry S. Moss eventually acquired the property, and it became part of the Moss Haven Stock Farm.

That in turn was deeded to the City of Dallas as Harry S. Moss Park in the 1970s and is currently enjoyed by thousands in the Lake Highlands and North Dallas communities.

Ted A. Campbell lives in Forest Meadow and serves as an Associate Professor of Church History at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University.

He and his wife live in the Forest Meadow neighborhood, and he has produced videos about the history of the area that includes Forest Meadow, Moss Farm, and Town Creek.

Learn more about them and view the videos here and watch for more in Dr. Campbell's history series coming soon.

Arboretum reports good crowds despite controversy

May 10 2012 by M.E. Clary

Sculptures and installations can be found throughout the Arboretum's 66 acres

The unique exhibit runs through November 5th

Leslie and Dale Chihuly were on hand last week and over the weekend for the exhibit's opening festivities

Special events and extended hours are slated for the duration of the exhibit

Chihuly's designs are said to be inspired by nature

Chihuly's Arboretum display is part of a five-state region garden exhibition

The group known as Save Winfrey Point protested the exhibit's opening on Saturday

Approximately 200 protestors organized peacefully at the Arboretum entrance

Protesters met a long line of visitors on the exhibit's opening day

Officials at the Dallas Arboretum are reporting good attendance at the new Chihuly exhibit, even as yesterday's announcement regarding the Winfrey Point parking issue was addressed in a press release from Mary Brinegar, president and CEO for the Arboretum.

Brinegar said the Arboretum's leadership is formally requesting that the city and the Park Board not proceed with current plans to mow the previously approved area at White Rock Lake.

Chihuly at the Arboretum officially opened last Saturday to the public but was also the scene of a protest by opponents known as Save Winfrey Point, a group of activists and volunteers who are upset over plans to use grassy areas at White Rock Lake for the exhibit's overflow parking.

As of Tuesday of this week officials at the Arboretum reported successful numbers for the opening weekend and said an official count should be available later this week.

The Chihuly exhibit, which runs through November of this year, is a spectacular display of the renowned artist's glass sculptures, placed throughout the Arboretum's 66 acres.

While yesterday's press release conceded on the issue of temporary parking at White Rock Lake's Winfrey Point, Brinegar also requested patience from the public as a long term solution is researched.

"Over the past couple of weeks, the Arboretum has heard the opinions of its friends and neighbors and recognizes any plans to temporarily park at Winfrey Point have resulted in serious misunderstandings that need to be addressed."

"We are committed to being a good neighbor and steward to the citizens of East Dallas, the metroplex and all of North Texas."

Legends return home for inaugural charity event

May 09 2012 by Voscia Walker

NFL guard for the Houston Texans and LHHS alum, Wade Smith, poses with his mother, Sheila, at the LH Legends celebrity kick-off party

Summer Galves, VP/Director of The Wade Smith Foundation, with Wade

Time spent with clinic students included drills, lessons and one-on-one time with players

The kids football clinic was followed by the celebrity flag football game between the LH Legends and DeSoto All-Stars

Cordell Thornton, Lake Highlands Legend, poses with Forest Lane Academy students during the clinic

Clinic students take a break from the action

Local students enjoyed time on the field and personal instruction at the weekend clinic

LH Legends enjoyed a celebrity round of flag football against the DeSoto All-Stars

Good sports all around means money raised for The Wade Smith Foundation and its supported programs

Signing autographs after the clinic was just one highlight of the weekend for the kids

The Wade Smith Foundation recently hosted its inaugural Lake Highlands Legends Charity Weekend and it was an event not to be missed.

Filled with VIPs, parties, and a celebrity bowling tournament, but the most meaningful events involved Lake Highlands students.

The weekend kicked off on a Friday afternoon as Smith and Lake Highlands Legends participants read to students at Akin, Forest Lane, and Wallace elementary schools.

On Saturday, students were bussed to Desoto’s War Eagle Stadium for a football clinic that was followed by a celebrity flag football game between the Lake Highland Legends and Desoto All-Stars.

Smith graduated from Lake Highlands High School in 1999. He has been in the NFL for 10 years and currently plays for the Houston Texans.

In 2012 he and his wife, Chareta, founded The Wade Smith Foundation in order to provide programs for students in the Lake Highlands and Houston areas such as SAT/ACT prep courses for high school junior and seniors, football clinics, and a summer meal program.

"I had the opportunity to take an SAT/ACT prep class, and I remember how much it helped me with testing skills," explains Smith.

"I want to give back to my community the way people did for my friends and me when I was growing up here."

Smith called on a host of former Wildcats (Legends) such as Davaren Hightower, Marcus Stiggers, Reggie Newhouse, Glen Johnson, and T.J. Jefferson to help him in the endeavors.

T.J. Jefferson explained why he geared up to participate.

"People paved the way for us in high school, and it's good to see Wade carrying the torch."

Marcus Stiggers agreed, adding, "Wade is doing something really great. He's inspiring and influencing others."

During the weekend, you could feel the sense of pride and love in Smith's efforts.

Over 100 Lake Highlands students attended the football clinic. Students, who might not otherwise get the opportunity to attend camp, were excited to receive tips on becoming better athletes, but most importantly, better students.

They were encouraged to always focus and finish strong in all areas of their lives.

Javar Duckett, a 6th grader at Forest Lane Academy and Valedictorian of his class, was so appreciative of the opportunity.

"The coaches taught us how to have fun while working and to listen better. I know I'm going to be a better young man."

You may be wondering why the event was not held at The Boneyard here in Lake Highlands.

Smith says it came down to a miscommunication between the school district and the foundation.

"We definitely hope to hold the clinic in Lake Highlands next year."

To learn more about Smith's efforts and how you can help, visit the Wade Smith Foundation website.

Reel Deal: Movies with Anne

May 09 2012 by Anne Buckley

"Truth is stranger than fiction," becomes validated during the progress of the film Bernie, starring Jack Black as assistant funeral director Bernie Tiede from the small East Texas town of Carthage.

This true-crime story was brought to light several years ago by Texas Monthly scribe Skip Hollandsworth, who upon hearing of this unbelievable murder, hurried to Panola County to get the real skinny. The tale he unearthed is now for all to see.

Bernie became so dedicated to his job he expanded his responsibilities to include visiting those in need, singing at funeral services when no vocalist was available, and spreading the warmth of his personality and good humor throughout town.

With his job he comforted the newly widowed, became involved in his church activities and cast himself as actor and director in the local theater shows. He became an important and beloved member of the Carthage community.

Enter Marjorie Nugent, played with glorious intensity by Shirley MacLaine.

As surviving wife of the wealthiest man in town, she inherited the bank, oil and gas production and several successful enterprises. Short tempered, demanding, and with an exploding ego, she had few friends and was "mean, mean, mean," according to the local population.

"Why there's folks in this town who for five dollars would be glad to go out and shoot her," says one local commentator. These characters, who flash on and off screen during the film, add relish and spice to this rather grisly plot.

Local folks and professional actors perform as gossips and busybodies sounding off about stingy, mean spirited Marjorie while adding accolades about how much they adore Bernie.

There are the ladies with really big hair, men with outsized beards and beer bellies, and Texas twangs like "you ain't never heard that before, no siree."

They are life sized, real and hit the marks in their performance. For some, their role isn't performance – it's just acting naturally.

Bernie, as the town's professional widow tender, calls upon Marjorie but is turned away instantly.

However Marjorie realizes she is lonesome and upon Bernie's second visit she invites him in, and here is where trouble begins.

They soon become a couple attending concerts, plays and traveling to New York, as well as to Europe, to enjoy the good life. Bernie becomes familiar with her financial interests and begins to handles all aspects of Marjorie's life.

In exchange, Marjorie demands more of his time and talent until she absorbs him totally in her affairs. He finds it suffocating and unbearable and feels trapped. He needs to make a getaway. What's an affable guy like Bernie going to do?

A word of caution. The opening scene with Bernie discussing professional techniques to recent mortuary science graduates can be disturbing to those who have recently experienced loss. It would be wise to loiter in the lobby for a spell until the plot turns to a more cheery note.

The action and reaction to this unusual tale is not predictable – and don't leave the theater while the credits roll in the end, as surprises await.

High fives all around to Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine and to Matthew McConaughey.

McConaughey adds further dimension to his character, as a ruthless district attorney dedicated to arrests at all costs, by wearing a goofy-looking, outsized pair of glasses.

Only in Texas can you find characters like these. I recommend you take steps to visit with them soon.

Bernie opened April 29th in limited release.

Click here view the film's trailer.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, some sexual content and brief language.

Photos © 2012 Mandalay/Millennium Entertainment

Overnight robbery rattles LH neighborhood

May 07 2012 by M.E. Clary

Dallas police say this residential burglary isn't the norm, stating that 95% of in-home burglaries occur during the day.

The Lake Highlands community is on edge after an overnight robbery this weekend left one local neighborhood family shaken.

Dallas Police say burglars broke into a Merriman Park Estates home in the early hours of Sunday, May 6th. The family, which includes children, was sleeping in the home at the time of the robbery and unaware of the intruders. No injuries were reported.

The residents, who have asked to remain anonymous, believe burglars scaled an 8-foot fence and entered from the backyard through an unlocked window into the den. The window's screen had been cut.

The family awoke Sunday morning to a scene that included open closets and drawers, missing valuables and muddy footprints throughout the home.

Police investigators say evidence shows the burglars first ransacked the master bedroom as the parents slept only feet away, taking jewelry and going through the couple's closet.

The intruders then made their way through other rooms in the home, stealing a computer from the dining room and electronic items from the kitchen. The children's rooms had not been disturbed.

The intruders appear to have left abruptly or been interrupted, as a bag of items was left behind and the garage door was open.

The parents awoke around 6:45 a.m. the following morning having not heard any of the commotion.

Authorities say burglaries of this kind, with victims sleeping in the home, are extremely rare.

According to Dallas Police, about 95% of all residential burglaries occur in morning and afternoon hours when perpetrators assume homeowners are gone.

Police say circumstances in this case suggest the thieves know the family and were familiar with the home and its contents.

Despite the rarity of this case, police are urging residents help prevent a recurrence.

In addition to normal precautions such as locked windows and alarm systems, police suggest keeping a record of anyone who has recently worked in the house, including contractors, landscapers and specifically workers recently hired to install alarm systems.

Police cited a rash of recent burglaries in Lakewood, in which the thief was a home alarm system installer who would return to rob the homes later.

Police say residents who awaken to intruders in their homes should pretend to continue sleeping.

The Merriman Park Estates family says it is troubled by the robbery but thankful the children were not harmed.

The couple has asked that neighbors report any information related to the robbery or suspicious activity to the Dallas Police Department.

Celebrating a faithful, golden 50th at Scofield

May 07 2012 by Voscia Walker

Scofield Christian School parents and alumni from the Class of 2009

SCS alum pose with 1st grade treacher, Mrs. Jackson

"Cowboy" alumni joined in the fun at the annual fund dinner

Scofield Christian School teacher, parent and 1962 alumnus, Nancy Burroughs

Scofield Christian School (SCS) recently celebrated 50 years of sharing God's love and offering stellar academics to students.

SCS opened its doors as the Scofield Christian Day School in 1961 with an enrollment of 32 students.

Field trips during those days included a walk to Turtle Creek to feed the ducks. After a fire ruined the church and school, the church board decided to re-open their doors in Lake Highlands where it has now been for over 30 years.

The celebratory weekend consisted of an annual fund dinner at Park Lane Ranch on Saturday, April 14th where alumni, students, families, and friends of the school joined together to celebrate the milestone over a fajita dinner, fellowship and dancing.

The night's emcee was radio talk show host, Scott Wilder, whose three children attended Scofield Christian School.

Alumnae and current music teacher, Nancy Burroughs, attended SCS from 1967 to 1969. Burroughs shared her testimony of time spent as a student, teacher, and parent of SCS students.

"In our time at Scofield there hasn't been a teacher we have not loved because they loved our children and not only faithfully taught them, but faithfully showed them Godly examples of daily living."

Joel Barrett, who graduated from SCS in 2008 and who is now a senior at Lake Highlands High School, reflected on his time at the school and what it meant to him.

"Scofield taught me how to strive towards excellence in spirit and academics."

The weekend celebration concluded on Sunday with a special student led service at Scofield Memorial Church which included a heart wrenching performance by the SCS Alumni Chorale singing "Great is the Lord."

Afterwards, families gathered together in the gym for lunch and reminisced about the weekend's events.

Event chair, Amy Erschen, who currently serves on the school board and whose children graduated from SCS, summed it up best.

"The weekend was so incredible – what a fabulous celebration of the past 50 years and the legacy that Scofield continues to leave within the Lake Highlands community."

"It is always special to reflect on the many blessings we've had, and the service on Sunday was a great capstone to the entire weekend of celebration."

You can learn more about Scofield Christian School by visiting the SCS website or calling 214.349.6843.

LHAIA hosts mayor, Lawther developers

May 07 2012 by LHT Staff

The Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association (LHAIA) will host its general membership meeting this evening, Monday, May 7th at 7:00 p.m.

Organizers have released an agenda that includes Mayor Mike Rawlings, DART representatives and a presentation by Masterplan, the consulting firm that represents developers proposing construction of new apartments at the corner of Northwest Highway and Lawther.

Those plans were announced in February by Masterplan president, Karl Crawley.

Crawley will be joined Monday evening by J. Scott Rodgers from Ascension Interests, Inc. and Alex Condos of Post Investment Group.

Mayor Mike Rawlings will also be on hand to discuss the latest news from City Hall, along with representatives from DART who will present information about increased security measures adopted throughout the light rail system.

The LHAIA general membership meeting is open the public and scheduled for Monday, May 7th at 7:00 p.m. at the Dallas Children's Theater.

DCT is located at 5938 Skillman Street.

Visit the LHAIA website for a complete list of meeting dates and times.

Meet the author: Lynette Wilkinson

May 04 2012 by Anne Buckley

Meet Wilkinson on Thursday, May 10th

Lynette Norris Wilkinson brings her book UNTOLD: The New Orleans 9th Ward You Never Knew to the Audelia Road Library on Thursday, May 10th as part of Audelia Road Library Friends Spring Speaker Series.

The books examines the lives of residents who shared with her their thoughts, feelings and experiences when Hurricane Katrina devastated that area.

Born and raised in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Wilkinson graduated from Texas Southern University with a degree in journalism and marketing.

She began her career at Dun & Bradstreet as a business reporter, then moved into publishing upon relocation to Dallas.

In August 2005, Lynette found 16 family members and friends on her doorstep after Katrina struck New Orleans.

They arrived with only the clothes on their backs and a few possessions they had in their car, but they had each other.

"I watched the Katrina event unfold on my television from my home near Dallas."

"As the flood waters rose, my heart sank," she says.

This experience prompted Lynette to engage her business and journalism skills to write a book celebrating the hurricane survivors.

She donates book sale proceeds to organizations that assist residents in their recovery.

Refreshments will be served at 6:00 p.m., followed by Ms. Wilkinson’s remarks beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the library's auditorium.

All area friends and neighbors are invited to attend this free event.

Audelia Road Library is located at 10045 Audelia Road in Lake Highlands.

You can reach the library at 214.670.1350.

Read more about UNTOLD: The New Orleans 9th Ward You Never Knew on the book's official website here.

The eyes & ears of dads making a difference

May 04 2012 by Lindsay Baronoskie

WATCH D.O.G.S. on patrol, on and off the court, at Skyview Elementary

Skyview Skyhawks at the April Hot Dogs & Hoops event

A friendly game of hoops was one highlight of the day's events

Fun on the court with the WATCH D.O.G.S.

Teachers, administrators, volunteers and students all enjoyed the celebration

Lake Highlands United Methodist Church helped with grounds improvements and participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony on the court

The competition was fierce on Thursday, April 19th at Skyview Elementary between the basketball club students and a very special group of dads on the court.

Students and their families enjoyed a great game at their Hotdogs & Hoops event to celebrate the dads who have been supporting Skyview all year long through a program called WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students.)

WATCH D.O.G.S. is an innovative father involvement, educational initiative of the National Center for Fathering.

It began in 1998 in Arkansas schools and has since grown into a nationally recognized program, bringing hundreds of thousands of fathers and father figures into our nation's classrooms and hallways.

WATCH D.O.G.S. participants are responsible for millions of in-school volunteer hours and continue to have a tremendously positive impact on the educational process. Today more than 2,276 schools in 41 states participate in WATCH D.O.G.S.

The goal of the program is to provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating through their presence that education is important, while also providing extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.

Katy Phinney, one of the recent STAR Award winners in RISD, was responsible for helping WATCH D.O.G.S. get started at Skyview. She was thrilled to have all the families there watching the game.

"The program has been great for everyone involved. It's wonderful to have the WATCH D.O.G.S. here helping in so many ways."

PTA president and 3rd grade teacher, Becky Lamberth, worked hard helping organize the Hotdogs & Hoops event.

"We're very excited about getting our families together to celebrate our improved playground and the first year of the program. We had so many dads, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures participate, and they made a huge impact on our students and staff this year."

"We wanted to celebrate them and the difference they've made for us."

"We hope the basketball game and picnic will show that Skyview has a ton of school spirit and that we are thankful for everyone who has contributed their time and resources this year!"

The Skyview family was also proud to showcase their newly painted basketball court and new goals with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to thank Lake Highlands United Methodist Church whose members partnered with the school this year for the improvements.

For more information on the WATCH D.O.G.S. program, visit the group's website here.

Addressing the issue of bullying in our schools

May 03 2012 by LHT Staff

Dr. Jen Rawley, Psy.D., LPA will present, along with a panel of Dallas Academy teachers and administrators

Dallas Academy is located at 950 Tiffany Way

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week begins on May 6th, and the Speak up for Kids Campaign has community programing planned throughout the country beginning next Sunday.

The goal of the week's worth of events is to provide free, assessable educational programming related to psychiatric and learning disorders in school aged children.

Dallas Academy, a private school in East Dallas, is joining the initiative by hosting an anti-bullying seminar on its campus.

"A Parent's Guide to Bullying" is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9th and the school is inviting parents and educators throughout the community to attend the presentation.

According to Sarah Jayroe, Director of Public Relations for Dallas Academy, the topic of bullying is one that is of particular interest to the school's faculty and staff.

"After an extensive research and review of a variety of bullying programs, Dallas Academy implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program on campus in the fall of 2010."

"As a society, we are becoming increasingly aware of the social, physical, and emotional impact that bullying can have on children."

The May 9th presentation will host Dr. Jen Rawley, Psy.D., LPA and a Dallas Academy team of teachers and administrators who will address the topic of bullying for the Speak Up for Kids campaign.

"Dr. Rawley will share the latest findings from the experts in the areas of bullying, social aggression, and cyber bullying and explain ways parents can be proactive with their child's safety."

"Some themes addressed will include the differences between social aggression and bullying, when teasing crosses the line, and how systematic bullying is detrimental to self-esteem."

Attendees can expect to gain insight into ways they can part of a greater solution and work in partnership with school officials to combat the problem of bullying.

"A Parent's Guide to Bullying" will be held at Dallas Academy on Wednesday, May 9th at 7:00 p.m.

You can view the event flyer HERE.

Dallas Academy is located at 950 Tiffany Way.

The presentation is free and open to the public, and childcare will be provided.

Keepin’ it Green: Watering the right way

May 03 2012 by Cindy Engel

Pages: 1 2 Next »

Violations of the new outdoor water guidelines can result in fines of $250 to $2,000 per incident. Keep the green in your pocket by making sure your home is in compliance.

With the rains this spring offering some recovery from the low lake levels, the City of Dallas has canceled Stage 1 watering restrictions.

However, twice-weekly sprinkler use is still in effect with a new ordinance, though some other restrictions have been relaxed.

What do you need to know about the new ordinance that took effect on April 23rd?

Take a look:

Why restrictions?

Hooray for the nice rains we had earlier this spring!

However, a hot and dry summer is on the way, and it's important for all of us to conserve water for the future. Plus we all want to save on our water bill.

Outdoor water usage can be more than 50% of our total summer water use. By controlling this use we can minimize its impact on our current infrastructure and future expansion.

The population is projected to double in North Texas by 2060. Additional reservoirs are part of the long range water supply plan, but building reservoirs is long, expensive and politically unpopular.

Our region is working very hard for additional water sources, but we must demonstrate that we're using our existing supplies efficiently before those additional sources are likely to be permitted. Aggressive water conservation efforts demonstrate our region's ability to use existing resources responsibly.

For Dallas customers, current water supplies are anticipated to meet demand through 2035. Moving to a twice-weekly effort is expected to extend water supplies to 2045.

The new twice-weekly ordinance

The new permanent twice-weekly watering restrictions still specify the two days that you may run your sprinklers. Your specified days depend on your address:

If the last digit of your addresses is even (0,2,4,6,8) you can water on Sundays and Thursdays.
Odd numbered addresses (1,3,5,7,9) can water on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
No address number follows the even schedule.

No watering is allowed on Mondays, Tuesdays or Fridays and watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the allowed watering days.

