Turtle Creek Association also Revealed Plans for $1 million of Improvements from the 2024 Capital Bond Program

It is always a treat to attend events and dine surrounded by the significant collection of historical artifacts at the Harlan Crow Library and the Turtle Creek Association’s Azalea luncheon proved to be a most elegant affair.
          
JD Trueblood, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Association and Sharon Ballew, Vice President of Development and luncheon chair, greeted guests as they arrived and were offered passed hors d’oeuvres, champagne and wines at a reception sponsored by Sue Krider of Allie Beth Allman Associates.
          
Joining in the reception were Ann Stuart, PhD, Honorary Chair; Mary Brinegar, Honored Guest; Deborah Stanford, Honorary Chair Emeritus and board chair; Teresa Byrd, who underwrote the décor and served as an advisor along with Barbara Bigham, Carole Ann Brown and Venise Stuart; Karisti Julia with Belmont Village Senior Living on Turtle Creek, print sponsor; Mari Epperson, centerpiece design; and more.
        
Sharon took the stage, welcoming the crowd, and introduced JD. After brief opening remarks, he thanked Chef Mike McCoy, Chef to the Shelters, for preparing the delicious three-course luncheon and for the work Mike is doing to provide monthly meals to over 30 addiction shelters in the DFW area; and recognized Sondra and Kirk Johnson, who was attending in honor of his late mother and last year’s Honored Guest, Eddie Bernice Johnson; thanked Judith Lipscomb as one of the founders of Turtle Creek Association; recognized Sabina Carr, president of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden; Lisa New, CEO of the Dallas Zoo; board members, and more saying it was his honor to add his greetings to everyone.
        
Dr. Stuart said how long ago when she first met JD, they would meet to talk about what color tulips to plant and now they are talking about sustainability. She said, “In the midst of this city of tall buildings, concrete and glass runs a ribbon of water, Turtle Creek. It houses birds, fish, turtles, ducks – a place of beauty for us to enjoy, but it must be preserved and protected,” thanking everyone for their support.
        
After presenting Dr. Stuart with a thank-you gift, JD introduced Betty Reiter, owner of her namesake boutique and sponsor of today’s fashion presentation. Betty described this spring’s fashions as bright, colorful, and full of happiness. Models paraded through the room dressed in fun prints, playful designs, sophisticated and casual ensembles, some matched with hats and fabulous totes.
        
The luncheon included spinach salad with strawberries and raspberry vinaigrette, a main course of airline chicken, parsnip whipped Yukons, broccolini with lemon zest, and a dessert of old-fashioned Happy Birthday indulgent chocolate cake paired with wines and champagne.
        
Addressing the pressing challenges facing Turtle Creek's health, JD emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to tackle these issues. A poignant video presentation followed, highlighting why preserving this urban oasis is crucial for the entire Dallas community.
        
The focus then turned to the organization's priorities, outlined in the recently completed master plan. Key initiatives include enhancing the creek's health and ecosystem, with plans to dredge the creek for the first time in 25 years, address critical bank stabilization, and find a long-term solution to the serious trash issue.
        
Amidst the anticipation, JD shared the much-awaited announcement saying, “I’m thrilled to share with you that TCA has been allotted $1,000,000 from the 2024 Capital Bond Program to be used towards addressing our dredging and bank stabilization efforts." These funds, secured through the efforts of Councilperson Paul Ridley, mark a significant milestone for TCA's advocacy efforts.
        
JD emphasized that the allocation is contingent upon passing the bond, urging everyone to exercise their right to vote. This news marks a significant milestone for the organization, validating its tireless advocacy and dedication to preserving Turtle Creek's beauty and integrity. With the support of its patrons and the broader community, TCA is poised to continue making a meaningful impact for years to come.
        
Guests left with a lovely parting gift sponsored by Betty Reiter, and Home Health Companions.
                
