The Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presented the 11^th annual “A Writer’s Garden” Literary Symposium and Luncheon “AUTHENTIC TEXAS…food and gardens” on November 2 at the Dallas Arboretum’s Rosine Hall. It is part of the Women’s Council’s 35th Anniversary Celebration.

The Honorary Chair was Nancy Bierman, founder of “A Writer’s Garden” and Past President of the Women’s Council. Co-Chairs were Kay weeks and Susan Adzick. Melissa Lewis is the Women’s Council President.

Dorothea Meltzer served as the program chair and provided a stellar line up for the literary symposium. Kathleen Cunningham was the Emcee for the event, keeping everyone on schedule.

Giana dePaul and Julia Grace provided a lovely display of silent auction items including things for home, garden, fashion and entertaining.

Sponsors for the event were Dallas law firm Geary, Porter & Donovan (third year of sponsorship), Hilton Dallas/Park Cities, Worth New York, and Edible Dallas & Fort Worth.

The guests heard engaging stories from authors and writers showcasing the cultural influences that shaped the distinct styles of Texas food, heartfelt stories about farming and ranching families in the forefront of the organic food movement, and personal experiences celebrating the value of using native plants and flowers in the planned landscape.

Pamela Walker shared the struggles of local farmers barely make a living and revealed stark figures of why buying locally is so important. She is from Santa Fe, NM and is a local farm and food activist, and author of Growing Good Things to Eat in Texas: Profiles of Organic Farmers and Ranchers across the State.

“By selling wholesale to national distributors, farmers make only 17 cents on every dollar spent on food in the stores,” she said. “By selling local, they can make 86 cents per dollar directly. When these dollars are spent locally, it greatly boosts the economies of the communities with 48% going back into economies instead of 14% for nationally distributed products.”

Jessica Dupuy from Austin, TX is a well-known columnist for Texas Monthly and author of United Tastes of Texas: Authentic Recipes from All Corners of the Lone Star State. A local chef Tyson Cole encouraged her to help him write a cookbook, Uchi: The Cook Book which was highly successful. She received a call about doing a cookbook a for the infamous Salt Lick restaurant located in Dripping Springs, TX.

“The restaurant only has 17 recipes,” said Dupuy. “The Salt Lick Cookbook focuses on the stories from four generations which has resided on 400 acres in the Hill Country and about the strong influential women in the family.”

Also entertaining was Andrea Delong-Amaya, the Director of Horticulture from Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, garden columnist and teacher.

“Lady Bird Johnson was an advocate for beautifying the nation's cities and highways and maintained that where flowers bloom, so does hope,” said Delong. “The Highway Beautification Act of 1965 was informally known as Lady Bird's Bill and she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest U.S. civilian honors.”

The National Wildflower Research Center opened on Lady Bird’s 70th birthday and she died in 2007 at age 94 so she lived to the growth and impact it had on the state and for the nation.

It was perfect weather so guests enjoyed guided tours of A Tasteful Place and the Gardens after the luncheon.

For the past thirty-five years, the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the development, funding, maintenance and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, the centerpiece garden of the Dallas Arboretum. Dedicated to the universal spirit of women, it is the only public garden in the nation conceived by women, built by women and funded by the efforts of women. The support of over 550 members of the non-profit, all volunteer Women’s Council makes possible the continued improvement and expansion of A Woman’s Garden.

Photos by Chuck Clark

The Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden held a reception for the patrons of the 11^th annual “A Writer’s Garden” Literary Symposium and Luncheon on October 30 in the home of Diane and Scott Sealy.

The symposium “AUTHENTIC TEXAS…food and gardens” to be held on November 2 features three authors presenting engaging histories showcasing the cultural influences that shaped the distinct styles of Texas food, heartfelt stories about the farming and ranching families that are in the forefront of the organic food movement, and personal experiences that celebrate the value of using native plants and flowers in the planned landscape.

For the reception, guests were treated not only to a preview of the books that will be available for sale at the event, but also sampled appetizers made with recipes from Texas author Jessica Dupuy’s new cookbook United Tastes of Texas: Authentic Recipes from All Corners of the Lone Star State.

Women’s Council President Melissa Lewis introduced Honorary Chair Nancy Bierman, founder of “A Writer’s Garden” and Past President of the Women’s Council. She also thanked Dorothea Meltzer for securing another stellar line up of authors for the program, ensuring the success of the event. Dorothea has worked tirelessly to plan the speakers for the past several years.

