As part of the benefits of membership in the Dallas Historical Society’s (DHS) newest membership group, The Director’s Inner Circle,       the Author’s Table Dinners invites members to enjoy intimate dinner parties featuring bestselling authors and Pulitzer Prize nominees.  These gatherings provide a platform for engaging conversations about their latest works.
        
This Author’s Table Dinner was hosted by Elaine and Karl Chiao, DHS executive director, in their east Dallas home and featured Tracy Daugherty, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Love Song and featured his latest book titled Larry McMurtry: A Life.
        
It was a perfect cool spring evening as members gathered for a reception while enjoying wine and hors d’oeuvres and chatted with Tracy, along with Mike Higgins, season sponsor, and Tracey McClain, Talmage Boston, Diane and Harold Byrd, David Calhoun, Nancy Shelton and more.
        
As dinner was served, Karl began the conversation and guests talked with Tracy in a delightful exchange about his new book, research and experiences. Afterwards, Tracy signed copies for guests.
        
Comprised of its esteemed founding members, former Fellows of the Dallas Historical Society, The Director’s Inner Circle is designed to engage a vibrant community of proactive individuals passionate about history. This exclusive membership offers exciting and unique programming opportunities. Members of The Director’s Inner Circle will have access to a variety of behind-the-scenes events and intimate gatherings, such as this dinner.
        
For more information, the public can contact the office assistant at assistant@dallashistory.org   or call 214-421-4500. Or visit the website at  https://www.dallashistory.org/programs/

The Dallas Historical Society: Whether someone is new to Dallas or a native Texan, the Dallas Historical Society offers programs and exhibits that educate and inform visitors about their home city and reveal insights and little-known facts that one might be unable to attain from history books alone, especially with the museum’s newest permanent exhibit, the interactive Texas Liberty Forever: The Battle of the Alamo diorama by Thomas Feely.

Ongoing events include Brown Bag Lectures, An Evening With programs, and Pour Yourself Into History happy hours. Join in discovering more about Dallas and take part in one or more of these wonderful programs. Visit the website for more information at www.dallashistory.org

The Dallas Historical Society Celebrated Its Centennial Year In 2022

 The stories of Dallas are shared each day at the Dallas Historical Society through the three million items that comprise our archives and artifact collections. Established in 1922, the Dallas Historical Society collects, preserves, and exhibits the unique heritage of Dallas and Texas to educate and inspire future generations.

 Housed at the Hall of State in Fair Park since 1938, DHS presents these collections through education programs, exhibitions, tours, access to research materials and workshops. 

 Among the three million historical artifacts at DHS are such treasures as Sam Houston’s handwritten account of the Battle of San Jacinto, the only known original Juneteenth document, James Fannin’s watch, and Santa Anna’s spurs. The DHS collection houses over 10,000 bound volumes and receives more than 1,500 research requests annually.

 Each year, the Dallas Historical Society is visited by over 160,000 people and serves more than 20,000 students through guided tours and educational programming at the Hall of State, as well as outreach programs at schools. Visit the website for more information at www.dallashistory.org     

Photos by Thomas Garza                     

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

Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer joined 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 made a donation to Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC) at participating Jersey Mike’s restaurants.  

The “Month of Giving” campaign culminated with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 27, when DFW Jersey Mike’s restaurants gave 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer, earning $643,000 to WOKC and $25 million overall throughout the country. This was a record for Wipe Out Kids' Cancer.  

"WOKC is extremely blessed to have this amazing and unique partnership with Jersey Mike's. It is unheard of for a company to donate 100% of sales, but since 2011, Jersey Mike's has done just that. This wonderful gift will be used to provide comfort and hope to kids (and their families) fighting pediatric cancer,” said Kris Cumnock, CEO 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 $113 million for more than 200 different charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks, and more.

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).

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.