For more information about the Turtle Creek Association and how you can support its mission, visit www.turtlecreekassociation.org.  Link to the above video by Maurice Ballew:
https://vimeo.com/925851583/08c870b623?share=copy
        
About the Turtle Creek Association: The Turtle Creek Association (TCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding, preserving, and enhancing a 90-acre corridor that serves as Dallas's front yard, renowned for the scenic beauty of Turtle Creek. Despite its significance, Turtle Creek faces challenges as a primary recipient of storm water runoff from the city. With each rainfall, the creek becomes inundated with trash and debris, posing threats to wildlife and impeding its natural flow. TCA has taken proactive measures to address this issue, leading efforts in manual trash removal while actively pursuing a permanent solution. Additionally, we are committed to ensuring the sustainability and aesthetic appeal of Turtle Creek's landscape, especially considering our region's increasingly extreme weather patterns. To achieve this, we are transitioning to native drought-resistant plant species, fostering a resilient and vibrant ecosystem for future generations. Importantly, all of these efforts are being undertaken without city funding. 

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

Preservation Park Cities is excited to present its annual Park Cities Historic Home Tour sponsored by Benchmark Bank & Title, happening in person on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

The Annual Park Cities Home Tour offers a glimpse into some of the most beautiful homes in the Park Cities. This event celebrates Park Cities homes that have been preserved or remodeled to keep the beautiful aesthetic of the Highland Park and University Park neighborhoods.  From small cottages to larger estates, the annual home tour is a small window into the past, a celebration of those who share the community’s values, and a wonderful treat for those who appreciate historic architecture.

This year's tour offers an intimate look into four unique Park Cities residences. From enduring Tudor masterpieces to the allure of Italian Renaissance architecture, witness the meticulous efforts of these homeowners in preserving and maintaining these neighborhood treasures. In walking through these homes, you will be impressed with how each owner has seamlessly blended original charm with modern elements while maintaining architectural integrity.

The Historic Home Tour celebrates historic preservation and is designed to generate awareness of the role history and preservation play in enhancing the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in the Park Cities communities.

Presenting Sponsor: Benchmark Bank & Title

Who:            2024 Home Tour Co-Chairs: Meredith Ferrell and Courtney Petit
                      Preservation Park Cities 2023-2024 President: Amy Beale                  

What:      Preservation Park Cities Historic Home Tour

Happening in person, these homes showcase different architectural styles with rich history and wonderful examples of how architecturally significant homes can be renovated to fit the needs of today.

The homes on tour are:
3701 Crescent sponsored by Meredith Ferrell Group
4101 Windsor Parkway sponsored by William S. Briggs Architect
3926 Potomac Avenue sponsored by Lucinda Buford
4436 Westway sponsored by Brian Swallen Design

When:     Friday, May 10, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Cost:       Tickets are sold online only. No tickets sold at the door. $35.00 per person in advance and $45 day-of tour, if there are any left. Limited number available online only: https://preservationparkcities.org/hometour 

For more information contact: hometour@preservationparkcities.org

Sponsors:

Home Tour Presenting Sponsor: Benchmark Bank & Title

Regional Magazine Sponsor: D Home
Community Magazine Sponsor:  The Good Life Park Cities
Underwriters Party: Coats Homes
Historic Home Tour: Meredith Ferrell Group; William S. Briggs, Architect; Lucinda Buford; Brian Swallen Design. 

AWARE: Fighting Alzheimer’s Disease Since 1989

Angie Carpenter, Kamilia Smith, MD and Lacey Young, chairs of AWARE Affair 2024: Boots, Buckles and Brain Health – a Night Fighting Alzheimer’s – invite everyone to join us on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Gilley’s Dallas for a night of fun, delicious buffet, a live band, lots of fun brain health activities, silent and live auction, and a meaningful evening with friends and family while raising money for AWARE.
        
Karen Koop, president of AWARE and the chairs welcome honorary chairs emeritus Sally and Forrest Hoglund, Lee Roy and Biddie Jordan, Kim and David McDavid, Jr., Venise and Larry Stuart, Ellen Terry with her daughter, Amy Terry Kriegel and son, Todd Terry.
        