None of the featured authors could be present so special guests for the evening were Nanci Taylor and Terri Taylor from the local magazine Edible Dallas & Forth Worth. For eight years, they have shared stories of the North Texas food community including growers, food and drink artisans, merchants, restaurateurs and chefs. The quarterly publication features recipes from each season.

Sponsors for the event include Dallas law firm Geary, Porter & Donovan (third year of sponsorship), Hilton Dallas/Park Cities, Worth New York, and Edible Dallas & Fort Worth.

About the Symposium and Luncheon

The symposium was held Thursday, November 2, 2017, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm, at the Arboretum’s Rosine Hall and is part of the Women’s Council’s 35th Anniversary Celebration.

The featured authors:

Jessica Dupuy, Austin, TX, well-known columnist for Texas Monthly and author of “United Tastes of Texas: Authentic Recipes from All Corners of the Lone Star State”;

Pamela Walker, Santa Fe, NM, local farm and food activist, and author of “Growing Good Things to Eat in Texas: Profiles of Organic Farmers and Ranchers across the State”;

Andrea De-Long-Amaya, Austin, TX, Director of Horticulture, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, garden columnist and teacher.

The technology has changed and the company has changed, but former cord board operators still continue to hold a reunion 45 years after the closing of the cord board operating units in Dallas.

Southwestern Bell Telephone (SWBT), which is now AT&T, had operators located at 4100 Bryan Street, split among eight operating units in the building.

The women from all the units knew each other well, having worked so many years together in the same location.

With the introduction of new electronic switchboards in 1971, many of the older operators chose to retire and the rest were split into two new locations: one on Garland Road in the White Rock area and the other in Pleasant Grove.

The women from Unit 8 (yes, they were all women!) had worked together for so many years and decided to hold a reunion a year later in 1972.

It became an annual event, and the gatherings were originally held in homes. As operators from the other units were included and the number of attendees increased, larger facilities were needed.

For many years, the annual reunion was held at Winfrey Point and later at Samuel-Grand Recreation Center. The group now meets at the Circle Grill on Buckner Blvd.

“This marks our 45th annual reunion,” said 85-year-old Dorothy Bolton, the event organizer for the group. “We had no idea at the time we started this that it would continue for so many years.”

There were over 100 people in attendance in peak years, but death and old age have taken their toll over the decades.  Only 10 women attended this year, and the low attendance can be attributed to health issues and some not being able to driver any longer.

“It was a time when you had your job until you retired,” reminisced 87-year-old Judy Schlemer, who retired after working 50 years as an operator. “Five years at one company is a record in today’s world.”

Memories are still vivid about the changes at SWBT through the years, but the 70’s brought the most of the change.  In addition to the closing of the cord boards, they remember when operators were sent home on Christmas Day in 1970 for wearing pantsuits to work. At that time, pants could be worn, but only after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

“The first male operators were hired in the 70’s. I remember how shocked people were when they heard a male voice at the other end,” said 90-year-old Jo Crain.

At this year’s reunion, news and updates were shared. Judy Schlemer had hip surgery and was unable to drive, but she called Uber and arrived in style. Jo Crain’s home was damaged in the tornado that hit Rowlett in 2015 and she is still working to restore her home and belongings.

“We will hold the reunion as long as there is someone to make the yearly calls and ladies show up,” said Bolton.

The Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden announces “AUTHENTIC TEXAS…food and gardens”, the 11th annual “A Writer’s Garden” Literary Symposium and Luncheon. The event will be held Thursday, November 2, 2017, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm, at the Arboretum’s Rosine Hall and is part of the Women’s Council’s 35th Anniversary Celebration.

The Honorary Chair is Nancy Bierman. Co-Chairs are Kay Weeks and Susan Adzick. Melissa Lewis is the President of the Women’s Council. 

As president of the Women’s Council of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden in 2007-2008, Nancy Bierman conceived of a new project for the organization: a literary symposium called “A Writer’s Garden Literary Luncheon”, an event that has continued for over ten years. Combining interests in writers and gardens this project has provided programs of entertaining and informative speakers, as well as much-needed funds for the Women’s Council.                     