When is the best time to water? How much?

Per landscaping experts, the average lawn in north Texas only needs about one inch of water per week, even during the summer. Watering deeply and infrequently is the best for a healthy landscape with deep roots.

So if you have been running your sprinklers every couple of days, these twice-weekly watering restrictions will help your lawn and your pocketbook!

The best time to run them is early morning, about 5:00 am, when evaporation rates are lowest.

We don't have an irrigation system at my house, so I set up a timer that gets the first zone going before I get up. After it automatically shuts off, I move it to the next zone. The Orbit brand digital timer I bought last year at a local hardware store has been a life-saver.

I also hook up a soaker hose to my timer to water my house's foundation and have it run every few days automatically when it’s really hot.

I like to hand water around trees and along the side of my house once a week, so I can run the sprinklers once a week only.

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Shop LH: Get a break on your oil change

May 03 2012 by LHT Staff

Wildcat Automotive is located at 9660 Audelia Road at Walnut Hill

Memorial Day road trips, summer vacations, heading to lake for the weekend. Getting ready to hit the road means getting your car ready, too.

Now through May 31st, save $10 OFF* the price of any oil change at Wildcat Automotive.

Simply print your coupon HERE and drop by the shop.

Wildcat Automotive is located at 9660 Audelia Rd in the Lake Ridge Shopping Center.

Shop hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

You can also reach them at 214.340.8300.

"Llike" their Facebook page for updates on custom work, racing and more savings specials.

*limit one person; not good on previously performed work

It’s Mission Possible at LHPC

May 02 2012 by Cinda Koch

Join LHPC this Sunday for Mission: Possible

Community members and residents are invited and encouraged to attend next Sunday's outreach effort

Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church is located at 8525 Audelia Road at Northwest Highway photo courtesy of LHPC

This Sunday, May 6th, Lake Highlands Presbyterian will worship by leaving the building and serving the community of Lake Highlands.

All are welcome to participate in the Mission: Possible! day departing the church at 9:00 a.m. and returning for a community celebration picnic at 12:30 p.m.

Congregants and participants will be working on various community projects located off site including:

• Serving doughnuts and coffee at the police and fire stations
• Helping Lake Highlands area neighbors
• Visiting retirement homes, laundromats, and other types of public service

In addition, the church will organize and staff community projects on-site for those unable to leave the building easily.

The celebration picnic will be held at the church following the morning's activities and is also open to all who participate.

Your mission, should you chose to accept it, is to join us for a special day of giving back to the community.

For more questions about joining the effort, please contact Sarah Crowder at 214-348-2133 ext 104 or email her at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church is located at 8525 Audelia Road, just north of Northwest Highway.

You can find them online and on Facebook.

Lady ‘Cats down Sachse, advance in playoffs

May 01 2012 by Lee Lueder photos by Katie Spurgin

Senior pitcher, Erin Brennan, brings the heat against Sachse

Lady 'Cats catcher, Maddie Cook, tags Sachse runner out at home

Senior Andrea Beard slides saftely into second base

Junior Cynthia Ibarra at the plate

Brennan did it on the mound and at the plate!

Lady 'Cats softball beat Sachse 6-5 to advance to Round Two in the 2012 state playoffs!

The Lady 'Cats rolled into the playoffs this year in first place for District 9-5A with a 19-1 record.

The Sachse Mustangs limped in with a close fourth place finish in District 10-5A with an 8-14 record.

On paper, it was clear who the favorite was. However, last year's story was different, as the Mustangs stomped the Lady ‘Cats 15-2 in the first round of the playoffs.

That psychological hurdle proved difficult to conquer, as this game featured more than its fair share of drama and excitement. Sachse took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first and then tacked on another one in the top of the third to make it 2-0.

The Lady Wildcat bats awoke in the bottom of the third.

Senior Erin Brennan, who leads the area pitching with an ERA of .545 and is second in batting with an average of .631, bunted her way to first base to get the rally started.

Senior center fielder Andrea Beard then singled, which moved Brennan to second. After a successful double steal, Brennan scored and Beard moved to third on a passed ball.

Control problems for the Sachse pitcher continued, as Beard scored on another wild pitch that walked Destiny Rojas. At the end of the third inning, the game was tied at 2-2.

The Lady Mustangs tacked on two runs in the sixth and seventh innings to set the scene for some late-game heroics.

Andrea Beard went through her pre-pitch ritual as her head spun with the magnitude of the next pitch. The Lady ‘Cats were down 4-2 and the count stood at three balls and two strikes as sophomore Kacie Jones stood nervously at third base.

The entire season rested on the delicate shoulders of Beard.

The pitch came, Beard swung, and fouled the ball down the left field line. Beard approached the plate again.

This pitch flew in, and Beard crushed it right back at the pitcher, who couldn’t handle the fire-ball. Beard safely made it to first and scored Jones. The pressure then shifted onto the shoulders of Destiny Rojas.

Rojas, also a senior, swung hard and came up with a clutch triple to tie the score.

After Brennan shut down the Lady Mustangs in the top of the eighth inning, Hannah West got on base and ended up scoring on a wild pitch, which granted the Lady ‘Cats a spot in the next round!

Round two brings a three-game series against the Vikings from Bryan High School.

First pitch in game one is scheduled for Thursday, May 3rd at 7:30p.m. at Lorena High School. Game two is set for Mary-Hardin Baylor on Friday, May 4th at 6:30 p.m.

If necessary, a rubber match will begin at 9:30 p.m. Friday night.

GO 'CATS!

Neighborly News: Lake Highlands Estates

May 01 2012 by Lindsay Baronoskie

Petting zoo goats are always a hit with the youngest residents of LHENA

Neighborhood wide social events throughout the year bring everyone together

Playgroups, block parties and National Night Out all provide lots of opportunities to meet new neighbors and catch up with old friends

The LHENA Easter Egg Hunt is always well attended

Spotlighting the neighbors who make it happen in Lake Highlands is easy.

That's due in large part to local community groups, like our neighborhood organizations, that help keep it humming.

Today we're visiting with volunteers from the Lake Highlands Estates Neighborhood Association (LHENA).

Lake Highland Estates lies south of LBJ Freeway and is bordered by Plano Road, Walnut Hill and Audelia, and within its boundaries there are approximately 1,490 homes and 13 businesses.

LHENA has a strong membership and officially sponsors two great social events every year.

The Annual Easter Egg Hunt includes performances by Bernice and Martha Bunny as well as a petting zoo and lots of eggs for little ones to hunt.

National Night Out Texas Style in October has something fun for everyone like bounce houses, spray on tattoos, face painting, a train, and lots of good food to enjoy.

Not only does the LHENA sponsor the socials, but in 2009 they adopted Fire Station 57.

Contributions included new pots and pans and an Extreme Make-Over consisting of new recliners, a new computer work station, drapes, area rugs and fresh paint.

LHENA also makes monetary contributions to their neighborhood schools, Wallace, Northlake and Lake Highlands Junior High. They've contributed to the pre-school playground at the Audelia Library, and the group always welcomes new homeowners with welcome baskets.

Lauri Griffith is the LHENA board member who plans the National Night Out social.

"Lake Highlands Estates Neighborhood became my home again five years ago," she says.

"I grew up in Lake Highlands Estates, and my parents still live in the same house."

"I was super excited when my husband and I purchased a new home to begin our family just blocks away from where I was raised."

And National Night Out isn't the only social event Lauri and her family enjoy.

"My neighbors are awesome! Whether it's an impromptu afternoon play date, evening BBQ, annual block party or a Christmas party, we are always looking for an excuse to get together."

LHENA president, Jo Baggett, loves her long-time neighborhood, too.

"Mike and I have lived in Lake Highlands Estates for 36 years."

"We raised our children in Lake Highlands, and its schools, and now our married children are raising their families here"

"Lake Highlands is a wonderful place to live and raise a family – arguably the best place to live in the city of Dallas."

"LH residents support our schools, our neighborhoods and, most importantly, each other."

To learn more about Lake Highlands Estates, check out their website or visit them on Facebook.

Photos courtesy of Colby Jones

Enjoy Lindsay's profiles of other Neighborhood Organizations, including:

Alexander's Village

Merriman Park Estates

Highlands West

Shop LH: Cake Balls for mom!

May 01 2012 by LHT Staff

Enjoy 20% savings when you order online by May 11th for Mother's Day

Use the special Shop Lake Highlands coupon code to shop local, save and sweeeten mom's special day

Love on your mom this Mother's Day with something super sweet!

Our friends at The Cake Ball Company are making it easy.

Now through Friday, May 11th, you can save 20% on their 12-piece Mother's Day Assortment in the Cake Ball Signature Gift Box.

The assortment includes two each of the following flavors:

Birthday Cake decorated with sugared flowers
Brownie decorated with sugared flowers
Chocolate Buzz
Lemon
Sea Salt Caramel
Wedding Cake

Shop Lake Highlands details include:

• Orders must be placed online at The Cake Ball Company website with promo code LHTMOM

• Order by Wednesday, May 9th for FedEx shipping before Mother's Day

• Order by Friday, May 11th for in-store pick up

• Shipping cost is not included in the 20% discount

• Promotion expires Friday, May 11th

Click HERE to order the 12-piece Mother's Day Assortment and save 20% now.

Make mom really happy this year and send her some Cake Ball love!

The Cake Ball Company is located at 10230 E. Northwest Highway in Lake Highlands.

You can reach them at 214.559.5788.

*No substitutions permitted; must order online in advance of pick up or for FedEx delivery.

"Like" Shop Lake Highlands on Facebook to get the latest local deals and savings details daily.

Lake Highlands History: A Tear for Liza Prigmore

Apr 30 2012 by Ted A. Campbell

Liza Prigmore lost her life in the tornado of 1867

McCree Cemetery is located at 9900 Audelia Road in Lake Highlands

Hidden behind an ugly telephone switching station on Audelia Road is one of the most historic cemeteries in the Dallas area.

If you stop by and search carefully, you may find a broken monument lying in pieces on the ground. The name of the deceased is missing, but the remaining part that can be read says:

B. J. and N. L. Prigmore
born
April 14, 1856
died
… 26, 1867

Think about those dates just for a moment, and you know this will be a tragic story.

Many families came to North Texas by way of the Shawnee Trail.

Among these were the family of John Hayes Jackson, his wife Elizabeth, and their eleven children, and the family of Joseph Prigmore, his wife Mahala, and their six children. The Jackson family settled in the general area where Richland College is today. The Prigmore family settled just south of them in the area where Lake Highlands High School is now located.

The Prigmore family had come to North Texas in 1844, when Texas was still an independent Republic. The Jacksons may have come along with them.

They both followed the route of the Shawnee Trail from Central Missouri.

One of the children of Joseph and Mahala Prigmore, Benjamin Prigmore, married a granddaughter of John and Elizabeth Jackson, Nancy Lucinda Jackson, who was called "Lucy."

In 1866 Ben and Lucy Prigmore acquired a farm located right about where Forest Lane Academy currently sits on Forest Lane between Audelia Road and the LBJ Freeway.

In the spring of the next year a huge tornado wreaked havoc as it moved from west to east across northern Dallas County.

It destroyed the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church that was located on Valley View Lane, just northwest of the present High Five intersection. Then it hit the Prigmores' farm.

Benjamin J. Prigmore gave an account of this event in a reminiscence published in the Dallas Morning News in 1895.

He said, "We have raised six children, five of whom are still living and settled mostly nearby. Our little Liza was killed in a cyclone when 10 years of age. This sad event occurred May 26, 1867." (Dallas Morning News, 7 June 1895.)

There's little doubt that the broken tombstone originally had the following inscription:

Liza [or “Eliza”]
Daughter of
B. J. and N. L. Prigmore
born
April 14, 1856
died
May 26, 1867

Ben and Lucy Prigmore lived many years, and they were founding members of the Dallas County Pioneers Association. They died in 1901 (Ben) and 1904 (Lucy), and are buried about fifty feet from Liza in the McCree Cemetery.

So when you're tooling down Audelia Road and you see that ugly, windowless telephone building, you might remember who's lying behind it.

A tear for little Liza Prigmore, one of our pioneers.

Shop LH: Eat local this week & save

Apr 30 2012 by LHT Staff

Atomic Pie is located at 9660 Audelia Road, Suite #117 (Walnut Hill & Audelia)

Grab a pie Monday or Tuesday and save!

Atomic Pie is back with big savings for you and the family.

These deals begin today and run through Wednesday, May 2nd.

Feed your brood with one of these family pack offers, just by mentioning Shop Lake Highlands.

Check it out:

Family Pack #1 – Good Monday, April 30th

(2) Medium one-topping pizzas and two house salads for $19.95

Family Pack #2 – Good Tuesday, May 1st

(1) Large one-topping pizza with two orders of spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, complete with salad and garlic toast for $19.95

Family Pack #3 – Good Wednesday, May 2nd

Spaghetti and meatballs for four, including salads and garlic toast for $19.95

Don't forget to like Atomic Pie on Facebook to take advantage of their social media specials, too.

Atomic Pie is located at 9660 Audelia, Ste. 117 in the shopping center at the southeast corner of Walnut Hill and Plano Road.

Phone your order in today at 214.553.5733

Shop Lake Highlands Daily Deals are an affordable, largely viral way for local businesses to reach customers right here in our community.

Want details about including your business in this new program?

Email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) today.

We'd be happy to tell you more about how your business can participate and benefit.

Stults Road ambassador heads to Washington DC

Apr 27 2012 by Voscia Walker

Stults Road 6th grader, Jia Anderson, was chosen from hundreds of nominees to attend the World Leadership Forum held in Washington D.C.

The great schools in Lake Highlands are made up of wonderful academic leaders.

Jia Anderson, a 6th grader at Stults Road Elementary, is one of those leaders.

This summer, Jia will be traveling to Washington, D.C. to represent the Richardson Independent School District and Stults Road at the World Leadership Forum as a People to People Young Leadership Ambassador.

Students from more than 95 countries are nominated for the program based on their academic and leadership skills.

"I was speechless when I found out I was nominated," says Jia.

"I feel that this opportunity will give me guidance on what is expected from a leader before I make the transition to into junior high school."

Jia is very active at SRE and in the community. She is the 6th grade class president, as well as a member of various organizations including the National Junior Beta Club. She's also a Lake Highlands Wildcat Youth Cheerleader and a member of Girl Scouts.

It's no surprise her principal, Darwin Spiller, thinks very highly of her.

"I'm glad that we have outstanding citizens like Jia Anderson at our school," he said of Anderson.

"Her contributions in class, as well as elsewhere, are recognized by everyone here at Stults Road."

Jia's mother, Tiffany King, is elated that her daughter has the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful opportunity.

"This will give her experience on how to make leadership choices and to be an even better mentor."

This Saturday, April 28th, a garage sale and car wash will be held at Stults Road Elementary raise funds to assist Jia with her travel expenses.

To learn more about the fundraiser or to contribute to the effort, contact Stults Road Elementary at 469.593.2500.

For additional information about the People to People leadership program, visit the group's website here.

Stults Road Elementary is located at 8700 Stults Road near the Lake Highlands Family YMCA.

This Saturday's fundraiser will take place from from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

What’s up this weekend in Lake Highlands?

Apr 27 2012 by LHT Staff

The weekend kicks off with the 8th Annual Run the Highlands, sponsored by the Lake Highlands Junior Women's League

The Spring Art Mart returns to the Bath House this Saturday & Sunday

This weekend's White Rock Local Market includes organic produce, locally grown foods and a pie contest

The Dallas Arboretum presents "Small Houses of Great Artists" photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum

Run the Highlands 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Walk
Sponsored by the Lake Highlands Junior Women's League
Saturday, April 28th
Lake Highlands North Recreation Center

7:00 a.m. Race Day Registration/Packet Pick-up
7:30 a.m. Pump up the Spirit Warm-up
8:00 a.m. 1 Mile Family Walk
8:30 a.m. Community Carnival begins
8:45 a.m. 5K start
9:45 a.m. Awards Ceremony

On-site registration is available for $10 per child, $25 per adult and $60 per family.

2012 Spring Art Mart
Sponsored by Friend of the Bath House Cultural Center
Saturday, April 28th & Sunday April 29th

Art Mart/Silent Auction + Underground
Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Local art including jewelry, apparel, paintings and sculpture
Admission is free
The Bath House is located at 521 E. Lawther Drive on White Rock Lake.

Community Garage Sale
Lake Highlands United Methodist Church
Proceeds benefit local missions & various LHUMC organizations

Friday, April 27th & Saturday April 28th
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
9015 Plano Road at McCree

White Rock Local Market
Saturday, April 28th
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Green Spot Market & Fuels
702 N. Buckner at Northcliff

Second Saturday Market includes produce and artisan foods only
This Saturday the market is hosting a pie contest

View participating vendors HERE and "like" the market on Facebook.

Small Houses of Great Artists
Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Road

Playhouses designed and created by local architects
On display now through year's end
*you might even get a sneak peek at some new Chihuly installations in the garden; opening officially May 5th
Included in the price of regular admission

Adults $15
Seniors (65 & up) $12
Children (3-12) $9
On-site parking $10

Pointing in a new direction

Apr 26 2012 by M.E. Clary

Judy Klopfenstein and Janie Christy during the April 22nd Open House at Dallas Ballet Company

Sunday's Open House provided Janie's students and parents the chance to see the DBC studios and enroll in summer and fall classes

Longtime students including the Hardt family, the Reads and the LeBlancs enjoyed Sunday's event

DBC dancers were on hand to offer tours and answer questions about the studio and classes

Students, parents and family members toured the studio this weekend

Dallas Ballet Company is located at 8530 Abrams Road at Royal Lane

Janie Christy is pointing in a new direction. The local dance teacher and longtime Lake Highlands resident has set the stage for a smooth transition to a new studio.

After nearly two decades as the owner and operator of the Janie Christy School of Dance, she's headed to the Dallas Ballet Company.

Turns out, it's a new direction that actually brings her full circle.

"This is a nice transition for me," she says. "I started teaching at DBC 25 years ago – teaching there for six years before following my dream of owning my own studio."

"I've loved being a studio owner for 19 years, and I feel especially blessed to have been in Lake Highlands."

"My three children grew up in the schools, all graduated from LHHS. Now with five grandchildren, I'm ready to have more family time, so the transition to Dallas Ballet Company is perfect."

Judy and Brent Klopfenstein, artistic directors and owners of DBC, couldn't be happier with Janie's decision.

"We feel like it's meant to be," says Judy. "We love that it's coming full circle. We're very excited Janie is coming back."

In addition to plans for a new studio at DBC and registration for summer and fall classes already underway, the Klopfensteins are working hard to accommodate all of Janie's longtime students.

"They're making nice arrangements to provide for everyone," she says.

"All my students will all have an opportunity to continue dancing with an established studio, whose directors' and teachers' style and love for children compliments my own."

"And I'll still be able to teach children to dance. My favorite part!"

It's a plan that has her toes tapping.

"Come dance with me at DBC is my new slogan!"

Lake Highlands Today would like to thank Janie personally for her support and friendship over the past several years, as an advertiser, dance teacher and community partner.

We are proud to know her and grateful for the time spent in her studio and her presence.

To learn more about the Dallas Ballet Company, check class availability or register for summer and fall classes, visit their website HERE.

DBC is located at 8530 Abrams Road in the Town Center Shopping Center, just behind Starbucks.

You can also reach the studio at 214.348.3224.

Lady ‘Cats begin playoffs, baseball ends season

Apr 26 2012 by LHT Staff

photo courtesy of LHHS Wildcat Softball

2011-'12 LHHS Baseball Team photo courtesy of John Curtis

The Lady 'Cats of Lake Highlands High School (19-1, 11-1) will be looking for a bit of redemption when they face Sachse (8-13, 6-5) Friday night in the bi-district round of the 2012 state playoffs.

Over the past two seasons, the Lady 'Cats haven't had any problems amassing an impressive 39-3 combined record, which included an outright District 9-5A championship last year and a co-championship with Richardson Berkner this season.

However, a playoff win hasn't been in the cards the past two seasons, both ending in disappointing losses to Sachse.

The opportunity to earn redemption and a bi-district championship begins with the first pitch against Sachse Friday night which is scheduled for 7:30 p.m at Wylie East High School.

While the girls are taking on Sachse in the playoffs, the boys will be busy trying to cap off the regular season with a win.

The Wildcats (17-10-1,10-3) will face Richardson HS (10-15,6-7) this Friday night at The 'Cat in a game that has important playoff implications.

With a win, combined with a win by W.T. White against Skyline, Lake Highlands will be in a tie for second place in District 9-5A.

Under this scenario, a seeding game for second place would be needed and will take place at Lewisville High school on Saturday, April 28th. The playoffs are scheduled to begin Thursday, May 3rd.

Head out and support the entire baseball team as the Wildcats make their run into the 2012 playoffs.

This Friday is also Senior night at The 'Cat and will include performances by the Wildcat Wranglers and LHHS Highlandettes during the game.

'GO CATS!

The 'Cat is located at Lake Highlands High School, 9449 Church Road, north of the softball field.

