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Attention: Tree Huggers! Friday is Your Day

Sorry to have been MIA, but we’ve been shopping at Calloway’s for a dandy shovel. No, we’re not getting into the real estate business. Candy has a handle on that.

Rather, we’re warming up for Friday. It’s Arbor Day.

In honor of the occasion, Texas Trees Foundation, TXU Energy, and the City of Dallas will be planting 40 trees at Thomas Tolbert Elementary School from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. TXU is also providing 500 tree liners for students to take home and put to use.

If you want to get involved, just call 214.953.1184.

Faye C. Briggs Art in Bloom Floral Symposium and Lunch Will Blossom

When you think of the incredible art of floral design, you probably have visions of Dallas Blooms. You’re so smart. The Arboretum is an incredible showcase of flowers in their natural settings.

But the beauty of flowers is not limited to the lush beddings of the Arboretum. Think the Dallas Museum of Art.

That’s right  — the DMA. It’s all a part of the Dallas Museum of Art League’s Faye C. Briggs Art in Bloom Floral Symposium and Luncheon on March 29 at the DMA.  With the theme “East Meets West,” Japanese designer Mami Ogata and Dallas’ own Howard Eckhart will provide presentations of floral design representative of Asian and western cultures.

With DMA Board of Trustee President John Eagle and his wife Jennifer serving as honorary chairs, Lunchen Chair Barbara Bigham says, “We are thrilled to have two designers who will bring such diverse backgrounds and talents to the event. Every aspect of the day offers an enticement for all tastes.”

In addition to the flora design demonstrations, other activities during the will include:

• A seated luncheon featuring a fashion presentation by upscale retailer Betty Reiter with Jan Strimple producing the show.
• New York’s Billy Pry of BBJ linens, discussing not only  table top trends but also providing linens for the luncheon pro bono.
• A specially-created boutique offering floral containers for purchase.
• Travel guru Jim Strong donating copies of his newest book, Craving for Travel: Celebrating Life’s Moments for luncheon favors.

“Barbara has done an excellent job of creating a fresh and exciting event that captures the entertaining and educational components of a successful event,” said DMA League President Marilyn Willems.

If you can’t make the Monday event, you might be interested in the two half-day workshop on March 24 at Magic Moments Parties and Events. Debbie Jordan is opening her Magic Moments for a morning workshop conducted by Howard, and Mami will present an afternoon workshop following a formal Japanese tea ceremony.

“Organic in the City” Brings Green to the Runway for Discovery Gardens

Ah, spring is flirting with temperatures and that means only one thing –spring fashion shows. No, make that two things — spring fashion shows and gardens coming alive!

You don’t have to wait any longer. Both will be at The Discovery Garden Wednesday for the “Organic in the City Fashion Show + Auction” produced by Rhonda Sargent Chambers and with ABC-Channel 8′s Gloria Campos handling the MC duties.

One of the designers whose clothes (pictured) will be on the runway is Dallas’ own Lindsay Weatherread, who has been making a name for herself with her “Origami for Your Body” and her organic and non-organic line for women and babies.

Other featured designers will include Ross Bennett with a new collection of green fashion and “fashion stars with show pieces from El Centro College’s Fashion Design students.

What’s organic fashion?

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New Hired Hands For The Friends Of The Katy Trail

Robin Baldock (pictured) has been named executive director of the Friends of the Katy Trail. She’s replacing Eric Van Steenburg, who is going after an advanced degree in marketing. Robin used to be director of branch capital campaigns for the Dallas YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. She’d been with the Y for 23 years.  In her new position, she’ll be responsible for the FKT operations, trail management, financial development, membership, and continuation of the partnership with the City of Dallas.

And before the ink dried on that announcement, Ashleigh Falk (pictured) was named to replace Betsy Orten, who has taken a position with the Texas Trees Foundation. Ashleigh, formerly with the Point Group, will assist in membership and development.

They’ll have their work cut out for them. After all, FKT are tackling more than $2M in construction projects, including Snyder’s Union overlooking Lee Park, Dedo’s Place on the Trail’s north end and new entrances at Hall Street and Armstrong Boulevard.

Now, let’s all update our contacts list.

2009 Flora Award Blossoms For Ebby

Since 1982, the Texas Discovery Garden has been selecting an “outstanding citizen who has demonstrated a commitment to beautification, education, and the advancement of the enviroment and quality of life.” Such amazing people as Margaret and Trammell Crow, Caroline Rose Hunt, Ruth Sharp Altshuler, Margaret Hunt Hill, Ray Nasher, Nellie Connally, Mimi Lay Hodges, Deedie & Rusty Rose, Laura and President George W. Bush, and Dee and Charles Wyly are among those who have measured up to that standard.

Photo credit: Dana Driensky

Tuesday night Dallas’ ukulele-playing sweetheart Ebby Halliday Acers (center, pictured with Lindalyn Adams and TDG Executive Director Melissa Martin, right) joined that list at the annual black tie dinner at the Gardens. The presentation was especially touching for Ebby with her dear old friend and 2008 Flora recipient Lindalyn making the introduction.