Sharon Walker will receive the Founder’s Spirit Award and Barbara Mathes will receive the Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award.
        
Sharon became familiar with AWARE when her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. An avid supporter, she has served on the Fundraising Committee for years, as well as the Grant Review committee, and is a past president. She is involved in many nonprofits and an active community volunteer, having served on many boards and nominating committees. She said, “I am humbled to receive this award and very proud of the accomplishments of the AWARE group, which is dedicated to keeping the funds raised in our community and continues to achieve their goals in the fight against Alzheimer’s and in support of those suffering from this horrible disease and their families, caregivers, research and Grant Recipients.” 
        
Barbara’s involvement in AWARE started 11-12 years ago after the death of a dear friend who suffered from advanced dementia. She started out volunteering on an ad hoc basis; whatever needed to be done she was up for the task.  Barbara has served on the AWARE board for several years as Directory/Yearbook and Name Tag Chair as well as proofreader. She also supported past presidents and program chairs in the set-up, production and mailing of member meeting and other event announcements. Barbara also volunteered at Casa De Vida, one of AWARE’s grant recipients, as a one-on-one companion for individuals with Alzheimer’s to help give relief to full-time care givers. She feels honored and grateful to receive this award. It has been her privilege to be a contributing part of AWARE’s dedication to fighting the relentless Alzheimer’s disease.
        
Individual tickets are $375. Premium ticket levels are available starting at $1,200 and go up to $2,500 with various benefits. A limited number of tables are available at $3,500 until March 15, 2024. Exclusive Naming Opportunities start at $5,000 up to $50,000. Sponsorships start at $5,000 up to $25,000 and have different benefits at the various levels. AWARE Affair 2024 Website Link: https://www.awaredallas.org/aware-affair/        
        
Event Contact for More Information: AWAREAffair@HASEvents.com or call 214-454-5683.
        
For over thirty years, AWARE has given hope and help to those in Dallas and the greater North Texas area affected by Alzheimer's disease.  AWARE undertakes thoughtful research and conduct site visits to identify non-profit organizations that actively help all those affected by Alzheimer's in the north Texas community and award grants to assist them in their work. To date, AWARE has awarded nearly $14.5 million to worthy programs and research.  Learn more at the website www.awaredallas.org

AWARE Mission: AWARE is dedicated to fighting Alzheimer's disease by providing funding and support to programs, projects, and research provided by nonprofit organizations that actively help individuals affected by Alzheimer's in Dallas and the greater North Texas area.

AWARE is a component fund of The Dallas Foundation, a 501(c)3 publicly supported charity.  In partnership with the Foundation, AWARE conducts an annual grant review process by which grant applicants are carefully and thoughtfully vetted to ensure that grant dollars are awarded to organizations that provide outstanding services to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers, and to those research institutions that are at the forefront of medical research in the treatment, prevention, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Together with compassion and dedication we can make a difference. Join AWARE now and join the fight.  www.AWAREDallas.org   Instagram: @awaredallas

Facebook: @awaredallas

AWARE Dallas 2023-2024 Grant Recipients

Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation:  Salary support for the Baylor AT&T Memory Center to provide a trained care-navigation specialist on site at the Center.  At the point of care, patients and families are provided with disease education, caregiver training and support groups, elder law and financial planning, and a 24/7 helpline.

Bishop Arts Theatre Center:  Support for a program offering senior/elder adults customized theatre workshops and performances to enhance their social, emotional, and physical memory abilities.

Center For BrainHealth at The University Of Texas At Dallas:  Support for the creation of a BrainHealth Help Line to offer guidance to caregivers and those with Alzheimer's who are seeking information and tools to help them move out of a place of distress.

For Love And Art:  Support to increase staff needed to coordinate volunteers, and assist with growth for a program bringing an interactive art experience to people with cognitive impairment and limited mobility living in long-term care facilities.

Jewish Family Service:   Support for the Older Adults Program staff to provide in-home mental health counseling, care management, and daily living support to older adults with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, allowing them to remain living in their own home.