There is no ticket charge to attend LHHS Wildcat Baseball games.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 27th.

For additional details about Saturday's tie breaker game in Lewisville, visit Coach Tucker's Wildcat Baseball Blog.

Spring over to White Rock Lake

Apr 25 2012 by Joyce Pollard

Artist Pastor García proves pigs do fly at the 2011 Spring Art Mart at the Bath House.

Artist Dulce Parker during last year's Spring Art Mart

Be sure to visit textile artist Audrey Legatowicz at this weekend's event

Artist Debra Worrell Hernandez returns to this year's Spring Art Mart

Artist Rita Barnard (L) and Lake Highlands resident Diane Lowy (R), both Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center board members.

Spring Art Mart 2012 runs Friday evening through Sunday, this weekend.

Your list of "Things to Look Forward to in April" includes income taxes and Rangers Opening Day.

It should also include Spring Art Mart at the Bath House at White Rock Lake.

Grab your friends and join our Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center at the 2012 Spring Art Mart Opening Reception and Art Preview this Friday evening.

Visitors are invited to share a glass of wine and sneak a peek at this year's auction items.

The Spring Art Mart/Auction + Underground continues Saturday and Sunday, with proceeds benefiting the year-round visual and performing arts programs at the Bath House Cultural Center.

"Art Mart is a big event for the Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center," says Felix Saucedo, president of the nonprofit.

"We contribute proceeds of the auctions to the Cultural Center for equipment purchases that are integral to the center's visual and performing arts programs."

"The spring and fall Art Marts are major fundraisers to support the Bath House, and together they make one of the largest groups of fine artists, outstanding craftspeople and performers in the area."

Join in the fun this weekend. A piece of art or handmade jewelry makes a lovely gift.

After all, Mother's Day should be on your list of "Things to Look Forward to in May."

The 2012 Spring Art Mart is free and open to the public.

Friends Opening Reception: Friday, April 27th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Art Mart/Silent Auction + Underground: Saturday, April 28th 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Art Mart/Silent Auction+ Underground: Sunday, April 29th 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Bath House Cultural Center is located at 521 E. Lawther Drive on White Rock Lake.

Reach the group at 214.670.8749 or visit their website here.

Shop LH: Save 20% at T Hee Greetings

Apr 25 2012 by LHT Staff

Beginning today, and lasting through Monday, April 30th, T Hee Greetings & Gifts is offering 20% OFF any one, in-stock item of your choice.

Missed their last special sale?

Or maybe you've had your eye on something special?

Now's your chance to score some savings just in time for Mother's Day – or even plan ahead for Father's Day.

Choose from hundreds of items throughout the store, including:

Votivo, Thymes & Nouvelle candles
Lollia scented body & bath products
Children's gifts
Kitchen & gourmet items
Stationery & printed papers
Beautiful jewelry, school spirit items and much more

• Take 20% OFF any one, in-stock item by Monday, April 30th.

• No exclusions, no fine print, just hurry!

• Print your coupon HERE; good at either location.

Be sure to like T Hee's Facebook page, too, so you'll be the first to know about more great deals and new items when they arrive.

T Hee Greetings & Gifts has two locations to serve you:

LH Plaza
9661 Audelia Road, Ste. 116

Hillside Village
6465 E Mockingbird Lane at Abrams

Shop LH: Fajitas & Ritas at Tex Mex

Apr 25 2012 by LHT Staff

Tex-Mex is located at 9711 Plano Road at Walnut Hill

Bob Dubey named Athletic Director of the Year

Apr 24 2012 by LHT Staff

Gerald Brence, Athletic Director of Plano ISD and President of the NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas, presents Dubey (R) with his award. Photo courtesy of Ian Halperin

The National Football Foundation's Gridiron Club of Dallas recently selected Bob Dubey as the 2012 Athletic Director of the Year.

From the classroom to the field, Dubey has been with the Richardson Independent School District for a grand total of 35 years.

His coaching credentials include time at West Junior High, his alma mater Richardson High School, and Berkner High School.

It was Berkner where Dubey served as head football coach prior to becoming RISD's Athletic Director.

"An award of this magnitude is extremely special. Being nominated and voted on by your peers makes it even better," said Dubey.

"Athletic directors and coaches work countless hours to provide quality programs for the students and fans in their respective districts."

"I know there are many deserving athletic directors, but to be selected out of a group of peers and people I admire and have looked up to, makes this award unique and very meaningful."

Dubey's past teaching accolades include the Meadows Foundation Award, the Texas Excellence Award and RISD Health Teacher of the year on three occasions.

As a coach he has also been honored by the Dallas Cowboys and RISD and currently serves as president of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association.

"I know I will continue to fight for our kids and coaches locally and statewide to ensure athletics continues to be an integral part of the educational system."

Lead photo: Gerald Brence (L) with Bob Dubey (R) Credit: Ian Halperin

Putting the fun in run this Saturday

Apr 24 2012 by LHT Staff

Join the pack this Saturday at the Lake Highlands North Rec Center

1 Mile Family Fun Walk begins at 8:00 a.m.

Bring the bike, bring the dog, bring the strollers

A Lake Highlands tradition in its 8th year

The Community Carnival features live entertainment, a petting zoo and bounce houses

Spirit in the air at the 8th Annual Run the Highlands

If you hurry, there's still time!

The Lake Highlands Junior Women's League is hosting the 8th Annual Run the Highlands 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk this Saturday, and online registration is available through midnight tonight.

If you've circled it on your calendar, seen the Facebook reminders, received a race pamphlet in the mail but haven't registered, get to it.

Kids are just $10, individuals $25, or you can register the entire family for $60.

On site registrations are always welcome on race day of course, if you prefer the ultimate last minute approach – that begins at 7:00 a.m. this Saturday.

The complete race day schedule includes:

Saturday, April 28th

7:00 a.m. Race Day Registration/Packet Pick-up
7:30 a.m. Pump up the Spirit Warm-up
8:00 a.m. 1 Mile Family Walk
8:30 a.m. Community Carnival begins
8:45 a.m. 5K start
9:45 a.m. Awards Ceremony

Participants who register in advance (again, by midnight tonight) can pick up race packets this Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the LH North Rec Center.

Remember, this race is held rain or shine and all the money raised stays in Lake Highlands to benefit local parks, improvements and community endeavors.

This year's carnival will feature bounce houses, balloon artists, pony rides, a petting zoo and lots of live entertainment.

For more information, visit the Lake Highlands Junior Women's League website or click HERE to register online.

See you race day!

Shop LH: Get smart at My Office

Apr 24 2012 by LHT Staff

Just five weeks left on the school calendar. You can see summer on the horizon.

With this in mind, My Office is offering 20% OFF any purchase of the Brain Quest educational brand, which includes fun flashcards, trivia and math facts.

In addition to some light summer reading, Brain Quest offers a fun way to keep cobwebs from forming in the vacation brain – you know, the one that leads to complaints of "I'm bored, mom. There's nothing to do."

Grade level workbooks and flash cards might just be the ticket.

My Office carries primary and elementary grade level Brain Quest items, including math sets.

Prices range from $8.95 for the flash cards to $12.95 for the workbooks.

Stop by this week – through Saturday, April 28th, and enjoy 20% OFF the entire line.

Don't let the construction at the plaza scare you off!

My Office is located at 9661 Audelia Road, Ste. 333 in Lake Highlands Plaza.

Reach them at 214.221.0011 and be sure to "like" their new Facebook page for more great weekly deals and updates on new merchandise.

Neighborly News: Highlands West

Apr 23 2012 by Lindsay Baronoskie

Neighbors enjoy an annual Spring Fling, National Night Out and an active Women's Club.

Teaming up with Pebble Creek and Rolling Trails means more fun for things like picnics and trick-or-treating.

Glee and Ray Huebner have been Highlands West co-presidents for 15 years.

The community of Lake Highlands is fortunate to have so many people making up the neighborhoods that care about its future.

Local neighborhood and homeowners associations are just a few of the organizations that take action in helping our area thrive.

The Highlands West area of Lake Highlands is one of those groups.

Comprised of 186 homes in the Drumcliffe, Church, Skillman, and Blessington streets, this exceptional portion of Lake Highlands was developed in 1974.

Glee and Ray Huebner have been co-presidents for 15 years. The couple moved to Lake Highlands in 1982 from the DC area then came back after a nine year adventure of working overseas in Saudi Arabia and Germany.

"When we returned in 1995, our HOA was losing its steam," says Glee. "We hated to see that happen, so we volunteered to serve as presidents in 1997."

The Highlands West neighborhood now has a very active homeowners association that keeps in touch with membership through a monthly newsletter and an active email group for announcements and reminders.

The Highlands West Women's Club offers enjoyable monthly activities and also serves as the first line of care when someone in the neighborhood needs help.

They help promote area beautification by naming a yard of the month, as well.

For years they have celebrated family events, held an Easter Egg Hunt, a fall picnic, and enjoyed Halloween activities in neighbors' yards.

A few years ago, the area park was renovated thanks to the help of Joan Walne, current president of the Dallas Park Board and Lake Highlands resident.

In 2010, two other HOA's that share the park with Highlands West – Pebble Creek HOA and Rolling Trails HOA – joined in for fun activities.

"Now we all work together," says Glee.

"A Spring Fling has replaced the Easter Egg Hunt, National Night Out in October has replaced our fall picnic, and on Halloween we have a picnic before the kids go out trick-or-treating."

"We also participate in the Lake Highlands 4th of July Parade then gather afterwards to watch fireworks."

"This is in addition to three adult functions and two business meetings with speakers each year."

"The January membership pot luck dinner, a wine and cheese in May, and the Christmas party in December are lots of fun."

"Our neighbors are proud of Highlands West!"

"We have a great group of people who care for each other, for their families, and who volunteer to help keep our community and city a great place to live."

Learn more about the Highlands West HOA by visiting the group's website here.

Shop LH: Blooming at Brumleys

Apr 23 2012 by LHT Staff

Savings through Thursday, April 26th at Brumley Gardens

Clematis (shown here) is $9.99 for a 1-gallon plant

Brumley Gardens is located at 10540 Church Road

Brumley Gardens is back with April saving on spring plants and flowers.

It's a great time to stop by, check out all the new inventory and save a little green.

• Tomato Plants $1.99

• Clematis (1 gallon) $9.99

• Day Lilies (1 gallon) $9.99

• Impatiens $14.99 per flat

Prices are good through Thursday, April 26th while supplies last.

Brumley Gardens is located at 10540 Church Road in Lake Highlands.

Visit them online here or call the nursery at 214.343.4900.

Be sure to "like" them on Facebook for fun gardening tips and updates on new inventory.

Neighborhood sale benefits orchestra

Apr 20 2012 by Patti Monzingo

Lake Highlands Area Orchestra Club

The Lake Highlands Area Orchestra Club, also known as the LHAOC, is made up of all the orchestras in Lake Highlands.

It includes the Lake Highlands High School varsity and junior varsity, two orchestras at LHJH, and two orchestras at FMJH, in addition to all of the elementary schools.

This Saturday, April 21st volunteers with the club are hosting a neighborhood garage sale to raise funds for the group.

The event is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Lake Ridge Estates neighborhood at 9506 Aldwick Drive.

Proceeds will be used to fund orchestra related expenses.

For more information about the LHAOC, contact Patti Monzingo by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or any of the four school directors:

Michael Rybiski (LHHS) .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Mitch Brannick (LHFC) .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Christopher Frank (LHJH) .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Vicky Campbell (FMJH) .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

You can also "like" the group's new Facebook page for regular updates and more information.

Spring Market promises gifts, food and fun

Apr 20 2012 by LHT Staff

Enjoy vendors, food and giveaways this Saturday at the Wallace Shop Spring Market.

The Archive offers a vintage inspired clothing line.

Graciella: a "Fashion Lounge for the Prissy Closet"

The Texas Toffee Queen uses the freshest ingredients and fine quality chocolate.

Papa's Princess Designs offers seasonal decor, teachers gifts, decorative frames and custom travel wipe cases like the one pictured here.

Enjoy Pearls features pashminas, freshwater pearls, washable silk aprons and custom designed jewelry.

Choose from handmade cards, stamps and scrapbook supplies from Stampin' Up consultant, Alesia Pearson.

Roll with the foodies and enjoy lunch from the Tin Star Taco Taxi.

Wallace Elementary PTA is hosting its WE Shop Spring Market this Saturday.

This local art market is a new twist on school fundraisers, with a whole lot of community thrown in.

Jennifer Arthur, who's heading the event committee says it's a not-to-missed event.

She'll be there on behalf of her company, Graciella, which she describes as "women's clothing with an edge of originality."

"You can get something for you and your honey too," she says. "Like a drawing for Rangers tickets to an upcoming game."

Folks who stop by will find everything from baby items and sweet treats to jewelry, home goods and fragrance products.

Tin Star Taco will be there with their new food truck serving lunch, and kids can grab a treat at the Kid Scoops Candy Bar.

Vendors at the Saturday's Spring Market include:

Book Inz
Corinth Creations
Extreme Goodie Bags
Graciella
Huck's Treehouse
JM Dimples Designs
JuJu Belle
Kelly's Kreations
Lace, Bows & Buffalos
Love Joy
Mary Kay -App In The Mail
Miche Bags
Mother Shuckers Tamales,LLC
Nick Knacks
Pampered Chef
Papa's Princess Designs
Scentsy
Simply Gorgeous Jewelry
Stampin Up
The Burmese (Karen) Crafts
Threads of Time
Tiff Amis
Tin Star Taco Taxi
Wendy's Handmade Blankets
Thirtyone Gifts
Blessings Unlimited
DCH Creations
enjoy Pearls
Gifted Sister
Gigi Hill Handbags
Jack Kelly Leather
Juice Plus
Just Jewelry
Neal At The Cross
Smith Family Jewels
Smocked Bug, LLC
Stella & Dot
Texas Toffee Queen
The Greeting Cake Company
The Knit Witted Bee
Tre Bella Jewelry
Vault Denim

The market takes place Saturday, April 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Wallace Elementary located at 9921 Kirkhaven Drive in Lake Highlands.

Visit the Wallace PTA website for additional information.

Shop LH: Celebrate Earth Day at The Store

Apr 20 2012 by LHT Staff

Keep it local and tote home free Vera Bradley!

Earth Day is the name of the game this weekend, and The Store in Lake Highlands is getting in on the fun.

Reduce your spending with a FREE tote you can reuse all summer!

Stop by The Store today and tomorrow (Friday, April 20th or Saturday, April 21st) and spend just $10 to take advantage of this fun Shop LH Deal.

No fine print, no exclusions, just $10 on anything in stock and you'll be toting home this super cute Vera Bradley bag.

Supplies are limited, so don't delay. When they're gone, they're gone.

Happy Earth Day, Lake Highlands.

Keep it simple and keep it local.

LHAECPTA home tour’s splendor

Apr 19 2012 by Voscia Walker

The Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA held its 8th Annual Home Tour and Brunch on Wednesday, April 11th.

Once again, ladies donned their fabulous derby style hats and marched to not three, but four beautiful and unique homes.

This year's featured homes included the residences of Ben and Jennifer Coats, Matt and Mary Emma Hawthorne, Scott and Melissa Powell, and Mark and Ginger Dann.

"Theses fabulous homes represent all the different styles that Lake Highlands has to offer," said PTA president Monique Callagy.

The also tour saw some of its faithful supporters like Sarah Dorsey.

The Dorsey home was on one of the first home tours the PTA hosted, when it was just a small gathering, and Dorsey remembers suggesting to the group that they charge a fee.

"I told them if they were going to go through all the effort, they should make it fun and raise money at the same time."

It seems her suggestions, as well as the hard work of the LHAECPTA volunteers over the years, have certainly paid off.

"This is our largest fundraiser," explained Callagy. "Our money raised from the event primarily goes towards furthering the mission of our group to support families of young children through parent education, children's events, and adult activities."

The event certainly wasn't short of expecting mothers or mothers who had babies joined to their hips.

"It's fun to see how other people decorate, and it's easy to carry our babies around and enjoy the tour," said attendee Laura Jolly.

A few men joined in on the festivities, too.

Anson and Lynette Sobers are planning to remodel their home and found the tour to be the perfect place to get ideas.

"We want to renovate, so I thought it would be good to come out with her to see what others have done," said Anson.

Following the tour, attendees headed to Highlands Church of Christ for the brunch and auction.

Attendees placed bids on popular items such as the the coveted KayCee Pool membership, a year's worth of Chick-Fil-A meals (yummy), spa packages, and kid friendly items like books and a Dune Racer Ride.

This year's event brought in over $8,500 that is sure to assist the organization with their continued outreach efforts.

High five to the LHAECPTA on another fun and well-organized event!

To learn more about the Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA, visit the group's website here.

Photos courtesy of Monique Callagy

Shaletha Mayberry: a road less traveled

Apr 18 2012 by Steve Clary (with contributions from Matthew Justin)

(L to R, standing): Coach Justin Matthews, Coach Holly Mulligan, Coach Julie Amabile, Coach Janis Grace (Front Row): Shaletha Mayberry and her mother, Lena Mayberry

Just a few short years ago, many people probably considered Shaletha Mayberry a lost cause. Low grades, attitude and discipline issues forced LHHS head coach, Holly Mulligan, to not even allow Shaletha in the program. Not so much anymore.

The fact she's graduating with a high school diploma is impressive in itself, given Shaletha is only the second person in her family (of 32 living relatives) to finish high school.

She will soon be the first person in her family to attend college, so even without the basketball component, it's a story worth publishing. However, basketball is her story. It's the sport that brought structure, discipline and a second chance for this Lake Highlands athlete.

Fulfilling her dream of playing college ball was further challenged by the UIL this year, but with the support of her basketball family Shaletha fought and won the right to play after having to sit out half the season while appealing to the league. She went on to take 1st team all-district honors for the Lady 'Cats this year and won all tournament honors at the Sherman tournament. Not too shabby for a young lady who didn't compete during her freshman and sophomore years.

"She is ecstatic and I'm so proud of her," Coach Mulligan said.

"Shaletha has overcome numerous obstacles to attain her dream of playing college basketball."

Assistant basketball coach, Justin Matthews, sent an email to fellow teachers earlier this week, and we thought it represented Shaletha's story very well.

Email from Justin Matthews to LHFC teachers on Monday, April 16th, 2012

I don't know how many of you had Shaletha Mayberry in class four years ago or knew her while she was a student here at the Freshman Center.

I personally only knew her from the multitude of discipline issues and suspensions she had while I got to know her working lunch duty. She wanted to try out for basketball the next year (her sophomore season) and was subsequently cut because although she had some athletic talent, she was not in very good shape conditioning wise and still had discipline and grade issues to work on. Towards the end of her sophomore year at LHHS she decided to change the path that she was going down, and to improve her life. She buckled down in school, focused on her grades and her behavior and good things started to happen. Her junior year she came out for basketball and made our JV team despite some reservations we had about how she would represent our program.

She played the first half of her junior year on JV before being moved up to varsity for the second half of the season; this was Shaletha's first year to ever play organized basketball (which is much different than pick-up games and street ball.) She had to learn offenses, what a "Zone" defense was, etc. and though she was frustrated sometimes with the learning curve she LOVED EVERY MINUTE of being part of a team and a new "family."

This past season was Shaletha's senior year; she's done some amazing things in the last two years. First and foremost she has caught up academically through her own hard work and the help of many great teachers and counselors and most of all Coach Mulligan at LHHS. She has not been suspended from school during those two years, has been academically eligible the whole time, and on the day report cards get handed out Shaletha is the only basketball girl that is waiting for me to enter the gym with a smile on her face and a report card in her hand that she can’t wait to show me.

She just completed her second year of basketball with us where she started at the point guard position and was named first team all-district for her efforts. Last night at our end of the year banquet Shaletha signed her letter of intent to play college basketball in Kansas at Northwest Tech in Goodland, KS where she received a full ride scholarship.

I send you this email because this is without a doubt one of the best stories of my 14 years here at Lake Highlands. Her story highlights why kids need to be given second, third and sometimes even ANOTHER chance to get it right before they walk out our doors forever.

I don't know that I've ever been more proud of a kid for what they have accomplished in a short amount of time through pure determination and taking the initiative to change their path in life. She's been gracious and extremely thankful for the many people that have helped her along the way the last couple of years.

Anyway, you can read Coach Mulligan's email that she sent out to LHHS earlier today, and I've included a couple pictures of her signing last night.

So when you see that hard headed kid in class that frustrates you, don't give up……they just might surprise you.

Just in time for Earth Day

Apr 18 2012 by Cindy Engel

This year's Earth Day Dallas is scheduled for Saturday, April 21st & Sunday, April 22nd at Fair Park

Start in Lake Highlands and take the DART Green Line to Fair Park for weekend activities. photo courtesy of Earth Day Dallas

DFW Truck Farm 5K Fun Run is Sunday morning. photo courtesy of Earth Day Dallas

Ebby's annual "Spring Clean Thing!" is scheduled for Friday & Saturday at the Northlake Shopping Center office.