Another highlight of the evening was the tours of the new Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium that just opened  in September. The Lepidoptera were in their best bib and tucker for the occasion.

Anytime is Troy Time for Friends

Must admit that we’ve been a bit confused about the Friends of the Katy Trail membership drive launch. First, the kick-off for the three-day signup was to start tomorrow from 4 to 5 p.m. at David’s Way (the plaza at Knox Street) with Park Cities sometimes-shirtless jogger Troy Aikman (pictured). Oh, yes, he also played football at some point in his past.

Then, lo and behold, our Park Cities People scribes revealed that the time had been changed to 6 to 7 p.m same day and same place. (Oops!) Regardless the time, it’s great news to have Troy pitching in to help grow the Friends’ membership. We just may show up early to get in line with our tattered autograph book for Troy’s John Hancock.

But Troy won’t be shouldering all the responsibility for entertainment, though he probably could. There will be refreshments and music by Jayson Bales and the Charmers. Friends of the Katy Trail board members and volunteers will be on hand through Sunday to answer questions and register new members at

• David’s Way,
• the Thomsen Overlook at Reverchon Park, and 
• Snyder’s Union, the new plaza under construction between Lemmon Avenue and Carlisle Place.

And what’s an event nowadays without a raffle? No, naughty ones, Troy is not going to be raffled off, but. . . (more…)

Turtle Creek Association Ain’t Just Your Same Old Homeowners’ Association–Thank Heaven!

At most homeowners’ associations and organizations, it’s a big deal to present and vote on the new officers. Ah, but the Turtle Creek Association is a totally different operation. Just imagine Board Chairman Ann Swisher with Ed Beanland (treasurer), Dick Geiger (secretary), Anne Crews, Robert Dotson, Jane Dunne, Scott Kimple, Kate Kosut, John Lesselyong, Allan McBee, Paul Rich, Dr. Ann Stuart, Janet Watts, and Will Terry making up your board. A little like having Mario Andretti warming up your Ferrari in the turnaround at the Mansion.

Oh, and speaking of which, The Mansion is where the Turtle Creek Association held its annual association meeting last night. Most folks hold it in the neighborhood church, school, or clubhouse. The standard is already set. Gear up.

As the jam packed room listened to Ann Switzer discuss the accomplishments and plans for the association, such stellars as Caroline Rose Hunt (that cutie pie) hosted the event, Nelda Pickens (pictured)pretty in pink extolled the virtues of the Creekies, Garrett Boone in bow tie revealed plans for his new digs in the Turtle Creek community (oh, my!!! DallasDirt will have more info), Bev and Terry Heil admitted to loving life in the clouds along Turtle Creek, and Ango Wynne  joined the crowded room.

Meanwhile Mayor Tom  Leppert got a “get-out-of-jail card.” It seems that he was pretty far down on the agenda, but got moved up to second place. Was it due to his good looks, his needing to be at another five-star event, or a pressing issue about the Dallas world? Heck, no! The poor guy was fighting major allergy challenges. We feel your pain, Tom Terrific. Did you get a good whiff of bad stuff at the Mary Kay Nature Explore Classroom groundbreaking at The Family Place earlier in the day? Ah-choo! Bless you and pass the Puffs and hand sanitizers!

Anyhow, Tom did his pat-on-the-back duties despite his heady condition and quickly exited accompanied by political princess Carol Reed. Did you know that she’s agreed to participate in this year’s White Rock Marathon as part of a relay team? To quote Ms. Carol, “I know what you are thinking and you are absolutely right, but the proceeds from our efforts will go to Friends of Fair Park.  As you may know, Fair Park is not only a National Historic Landmark but also my favorite place in Dallas.”  Carol’s relay team Fair Park includes City Manager Mary Suhm, Friends of Fair Park Executive Director Craig Holcomb and The Reeds (Laura, Angela and Carol). They should do well, since they also run the city.

Ah, but then the TCA big surprise came out!  No, silly, not a gift box. Rather, Dr. Jeff Gusky (pictured). Besides being an ER doc in East Texas, he’s a photographer who loves Turtle Creek–not just any photog, but a poetic, photographic artist. Seems Jeff has created a whole series of photos on Turtle Creek. Yup, our little creek that runs through the toniest parts of Dallas and the Park Cities is picture perfect. Besides his photographic talents (pictured) and using some of his incredible buddies in the Dallas photographic community like Marty Perlman, Jeff has created an upcoming exhibition with a book in the offing with proceeds going to the revitalizing and maintaining the magic of Turtle Creek.

Copyright 2007-2009 Jeff Gusky

ADMISSION: I grew up along Turtle Creek before it was high-end. It was a magical place where wildlife thrived and children observed in wonderment at the natural beauty of a creek in an urban setting. We learned to skip rocks, bury  dead robins, and tell the good snakes from the bad. Loved the turtles except when they chomped on the webbed feet of the ducks.

