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2023 Debutantes - Photo by Gittings

Gowns and curtseys were all the rage as 26 Symphony Debutantes took their bows at the 37th Annual Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball on Saturday, February 11 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. The spotlight was on the debs, their families, and dapper members of the Honor Guard.

The Honorary Chairs for the Ball were Lisa and Clay Cooley, longtime supporters of the DSO and the Dallas community. The Presentation Ball Chair was Karen Cox and DSOL President is Cynthia Beaird. All knew well what to expect during the debutante season. The Cooley’s daughter Ciara made her debut in 2016 and Karen’s daughter Isabella was presented in 2020. Cynthia was the Presentation Ball Chair in 2011 and her daughter Jane made her debut in 2008.

“Serving as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball Chairman has been a distinct honor and a true joy,” said Karen. “Our 2023 debutantes are bright, accomplished and driven to make a positive difference in their communities. Our Debutante families and our generous donors are making a lasting impact on our beneficiaries, the extraordinary education and outreach programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.” 

The incomparable Jan Strimple was given recognition on the stage as this was her final year as Choreographer of the ball. She is turning the reins over the Densil Adams who cofounded Preston Center Dance in 1990. Assisting Densil will be Mia Davis, who has had two Debutante daughters. Jan brought grace and sophistication to each of the presentations for the past 24 years and has taught close to a thousand girls how to do the Texas Dip with poise and confidence.   

There were several legacy families who have been involved with the Presentation Ball since its founding.

Vaughn Miller’s mother Tincy Miller founded the event in 1987 and he was among the first Honor Guard group in the inaugural year. This year, daughter Gigi made her debut and brothers Vaughn and Vance served as Honor Guards.

Members of the Averitt/Duvall families were present for the debut of Natalie Duvall. Her mom Susan Averitt Duvall made her debut in the inaugural presentation ball and sister Madelyn Duvall was presented in 2020. Susan’s brother Mark Averitt was a member of the first group of Honor Guards, and brother Don Averitt worked behind the scenes and graciously greeted the guests. Their work and support has continued since that time. Don is on the Honor Guard Board of Governors, his wife Barbara Averitt has assisted the debutantes since the first ball and sister-in-law Kendra Averitt has worked with the honor guard for many years. The Averitt family has continued their support of the Dallas Symphony for the past 37 years.  

There were numerous parents who have had debutante daughters in prior years including Heather and Bill Esping, Megan and John Pigott, and Dawne and Patrick Tribolet, along with Michelle and Erik Ward.

Among those in attendance included Sarah and Mark Hardin, Linda Burk and John Gilmore, Kim Noltemy, Marena Gault, and Kristi and Ron Hoyl.

The 2023 Debutantes are: Britton Barcus, Margaret Bracken, Stephanie Ciarochi, Kate Clark, Sarah Crow, Elena Dewar, Gracie Dix, Natalie Duvall, Arden Eiland, Charlotte Esping, Kaitlin Ann Kelly, Celeste Lay, Ella Marks, Ellie Michaelson, Gigi Miller, Lydia Pigott, Morgan Potter, Sasha Schwimmer, Ellie Steindorf, Catherine Stiles, Elizabeth Thompson, Lucy Tilden, CeCe Tribolet, Danielle Ward, Paige Williams, and Nicole Zimmer.

The Presentation Ball was created with the vision of long-time League member Tincy Miller, who also chaired the first ball.

The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. Over $13 million has been raised for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through the annual event. 

Founded in 1946, the DSOL's mission is to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education and fundraising activities. Since 1998 the League has contributed over $21 million in support of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Community Outreach and Education programs, which help bring the wonder of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to thousands of youths and adults in the Dallas Metroplex.

Photos by GITTINGS and Deborah Brown

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Nominations accepted now.

The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce is soliciting nominations for its annual Teacher of the Year Award. The purpose is to recognize educators K-12 who are providing outstanding education for their respective students. Recipients of this award must have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and novel programs that are serving to improve and promote education. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, March 31, 2023. 

There will be awards for public and private elementary, middle and high schools in the East Dallas area of Dallas. A total of six awards will be presented. Each recipient will receive a $250 cash prize and each school represented will receive $250 as well.
 
Nominations are being solicited from the Dallas education community, from the Chamber Board of Directors and from Chamber membership. The awards luncheon will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at St. John’s Episcopal School located at 848 Harter Road.  