The Earth Day Dallas outdoor festival at Fair Park is free and open to the public. photo courtesy of Earth Day Dallas

April's Earth Day

When is Earth Day? Really it's every day! Officially we celebrate it this Sunday, April 22nd.

There's a special event right here in Lake Highlands and also lots going on in Fair Park.

Lake Highlands

This Friday and Saturday, it's time for Ebby's annual "Spring Clean Thing!" at the Ebby Halliday Realtors office in the Northlake Shopping Center at Northwest Highway and Ferndale.

This two-day event includes a Goodwill Donation Drive on Friday and Saturday (April 20th and 21st) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please clean out your closets, cabinets, and garages and bring those donations! They will be used help Goodwill provide jobs and training to people with disabilities and disadvantaging conditions in our community.

Items you can donate include: clothes, shoes, games & toys, sports equipment, small appliances, books, DVDs, computers & accessories, housewares, jewelry & accessories, purses, and backpacks.

*Unfortunately, Goodwill is unable to accept televisions at this time.*

Also, on Saturday only there will be a Cintas on-site shred truck at the same location from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Protect yourself from identity theft and securely destroy those old bank statements, tax returns, and other sensitive papers. No need to remove paper clips or staples, just bring them by the box full. (No binders, please.) Look for the big truck in the parking lot.

Fair Park goes green this weekend

The City of Dallas is hosting another Recycling Roundup on April 21st and 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fair Park's Gate 9.

At this biannual city event, you can drop off electronics, clothing, documents to be shredded, batteries, tires, scrap metal, light bulbs, clean styrofoam, and more household items. Click HERE for more details.

After dropping off your stuff, stay for Earth Day Dallas! (EDD)

EDD is an annual, outdoor festival that promotes environmental awareness and influences the way North Texans think, live and work. This family-friendly event allows leaders in the corporate, academic and non-profit worlds to educate North Texans on how green lifestyle choices can lower their cost of living, improve their health, and help save the environment.

Festivities are this Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Fair Park and admission is FREE. (Parking is $10 or ride the DART Green Line.)

In addition to the Eco Expo, you can enjoy live music, film screenings, chef exhibitions, food vendors, and ethnic dance performances. There’s even a DFW Truck Farm 5K Fun Run on Sunday morning for you walkers and runners, followed by a big "picnic for the planet."

Help make history - see if they succeed in breaking the world record for the largest simultaneous global picnic!

Former First Lady Laura Bush, founder of Taking Care of Texas, will be speaking as well as Dr. Michio Kahu, Theoretical Physicist and Co-Creator of String Field Theory.

Thank you for your recent support

Thanks to everyone who donated cash and household items to the big Recycling Event at Lake Highlands Elementary on March 31st!

We raised over $2,000 to help send next year's 5th graders to science camp at Sky Ranch. We also nearly filled two large trucks with an interesting assortment of electronics and other household items, some of which might have ended up in a landfill otherwise.

Mark your calendar

Go green and save green ($$) at Lake Highlands’ largest church-wide garage sale on Friday and Saturday, April 27th and 28th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Lake Highlands United Methodist Church is located at 9015 Plano Rd at McCree.

If you have items to donate, please drop them off beginning at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 22nd through Thursday, April 26th.

Learn more about the history of Earth Day and its founder HERE.

"Like" Earth Day Dallas on Facebook for regular updates.

Outstanding youth honored for month of April

Apr 17 2012 by Robert W. Van Amburgh

(L to R) Exchange Club Vice President Truitt Matthews, Niani McDaniels, Trevor Curtis and LHHS Principal Peggy Dillon

(L to R) LHHS Principal Peggy Dillon, Collin Plotts and Truitt Matthews of the Exchange Club

(L to R) Exchange Club Vice President Truitt Matthews, Jordan Inman and LHHS Principal Peggy Dillon

Truitt Matthews, Vice President of Youth of the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands introduced the April recipients of the club's monthly Youth of the Month Awards and Character Counts Awards the recent ECLH meetings.

The recipients of the Youth of the Month Awards were Collin Plotts and Jordan Inman, and the recipients of the Character Counts Awards were Niani McDaniels and Trevor Curtis.

YOUTH OF THE MONTH

Collin Plotts has been an active student at Lake Highlands High School, both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities.

Collin is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In each of his four years of high school Collin has been a member of the LHHS Band, and for the past three years he has been in the award winning drumline. As a senior Collin was elected as one of three Drum Majors for the LHHS Band. Outside of classes Collin is participating in the Professional Internship at Baylor Hospital in Plano as a surgical intern, where he has a birds-eye view of the operating room. Collin is a member of the Lake Highlands United Methodist Church, and he participates in the choral program at First Methodist Church-Dallas. Collin plans to attend Baylor University where he will pursue a degree in either Biology or Business.

Jordan Inman has also been an active student at LHHS both in and out of the classroom.

Jordan is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and Fellowship of Christian Athletes where she is an officer. She is the current historian for the A Capella Choir and currently sings Alto. She has had the privilege of serving as a member of the Super Student Advisory Council for RISD, and in that role attends monthly meetings of the school board. In addition Jordan serves in the Peer Helper program at LHHS, where she mentors third grade and kindergarten students at three local elementary schools. Outside of school Jordan is an active member of Northwest Bible Church and is involved in the youth group and an upcoming mission trip to Guatemala. Jordan plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in psychology, with the intention to become a counselor in a pediatric hospital.

CHARACTER COUNTS

Niani McDaniels has throughout her high school career exhibited great character and determination.

Since eighth grade, Niani has participated in the AVID program (Advancement VIA Individual Determination.) This tutoring and mentoring program is intended to aid students in college preparation. Niani has also participated in the Peer Helpers program at LHHS where she mentors students at three local elementary schools. She has been a member of the LHHS Student Council and the bowling team. Outside of school Niani is an active member of North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship and is involved in the youth group serving meals at the North Texas Food Bank. Despite all of the time required in her activities Niani found time to work 25 hours a week at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Niani plans to attend Texas A & M Commerce and major in Biology, with the hope of someday attending Baylor College of Dentistry and becoming an oral surgeon. Lake Highlands High School Principal Ms. Peggy Dillon read several testimonials from Niani’s teachers, who complemented her as the "poster child for Peer Helpers" and commented that Niani "makes LHHS a better place."

Trevor Curtis has exhibited great character through his participation in LHHS athletics and extracurricular activities.

Trevor has been a two-sport participant, playing linebacker on the varsity football team and serving as captain and first baseman on the varsity baseball team. He has been a two-year member of the LHHS Wranglers and played SVAA basketball and coed soccer. Trevor is a member of First Baptist Church and was selected as a "Good Kid" by the Dallas Morning News. After graduation Trevor plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in Business. Ms. Dillon read several testimonials from Duncan’s teachers, who said "Trevor is a silent leader and a hard worker" and that he will "go out of his way to offer a helping hand."

Each month during the 2011-'12 school year the Exchange Club presents two Lake Highlands High School students with the Character Counts Award and two students with the Youth of the Month Award.

To learn more about the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands visit the group's website here.

Simplicity, functionality highlight home tour

Apr 17 2012 by M.E. Clary

Designed in 1965 by Ju-Nel Homes, signature characteristics include knotty pine planked ceilings, fireplace with floating hearth, original red brick floors and adobe brick. 10811 Fernald Avenue

As part of the 1965 World's Fair, the Formica Corporation showcased a home in New York City with several other examples around the United States. This home was one example of the latest in modern design.

Located in Lake Highlands, this modest 1,700 sq ft home has been remodeled several times throughout the years. 8517 Rolling Rock

Original exposed wood beams, flagstone entry and raised wood floors were preserved during renovations.

The second of two Lake Highlands homes on the White Rock Home Tour this year. 9729 Edgepine Drive

The home's footprint is the same as the structure it replaced, with a second story added bringing it to 3,300 sq ft.

Built in 1963, this mid-century gem is deceptive in size with over 2,000 sq ft of living space. 1426 Mapleton Drive

The home was originally built for an artist who wanted a modern living space that he could also use to showcase his art.

Designed and built in 2006 by Mark Martinek, this home was built for a local artist to fit the needs of both work and relaxation. 8722 Daytonia Avenue

The home was built on commercial piers creating a treehouse effect and incorporates the preservation of the oldest Catalpa tree in Texas.

The area's first all-modern home tour returns this weekend and locals will recognize two Lake Highlands addresses of the five homes featured.

Your chance to see them comes Saturday and Sunday between noon and 5:00 p.m.

The tour will include remarks from docents and meet-and-greets each day with homeowners and members of the Jack Wilson family.

Wilson was one half of the partnership (together with fellow architect Lyle Rowley) that formed Ju-Nel Homes in 1958 and built dozens of east Dallas contemporary homes in the early 1960's.

The Ju-Nel on this year's tour is located on Fernald Avenue and is one of five spectacular mid-century modern (MCM) homes the public is invited to tour.

The two Lake Highlands homes are found on Edgepine and Rolling Rock.

What can you expect to see?

Take a sneak peek at the photos of the homes above – they're just enough to wet your appetite – and get ready for a plethora of clean lines and functionality, with a mix of modern luxury.

Tickets are available for $10 in advance or $15 at any of the homes during the tour.

You can purchase tickets with cash or check at White Rock Coffee, Green Spot and Tom Thumb this week.

The White Rock Home Tour benefits Hexter Elementary and is sponsored by Advocate Magazine, Ed Murchison REALTOR/Virginia Cook Realtors, The Container Store, David Collier/David Griffin & Company Realtors, Elle Realty & Guild Mortgage, WelcomeHomeDallas.com, New Leaf Construction & Realty, Moderndallas.net, White Rock Coffee, The Green Spot, Tom Thumb and Design Within Reach.

For a schedule of speakers and meet-and-greet hosts, visit the White Rock Home Tour website.

You can also learn more on the WRHT Facebook page.

Celebrating 50 years of high kicks

Apr 16 2012 by LHT Staff

The Lake Highlands Highlandettes are celebrating 'Dettes through the Decades this weekend.

In what's become a succession of 50th anniversary events, the high-kicking dance team will perform at their annual spring revue this Friday and Saturday.

Event organizers are hosting a special reception before and after the Saturday, April 21st evening show.

An alumni tea is also scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Lake Highlands.

Tickets for the revue can be purchased online or in person at the door.

Performances include Friday, April 20th and Saturday, April 21st at 7:30 p.m. at the high school.

Visit the Ticket Leap website to purchase general admission and reserved seating.

Questions about the Highlandette Revue can be sent to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

For more information about the alumni tea, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 214.340.7671.

Raising awareness of car seat safety

Apr 16 2012 by Lindsay Baronoskie

Huebner earned her Child Passenger Safety Technician ceritification in 2010.

The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends children remain rear facing for two years.

Huenber says with new higher weight and height limit convertible car seats, children can stay rear-facing until they turn three.

Kelley Huebner, Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), remembers not knowing much about car seats when her daughter was born.

You could say she just stumbled into her passion of teaching car seat safety, but really she found it after participating in several online forums.

That's where she met other moms who were CPSTs and learned how important it is to closely follow car seat safety guidelines.

Before becoming a certified CPST, Kelley's husband, Jeff, would joke that she had a radar for when a child in a passing car wasn't in a car seat or booster seat.

Her brother teased that she was just a typical bossy older sister when she noticed people putting children in seats incorrectly and would approach to help.

But regardless of the bantering, Kelley knew that she needed to help people learn about car seat and booster seat safety. So in 2010, she attended a Child Passenger Safety Certification class to earn her CPST.

In 2011, CPSTs were thrilled when the American Academy of Pediatrics officially endorsed a recommendation to keep children in rear-facing seats until two years of age.

"We've been pushing for that for a number of years," says Kelley.

"Toddlers have big, heavy heads and that extra time rear facing really helps protect them in the event of an accident. With the new higher weight/height limit convertible car seats, children can even stay rear-facing until they're three."

Kelley was also glad when Texas changed its booster seat law to 8 years or 4'9".

"The 4'9" mark is really critical because that's when most seat belts will fit a child correctly, and the majority of kids will not be 4'9" at 8 years."

"The best thing to do when considering moving your child from a booster to just a seat belt is to make sure he passes the 5 step test in each vehicle."

The 5 steps are:

• Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
• Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
• Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and the arm?
• Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
• Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

If you answered no to any of these questions, your child still needs a booster seat.

And once your child "graduates" and no longer needs a seat, it's really important that they keep riding in the back seat until they are at least 13. Air bags can badly injure kids.

Kelley is registered with Safe Kids and offers car seat safety checks through this organization.

If you or someone you know is interested in having your car seat or booster seat check for proper installment, check out the Safe Kids website.

Look for Kelley in the online listing of technicians. She will gladly help you out!

‘Cats baseball leaves the excuses at home

Apr 13 2012 by Lee Lueder

Rookie head coach, Cory Tucker, has the young 'Cats team performing. They are currently sitting in second place in District 9-5A standings with a 7-2 record.

Junior Michael Ketchmark

Meeting of the minds at the mound. Coach Tucker, Michael Ketchmark (pitcher) and Colton Bradley (catcher)

Wildcat teammates wait for Colton Bradley after a home run

Uncertainty filled the air this off-season for the Wildcat baseball team, as legendary coach, Jay Higgins retired.

The 'Cats also said goodbye to a strong graduating class featuring University of Texas signee, Taylor Stell, and Oklahoma State signee, David Bloodworth.

In its first season under new coach, Cory Tucker, the 'Cats have met, and even surpassed, some of the most optimistic expectations.

Standing at 7-2 and second place to perennial baseball powerhouse, Jesuit, in district play, Lake Highlands is currently poised for a deep playoff run.

They are led by a strong class of juniors including Hudson Taylor, whose proficient pitching and solid hitting have sparked the successful season thus far.

Taylor currently holds a 4-0 record with a 1.22 ERA to go along with a .459 batting average.

This strong group of juniors has Wildcat baseball supporters excited for this season and next.

The 'Cats have five games remaining on the schedule, including a home showdown against rival Berkner this Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. Come out and support the team!

GO 'CATS!

Visit the LHHS Baseball website for a complete listing of regular season games.

Photos courtesy of Neighborsgo

Neighborly News: L Streets North

Apr 13 2012 by Marty Adamson

Smiling faces & great deals this Saturday in the L Streets

L Streets North is comprised of nearly 600 homes, including residents and families of all ages and sizes

At 57 years of age, L Streets North (LSN) is one of Lake Highlands’ oldest neighborhoods.

Bordered by McCree Road, Ferndale Road, Plano Road and Walnut Hill Lane, it encompasses 577 homes and 12 businesses.

L Streets North is home to an eclectic mix of empty-nesters, singles of all ages, and families – oh, and babies, lots of babies.

The stately trees, winding streets, and mid century ranch houses near independent shops and neighborhood schools are ideal for walking, jogging, pushing strollers, and exercising dogs.

The current neighborhood organization, overseen by a volunteer board, has its roots in a neighborhood crime watch which continues today as part of the larger LSN mission.

LSN's board focuses its efforts on facilitating intra and inter-neighborhood communication, promoting code compliance, and encouraging crime awareness.

A monthly email to residents covers a wide spectrum of neighborhood interests ranging from bulk trash pickup dates to zoning and code issues requiring feedback from the city.

Ask long-time residents about neighborhood pride, and get ready to hear about LSN’s track record as one of the safest areas in Dallas.

Campaigns (in partnership with nearby neighborhood associations) to close run-down apartment complexes and revisit placing a homeless shelter in a sensitive location also resulted in satisfying victories.

L Streets North forgoes celebrating National Night Out in August in favor of sponsoring an annual neighborhood yard sale each the spring.

This year's 100+ home yard sale will take place this Saturday, April 14th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Yard sale shoppers from within and outside the L Streets are welcome!

Visit the L Streets North Facebook page to stay up to date on neighborhood activities and news.

For questions about this Saturday's sale you can email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

LHHS tennis places second at district

Apr 11 2012 by Griffin Milan

Even with a young team, LHHS tennis placed second at the District 9-5A tournament and qualified three players to Regionals.

Rebuilding a high school sports team after the loss of experienced seniors presents a clear challenge to any coach.

So it stands to reason that rebuilding nine such teams would pose a daunting task – even to veteran LH tennis coaches Bob Williams and Scott Tiffany. But that was exactly the challenge that stood before them heading into the spring portion of the 2011-'12 tennis season.

The individual season, which takes place in the spring semester, splits the team into individual competing units: two doubles teams and two singles players for both girls and guys, in addition to one mixed doubles team, for a total of nine teams.

Each person (or team) carries their individual record throughout the season and is then rewarded for their efforts with a seed in the district tournament, where each fights for the right to advance to Regionals.

After graduating over a dozen seniors last year, and still managing to rebuild the team and retake the district tournament during the fall season, the LH coaches knew the spring presented new and difficult challenges for the young team.

Specializing in singles or doubles was a big change for the players.

The coaches carefully considered each individual's skills and personality before placing them in a position. The doubles teams were created to consist of players with strong chemistry and a mixture of talents, while singles players were chosen for the mental toughness needed to survive three long sets, as well as their ability to break down opponents.

If the coaches knew one thing about breaking in a new team, it was certainly that practice makes better.

As the team competed in matches and tournaments throughout the season, each player or team sharpened their skills and learned how to pull off the win no matter the circumstances. The team even traveled to College Station to compete in a tournament and watch some tennis at the collegiate level!

The district tournament was held on March 3rd and 4th at Fair Oaks Tennis Center here in Dallas.

The tournament was single elimination, so each player fought tooth and claw for the win in each match. When the dust settled after the final matches, it was clear that once again the achievements of Wildcat Tennis had exceeded the expectations of the coaches.

Joseph Simmons and Nicole Rains emerged in first place after three hard-fought sets against the Richardson mixed doubles team. Luke Mason placed second in boys singles and will be traveling along with the mixed doubles team to Regionals in Waco on April 16th.

The team also had many players place third as regional alternates, including singles players Dina Lianos and Hunter Stephan and doubles teams Suzie Ghidei and Matt Mason, Ali Brown and Katie Ritenour, and Griffin Milan and Eric Speer.

The men's team finished second overall behind the Jesuit Rangers, and the ladies tied for second overall with the Sunset Bisons.

With the team graduating only two seniors, coaches Bob Williams and Scott Tiffany are ecstatic about the success this year as well as excited about the prospects for the next.

The JV District Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, April 14th at Richardson High School.

Regionals competition will take place in Waco on Monday, April 16th.

For complete details, visit the LHHS Tennis website.

Hit the ground running at White Rock

Apr 11 2012 by LHT Staff

2011 White Rock 5K © Manuel Ortiz

The spring race season has sprung! If you had any doubts, just check Run On's calendar for a complete list – or the lake for the runners.

April 14th will mark the third year for the White Rock 5K, a race created specifically to benefit Dallas police officers in need.

DPD Officer Shavon Vela, creator and coordinator of the event, says race numbers have increased annually since 2010, the year the race began.

"Each year we've increased by 75 to 100 participants, and we're hoping to maintain that growth this year, too."

The White Rock 5K will take place on Saturday, but it's got some competition.

"We do compete with other races in the community on the same day, so we appreciate that people choose our race when they have so many options," says Vela.

In just two short years the race has raised almost $20,000 to provide relief for things like medical assistance and financial hardships experienced by Dallas police officers and their families.

According to Vela, proceeds from this year's event will most likely be used to help officers whose homes were affected by the recent tornadoes that tore through Dallas and its surrounding counties.

"We'll have many officers and firefighters from other areas coming to show their support."

"I know Arlington police and Highland Park firefighters will be running on Saturday."

The race gets started at Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake and winds through the Peninsula Neighborhood, whose neighborhood association helps sponsor the race each year with funds and volunteers.

A 1K kids loop is also scheduled to start shortly after the 5K.

Officer Vela is not one to brag or put herself in the spotlight, but according to DPD Deputy Chief Gloria Perez, the White Rock 5K would have never realized its success without Shavon Vela.

"Officer Vela began her journey by working with the community at the Northeast Patrol Division and put together an All-Star team that assisted her with every aspect of the run."

"Since the event was to raise money, Officer Vela wanted to make sure that all the funds raised went to the officers and not for overhead expenses."

Chief Perez says in 2010 alone Vela spent over 100 hours of her personal time on race planning and logistics.

This was in addition to her full-time duties as Fleet Coordinator for the Northeast Division.

When asked about the hours spent, the large commitment, the long days (and nights) planning, Officer Vela simply defers.

"I would rather discuss the awesome crew that makes up the White Rock 5K committee," she says.

"Their resumes along with the great sponsorship of our local businesses is what has makes this race such a success!"

The White Rock 5K will take place this Saturday, April 14th at Winfrey Point at 8:00 a.m.

On site registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 7:30 a.m.

To register in advance and get additional event details, visit the race's website HERE.

The biggest little boathouse in Texas

Apr 11 2012 by Voscia Walker

Looking for a sport for your child that teaches teamwork, a good work ethic, and discipline?

Allow us to introduce you to a little secret – the White Rock Boathouse's Rowing Club.