With a love of flowers and gardening, Nancy Bierman is a Certified Master Gardener for Dallas County and is an Accredited Flower Show Judge for the National Garden Clubs, Inc. She is a member of Bluffview Garden Club, Designers & Diggers Garden Study Club, Southern Garden History Society, and is a past president of Junior League Garden Club.

As a proponent of lifelong learning, Nancy Bierman enjoys educational programs of the Mary K. Craig Class and the Pierian Study Club, and she is currently a candidate for a Doctorate of Liberal Studies degree at S.M.U. In addition, Nancy serves on the Board of Trustees of Methodist Health System Foundation, Dallas Heritage Village, and the Dallas Public Library Foundation, and on the Advisory Board of Wilkinson Center and Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Nancy, and her husband Mike enjoy travel, watching sports, and walking.

In a recent conversation, Nancy remarked: “It is so rewarding to see A Writer’s Garden Literary Symposium continue to reach out to the community, offering enlightening speakers, and gaining new members and funding for the Women’s Council! I am delighted to serve as the Honorary Chairman this year, and thank you for your support and friendship”.

For the 2017 event, engaging histories showcasing the cultural influences that shaped the distinct styles of Texas food, heartfelt stories about the farming and ranching families that are in the forefront of the organic food movement, and personal experiences that celebrate the value of using native plants and flowers in the planned landscape will be presented by: 

• Jessica Dupuy, Austin, TX, well-known columnist for Texas Monthly and author of “United Tastes of Texas: Authentic Recipes from All Corners of the Lone Star State”;
• Pamela Walker, Santa Fe, NM, local farm and food activist, and author of “Growing Good Things to Eat in Texas: Profiles of Organic Farmers and Ranchers across the State”;
• Andrea De-Long-Amaya, Austin, TX, Director of Horticulture, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, garden columnist and teacher. 

A Patron Party for “A Writer’s Garden” Sponsors, Patrons and Underwriters is planned for Monday evening, October 30, 2017, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at a private residence.

For the past thirty-five years, the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the development, funding, maintenance and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, the centerpiece garden of the Dallas Arboretum. Dedicated to the universal spirit of women, it is the only public garden in the nation conceived by women, built by women and funded by the efforts of women. The support of over 550 members of the non-profit, all volunteer Women’s Council makes possible the continued improvement and expansion of A Woman’s Garden.

Individual tickets for “A Writer’s Garden” Literary Symposium and Luncheon are $150. For Sponsorship and Underwriting opportunities and to purchase tickets on-line, visit: www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org.

Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Business Awards to local businesses on August 25 at a luncheon held at the Magnolia Hotel. Congressman Jeb Hensarling was in attendance to present the awards. 

The 2017 winners are: Lucky Dog Books, Jeb Hensarling Business of the Year; Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Chairman’s Award; Momo Italian Kitchen, Entrepreneur of the Year; The Store in Lake Highlands, Live Local Award; Vickery Trading Company, Live Local Award; Preservation Dallas, R. S. Munger Business Pioneer. 

Lucky Dog Books – Marquetta and John Tilton - Jeb Hensarling Business of the Year
For over 40 years, Lucky Dog Books has served the East Dallas area. Established by Marquetta and John Tilton, they have worked together to further the love of reading. It started as Paperback Plus in 1976 and the name was changed to Lucky Dog Books to reflect that they carry more than just paperbacks. They just relocated to Casa Linda Plaza. They continue to get amazing collections of books, music and video DVDs and CDs, Blueray and vinyl. It is a neighbor gathering place where untold number of events have taken place including Writer’s Garrett, neighborhood associations, yoga, readings, book signings, card groups, music, poetry readings, book clubs and other events - too numerous to list. Lucky Dog Books has garnered numerous accolades and awards through the years from D Magazine, Word Space and others. 

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden – Mary Brinegar - Chairman’s Award
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is one of the top 10 display gardens in North America and considered the crown jewel of Dallas. The economic impact of the Dallas Arboretum exceeded $170 million in each of 2012 and 2013, according to a study. More than one million visitors from all 50 states, as well as 90 countries, came through the gates in 2016 and it has over 38,000 members. The Dallas Arboretum offers the public an array of popular annual events and outdoor concerts along with its many permanent gardens including A Woman’s Garden which turns 20 this year, the Children’s Garden and the newly opened A Tasting Place. The Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum celebrates its 35^th anniversary this year and through the years, members have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through fundraising efforts. The Arboretum has been listed among the top arboretums in the world and the number of honors is so extensive it is listed on their website. Here are just a few of recent accolades: Southern Living Magazine called it “One of the South’s Best Botanical Gardens”; Architectural Digest named it “One of the 15 Breathtaking Botanical Gardens in the World”; and USA Today’s 10 Best named it “Top Botanical Garden”. 