Turtle Creek is no huge, drop-dead project like the Trinity Trust, but it is a gem that Dallas has and the Turtle Creek Association is working to maintain.

Woof! Let’s Go for a LifeWalk/LifeBark. . . Now

Good morning! There’s a little nip in the air and your best friend is giving you the evil eye. After all the poor thing has been inside pretty much of the week because of the weather. Grab a cup of coffee, read the paper (online or print), and then head over to the 19th Annual AIDS LifeWalk and Life Bark at Lee Park. Organizers are so smart. Instead of one of those before-the-sun-rises 5K Fun Runs/Walks, this one starts at a civilized 1 p.m.

Registration for the four-legged walkers is $10 and each pet will receive a LifeBark bandanna. Just in case one of the participants suffers an overpanting episode, vets will be on-site.

Following the leggy activity, a festival will commence in Lee Park complete with music, concessions, vendors, information booths, and a kids area (i.e. bounce house, balloon clown, and face painters).

A program of AIDS Arms Inc., LifeWalk has raised more than $8 million for AIDS services throughout the Dallas community. The goal this year is $400,000.

Here is the timeline:

• Registration starts are noon.
• Walk begins at 1 p.m.
• Festival takes place from noon to 6 p.m.
• Turtle Creek Chorale and The Women’s Chorus perform at 2 p.m.

So get your leashes out and start walking. And don’t forget your pet mitts and leave the cat at home.

“A Taste of Swiss” Offers Tasty Dishes from Brazil, India, Italy, and Turkey?

Must admit that this event has taste buds scurrying in confusion. Here’s the scenario. Four beautifully-restored homes along Swiss Avenue will be open tonight starting at 6:30 with cocktails, music, entertainment, and food. That’s easy enough to get your arms around. Now for the brain teaser–the theme is “A Taste of Swiss” and the cuisine will represent Brazil, India, Italy, and Turkey. Hmm.

Ah, but what the heck. For  $100 a person, you get to venture into some of Dallas’ most historic homes and feel right at home. The event is organized by resident of the four East Dallas historic districts (Swiss Avenue, Peak’s Suburban Addition, Munger Place, and Junius Heights) and the Friends of Buckner Park. The purpose is to raise funds for the restoration of Buckner Park. It’s at the corner of Worth Street and Carroll Avenue.  

“So far the community has been overwhelmingly supportive of the endeavors of the Friends of Buckner Park,” said Andrea Nicholas, Friends of Buckner Place president. “Our vision for the park includes a walking trail, new playground equipment, a pavilion, and a venue for both neighborhood and family picnics as well as annual fundraising events that will benefit the park and its restoration.”

Larry Waisanen, co-chair of the event, added, “A Taste of Swiss is a unique opportunity for our guests to spend an intimate evening, with an international flair, in four beautifully-restored early 20th-century Swiss Avenue homes. In addition to raising funds for the park, we want this event to help to create an awareness in the broader community of the tremendous opportunity that the restoration of this historic city park offers to East Dallas and the surrounding area.”

“A Taste of Swiss” is sponsored by the Swiss Avenue Historic District, State Farm, Ryan Thebeau, Millet the Printer, Brian Jackson, and Sherpa Management Partners. Tickets are available for purchase online or in person at Needless Necessities and Talulah Belle.

Real Estate Council Plays and Sells Green Playhouses at Giving Gala

We’ve got good news. Then we’ve got some not-so-good news. And finally we have more good news.

The first good news is that Real Estate Council will launch “Project Playhouse” at its Giving Gala tomorrow night in the Anatole Hilton’s Sculpture Garden. Mr. Up-And-Coming CW star Jack Ingram (pictured) will be the headliner. What is “Project Playhouse”? According to GG Chair Dan Fryman of Comerica, “Project Playhouse is a highly-creative way to utilize the professional expertise of our members to showcase green building techniques through three unique playhouses.”

The three Project Playhouse teams are Balfour Beatty Constructions and HKS Architects; ENTOS DESIGN and Tri-Texas Construction, Inc; and Corgan and MAPP Construction LLC. The playhouses will be sold at a live auction during the gala.

What was the bad news? The weather, what else? It’s gearing up to be another tsunami evening.

What was the other good news? The organizers are stressing they have a backup plan in case the weather prevents them from using the Sculpture Garden. 

And, no, my silly ones, they’re not going to hold the shindig in the playhouses.

“Giving Gala” sponsors include

Presenting sponsors–Deloitte and Republic Title

Limelight sponsor–Holt Lunsford Commercial

Spotlight sponsors–Crow Holdings (VIP reception sponsor), Ernst & Young (entertainment sponsor), Thackeray Partners (margarita sponsor), ZOM Living (project playhouse sponsor), Winstead Attorneys (invitation sponsor), CMC Commercial Realty Group (main reception sponsor), Jackson-Shaw (photo booth sponsor), and Comerica Bank (video sponsor).