The White Rock Boathouse is a non-profit organization that offers rowing and other paddling sports to Dallas residents, and while the boathouse is open to people of all ages, it's changing the lives of the young people who have been introduced to rowing.

The Rowing Club is comprised of middle and high school aged students.

In some cases, students are able to receive gym credit at their school for their participation.

Nationally renowned row coach, Mark Wilson, loves the life lessons young people learn from rowing.

"Kids' lives are literally changed," he says.

"It's a great sport, as it really teaches true teamwork, self reliance, determination, decision making skills, and so much more – all with the bonus of being a non-contact sport. No trauma from a ball or a helmet or stick."

Although it's the oldest collegiate sport, when one thinks of mainstream sports, rowing may not come to mind, but Coach Wilson sees it differently.

"Rowing is all about being main stream. We go with the flow!"

"It is beautiful to watch and is something that anyone can start without buying a bunch of equipment."

Jerry Perry, parent to Lake Highlands freshman and rower Paul Portillo, appreciates that there are no stars on the team.

"Here, teamwork leads to success, and they all have to be in rhythm."

Braden Weitzel, an 8th grader at Forest Meadow Junior High, was drawn to rowing after attending the Learn to Row Day (Open House) that the organization sponsors for potential members.

"A lot of people play sports such as basketball. I wanted something that was unique."

As the marketing brochure boasts "if you can walk, you can row," and one of the rowers knows this all too well.

Following a sports injury, rowing came in the form of a blessing for Morgan Caldwell, a student at Bishop Lynch High School.

"It was the only sport the surgeon allowed me to participate in, and I love it because it's more intense."

To learn more about the organization and their upcoming camp sessions, visit the White Rock Boathouse website.

The boathouse is located on White Rock Lake at 2810 White Rock Road, near the intersection of White Rock and Lawther.

All photos are courtesy of Nick Prendergast.

The Pet Set: Choosing the right dog

Apr 08 2012 by Dr. Melinda Berry

Puppies or older dogs – are you equipped for long nights and potty training?

Purebreds: will you opt for a breeder or a rescue dog?

Dr. Berry's Lake Highlands Veterinary Clinic is located in Lake Highlands Plaza

This article is part two in a series by Dr. Melinda Berry about choosing the right dog for your family.

In last month's article we discussed some basic physical traits of dogs and how you might use preferences to narrow your search for a new family pet.

Now we'll tackle a few more basic questions you need to answer before actually beginning your "dog shopping."

New or used?

Some people love the idea of raising a puppy, and others far prefer a dog that is past that stage.

Of course, puppies are so cute, and it's a lot of fun to be able to mold and shape them from the beginning. On the other hand, if you haven't ever raised a puppy, or it's been a long time since you have, you might be surprised at how frustrating it can be to go through the basics such as sleeping through the night and potty training.

Older dogs have often mastered at least the beginner skills, but not always. And you also have to keep in mind that some dogs are surrendered or abandoned for behavioral problems, so it's not wise to assume that an older dog will automatically be easy to train to your way of doing things.

Where to look for your next companion

If your heart is set on a purebred dog, your choices probably come down to a puppy from a breeder or a rescue dog from a group that specializes in one particular breed.

Occasionally you might find the breed you're looking for in a general shelter, but most often older mixed breeds are found in shelters and in general dog rescue groups.

To choose a reputable breeder, you need to research, interview, ask questions, get references and inspect the premises.

Research your chosen breed and be able to ask the breeder specific questions about any common inherited disorders and how the breeder screens for them. All of the dogs should look clean, healthy, well-fed and comfortable.

Shelters and rescue groups should also have clean and comfortable premises. Keep in mind, however, that some of the animals may be in poor condition because they came in that way.

Try to find knowledgeable staff who can tell you when the dog arrived and under what circumstances. Ask questions about medical conditions.

Don't adopt a dog that appears unhealthy unless you thoroughly understand the condition, the prognosis and the costs for treatment.

Picking a specific dog or puppy

There are many good articles written about personality testing a prospective pet.

Two of my favorites are found on the ASCPA website (Choosing Puppies) and DogTime (Choosing a Shelter Dog).

Don't feel bad if you don't find a match on your first try, and be a little wary if you do.

A wise old veterinarian I once worked for always advised his clients to go home and sleep on it, even if they found the perfect dog.

And if you didn't, try a new place – don't settle.

Spring is a wonderful time for new beginnings. The puppies are popping and the shelters are full. If you've been thinking about adding a pet to the family, good luck!

If you're a cat lover, I'm going to have something especially for you next month, so stay tuned!

Dr. Berry owns and operates the Skillman Animal Clinic which offers medical and surgical services for dogs and cats.

The clinic is located in the Lake Highlands Plaza shopping center at 9661 Audelia Road, Suite 340.

Readers can submit questions to Dr. Berry by commenting on her articles or emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

LHHS junior awarded rare internship

Apr 08 2012 by Kelley Hurst

Dr. Brenda Prine, Patrick Mahurin and LHHS Principal, Peggy Dillon

The Marine Science Consortium educates children, youth, and adults about the marine and coastal ecosystems along the Mid-Atlantic Region. photo courtesy of MSC, June 2011

Lake Highlands High School Junior Patrick Mahurin is one of only six high school students chosen from across the United States to participate in the Marine Science Consortium's annual 8-week summer internship program.

The Marine Science Consortium is located on Wallops Island on Virginia's Eastern Shore, between the Atlantic Ocean and ecologically important Chesapeake Bay.

Patrick was selected after successfully completing a rigorous application and interview process, which focused on academic excellence, interest in marine biology, and eagerness to work in an outdoor environmental education setting.

He will have the opportunity to work alongside program staff to provide environmental education programs and summer camp activities.

He will attend college level courses, develop his own research or legacy project, and explore the exciting marine habitats of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

"We are extremely proud that Patrick was chosen for this internship," said Dr. Brenda Prine, Director of the College and Career Center at LHHS.

"This will be an important contribution on his journey to become a marine biologist!"

For more information on the Marine Science Consortium, please visit the group's website here.

Be sure to stay up to date on all the latest neighborhood school news on the LH Today Schools Page.

Want to share your good school news, too?

Email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with an update about your campus and student activities.

Sadie’s Night hits a homerun

Apr 06 2012 by LHT Staff

Sadie poses with Colton Bradely, who caught her pitch in Wednesday's game

Senior Ben Tompkins with Sadie

Sadie with her sister, Molly, and friends Campbell and Emerson

John and Rory Cate Gorman enjoyed the evening in support of their friend, Sadie

The Bono Family

The Bonos remarked that all the players were "extremeley kind and such gentlemen."

On the evening of March 28th the Wildcats hosted Jesuit in district play at The 'Cat in Lake Highlands.

A very special guest was invited to throw out the first pitch, as hundreds gathered to cheer her on.

Sadie Bono, just three years old, enjoyed her moment in the spotlight – from the mound.

Representing the Children's Craniofacial Association she opened the game with the first pitch.

And while the 'Cats weren't successful in besting the Rangers, the night was still a success.

Sadie's mom, Debbie, reports they raised over $1,300 in donations and bracelet sales.

"This is more than we ever dreamed of and will be put to very good use by CCA, but most importantly, thank you for helping us spread awareness about facial differences."

"We are so proud of our community, you and especially your children for the love they show Sadie."

The Wildcats host W.T. White next Tuesday, April 10th at home, followed by a game against Sunset at Reverchon on Friday, April 13th.

Both games begin at 7:00 p.m.

Visit the Wildcat Baseball website for complete details.

GO 'CATS!

Our thanks to the Bono family for sharing their photos

Keepin’ LH funky: The King Bucks in concert

Apr 06 2012 by M.E. Clary

The King Bucks ©Granada Theater, Bill Ellison

Chad Stockslager (L) with Keith Killoren (R) ©QuickDFW

Chad Stockslager, The King Bucks

Live in concert Friday, April 13th at the KC Hall

The King Bucks ©Sarah Jane Semrad

Be forewarned. I'm about to shamelessly plug a school and an event that I'm extremely close to.

The Lake Highlands Elementary Playground Project is a mostly grassroots project, lead by some really cool volunteers who've been thinking outside the box in an effort to update the school's playgrounds, equipment and surrounding fields.

In November of last year they hosted a street party and silent auction that featured Trey Johnson of the band Sorta and a couple of Mexico Lindo food trucks.

After all, who doesn't like live music and tacos? Especially when it means money for a new shade structure and swings for the little dudes.

This spring they're looking to capitalize on the momentum by welcoming more artists to the neighborhood. So on Friday, April 13th Trey will be back opening for The King Bucks in concert at the KC Hall.

The world's a small place (as we well know in Lake Highlands) and connections look to be what landed the band for next week's event.

"Amy Ferrell is one of the organizers of the event, and I teach her son George piano lessons. I believe she was the one who initiated our involvement," says Chad Stockslager, who you'll find at home on the keyboards.

"We're just happy to help out if we can. It also probably doesn't hurt to have our good friend Trey on board, as well. He's true blue."

You'll normally find the band at Adair's in Deep Ellum, which Chad calls their "spiritual home." They also regularly hold court at Lakewood Landing.

Fans of The Ticket will recognize Danny Balis, on bass and vocals for The King Bucks, from his time spent producing the sports talk radio program, The Hardline, for the last ten years.

But what should you expect from the group next Friday night?

Chad says they'll keep it fresh with a mix of KB originals and covers.

"A healthy dose of both tasty old favorites and barn burning originals usually does the trick. Our primary goal is to get folks up and dancing."

And if the elementary school crowd seems a bit stiff?

"We try to approach each performance with a certain sensitivity to our audience," says Chad.

"If they're in a mellow mood, we'll try to gingerly ease into it. Hopefully these guys will be ready to party!"

I'd say the odds are good. After all, LHE is doing it's part to keep Lake Highlands funky.

So my last question is this: will you be there doing your part, too?

The King Bucks music forges a unique balance between traditional country, boogie, rockabilly and soul.

They've graced the stages of the Granada Theatre, the Longhorn Saloon and House of Blues and have earned nominations for best country act by both The Quick and Dallas Observer.

Tickets for the April 13th concert in Lake Highlands are $20 each and can be reserved by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or by calling 972.322.0387.

Learn more about the LHE Playground Project by visiting the group's Facebook page.

Lake Highlands History: Shawnee Trail

Apr 05 2012 by Ted Campbell

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Neal McCraney Land Grant: This land grant was made in 1842 to Neal McCraney, and it includes what is now the neighborhood of Moss Farm and much of the Harry S. Moss Park.

Some time when you're driving up North Greenville Avenue, pause to remember that it follows the trace of one of the oldest trails in this area.

The old Shawnee Trail had a variety of names and a variety of routes through this area.

"Shawnee" may have been a misleading name. The Shawnee people originally inhabited an area of the Ohio Valley south of the Great Lakes, but were later forced, along with other tribes, into Oklahoma.

There was at one time a small Shawnee settlement north of the present site of Lake Texoma. This may have been the origin of the trail’s name, because a western branch of the trail crossed the Red River in that area. But although the name "Shawnee" may be misleading, the old trail was an American Indian route from Missouri to Texas.

It was in fact the route the Shawnee people took from the Ohio Valley en route to Texas, but they were probably following even older trails or traces.

The Shawnee Trail was a long route stretching from central Missouri through a little corner of southeastern Kansas, through eastern Oklahoma, then into Texas, continuing all the way past San Antonio down to San Patricio north of Corpus Christi.

In December of 1839 the Republic of Texas authorized the construction of a road following this route, and in 1840 the First Regiment of Infantry, under the command of Col. William Gordon Cooke, had established a road from Austin as far as Fort Inglish, the present site of Bonham, Texas.

Their route from Cedar Springs (Dallas would not be settled by John Nealy Bryan until 1842) to Fort Inglish was an eastern branch of the old trail from Dallas northward.

In 1841, the route from the Dallas area was re-established along a western fork of the trail that is now Preston Road, extending from Cedar Springs to the Preston Bend on the Red River. The little community called Shawnee was on the Oklahoma side of the river.

The road was called the "Military Road" from that time because it had been established by the Republic of Texas infantry (see the article on the Military Road in the Handbook of Texas)

Most accounts of Dallas history know the "Military Road" only as Preston Road, but a land-grant document that I examined in March of 2011 in the Texas General Land Office in Austin also refers to the eastern branch of the trail as the "Military Road."

This land grant was made in 1842 to Neal McCraney, and it includes what is now the neighborhood of Moss Farm and much of the Harry S. Moss Park.

The document states that the land was "Situated on Waters of White Rock River [White Rock Creek] near the great Military Road from Austin to the Red River" (see above photograph.)

This was the route that had earlier been laid out from Cedar Springs to Fort Inglish, the route that includes present-day Greenville Avenue.

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Spirit of the Centennial lands in Lake Highlands

Apr 04 2012 by M.E. Clary

The Walne family gathers for a photo at the Tuesday awards ceremony at the Fair Park Music Hall

(L to R) Alan Walne, Chairman of the State Fair of Texas; Joan Walne, President, Dallas Park & Recreation Board; Paul Dyer, Department Director of Dallas Park & Recreation

Joan and Alan pose with their grandchildren at Tuesday's ceremony

Lake Highlands residents and volunteers (L to R) Cary Woodall, Stephani Smith Walne, Sarah Walne Hefton and Ashley Blomberg

Storms roared and sirens wailed, but Tuesday was an occasion to be remembered for other reasons, as well.

Lake Highlands residents, community advocates, and civic leaders Joan and Alan Walne were presented with the 2012 Spirit of the Centennial Award yesterday afternoon in Fair Park.

The Friends of Fair Park select honorees each year who exemplify selfless, philanthropic ideals with a heart for giving back.

For those who call Lake Highlands home, they know it's a fitting description of the Walnes.

This year's Linz Award recipient, Pete Schenkel, gave a wonderful introduction of the Lake Highlands couple.

He jokingly alluded it's been heard that the Chair of the Dallas Park Board and the Chair of the State Fair of Texas have been seen together on numerous occasions.

Joan spoke first and lauded Fair Park as one of the top ten parks in the United States.

Based on her long standing volunteer history with Dallas Parks, she certainly has the ability to critique.

Alan graciously acknowledged all of the city officials in attendance and spoke of the briefing scheduled for Wednesday's City Council meeting regarding Cotton Bowl renovations that will keep the Texas/Oklahoma game in Dallas long term.

The Walnes are owners of Herb's Paint & Body Shops, originally founded in 1956 by Herb Walne, which remains family owned and operated today.

Herb's graces the back of many LH t-shirts and is a fond and familiar name in Lake Highlands circles – well known for their commitment to community betterment and outreach.

Craig Holcomb, president of the Friends of Fair Park, spoke specifically of family values in his announcement of the Walnes' selection as 2012 honorees.

There is simply no question of those values when it comes to the Walne family's dedication and long-term commitment to Fair Park, the City of Dallas and Lake Highlands.

Our thanks to Stephani Walne for the photographs of yesterday's award ceremony.

To learn more about the Friends of Fair Park, a non-profit citizen group dedicated to keeping Fair Park an affordable, family destination, click here.

Bets are in & Lake Highlands is a winner

Apr 03 2012 by Robert W. Van Amburgh

Last Saturday, March 31st, the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands held its annual Casino Night & Auction at Park Lane Ranch.

Without a doubt the event exceeded all expectations.

Over 500 people attended and were treated to good food and great fun.

Each guest was armed with play chips and participated in various casino games such as blackjack, craps and roulette.

At the end of the night those chips were exchanged for tickets in a raffle drawing for many great prizes.

While the casino games were going on, party goers were also able to bid on many items in a silent auction. Later in the evening attention turned to an exciting live auction for more valuable items.

The goals of the Exchange Club each year in putting on the Casino Night and Auction are twofold: to host an exciting and fun community gathering for the Lake Highlands area, and most importantly to raise money for scholarships and other programs and community services the Exchange Club supports.

Exchange Club President Bryan McCrory said the event succeeded on both counts.

"In addition to spectacular attendance at a fun community event, it looks like the funds we were able to raise will allow our club to continue provide many scholarships and support the programs and services our club has in mind."

"We will have to wait until the final numbers are in, but we are optimistic that we did very well for the community this year."

The Casino Night & Auction is one of two major Lake Highlands community fun and fund raising events the Exchange Club puts on each year.

Watch for details coming soon about the ECLH 2012 Oktoberfest this fall.

Fast Break: another win for Hoops 2012

Apr 03 2012 by LHT Staff

8th Grade Girls Team: The Nike Elites. Members include Emily Moise, Alli Garcia, Tita Peterson and Morgan Petty

The Nike Elites in action on the court

The entire field of LHJH 8th grade boys - ready for Hoops 2012 action

Scott Johnson's pre-game talk with LHJH teams, Final Four & KUN KUSH'N

Fellow 8th grade friends came to cheer courtside; Reagan West, Marian McCown, Rachel Willard, Hannah Miller, Alexa Blomberg and Claire Davis

Showing support from the sidelines

7th Grade Boys Team: Three Guys & A Ginger (L to R) Monty Sinks, Johnny Bargas, Davis Field and Jon Curnutt. photo courtesy of Jeff Bargas

Entertainment included performances by the LHHS Cheerleaders, Highlandettes and The Round Up Band. photo courtesy of Jeff Bargas

Hundreds of volunteers, hundreds of players and a nice gift to the participating schools.

Each year Hoops in the Highlands somehow manages to pull it all off.

Wrapping a successful 9th year, for event chair Katie Fuerst, who together with her husband Tom lead the charge, meant coordinating a lot of moving parts.

230 volunteers who gave anywhere from two to 40 hours to the cause, and a field of teams that spent the day playing on and off the court.

For 8th grader Tita Peterson it all comes down to one thing – fun.

"I play hoops every year because it is an enjoyable experience year after year."

"It's very fun not only playing basketball against fellow students and peers, but getting the opportunity to mingle with friends and see different groups perform."

"No matter if your team places first or last, everyone has fun."

The tournament serves teams in 1st through 8th grade.

So for Tita and her friends, it's also the end of a tradition. Heading to 9th grade means Hoops will have to find a place in their memory books and photo albums.

But they'll always be welcome as volunteers, guest performers and tournament supporters. Take a lesson from the adults who come back year after year.

"My favorite part of chairing was getting to know the other parents from all the participating schools," says Fuerst.

"Without Hoops we may have never met, since our kids aren't in the same grade or school."

"We are all such diverse women and men, but we all have the same goal on Hoops day – to have fun and make much needed money for our great schools!"

This year it meant nearly $6,000 for each of the five participating schools, and plans for next year's tournament are already underway.

"Mimi Dishman-Rader, from Wallace Elementary, is chairing Hoops next year," says Fuerst.

"She has such amazing neighborhood connections – she's a LHHS grad herself – and has great ideas to make the 10th anniversary an amazing event!"

Expect more great things in 2013, because as Tita puts it, "the tournament is a perfect representation of the Lake Highlands spirit."

See you on the courts next year!

Mad about science at Merriman Park

Apr 02 2012 by Lindsay Baronoskie

Two heads are better than one when it comes to mad science

The weekly after-school program is a hit with all ages at MPE

STEM is the acronym of the day for the Mad Science program

For the last 12 years, mad scientists in Dallas have been sparking imaginative learning in after school programs through the Mad Science Learning Labs.

These hands-on labs are organized through local schools and strive to show kids just how fun Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) can be.

Children engage in exciting hands-on STEM activities, watch magnificent demonstrations, participate in engaging discussions, and take home personally made projects about particular lab topics.

At Merriman Park Elementary, students enjoy Mad Science learning labs every Wednesday after school.

Liz Kluever, vice presidents of programs for the PTA, was excited when Mad Science agreed to come to Merriman Park.

"The Mad Scientists have a unique talent, through their fun-experience approach, that has made my daughter excited about the labs every week."

"Because it's fun and exciting, she remembers all the lessons easily."

Deepa and Andy Pulianda are the owners of Mad Science and have been spreading the love of STEM from the inception of the business.

As a former science teacher, Deepa has a very clear belief on how kids learn best.

"I knew the only way to teach children that would make sense is by sparking their imagination!"

"You cannot excite children by fear but by lighting an interest and encouraging fun learning. In my experience, the only time a child will learn is when they are having fun."

"They will never forget, and learning becomes a joy not a punishment."

Deepa, Andy and the whole staff are passionate about the program and work tirelessly to give more than expected.

"I love it when parents call to tell us how their child, who was never interested in anything before, can't wait for their Mad Science Day!"

"I'm a mother, and to me that is priceless."

"When principals and schools call us and say we are a God-sent program, we are humbled."

Whether your child is learning about rocketry, magnets, structures or polymers, these Mad Scientists are passionate about enriching kids' understanding of STEM.

Learn more about the Mad Science Learning Programs, visit their website here.

Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 972.241.0475 for more information.

Prevention & healing through stretching

Apr 02 2012 by John Reeg

Preventing & reducing risk of Kyphosis

Last month we discussed a posture problem known as Kyphosis.

It's a rounded shoulder, forward head position that is becoming quite prevalent.

Go to a public place where there are lots of people and observe. You will see people of all ages walking with their heads forward of their shoulders.