Juliette Fowler Communities:   Support the organization's campus-wide dementia care initiatives including I'm Still Here, Dementia Friendly Dallas, music therapy, and Caregiver support programs.

Plano Symphony Orchestra:   Support for Healing Notes, a free music therapy-influenced concert designed as an interactive musical experience for seniors. The program focuses on low-income individuals living in memory care facilities and dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. 

Stomping Ground Theater And Training Center:   Support for Improv for Caregivers, a fun and interactive program for family and professional caregivers that uses improvisational comedy techniques to teach effective communication skills that are specific to the needs of persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Texas Winds Musical Outreach:   Support for the Concerts for Seniors program providing interactive concerts in 86 nursing homes and adult day care facilities bringing joy, relief from isolation, and peace to individuals affected by memory loss, and providing new communication skills to their caregivers.

The Senior Source:   Support for the Senior Companion Program matching trained volunteers with low-income individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families needing in-home assistance with meals, errands, and light housekeeping, providing caregivers with respite and/or time to work outside the home. 

The University Of Texas At Dallas Center For Vital Longevity:   Support for testing the theory that Alzheimer’s disease is caused in part by a severe decline in the brain's energy system by examining neurometabolites using MRI scanning on one of seven such advanced MRI scanners in the country. Study located in the lab of Dr. K. Kennedy.

The University Of Texas At Dallas Center For Vital Longevity:   Support for acquisition of a mobile Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy ( fNIRS) system with physiological measures to assess brain-physiology in broad range of adults, and to train scientists in its use and allowing a broader range of access to study participants. . Study located in the lab of Dr. Chandramallika Basak.

Westminster Presbyterian Church:   Support to expand the number of days offered by the Caregivers Day Out program and allow more individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias to participate and provide greater respite for their caregivers.

Wilshire Baptist Church:   Support for the Friday Friends Program providing stimulating activities for participants living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and respite for their caregivers. 

Myrna D. Schlegel Aware Scholarship Fund:   Scholarship support for nursing students at Baylor University, Texas Woman’s University, and Texas Christian University toward studies in gerontology, especially in the field of dementia.

Photo by Thomas Garza.

Eat A Sub:  Help Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer

Jersey Mike’s Celebrates 14^th Annual “Month of Giving”

Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer is joining forces with 70 Jersey Mike’s Subs in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex for the 14^th annual March “Month of Giving” fundraising campaign to support local charities. During the month of March, customers can make a donation to Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer at participating Jersey Mike’s restaurants. 

The “Month of Giving” campaign will culminate with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 27, when DFW Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. “We are profoundly grateful to Jersey Mike’s, their DFW franchisees, and their customers for their kind generosity, treasured partnership, and continued support toward our mission of eradicating pediatric cancer and providing hope for our young children battling this disease,” said WOKC Founder Cindy Brinker Simmons. “Jersey Mike’s has created an astounding culture of giving that has deeply touched the heroic families we serve.”   

For thirteen years, Jersey Mike’s owners and operators throughout the country have raised over $88 million for more than 200 different charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks, and more. “We are honored to be associated with Jersey Mike’s and admire their philanthropic mindset. Their commitment to helping us positively impact kids with cancer and their families is an absolute blessing,” said WOKC CEO Kris Cumnock. 

“I would like to extend a personal invitation to you and your family to visit Jersey Mike’s Subs throughout the month of March, and especially on the Day of Giving when 100 percent of sales – every penny – goes to help a great local cause,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO, who started the company when he was only 17 years old. 

Join us in March by making donations through Jersey Mike’s mobile app or onsite. On Wednesday, March 27, encourage everyone you know to visit a local Jersey Mike’s to order lunch or dinner or catering and help make a difference for local kids battling cancer. Come eat great food for a great cause! 

About Jersey Mike’s 

Jersey Mike’s Subs, with nearly 2,500 locations nationwide, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflected in its mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/jerseymikes), Instagram (instagram.com/jerseymikes), and Twitter (twitter.com/jerseymikes.com). 

About Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer

Founded in 1980, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer offers comfort and hope to kids with cancer through support programs that serve the entire family and funds innovative research that leads to new discoveries in the fight against pediatric cancer. For more information, visit www.wokc.org  or follow on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WipeOutKidsCancer/), Instagram(https://www.instagram.com/wokc/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/wipeoutkdscancr).

Bryan’s House Family Holiday Celebration featured take-home three-to-four-foot-tall custom Christmas trees, a Toy Drive, candy canes and toys and stockings filled with goodies for every child.        

Hosted by Ann and Todd Nelson at Venture X – Braniff Centre, Dallas, the event was chaired by Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo and sponsored by the Lone Star Monarchs.        

Regina said, “This was a wonderful opportunity to share laughter and joy with the kids and families served at Bryan’s House this year.  We all helped bring heartfelt holiday cheer to 100 families.”       

Chaired by David Andrews of TerraMai Reclaimed Wood, the Christmas Tree Project featured 110 Christmas trees decorated in colorful and fanciful themes decorated by 51 donors. Each family took home at least one Christmas tree.  See list below. The Toy Drive was chaired by Adam Bernal, Kirby Phelps and Ronni Nicole Pierce.       

Each family had the opportunity to have their photo with Santa, lunch donated by Jeanne Lewis and Jersey Mike’s, dozens of holiday-decorated cookies and milk, along with all of the special treats mentioned above. The children’s smiles abounded as all in all, it was a lovely, fun and joyful day in the spirit of celebrating the holidays.  

The committee included Rick Adams, Sharon Adams, Anna Berman, Scout Dawson, Kristi Eakin Hall, Jeanne Lewis, Bodii Lim, Kunthear Mam-Douglas, Glenn Morrill, Diane Moten, John Pickett, Shayema Rahim, Elizabeth Smith and Cindi Tesseneer.       

Bryan’s House representatives included Stefani Held, Founder; Dr. Keith Mankin, Board Chair; Sandra Amaya, Maria Castro, LaQuasha Cook, Dalia Fuetes, Marilyn Quinones, Michelle Ramirez, Debra Rodriguez and Diana Tellez. 

To learn more about Bryan’s House, visit the website for more details at www.BryansHouse.org

Christmas Tree Project Donors:  97W Design, Jennifer Bell, Anna Berman, Debbie Brackenridge, Brookhaven College, Regina Bruce, Coeval Studio, Chad Collum and Steve Kemble, Corgan, Cross Architects, Dallas Eagle, EDG Design, ENTOS Design, Gensler, GFF, Go Studio, GUIDE Architecture, Mark Steven Hayes, HOK, Jacobs, Keaton Interiors, Corey Lark, Lone Star Monarchs, Kunthear Mam-Douglas and Edward Douglas, Melrose Design Haus, Monsieur Holiday and Couture, Diane Moten, Debbie Murray, Lisa Nault, The Nielsen Collection, Perkins and Will, Scott Pharr, Preston Hollow Women’s Club’s Marvelous Mahjong Group, Pretty Lovely Affair, QPC Finish, Shayema Rahim, David Roberts, Cindy Ryan, Elizabeth Smith, Smith Group, Studio 11 Design, Studio B Design Group, TerraMai Reclaimed Wood, Marrisa and Chris Tindell, Brett Turner, US Surfaces, Verona Marble Company, Rachel Williams and Andre Yabin.

About Bryan’s House: The mission of Bryan’s House is to provide children with special needs and their families with trusted case management, educational, therapeutic, and medically-supported care.  www.BryansHouse.org

About Lone Star Monarchs:  To inspire and nurture the human spirit, as together, we build an effective network of individuals and organizations to support a broad spectrum of charitable organizations in Dallas and throughout Texas. Lone Star Monarchs’ (LSM) purpose is exclusively educational and charitable to connect people and enrich lives.

LSM welcomes all people who value our mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities. We promote volunteerism and a spirit of service.

LSM has no paid employees. All contributions and funds raised go to LSM services and grants for our service partners.  www.lonestarmonarchs.org

 Photos by Thomas Garza and Duke Morse