Momo Italian Kitchen – Wende Stevenson and Aaron Gross - Entrepreneur of the Year
Momo Italian Kitchen is a family business that celebrated its 30^th Anniversary last year. The restaurant has a loyal following because of the excellent authentic Italian cuisine. Food never varies in taste or quality! The chef has been there nearly 30 years several of the staff have been there over 17 years. The food, service and ambiance keeps this restaurant popular. Momo’s is a BYOB restaurant - Bring Your Own Bottle. Once you get the bill, you will not believe your eyes when you see how low the total amount is! The neighborhood restaurant has a very loyal following and there are customers that have come every week for 25+ years! Mention the name Momos, and everyone all over the city knows it. The restaurant requires reservations because of its popularity and there is a waiting crowd on the weekends. It has received numerous awards through the years including D Magazine’s Top 25 Restaurants and Dallas Observer’s 100 best restaurants. 

The Store in Lake Highlands – Cheryl Calvin - Live Local Award
The Store in Lake Highlands recently celebrated its 15^th Anniversary and ranked #8 for Best Women's Boutique on the Dallas A List. Boutique shopping in East Dallas has never been like this. The Store in Lake Highlands has clothing, fashion accessories and gifts. Personal shopping assistants provide service you can appreciate. It is the go-to place for gift giving needs: Birthdays, Anniversary, Wedding, Baby showers, and just because you care gifts for friends and loved ones. It carries unique items of local flavor by local designers. The Store’s stock of trendy and classic casual/chic clothes and accessories rotate quickly – there’s always something new. And there is a customer reward program. Events are held regularly from Trunk Shows to Ice Cream Socials…and all holidays are celebrated. The staff are always helpful and friendly. And they gift wrap!! 

Vickery Trading Company – Stephanie Giddens - Live Local Award
Vickery Trading Company manufactures and sells children’s clothing that helps local refugee women with the challenges they face after relocating to the US. It began in 2008 when Stephanie Giddens visited Uganda in East Africa and bought a handmade paper necklace from a local artisan. There was extreme poverty all around, but by purchasing the woman’s handiwork, it allowed dignity in a way that charity never could. In 2011, she helped to develop a project that partnered businesswomen in Dallas with like-minded women in Rwanda. They raised money for leadership training and microfinance lending to launch Rwandan businesses and many thrived. Later in 2011, she was confronted and horrified by the proliferation of human exploitation. She recognized again what she’d seen in Uganda – the unbelievable redemption and freedom that dignified work affords the human soul. Her church in Dallas began to engage refugees that lived in Vickery Meadows and in 2015 Vickery Trading Company was born. These refugee women earn fair wages while learning to adjust into American culture. They are provided training, care and income. The refugee women are given dignity as they learn the skills and earn fair wages by making children’s clothes. She is helping to empower vulnerable women. 

Preservation Dallas – David Preziosi - R. S. Munger Business Pioneer Award
For 45 years Preservation Dallas has used innovative programs and advocacy tools in the fight to preserve the historic resources of Dallas. Many successes have helped to advance preservation in Dallas. Preservation Dallas was founded in 1972 as the Historic Preservation League (HPL) by concerned citizens to advocate for historic places in a city with a preference for “new” and “modern.” HPL led the city to pass its first preservation ordinance in 1973 and designate its first historic district, Swiss Avenue. HPL changed its name to Preservation Dallas (PD) in 1994. Preservation Dallas has kept preservation in the forefront through highly publicized tours and awards. In 45 years Preservation Dallas has done an extraordinary amount of work to preserve the city’s historic resources despite terrible odds, reluctant city leadership, and developers with the money, power and will to demolish historic buildings. A small staff, dedicated volunteer board and members have fought tirelessly for historic structures that have no voice and have worked to protect the city’s neighborhoods and historic buildings by designating them historic districts and landmarks. Preservation Dallas continues that fight and builds upon its successes to save the historic places that define Dallas.

Photos by Carol Hensley