If you didn't see last month's Health & Fitness Tip, make sure check out the dangers of this posture problem before reading this month's article.

One reason Kyphosis is showing up in younger adults is the prolonged use of cellular devices.

How often do you see individuals bent over their phone reading, texting, pushing and tapping while they're walking, standing or sitting?

Here are some simple upper body stretching exercises you can do to help prevent or reduce your risk of Kyphosis:

Upper Chest & Rear Shoulder Stretch

Sit or stand in an erect position, extend the arms directly in front of you – straight out in front of the shoulders, palms down.

Bend the arms and draw the elbows back behind you keeping them up and way from your sides, elevating the chest while arching the back – but don't allow the shoulders to rise in a shrug position.

Breathe comfortably and hold this stretch for 15 to 20 seconds; repeat 3 to 5 times.

Corner Stretch (for the same muscles)

Go to a corner in a room that is bare of pictures or windows.

Spread your arms apart wider than your shoulders and place each hand on an adjoining wall about shoulder height.

Lean into the wall bending your arms, keeping your elbows up until you feel a stretch across the chest and shoulders.

The Turtle Stretch

This strengthens the muscles in the back of the neck while helping you recognize proper head position.

Sit down with good posture (shoulders down; shoulder blades pulled together, back arched and chest lifted.)

Keep your head in a neutral position (looking straight ahead), and draw your chin backwards, breathe normally and hold for 10 to 15 seconds, repeat 3 to 5 times.

Next month let's talk about the DO's & DON'Ts of stretching and what muscles you absolutely need to stretch.

For example: a tight periformis hip rotator muscle is often the cause of sciatic pain.

If you have this type of pain, you might save a trip to the doctor, or be able to stop pain meds by doing a simple stretch 2 or 3 times a week.

Look for more details next month in Focus on Fitness.

John Reeg holds a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education, Physical Education, Health & Recreation from Oklahoma State University.

He has certifications from the Cooper Institute in National Personal Training, Older Adult Fitness and Weight Loss Management.

He is also an NESTA certified Group Exercise Instructor.

Visit the Silver Star Fitness website or call John at 972.800.8031 for more information about fitness plans for you and your loved ones.

Pop over to Sunday’s pop-up market

Mar 30 2012 by LHT Staff

Organic produce, harvested Sunday morning, will be available for sale between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.

Members of the new Eco-op posing with the worms at their February grand opening

Worm Wine will be available for sale at $7/gallon

This Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Texas Worm Ranch and the Texas Honeybee Guild are hosting a casual afternoon event.

It's been dubbed the Pop-up Market. Think casual, think organic, think fun.

Grab the family, load up the wagon, bikes and trikes – or lace up your walking shoes – and head over to the new Dallas Eco-Op on Shoreview Road.

The unseasonably warm winter and spring has organizers scrambling a bit, but they'll be ready come this weekend.

"The primary reason for the pop-up market is that our warm temps have escalated harvest time, there are no markets happening this weekend, and we don't want all this organically grown, beautiful produce to go to waste," said Heather Rinaldi of Texas Worm Ranch.

"I had this thought – I bet our neighbors would love it, if only they knew about it!"

The produce will be picked fresh Sunday morning and choices will include:

• Organically grown heirloom tomato & pepper plants
• Buttercrunch lettuce heads & other varieties of specialty lettuce
• Swiss Chard, Kale, Mustard and Cilantro
• Mint, Radish, Spring Onions and arugula

Worm Wine and worm castings will also be available for sale.

Texas Honeybee Guild will have their locally raised honey and honey products available, too.

Allergy sufferers might want to try adding a daily dose of this honey to their natural prevention regimen.

There's evidence and research to suggest local honey offers a vaccinating effect against allergies.

The gardening and composting tips will be free. Visitors to the market can also take a peek at the hard working worms.

"We will have everything except worms available for sale," says Rinaldi.

"We can't keep up with worm demand right now. There just aren't enough hours in the day."

"However, the Worm Ranch is right there and people will certainly be allowed to see worms at work!"

The Dallas Eco-op is located at 10137A Shoreview Road at Ferndale, right next to Crop Shop.

In addition to organic produce and worm castings, Texas Worm Ranch also offers organic yard treatments, a new line of business that helps green your yard while keeping it organic and pesticide free.

Science takes center stage at WRNS

Mar 29 2012 by LHT Staff

1st place: Casey Rieg for "The Big Freeze" (2nd/3rd grade category)

1st place: Brooklyn Vomberg for "A Sour Discovery" (5th/6th grade category)

1st place: Brady Zeng with "Does Warm Water freeze faster than Cold Water" (1st grade category)

1st place: Jackson Maurer with "How to Make the Penny Shine" (Kindergarten category)

Earlier this month students at White Rock North School participated in the 2012 Science Fair.

Students were given a list of topics that were age and grade appropriate, but according to Camellia Wade-McKinley, Academic Supervisor at the school, no topic of interest was off limits once approved by the student's teacher.

Even the youngest students from Kindergarten were welcome to participate, and they did quite well.

Five weeks of preparation went into this year's projects, as students ages 5 to 12 prepared, researched and tested.

Judging took place on March 6th and the outcome was a huge success.

Winners included:

Kindergarten

1st place: Jackson Maurer – "How to Make the Penny Shine"
2nd place: Hagen Minotti – "Blasing Balls"

1st Grade

1st place: Brady Zeng – "Does Warm Water freeze faster than Cold Water"
2nd place: Quynh Tran – "Which Brand of Paper Towel is the Strongest"

2nd/3rd Grades

1st place: Casey Rieg – "The Big Freeze"
2nd place: Vincent Minotti – "Egg Cellent"

5th/6th Grades

1st place: Brooklyn Vomberg – "A Sour Discovery"
2nd place: Sarah Dodge – "Quicky Chicky Decomposes Quickly"

STAR teachers number greatly in Lake Highlands

Mar 29 2012 by M.E. Clary

Hunter Wood from Lake Highlands High School; AP English/English III/Debate

Alisa Bettega of Merriman Park Elementary; 3rd Grade

Katy Phinney from Skyview Elementary; Pre-Kindergarten

Kyle Griffis of Forest Meadow Junior High; Texas History/TAP Mentor

Ashley Rich of Moss Haven Elementary; 5th Grade

Hunter Wood, Lake Highlands High School English teacher was "shocked, humbled and grateful."

That's how he described himself when a group of surprise visitors from RISD visited his classroom last Friday, March 23rd.

Selection committee members included Superintendent Dr. Kay Waggoner and representatives of the RISD Excellence in Education Foundation, who came with the express purpose of honoring Mr. Wood as one of ten 2011-'12 STAR teachers of the year.

STAR stands for Superior Teaching Achievements in RISD, and the committee came bearing flowers, balloons and a check for $1,000.

"What an honor to be a part of such an outstanding group of teachers," said Wood.

Students and colleagues cheered – not just at LHHS, but also at in Lake Highlands classrooms at Merriman Park, Skyview, Moss Haven and Forest Meadow Junior High.

Third grader teacher at Merriman Park Elementary, Alisa Bettega, was paid a surprise visit as well.

"It was such an exciting day because none of us had any idea they were coming!"

"They surprised us on a Friday morning, and we all could not have been more excited. This is such an amazing class of students, and I truly have to give them a ton of the credit for this award!"

Katy Phinney, Pre-K teacher at Skyview Elementary, spoke of the amazing team at her school, all of whom share a passion similar to hers.

"I feel that this recognition is not just for me but the entire Skyview family," she said.

For Kyle Griffis, who teaches Texas History at Forest Meadow Junior high, the STAR award offered him an opportunity to share his thanks.

"I'm truly honored to represent such a great community and school," said Griffis.

"Your kind words and tireless support mean more to me than you could ever know."

Ashley Rich, who teaches fifth grade at Moss Haven Haven elementary, rounded out the Fab 5 of Lake Highlands.

"As a teacher, I would not be where I am today without the role models and support I've had while working in RISD."

"I feel so lucky to come to school each day and have the opportunity to share my love of learning with my students. It's my way of paying it forward."

All five Lake Highlands teachers, who represent half of the winners in the entire school district, will be honored at the Excellence in Education Foundation Gala on April 13th as well as the REA/Board of Trustees Banquet in May.

Nabbing five of the ten awards speaks to their caliber and dedication in a district known for great teachers.

For Alisa Bettega, even a week later, it's still sinking in.

"I am truly grateful to be at such an amazing school and to be honored with this award, and I still can't believe I really won!"

Our thanks to the Richardson Independent School District for providing photos of the 2012 STAR winners from Lake Highlands.

To view a video of all ten teachers receiving their awards visit the RISD website.

10,000th performance marks DCT milestone

Mar 28 2012 by Lindsay Baronoskie

Ronald McNair Elementary students show off their new books

A special treat for ten lucky winners

Young King Arthur runs through April 1st

The Dallas Children's Theater recently celebrated its 10,000th performance at the Rosewood Center for Family Arts.

March 21st found students from White Rock Elementary and Ronald McNair Elementary enjoying the amazing puppetry of Young King Arthur by Kathy Burks Theater of Puppetry Arts.

Prior to the Wednesday matinee performance, ten lucky students won books in honor of the exciting event.

Whether or not the children were familiar with the story of King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone, they were all thrilled with the magic of the show.

Plenty of "ooooohs and ahhhhhs" were heard throughout, as well as lots of laughter.

These students represented a fraction of the 3 million people who have seen a DCT performance in its 28-year history.

The Dallas Children's Theater reaches more children and families annually than any other performing arts organization in the metroplex and has been recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the top five children's theaters in the country.

"DCT has grown beyond my wildest dreams," said Robyn Flatt, Lake Highlands resident and DCT’s Executive Artistic Director and co-founder.

"What began as a modest idea has developed into a major cultural institution, and a national leader in the field of theater for young audiences. And, we keep growing!"

"I am proud to lead such an active organization within the arts community and to bring so many uplifting theater experiences to youth and families."

Flatt also spoke to the the DCT's goal of instilling in our children an early appreciation of literature and performing art and bridging understanding between generations and cultures.

The students on hand for this special celebration are, in fact, the artists and art patrons of our future.

Lake Highlands is truly lucky to have such an amazing theater right in our backyard.

It was a fantastic 10,000th performance, and as Flatt said, "Here’s to 10,000 more!"

Dallas Children's Theater is located at 5938 Skillman Rd.

Young King Arthur runs through Sunday, April 1st and is enjoyed by ages 5 and up.

Also currently playing is Anne of Green Gables, adapted for the stage by R.N. Sandberg and recommended for ages 10 and up.

For ticket prices and performance times visit the DCT online box office.

The farm is back in town!

Mar 27 2012 by Voscia Walker

The entire school participated in the March 23rd festivities

MHE 4th grade girls let their excitement show

The 1st graders and their royal blue bandanas

Square Foot Gardening with SIPs creator, Edgar Hercila

Nancy and Amelia "Lemon" Shanks

Ms. Rich gets in on the planting fun

The generous birthday girls (L to R) Ava Meierhofer, Hadyn Pokorski & Sydney Aven

The McGowan-Stiggers family were honored with a memorial for Tank

Principal Henderson welcomes the crowd

The Lead Weeds: Moss Haven moms with the brains and the backs to pull it off

March 23rd, wasn't just any ordinary day in the neighborhood…well at least not at Moss Haven Elementary.

Bursting with pride and overwhelming joy, the MHE family saw a dream become a reality with the dedication of the Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE) Farm.

Parents, school officials, and community leaders were on hand to witness the re-birth of farm life in Moss Haven, one that initially began with a horse farm owned by Harry S. Moss.

"This is phenomenal!" said an excited Philip Henderson, the principal of MHE.

"It was a team effort with the American Heart Association (AMA), parents, and the district. The kids are so excited. We will be able to integrate the farm into our regular curriculum."

The AMA partnered with the OLE Farm, as it's one of over 100 teaching gardens across the country.

"We are excited because this is the first school that the national center will have an opportunity to volunteer with,” explained Laura Sol, Vice President of Consumer Initiatives.

Councilman Jerry Allen was on hand to lead the crowd in the pledge of allegiance, pledge to the Texas flag and a moment of silence.

"I'm so happy and proud of RISD for having the vision to allow this to happen."

Each class now has its own starter garden and will have the opportunity to plant vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers, providing each student with a hands-on learning experience.

Attendees were able to visit the starter gardens and more than likely noticed the sub-irrigation planters (SIPs) invented by Iraqi war veteran Edgar Hercila who flew in from Los Angeles to celebrate the momentous occasion.

The students got in on the spirit of the day, too, as some dressed in farming attire and waved blue bandanas with excitement.

Three second grade girls – Sydney Aven, Hadyn Pokorski, and Ava Meierhofer – were in a special spotlight. Instead of gifts for their joint birthday party, they requested gift cards to Home Depot in order to purchase items like temperature gauges and flowers for the farm.

"I am so impressed and proud of all three of the girls," said Hadyn's father, David.

The most heart warming moment of the day was when the parents and family of Marcus "Tank" Stiggers were presented with an engraved stone in his memory. Stiggers, a MHE 5th grader, passed away suddenly in the fall due to an asthma attack.

His parents, Marcus Stiggers and Rachel McGowan were touched that the school would honor him in such a way.

McGowan tearfully explained that "thanks to MHE, we will always have somewhere else to go visit other than the graveyard."

Planning committee chair, Tiffany Walker, reminded the students that seeing the OLE Farm come to fruition proves that you can "do anything if you believe, are a good problem solver, and have a great team helping you."

Councilman Allan summed it up best. "It was a special day," he said. "It doesn't get any better than this."

Farm life is definitely back in town!

Our thanks to Debbie Bono, Skye MacLaren and Tiffany Walker for the photos

LH baseball hosts Sadie’s Night

Mar 27 2012 by M.E. Clary

Molly, age 6, with sister Sadie Bono, age 3

Sadie will throw out the first pitch on Wednesday, March 28th as the Wildcats take on Jesuit

2011-'12 LHHS Baseball Team photo courtesy of John Curtis

Young Sadie Bono will make her debut on the pitching mound this Wednesday evening at The 'Cat at Lake Highlands High School.

In honor of the occasion, and to help raise funds for the Children's Craniofacial Association, wife of Head Coach Corey Tucker, Ginny Tucker, has been busy creating commemorative bracelets – each made from LHHS and Frisco Rough Rider baseballs.

Sadie's mom, Debbie, says Sadie has been sporting one at school this week, and they'll be available for purchase at Wednesday night's game.

So how are Lake Highlands baseball and Sadie connected?

Like most things in our community, it comes down to relationships.

Sadie is a typical, sweet three year-old girl. Her mom describes her as smart and funny, with a love of books, puzzles and dancing.

Sadie also has Pfeiffer Syndrome, a genetic skull disorder that affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people. This means her skull sutures prematurely fused in the womb, which causes her face and head to grow abnormally.

At just three, Sadie doesn't understand her medical condition. Frequent doctor's appointments, tests and hospitalizations are a normal part of her world.

Debbie puts it simply. "She looks different. She attracts stares and questions most places we go."

That's why it's important for this Lake Highlands family that people learn to see Sadie, and other folks with facial differences, just as they are – as siblings, children and friends; all pieces and parts of their lives that have nothing to do with craniofacial syndromes.

And a relationship between Coach Tucker's wife, Ginny, and Sadie's grandmother is helping that happen.

Just so happens the vehicle is Lake Highlands baseball.

Baseball fans are aware of Coach Tucker's new role, following the retirement of 46-year veteran, Jay Higgins.

"We are thrilled that Coach Tucker has made service and acceptance of all people a priority for his high school boys," says Debbie.

"What a gem for our kids and community!"

"Sadie will be throwing out the first pitch and proceeds from concessions and the bracelet sales will benefit Children's Craniofacial Association."

For the Bono family that means a lot – about baseball, about Pfeiffer Syndrome and about connections.

"The more exposure we bring to facial differences the more understanding our community will be."

For more information on craniofacial syndromes, visit the Children's Craniofacial Association website by clicking here.

The 'Cat is located at Lake Highlands High School, 9449 Church Road, north of the softball field.

The game begins at 7:00 p.m., and there is no ticket charge to attend.

$5 bracelets and proceeds from concession sales will benefit the CCA.

Shop LH Daily Deal: Brumley Gardens

Mar 27 2012 by LHT Staff

Brumley Gardens is located at 10540 Church Road in Lake Highlands

Gorgeous new inventory for your yard & home

Pick up the Daily Deal ferns and other greens for your garden

3 gallon ferns are just $9.99; while supplies last

Brumley Gardens is blooming with spring flowers, greenery and garden decor.

It's a great time to stop by, check out all the new inventory and save a little green.

New this week, Brumley's is offering a Shop LH Daily Deal on Kimberly Queen ferns.

• 3 gallon ferns are just $9.99

• Good while supplies last

Brumley Gardens is located at 10540 Church Road in Lake Highlands.

Visit them online here or call the nursery at 214.343.4900.

Be sure to "like" them on Facebook for fun gardening tips and updates on new inventory.

LHHS Theatre hits UIL homerun

Mar 26 2012 by Brenda Gaba

Kelsey Buckley, Bonnie Johnson and Katie Samuelsen (seated L to R) and Jeff Fowler rehearse a scene from Rabbit Hole.

Jeff Fowler and Kelsey Buckley rehearse their roles as a couple trying to deal with the loss of their young son in a scene from Rabbit Hole.

Katie Samuelsen, Bonnie Johnson and Kelsey Buckley are family members sharing a moment of laughter in the Pulitzer prize-winning drama Rabbit Hole.

LHHS Theatre students will be performing Rabbit Hole Tuesday, March 27th.

This offers the public one last opportunity to see the Pulitzer prize-winning comedy/drama that has just beat out District UIL One-Act Play entries in Zone A.

Advancing as the top school, cast members won numerous awards with leads Jeff Fowler and Kelsey Buckley each winning Best Actor.

Bonnie Johnson made All-Star Cast, and Katie Samuelson and Brandon Williams each earned Honorable Mention for their roles.

Tyler Allen also received Honorable Mention for tech.

The play, first performed in New York in 2006 and nominated for several Tony awards, portrays a family trying to survive a major loss.

David Lindsay-Abaire, the young playwright who wrote the book and lyrics for Shrek the Musical, describes his characters as "outsiders in search of clarity."

The winners of Zone A and Zone B competition for Conference 5A, Region 2, Area 1, District 9 will advance to District competition, which will be held at W.T. White High School on Thursday, April 5th.

Congratulations to the entire cast and crew!

The Tuesday, March 27th evening performance begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Lake Highlands High School Auditorium.

LHHS is located at 9449 Church Road.

Tickets are available at the door. $10 for adults; $5 for students.

For more information about LHHS Theatre, visit the group's website here.

The Pet Set: The right dog for your family

Mar 26 2012 by Dr. Melinda Berry

Dr. Berry's Lake Highlands Veterinary Clinic is located in Lake Highlands Plaza

I'm frequently asked what sort of dog a person should look for as a pet. Unfortunately, it's a really difficult question, because each person and family is different, and there's no one right dog for everyone.

Lots of people looking for a pet assume that they need to decide between a purebred dog and a mutt before they think about what type of dog would suit them, but I think that reasoning is exactly backward.

Having a list of characteristics that are important to you should come before any other parts of the process, including going to look at puppies.

Size Matters

First of all, think about what size dog fits your lifestyle. Do you have a large enough house and backyard to accommodate a large dog?

Is your fence in good repair, and how tall is it?

Are there young children in the house who might be overwhelmed by a large dog or too rough on a fragile dog? Are there older family members who might be knocked over by a large rambunctious puppy?

Do you need a large dog for protection, or would lots of barking at the door be all you need?

Do you want a lap dog or would a dog lying at your feet be better?

Once you’ve decided on a size of dog that will fit in with your family, I like to consider grooming next.

Hair of the Dog

Short-haired dogs usually are very easy to keep properly groomed – a quick brushing and an occasional bath will generally be sufficient.

The down side is that they are also usually copious shedders.

Most long-haired dogs shed less, but often require frequent home grooming to prevent matting, and many require trips to the groomer for trims.

Be sure you know how much time and expense you're willing to put into grooming before you the next step.

Fitness Factor

I also like to consider the type and quantity of exercise you want to provide for your pet.

If you plan on having a jogging companion, you want to choose a dog that is physically able to run distances and finds it enjoyable.

However, if a short playtime in the backyard is all you'll be able to provide, a dog bred to work and run will find destructive ways to entertain itself around the house if not provided an outlet for its energy. A couch-potato dog would be far happier.

Animal Planet website has a great resource for selecting dog breeds, and I encourage you to take their test if you're thinking about adding a new puppy to your family.

The selector tool is for purebred dogs, but next month I'll tell you how to use that information to choose either a purebred dog from a litter, or how to choose a lovable who-knows-what from a shelter!

Shop LH Daily Deal: Highlands Cafe

Mar 26 2012 by LHT Staff

Friday's dinner special: Pulled Pork Tacos

Highlands Cafe is located at 9661 Audelia Road, Ste 105 in Lake Highlands Plaza

Highlands Cafe is a hugely popular lunch spot in Lake Highlands.

Regular favorites, as well as few new additions to the menu, make it an easy choice.

This week, however, the team at the cafe wants you to stop by for dinner, so they're offering a Daily Deal that actually runs all week.

• Buy one dinner entree and get 25% OFF a hamburger.

• Offer is valid during dinner, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• Monday, March 26th through Saturday, March 31st.

• Just mention "Shop Lake Highlands" or the "Daily Deal"

Cafe dinner options feature several in-house daily specials, in addition to regularly offered menu items.

MONDAY

Dinner Special: Meat Loaf

TUESDAY

Dinner Special: Chicken Fried Steak & Tilapia Tacos

WEDNESDAY

Dinner Specials: Pork Chops with Jalapeno Mac-n-Cheese, Chicken Fried Steak & Fried Shrimp

THURSDAY

Dinner Specials: Pot Roast & Chicken Pot Pie

FRIDAY

Dinner Specials: Chicken Fried Chicken & Pulled Pork Tacos

SATURDAY

Dinner Special: Fried Shrimp

Stop by Highlands Cafe for dinner this week, and be sure to tell 'em we sent you!

Opening Day with Dallas Little League

Mar 23 2012 by LHT Staff

It's a record year for Dallas Little League with a combined registration of nearly 1,300 boys and girls scheduled to play baseball and softball this spring.

To celebrate the opening of the season, Dallas Little League will be holding official opening day ceremonies at the Winfrey Point Fields at White Rock Lake on Saturday, March 24th.

Local singer/songwriter Ariana Dela Vega will kick-off the ceremony with the singing of the National Anthem along with a flyover courtesy of the Cavanaugh Flight Museum.

The Bishop Lynch Drum Line will lead the parade of players onto the field where they will be greeted by special guests including two-time Major League All-Star and former Rangers pitcher, Jeff Russell, as well as several local politicians.

Fans and families can also enjoy live entertainment and concessions.

For more information about the Dallas Little League, visit the DLL website or Facebook group.

Saturday's schedule of events begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Winfrey Point Fields at White Rock Lake.

Vendors, concessions and entertainment begins at 10:00 a.m.

The ceremonial first pitch will take plane at 12:00 p.m.

Offsite parking will be available at Lakeside Baptist Church on Garland Road.

High rolling fun returns with Casino Night

Mar 23 2012 by Robert W. Van Amburgh

Casino Night will take place Saturday, March 31st at 6:00 p.m.

Over $1 million in scholarships awarded in the past 12 years

The place to be on Saturday night, March 31st will be Park Lane Ranch for the annual Casino Night and Auction presented by the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands.

Festivities will include food and drink, followed by casino games, dancing, a silent auction, raffle and the always exciting live auction.

Each person attending will be given play money to use for blackjack, roulette, craps, 3-card poker, slots and a Texas Hold’ Em tournament.

The silent auction will feature many nice items, but the real action will begin at 9:45 p.m. with the live auction.

As in past years, the live auction will include many interesting and valuable items, including cruise vacations, weekend get-a-ways, tickets to theater and sporting events, autographed sports memorabilia, iPads, flat screen TVs and much more.

This fun annual event is the primary fundraiser for the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands, helping it carry out its goal of supporting worthy organizations in Dallas and the Lake Highlands community.

Support for local agencies includes Healing Hands Ministry and the Child Abuse Prevention Center of Dallas.

In addition this event helps fund the many scholarships the Exchange Club has granted to deserving high school seniors; over $1 million in scholarships awarded in the past 12 years.

Join ECLH members and the community in supporting this worthwhile cause – and have fun doing it!

Park Lane Ranch is located at 8787 Park Lane, just west of Top Golf at Abrams Road.

Casino Night will take place Saturday, March 31st from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

Tickets are $40 at the door or can be purchased in advance by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Previewing the new trend in LH housing

Mar 23 2012 by M.E. Clary

9419 Lanshire Drive, White Rock Valley

Lanshire Drive kitchen

Lanshire Drive media room

9677 Crestedge Drive, White Rock Valley

Crestedge Drive kitchen

Crestedge Drive master bathroom

In December of last year, the demolition officially began at Lake Highlands Plaza.

This weekend Melissa and Scott Powell, Lake Highlands residents and owners of New Leaf Construction, are hosting a sneak peek preview of two of their newly renovated homes in the neighborhood.

How are these events related?

New Leaf was one of three builders chosen to participate in the new home construction at LH Plaza, now known as the White Rock Place residential development.

If you missed the 2008 master plan, you can view it here.

The initial timeline called for the completion of streets and utilities in January of this year – so it's not quite running on time.

The site grading continues however, in addition to facade upgrades to the buildings that currently house My Office and the Skillman Veterinary Clinic.

While new construction won't break ground at Walnut Hill and Audelia anytime soon, this weekend's sneak peek at these two New Leaf homes might offer a window into what the new development could eventually look like.

The Powells are hosting the mini tour this Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. each day.

Both of the reconstructed homes are located in White Rock Valley and according to the builder incorporate original architectural features with current design trends, upscale finishes and open floor plans.

Local interiors expert, Mary Jane Strawn, together with daughters Lynn Davenport and Amy Moore – also Lake Highlands natives – teamed up with New Leaf to offer design and decor tips in each of the homes featured this weekend.

Along with the Powells, the ladies will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the interior finishes.

Admission to both homes is free, but donations will be collected for Heart House Dallas, an after school program that provides a safe haven and academic support to at-risk children in the Vickery Meadow neighborhood.

Consider it an open invitation to glimpse what development in the Lake Highlands high end residential arena looks like, and be prepared to be wowed.

The New Leaf Construction Spring Home Tour benefiting Heart House Dallas is scheduled for Saturday, March 24th and Sunday, March 25th from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

9677 Crestedge Drive
White Rock Valley
5 bedroom/4.1bath/3,374 sq. feet
$619,000

9419 Lanshire Drive
White Rock Valley
6 bedroom/6 bath/4,603 sq. feet
$969,000

Visit the New Leaf Construction website for more details.

Dance Off with the LHHS Wranglers

Mar 22 2012 by Molly Beebe

This Saturday, the Lake Highlands High School Wranglers want to see you in Richardson.

At noon on March 24th, Richardson High School will be the host school for the annual Country and Western Dance Off.

The Lake Highlands Wildcat Wranglers, Berkner Ramblers, Pearce Stampede and Richardson Desperados will participate in this amazing performance of country western style dancing and stunting.

Please come and enjoy this exciting show and watch these talented dancers square off to raise money for the North Dallas Shared Ministries.

NDSM’s mission is to help low income people assume as much responsibility for their lives as possible by providing a variety of services that might otherwise not be affordable or accessible.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased this Saturday at the door.

Richardson High School is located at 1250 Belt Line Road in Richardson.

To learn more about the LHHS Wranglers, visit the group's website here.

Reel Deal: Movies with Anne

Mar 22 2012 by Anne Buckley

In his novel, "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen," Brit author Paul Torday, a businessman and dedicated angler, combines fishing, politics, bureaucrats, the Middle East, the war in Iraq and a sheik who is a mystic.

The above listed elements would usually give viewers a headache just thinking about them, but Mr. Torday blends them in a charming tease with a laugh tucked into every absurd corner.

Fortunately in the hands of director Lasse Hallström (The Shipping News, Chocolat, Cider House Rules) and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire) the story is carefully recreated for the screen.

Ewan McGregor plays Dr. Alfred Jones, a British fisheries scientist who is told by his boss of a sheik's dream to introduce salmon fishing to the country of Yemen.

Jones says the project is impossible as salmon are cold water fish that spawn in fresh water. Yemen is hot, mainly a desert and he rejects the notion immediately.

The Prime Minister's director of communications, Patricia Maxwell (Kristin Scott Thomas) hears of this query and takes it as a public relations opportunity to tamp down the negative press about the Iraq war and moves the project forward.

When Dr. Jones is queried about the necessary tools needed too bring such a project to fruition by Harriet Chetwode-Talbot (Emily Blunt) and the sheik's representative, he reels off an impossible list of items and people required to make it happen that when added up equals millions of dollars.

Only when Dr. Jones is interrupted at his office one day by Chetwode-Talbot does he realize that the sheik is intent upon this project, having transferred the money necessary to make the Yemen Project doable.

The first meeting with the sheik (Amr Waked) in his Scottish Highlands castle finds the two bonding while salmon fishing. Soon Dr. Jones is supplied with all the people and equipment he needs to make the sheik's dream of peace through fishing come true.

Conflicts arise when Dr. Jones realizes he's been in a loveless marriage for years as Harriet Chetwode-Talbot pledges her love and devotion to a soldier en route to Iraq.

These sticky situations are compounded when political pressures erupt, creating a complicated stew of relationships.

During this drama the sheik continues to have faith in his vision and saying, "without faith there is no hope. Without faith there is no love," begging the question does fishing plus faith equal peace?

Shot at locations in London, Scotland and Morocco, the look of the work is a tantalizing exercise for those who would like to have long lingering looks and experiences in these intriguing locales.

The movie opens this Friday as one of the most memorable films of the year.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen opens Friday, March 23rd in select cites including Dallas.

Click here to visit the film's official website and view the trailer.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence, sexual content and brief language.

Photos © 2012 Lionsgate/CBS Films

Shop LH Daily Deal: LH Media Center

Mar 22 2012 by LHT Staff

9090 Skillman Street in Suite 178A in the Plaza Skillman Shopping Center

Transfer your vintage VHS or 8mm memories (other old media, too) to DVD with a personalized label to create gifts from the heart

This $19.99 value is yours, just by mentioning "Shop Lake Highlands"

Owners of LH Media Center and longtime Lake Highlands residents, Cindy and Scott Causey, want to help you clean out the clutter by transferring all your old videotapes, audio cassettes or 8 mm movies to DVD and CD.

This month, their popular deal is back.

LH Media Center specializes in transferring vintage media to easily viewable discs and is also a one-stop shop for all your digital needs.

• Get one VHS to DVD transfer FREE (two hour maximum) with the purchase of any other service.

Other services include computer repair, website design, video editing or additional media transfers.

This is a great deal if you need virus scans, hard drive check-ups, or have more than one video to transfer to DVD.

Consider your wedding video, baby films or family and school events.

These DVDs also make a great gift!

• This $19.99 value is yours, just by mentioning "Shop Lake Highlands."

LH Media Center is located at 9090 Skillman Street in Suite 178A in the Plaza Skillman Shopping Center.

Email Cindy and Scott at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 214.349.2349.

LH Media Center hours:

Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Be sure to like LH Media Center on Facebook for more updates and deals.

Neighborly News: Merriman Park Estates

Mar 21 2012 by Lindsay Baronoskie

The MPE Club sponsors the annual Fall Festival jointly with the Women's Social Club

Mavis Stewart (MPE Vice President), Shelby James (President) and District 10 Councilmember Jerry Allen at the Fall Festival

Local band, The Lupners, perform at the festival

Getting to White Rock Trail is easy from the MPE park

Well known for its picnics and fun outdoor activities, Merriman Park Estates was officially developed in 1958.

It was in March of that year that the MPE Club was formed by 12 original families, and two years later the first issue of the neighborhood newsletter was published.

MPE, as it's known, is full of long-time residents as well as many new ones whose children often enjoy the beautiful park and playground on Merriman Parkway.

Recently updated with lots of new and fun equipment, the park makes for easy access to White Rock Trail, too.

With a stated purpose of the promoting good fellowship and neighborliness among its members, this neighborhood association has several active groups including the MPE Club, the Women's Social Club, the Garden Club, and the VIP Club.

Each provides a forum for collective discussion and the ability to tackle problems of mutual, civic interest.

The MPE Women's Social Club is a vibrant group of over sixty women of all ages who get together once a month for dinner and drinks.

They host a number of activities in the neighborhood including the annual Easter Egg hunt, couples parties, monthly playgroups for children, pumpkin painting for the children at Halloween, and much more.

Social club member, Dee Ann Baggett, has enjoyed the group for six years.

"I always look forward to the monthly dinners and family events throughout the year," she says.

"The group has a lot to offer – from new neighbors looking to meet everyone, to new moms looking for a playgroup, and even to long-time residents hoping to reconnect with neighbors."

"Most importantly, I am thankful for the wonderful friendships I've made."

The Garden Club was founded in 1974 and group members say they "encourage dirty hands, sore backs and happy hearts," while the VIP Club, which stand for Volunteers in Patrol, works the streets and alleys of MPE to help keep the neighborhood safe.

The biggest event, however, is the annual MPE Fall Festival. That's when the entire neighborhood comes out to enjoy friends, family and fun.

Shelby James, president of the MPE Club, sums it up nicely.

"Our neighborhood has such a strong sense of community."

"Its central location among the rolling hills and beautiful trees really makes it an ideal place to live."

Learn more about Merriman Park Estates by visiting the group's website here. You can also find them on Facebook.

An open invitation to serve

Mar 21 2012 by Tonya Bredehoeft

Sunday, March 25th the day long event calls church members and volunteers to "Be the Church"

LHUMC is located at 9015 Plano Road in Lake Highlands

Lake Highlands United Methodist Church is canceling regular worship services to join with the Lake Highlands community in serving in the community.

"Here to Serve" Sunday is living out a national initiative to "Be the Church."

Senior Pastor John Thornton says, "We are committed to improving lives, supporting families and building community."

We will be living out our commitment on Sunday, March 25th as everyone engages in 15 community service projects including work at elementary schools, parks, and retirement centers, in addition to food collection and world mission projects.

One of our goals on "Here to Serve" Sunday is to provide a venue for everyone to put their faith in action.

"Our Here to Serve projects are simply one more way to help our members understand that church is what we are, not just something we go to," says program co-chair, Tammy Knapp.

This weekend's effort is almost entirely volunteer-led and aims to mobilize the community and congregation.

"This Sunday, we're going to be the church instead of going to church," says co-chair, Pastor Monty Moore.

One of the project opportunities allow participants to complete landscaping and paint playground equipment work at Skyview Elementary.

"We partner year round with Skyview on an after school program and helping to feed families that are food insecure."

"We get a chance to all come together and accomplish huge tasks that we can’t do without everyone in our church pitching in," adds Director of Serving Ministry, Jill Goad.

The entire community is invited to participate as "Here to Serve" works on community service projects around Lake Highlands this weekend.

Click HERE for more details and to register online.

Rooting out history at Moss Haven Elementary

Mar 19 2012 by M.E. Clary

Friday's groundbreaking ceremony begins bright and early at 8:00 a.m.

Over the last three years, we've developed quite the green thumb here at LH Today.

If it's green, if it means getting your hands dirty, or keeping junk out of the landfill – in short, if it's good for the environment – we're glad to hear about it and happy to help promote it.

So when Tiffany Walker got in touch to tell me about an effort to "bring back the farm" at Moss Haven Elementary, I was all ears.

For local historians, it makes more than just green sense.

You see the land that Moss Haven Elementary currently occupies was originally part of the Moss Farm Ranch where, according Lake Highlands history, Harry S. Moss' horses once roamed free.

For Walker, it was an extension of one small change in her own backyard.

"Heather Rinaldi installed a raised bed garden in our backyard last April," she explains.

(Heather is the local worm rancher we've written about regularly since 2009.)

"My family enjoyed the entire process," says Walker. "Seeing the kids actually plant the seeds and then quickly see the sprouting results day after day was such a treat."

"My kids were lucky enough to have regular garden time at their preschool, St. James Montessori. So when it came time for the annual wish list request for Moss Haven Elementary, I submitted the idea for school garden."

With that, the seed was planted so to speak.

MHE school moms got busy researching, visiting other local gardens, and reached out to RISD.

Throughout the summer of 2011 they developed a business plan that even included a sustainable rainwater collection system.

"Our garden scope continually evolved as we researched successful school gardens and worked within RISD's parameters."

"As we discussed our plans with fellow parents after school, we became connected with the American Heart Association's Teaching Gardens Program."

"We become 1 of 64 teaching gardens across the country and the closest one to the National AHA office on Greenville Avenue."

"There are so many farm stories that mirror the same process," says Walker.

"Parents sharing progress about our MHE Farm, learning about a lead, and then a team of volunteers working hard to make sure that lead turned to a seedling of progress for our future farm."

Almost one year later, the farm is back at Moss Haven Elementary.

"With dedication, creativity, enthusiasm and lots of planning we went from the seed of an idea to actually sprouting seeds on our farm. Now that is something to E I E I O about!"

Walker says none of it could have happened without the team she refers to as her "fearless garden gals."

"RISD special education teacher Kim Aman, and fellow MHE parents Debbie Bono, Tricia Dzina, Ashley Gomez, Casey McCann, Kristi Miller, Nancy Shanks, Jill Schuler and Joslyn Taylor."

"We also had the huge support of our amazing Moss Haven PTA and the Lake Highlands community."

And now it's time to party.

The official groundbreaking will take place this Friday, March 23rd beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the school.

Walker and the farm team expect a huge turnout and everyone is welcome.

"We are so exSEEDed about our progress and want to spread the good news about the power of LH families in our schools!"

Shop LH Daily Deal: Atomic Pie

Mar 19 2012 by LHT Staff

9660 Audelia, Ste. 117 in Lake Highlands (Walnut Hill & Audelia)

Come & get ya some!

Tim and his crew are back with three popular deals, beginning today.

Whether you dine in, carry out or opt for delivery (dry and home and out of the rain) you're covered.

These deals begin today and run through Wednesday, March 21st.

Feed the brood with one of these family pack offers, just by mentioning Shop Lake Highlands.

Check it out:

Family Pack #1 – Good Monday, March 19th

(2) Medium one-topping pizzas and two house salads for $19.95

Family Pack #2 – Good Tuesday, March 20th

(1) Large one-topping pizza with two orders of spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, complete with salad and garlic toast for $19.95

Family Pack #3 – Good Wednesday, March 21st

Spaghetti and meatballs for four, including salads and garlic toast for $19.95

Don't forget to like Atomic Pie on Facebook to take advantage of their social media specials, too.

Atomic Pie is located at 9660 Audelia, Ste. 117 in the shopping center at the southeast corner of Walnut Hill and Plano Road.

Phone your order in today at 214.553.5733

Art & flowers in bloom at the Arboretum

Mar 16 2012 by LHT Staff

ArtScape, the Arboretum's annual fine art show and sale, opens today at the Dallas Arboretum.

This juried, three-day art fair features works from over 90 artists from around the country.

Entertainment and artist demonstrations will take place throughout the gardens, as well.

Dallas Blooms is coincidentally happening at the same time.

This is the 28th year for the popular festival, which highlights 600,000 spring flowers, annuals and perennials.

Visitors can also enjoy the Small Houses of Great Artists' exhibit, built and designed by Bob Hoebeke, Mona Crider and other notable Dallas architects.

ArtScape is free to members and included with regular garden admission.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for children.

Onsite parking is $10.

Spring Break Tip: Based on large crowds this week and weekend, plan ahead and go early.

Free parking is available at the Gaston/Garland lot, which includes shuttle service to the Dallas Arboretum entrance.

All photos courtesy of the Dallas Arboretum

Spring Splendor features four local homes

Mar 15 2012 by Karen Behrman

Wednesday, April 11th at Highlands Oaks Church of Christ

A featured home from last year's tour

(L to R) ECPTA members Ali Congrove and Lori Read tour last year's homes

Tour attendees pose during the 2010 Home Tour

This year's tickets are $25 and include the tour, brunch & silent auction

Save the date!

The Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA is hosting its 8th Annual Home Tour, Brunch and Auction on Wednesday, April 11th.

Come out and enjoy touring four unique homes in different areas of Lake Highlands.

This year's "Spring Splendor" is sure to be a great place to mingle, nab some fantastic Lake Highlands swag, and support the community.

Super fun auction items this year include:

• Autographed Mavericks basketball from the 2011 Championship Team
• Highly coveted Kaycee Pool Membership
• Exchange Club of Lake Highlands Membership
• Free Chick-fil-a for 1 Year
• Kidville 16-week Class & Silver Level Membership
• Several Gift Baskets jammed packed with goodies, indulgences & necessities
• 6 Sign & Go parties for adult-only fun!

Ticket prices of $25 each include brunch and a tour of the four homes on display this year.

The Coats Residence
9853 Chiswell Road

The Hawthorne Residence
9815 Lanshire Drive

The Powell Residence
9729 Edgepine Drive

The Dann Residence
6831 Hyde Park Drive

The tour runs from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and is followed by brunch and a silent auction from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Highland Oaks Church of Christ.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA website, or contact Courtney Halpin at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Highland Oaks Church of Christ is located at 10805 Walnut Hill Lane.

Shop LH Daily Deal: The Store in LH

Mar 15 2012 by LHT Staff

10233 E. Northwest Highway, Suite 410

Circle E & New Aquiesse candles

Coton Colors new line of Happy Everything!

Super cute home accessories for spring & summer

Embellish your Story by Roeda

Jack Black's line of skin care for men

Complete line of sorority apparel, gifts & more

Together with Shop Local DFW, friends and fans of The Store are in for a treat.

Beginning today, and lasting through tomorrow, The Store in Lake Highlands is offering 20% OFF any one, in-stock item of your choice.

Missed the sale at their 10-year anniversary party?

Or maybe you were there but had your eye on another special something?

Well now's your chance to score some savings just in time for Mother's Day – or even plan ahead for Father's Day.

Choose from hundreds of items, including:

Circle E and New Aquiesse candles
Coton Colors new line of Happy Everything!
Embellish your Story by Roeda
Nora Fleming platters
Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks
Beautiful new apparel, jewelry and much more

• Take 20% OFF any one, in-stock item Thursday, March 15th & Friday, March 16th

• Excludes Brighton, Trollbeads & Vera Bradley

• Just mention the "Daily Deal"

Want the best scoop and savings from The Store?

Be sure to like their Facebook page so you'll be the first to know about more great deals and new items when they arrive.

The Store is located at 10233 E. Northwest Highway in Suite 410.

Happy savings!

Shop Lake Highlands Daily Deals are an affordable, largely viral way for local businesses to reach customers right here in our community.

Want details about including your business in this new program?

Email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to learn more.

Shop Local DFW is a membership group, website, and social media page whose main focus is to cross-promote independent retailers and small business in the DFW area.

Neighborly News: Alexander’s Village

Mar 14 2012 by Lindsay Baronoskie

Alexander's Village is comprised of 175 homes south of Harry Moss Park

Don and Cindy James, 26 year residents of Alexander's Village

Alexander's Village is currently home to five sets of twins! (three of the sets are picutred here)

The community of Lake Highlands is fortunate to have so many people making up the neighborhoods that care about its future.

Local neighborhood and homeowners associations are just a few of the organizations that take action in helping our area thrive.

Alexander's Village is a small neighborhood that lies just south of Harry Moss Park. Originally farm land, the Alexander family sold it in the late 1970's to several builders who turned it into the neighborhood it is today.

Don James, president of the Alexander's Village HOA, has been in the neighborhood for 26 years.

He and his wife, Cindy, sent all four of their daughters to Merriman Park, Forest Meadow Junior High, and Lake Highlands High School where they had great academic experiences and participated in both as Highlandettes and cheerleaders.

"It's been particularly gratifying to see the evolution and transformation of Alexander's Village," says Don.

"When we first moved here in 1986, the area was full of young children."

"Halloween and other holidays were neighborhood events, and children were always riding bikes, playing street hockey, and roller skating down the hill on our street."

"Those kids, and our own girls, quickly grew up and left home, and the neighborhood went through a natural aging process."

"However, over the last several years, many young families have moved in, and children are once again riding bikes and playing in sprinklers."

"Those of us who have been fortunate enough to live here and see the process feel very content and grateful."

Alexander’s Village HOA has members every year volunteer for It's My Park Day!, the spring clean up project sponsored by Dallas Park & Recreation.

Since so many enjoy the White Rock Trail, members aim to do their part in keeping it clean.

Volunteers also maintain the medians along Walnut Hill Lane between Fair Oaks and Abrams Road, and the Yard of the Month contest has amazing yards to choose from regularly.

The Annual Halloween Pre-trick-or-treating Social is getting bigger every year!

The kids and parents alike enjoy delicious food and drink while anxiously awaiting porch lights to flicker as dark approaches.

The Alexander's Village board works to keep the neighborhood informed about upcoming community events and District 10 and RISD news.

Don and Cindy are two of the many neighbors who take pride in their neighborhood and community.

"Our years in Lake Highlands, and particularly in Alexander's Village, have been filled with family, friends, and fond memories."

"Lake Highlands is a great place to live and will certainly continue to prosper and grow."

Alexander's Village is comprised of approximately 175 homes. Its borders are Walnut Hill, White Rock Creek, Fair Oaks, Abrams Road, Pleasant Valley, Burney and Apple Creek.

Neighbors within the boundaries are encouraged to join the Alexander's Village HOA Facebook group.

HOA president, Don James can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.

Shop LH Daily Deal: Wildcat Automotive

Mar 14 2012 by LHT Staff

9660 Audelia Road at Walnut Hill; Lake Ridge Shopping Center

Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Jeff and Rico are back with another great deal for Shop LH fans.

The guys at Wildcat Automotive are offering a discount on parts and ANY service offered on-site in their garage, located at the southeast corner of Walnut Hill and Audelia.

Existing customers receive a 10% discount, while new customers will enjoy a 15% discount.

This Daily Deal discount is good through the end of March, and you're covered for everything from routine oil changes to major repair work.

All you have to do is mention Shop Lake Highlands when you visit or call for your appointment.

Wildcat Automotive is located at 9660 Audelia Rd in the Lake Ridge Shopping Center.

Shop hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

You can also reach them at 214.340.8300.

Be sure to "like" their Facebook page for updates on custom work, racing and more savings specials.

Counting down to Hoops in the Highlands

Mar 13 2012 by LHT Staff

Hoops in the Highlands: Saturday, March 24th at Highlands Oaks Church of Christ

1st grade through 8th grade teammates enjoy the tournament competition

Action on the court is flanked by the Fun Zone, live entertainment, raffles and food

Don't miss the 9th anniversary of Hoops in the Highlands: Saturday, March 24th

Now celebrating its 9th year, Hoops in the Highlands 2012 is quickly approaching.

Saturday, March 24th will find hundreds of teammates locked in friendly battle on the courts.

Registration is now closed, but there are still ways to tap in and support the cause.

Volunteers are needed in a variety of positions according to volunteer chairperson, Gayle Willis.

"We love all our volunteers and want to thank everyone for all the past years they've supported Hoops."

"We'd love to have folks continue serving with us – and there are so many opportunities."

Open volunteer positions include:

• Court monitors
• Score keepers
• First Aid
• Hoops Fun Zone
• Concessions
• Set up & Break down

It's as easy as visiting the Volunteer Spot website and entering your choice.

For additional information or questions about specific needs, please contact Gayle at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 214.762.5127.

Mark your calendar for next week, too.

March 18th through March 25th Picasso's is donating 15% of all food sales to the tournament.

Dine in, delivery and carryout; just be sure to tell mention "Hoops" when you order.

Funds raised benefit Lake Highlands schools including LHJH, LHE, Northlake, White Rock and Wallace.

Photos courtesy of Hoops in the Highlands and JJ Pair

Metal Man breathes new life into old car parts

Mar 12 2012 by Lindsay Baronoskie

Highlands Auto team members pose with Metal Man

Work on the Metal Woman nears completion

The Metal Dog will soon have new spots

Welcoming customers and greeting passersby

We'd love to see your photos with Metal Man and his new family. Send them to us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Instead of sending old car parts to the scrap yard, the guys at Highlands Auto Center are using them to create art.

Located on Northwest Highway, just west of Plano Road, the Metal Man proudly holds an American Flag and brings smiles to the faces of all who pass by.

Highlands Auto owner, Hussein Abdalla, together with employees Brandon, Austin, Pillo, Francesco, Zico and Derrell make up the team of artists behind his creation.

"The guys here aren't just coworkers, they're close friends," says Abdalla.

"We're here from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and many times spend more time here than at home."

"So it's important to us to make it feel like a home, which is why we spend our free time working on the metal creations together."

Metal Man is made from all sorts of parts: fly wheels, control arms, crank shafts, nuts, bolts – just about anything that found its way to the scrap bin.

He's even flanked by benches for customers, so they can hang out and keep him company while their car is in the shop.

Metal Man was also recently joined by a new four-legged friend, soon to be painted like a Dalmatian.

To complete the family, a new lady friend is close to being finished, so the Metal Man will never be lonely.

Abdalla says he's always loved art and the feeling that comes from "making something from nothing."

"We've been able to transform these unusable parts into something that people can enjoy – and so can we."

Metal Man and his dog are located at Highlands Auto Center at 10524 Northwest Highway.

You can reach the shop at 972.233.8882.

Lake Highlands Today would love to see your photos with Metal Man and his new family!

Email them to us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or post them to our Facebook page.

Shop LH Daily Deal: T-Hee Greetings

Mar 12 2012 by LHT Staff

Saturday, March 17th is the big day.

The return of the Greenville Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade means tradition, fun, and a celebration of all things Irish (and green.)

T Hee Greetings & Gifts is standing by ready to help.

This week they're offering 25% OFF any in-stock St. Patrick's Day items for our Shop LH fans.

The deal includes decorations, gifts and "wearables" – think hats, shades, and beads.

No coupons to clip, no special codes or difficult directions.

Just mention Shop Lake Highlands and enjoy the savings!

• Good on any in-stock seasonal St. Patrick's Day items

• Offer expires Saturday, March 17th

Keep it green, Lake Highlands – in honor of St. Pat's and for the health of your wallet!

T Hee Greetings & Gifts is located at 9661 Audelia Road in Suite 110.

They're open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Local realtors gear up for busy spring

Mar 09 2012 by LHT Staff

(L to R) Ethan Everett of ViewPoint Bank; Donald Wright with Gilchrist & Company; Jan Stell with Ebby Halliday; Peggy Hill of The Hill Group, Nathan Grace; and Ed Bratton with ViewPoint Mortgage

ViewPoint's Lake Highlands team members courtesy of ViewPoint Bank

Ethan Everett poses with December grand prize winners and Lake Highlands residents, Charlotte and George Stone, during the bank's opening celebration.

The Lake Highlands real estate market is heating up for spring 2012.

Some would argue it never completely cooled, at least compared to other markets in the nation that struggled mightily throughout the recession.

Looking forward to the second quarter and ever hopeful of continuing to gain steam moving into the year, ViewPoint Bank recently welcomed local realtors to a reception of sorts in their honor.

Ed Bratton, Lake Highlands resident and President and CEO of ViewPoint Mortgage, says it has a lot to do with community.

"We are part of a great family of community bankers, and this was a wonderful opportunity for our mortgage and construction lending specialists to partner with the ViewPoint Bank team in supporting some of the best realtors in our industry."

LH'ers will recognize many of those realtors' names.

Peggy Hill, Robin Moss Norcross, Jan Stell, Susie German and Jason Thomas were all in attendance.

That's because they're aware that the slow growth of the economy signals positive change.

Bratton agrees.

"Interest rates are at historic lows, and overall consumer confidence, property values, resale and construction activity, and general optimism continue to grow."

"The Lake Highlands market area is extremely positioned to grow, given ease of access, proximity to Dallas amenities, excellent public schools, topography and our wooded creeks."

For ViewPoint, new neighbor in LH Plaza since December, the timing couldn't be better.

Ethan Everett, Lake Highlands branch president, is ready.

"Whether an individual is looking to take-out an equity loan to renovate their home or a business owner is looking to purchase equipment or real estate, ViewPoint remains extremely eager to be a true partner and fund loans for our community."

"Rates remain at historically low levels right now – so it's a great time!"

ViewPoint Bank is located at 9625 Audelia Road, in the Lake Highlands Plaza shopping center.

Visit the mortgage website here as well as the bank's Facebook page for updates on events, giveaways and more.

Market’s fourth year kicks off this Saturday

Mar 09 2012 by M.E. Clary

Welcome old friends and bring the new!

White Rock Local Market is back for season four this Saturday.

Market organizers and touting the event's new growers only policy, meaning farmers will only bring to market what they've grown themselves or can definitively label from other farms.

Of course that includes local backyard farmers, too.

Sarah Perry, who helps coordinate vendors and run the event, says no harvest is too small.

Returning favorites, as well as newcomers, mark a strong start to the fourth season.

"We're welcoming new vendors Latte Da Dairy, Three Happy Cows, Citas Salsa and Corked in Texas."

"And you can't get more local than newcomers Hypnotic Donuts and Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters – both from East Dallas."

Familiar vendors returning this year include:

• Farmer Jones Plants & Produce
• Good Earth Organics
• Kitchen Pride Mushrooms
• Texas Worm Ranch

Foodies can also enjoy the wares of:

• Eagle Mountain Cheese
• Grapevine Grains
• Homestead Heritage
• Juha Ranch
• Lucido's Pasta
• Texas Olive Ranch
• The Tamale Company
• Tough Cookie Vegan Bakery
• Empire Baking and Village Baking Company

Perry also wants to encourage customers to enter the 2012 Spring Chili Cook-off, scheduled for the second monthly market on Saturday, March 24th.

Judges will include Jeffery Hobbes, Graham Dodds and Lake Highlands resident and owner of The Grape, Brian Luscher.

Remember, too, that this Saturday's market includes art, clothes, jewelry, furniture and more.

"All made by North Texans," says Perry.

Right here in our backyard.

Rain or Shine, the White Rock Local Market will take place Saturday, March 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Green Spot Market & Fuels hosts the event at 702 N. Buckner Blvd. at Northcliff.

Read more about the event on the WRLM website and Green Spot Market & Fuels.

Shop LH Daily Deal: Conly Cleaners

Mar 09 2012 by LHT Staff

20% OFF through the end of March

Get your wardrobe in order for by taking advantage of another great deal from Conly Cleaners.

Get a 20% discount on all your dry cleaning, now through the end of March.

You can click here for a coupon or just mention Shop Lake Highlands when you place your order.

A little fine print: this deal does exclude household items (like comforters & tablecloths) and suede and leather.

In their 30 years serving the Lake Highlands community, attention to detail and personalized service have been key to the success of Conly Cleaners.

Take advantage of this great deal and learn how you can also enjoy FREE pick-up and delivery service.

Conly Cleaners is located at 9711 Plano Road, next to Tex Mex Grill & Cafe.

They are open Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Shop Lake Highlands Daily Deals are an affordable, largely viral way for local businesses to reach customers right here in our community.

Want details about including your business in this new program?

Email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more details.

We'd be happy to tell you more about how your business can participate and benefit.

Character driven “Rabbit Hole” debuts at LHHS

Mar 08 2012 by LHT Staff

Kelsey Buckley, Bonnie Johnson and Katie Samuelsen (seated L to R) and Jeff Fowler rehearse a scene from Rabbit Hole.

Jeff Fowler and Kelsey Buckley rehearse their roles as a couple trying to deal with the loss of their young son in a scene from Rabbit Hole.

Katie Samuelsen, Bonnie Johnson and Kelsey Buckley are family members sharing a moment of laughter in the Pulitzer prize-winning drama Rabbit Hole.

Friday, March 9th at 7:00 p.m. in the Lake Highlands High School Auditorium

Learning to walk through the aftermath of death and its grief, Rabbit Hole, the Pulitzer prize-wining play by David Lindsday-Abaire, is a dramatic story that first debuted on the New York stage in 2006.

Adapted for the screen, it premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2010 starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart.

It's now coming to Lake Highlands.

This Friday, Lake Highlands High School Theatre students will present the play at 7:00 p.m. in the school's auditorium.

Described by critics as a tightly focused drama with unexpected glimpses of humor in the most difficult of situations, the play tells the story of Becca and Howie, parents dealing with the tragic death of their young son.

Playwright Lindsay-Abaire, who also wrote the book and lyrics for Shrek the Musical, succinctly describes his characters as "outsiders in search of clarity."

Rabbit Hole will be performed Friday, March 9th at 7:00 p.m. in the Lake Highlands High School Auditorium.

Tickets are available at the door and are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Seating is first-come, first-serve. This production is intended for mature teens and adults.

Visit the Lake Highlands Theatre website for more information for more information about rehearsals, auditions and LHHS Fine Arts.

The students also will be performing the play at District UIL One-Act Play competition on March 22nd.

Photos courtesy of Brenda Gaba

Wildcat tracksters off and running

Mar 07 2012 by LHT Staff

Thalia Harnett, Layne Irwin and Mary Margaret Johnson (center) at the start of the 800 meter dash

2012 LHHS Womens Track Team

2012 LHHS Mens Track Team

Wildcat Track & Field is working hard already this year as both the men's and women's track teams recently competed in the Lawyers Title Relays at Wylie High School.

The ladies netted a 5th place finish and the men brought home 6th.

John Bugni had the best day for Coach Jeff Brown's men's team earning first place gold medals in the 800 meter run (2:08.69) and the 1600 meter run (4:56.45).

Other Wildcats bringing home medals included:

Brandon Vaughn – 2nd in the 1600 and 3rd in the 3200 meter run.

Juan Sanchez – 3rd in the 800 meter run.

Sara Shaw shined for Coach Alonna Miller's women's team placing second in the 1600 meter run (5:40.68) and 3200 meter run (12:05.30).

Additional medalists included:

Stephanie Gilyard – 2nd in the 100 meter run

Nicole Alozie – 3rd in the long and triple jump

The Women’s 4x100 relay team place 2nd and the 4x200 team placed 3rd.

For full results from the Lawyer relays, click HERE.

GO 'CATS!

Shop LH Daily Deal: Tex Mex Cafe

Mar 07 2012 by LHT Staff

Tex Mex Grill & Cafe is located at 9711 Plano Road

Wednesday is a good day for a taco. Chicken enchiladas, too.

But it's any even better day for fajitas and margaritas, courtesy of Tex Mex Grill & Cafe.

Our friends at Tex Mex are back with their popular Daily Deal – good Wednesdays and Thursdays all month.

$19.99 is all it costs to order up fajitas for two, including margaritas (one each for the pair of you.)

To sweeten the deal, Elvis and the Tex Mex crew are also offering a deal for groups of 10 or more any day of the week.

Head over, spend at least $100 on your combined check, and Tex Mex will donate 20% of your bill to the organization of your choice.

Hoops in the Highlands, PTA fundraisers, your local church – you name it and Elvis will make it happen.

This month save two ways at Tex Mex:

• $19.99 Fajitas & Ritas two on Wednesdays and Thursdays through March 29th

• 20% of your combined bill* on groups of 10 or more will be donated to the charity of your choice any day this month

*not including alcohol

Tex-Mex is located at 9711 Plano Road at Walnut Hill.

You can reach them at 214.343.8740.

Be sure to "like" Tex Mex Grill & Cafe on Facebook for regular updates and specials.

Shop Lake Highlands Daily Deals are an affordable, largely viral way for local businesses to reach customers right here in our community.

Want details about including your business in this new program?

Email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to learn more.

Photos courtesy of Elvis Ahmis and Tex Mex Grill & Cafe

Dollar Dog Night at The ‘Cat

Mar 06 2012 by LHT Staff

2011-'12 LHHS Baseball Team

A shout out for local business and baseball program supporter, Atomic Pie

Lake Highlands Baseball GO' CATS!

Lake Highlands Baseball kicks off district play tomorrow!

In their home game at The 'Cat, the Wildcats will take on Samuell.

Parent volunteer John Curtis also sent word that tomorrow's game marks the return of "Dollar Hot Dog Night" for the fans.

Head to the season opener and enjoy dollar dogs as you cheer on the LHHS Baseball team.

GO 'CATS!

The season opener against Samuell is scheduled for Wednesday, March 7th 6:00 p.m.

The 'Cat is located at Lake Highlands High School, 9449 Church Road, north of the softball field.

There is no ticket charge to attend LHHS Wildcat Baseball games.

Photos courtesy of John Curtis and Tim Terrell.

Posturing on perfect posture

Mar 06 2012 by John Reeg

Improving your health & fitness levels

I'm very interested in people's posture and how it affects their health.

In fact, I watch people of all ages to see how they stand and walk.

Often I will take a client and have them stand against a wall.

First their heels, then buttocks, shoulders, and the back of the head all touch the wall.

The body is now in perfect alignment, the head is directly centered over the shoulders, shoulders over the hips, hips over the knees and everything centered above the ankles.

Then the comment I hear most often is, "I feel like I'm standing with my back arched. I don't feel straight."

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a posture problem known as Kyphosis is wide spread and way too common today, and it's showing up in younger people more and more.

The most common cause is simply bad posture.

Rounded upper back and shoulders with a forward head position indicates Kyphosis. Big deal, you might think.

So let's try this test: Stand up, round your shoulders forward, and slouch while looking forward.

You will notice right away tension at the base of the skull, restricted breath, and a decreased volume in the abdominal area. So what?

Here's what:

• The tension at the base of the skull limits blood flow to the brain, decreasing brain function.

• The forward head causes the mandible to retract, which can lead to TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint disorder) dysfunction.

• The restricted breath limits oxygen uptake and waste removal, decreasing energy while increasing toxicity in our cells.

• Decreased abdominal volume limits digestion and nutrient uptake.

• Kyphosis puts the diaphragm in a shortened state, which puts pressure on the chest cavity making the heart work harder.

The skeletal system is a collection of bones held together by ligaments and held erect by muscles.

Correct alignment is dependent on your muscles' tone and elasticity.

When muscle tension becomes unbalanced, the joints are compromised.

For example, tight hamstrings and lower back muscles along with weak abdominals and glutes cause an imbalance in the hips which tilts the hips forward and can cause Lordosis or what is commonly referred to as "sway back."

So, yes, postural Kyphosis is a big deal, but there's something you can do about it.

Certain exercises and stretches are designed to reverse this process or at least stop it from worsening.

Check back with me at Lake Highlands Today next month for those exercises and stretches and remember, a lot of good posture is... practicing good posture!