All nominations will be submitted online. Below are the criteria for the nominees 

NOMINEE ELIGIBILITY
Individuals employed as full-time classroom/laboratory/ teachers and coaches are eligible recipients for this award.

CRITERIA

  1. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE:  The nominee demonstrates instructional expertise, creativity, and innovation. The nominee uses a variety of techniques to effectively address students’ different learning styles and needs. The nominee is an instructional leader at the local, state, and/or national level.
  2. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:  The nominee frequently interacts with community members on substantive education issues. The nominee identifies and helps to bring community resources to students in both formal and informal settings.
  3. LEADERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:  The nominee continually engages in experience to improve his or her practice and to gain new skills and knowledge. The nominee shares this new learning with colleagues in a variety of venues. The nominee’s participation in and commitment to professional development has a visible impact on his or her institution, student and community.
  4. ATTENTION TO DIVERSITY:  The nominee works to provide a learning environment that meets the needs of all students, regardless of differences. The nominee recognizes and explicitly addresses the full array of values, cultures, and experiences represented in our diverse modern society, both through curriculum and instruction and in other interactions with students.

Deadline: March 31, 2023 

Online nomination forms are available online. 

For information about the Chamber, visit www.eastdallaschamber.com

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Tom Ross, Vickie Ross, Andrea Lamarsaude, Christophe Lamarsaude and Emilie Lamarsaude

The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting on January 21 for the grand opening of Art on Main, a new endeavor by Principal and Founder Andrea Lamarsaude. The new gallery is located at 4438 Main Street, Suite 200. It is a gallery filled with beautiful art and provides artist studios, an art gallery, art exhibition space for group or solo shows and art class and private event space. It supports local artists and creatives while fostering a vibrant arts community in Old East Dallas and DFW.

Andrea Lamarsuade was born and raised in Dallas. After graduating from SMU, she enjoyed a career in marketing communications for over 25 years. After a personal tragedy in 2014, she began creating art as a healing process and became a visual artist specializing in mixed media. With the opening of the gallery, she is combining her passion and love for art and marketing, mentoring other artists and helping them to market their work. 

The gallery is currently fully leased with a waiting list. Current artists include:  Fadekemi Adetoun (Kemi), Artsey Art/Joi Holmes, Blue Dragon Fine Art/ Logan Renfrow, Kaitlyn Coffee, Pam-ela Harrelson, Andrea Lamarsaude, Lourdes Lavalle, Katrina Rasmussen, Fiera Michelle Smith,, Kelly Christine Sutton, Karen Vanderpool-Haerle, Tom Ross, Vickie Ross, Shannon Wylie, SLANT Artist Collective, Rita Barnard, Sheila Cunningham, Jacque Forsher, Karen Jacobi, Laurie Mahoney, Patricia McMillan, VET. 

About the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce
The purpose of the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce is to promote the cultural, educational and industrial interests of the East Dallas Area so that its businesses, neighborhoods and citizens shall prosper.

The multifaceted approach of the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce provides benefits to its members in a variety of different arenas. A number of forums are offered for the promotion of all member businesses. Members are provided with relevant information regarding the East Dallas community, as well as insight into local, state and national government issues. The events that provide a conduit for these benefits, and others, include our luncheons that highlight a variety of topics addressed by featured keynote speakers. The annual Economic Summit is essentially a "state of the union" with respect to the Dallas Economy. Member businesses and guests are encouraged to gather and exchange information through the numerous networking events, especially Business After Hours which is hosted by a spotlighted member business. Sponsorship opportunities abound for these events, as well as for many of the other Chamber gatherings. For more information, visit  www.eastdallaschamber.com. 

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Grand Prize Winner and 1st Place Winner Steven Lu, Violin, with Patsy Donosky, daughter of the late Juanita Miller.

A panel of three judges selected violinist Steve Lu, an 11th grader from Plano, as grand-prize winner for the 2023 Juanita Miller Concerto Competition on January 8 at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Earlier in the daylong competition, Lu won first place in the strings division. Ella Tran, a 12th grader from Arlington, took first place in the piano division. Helen Lan, a 10th grader from San Antonio, won the first place in the winds division with her flute.

The judges for the competition are musicians and educators. This year, the judge in the strings division was Joan Kwuon from the Coburn School of Music Academy; the judge for the winds/brass division was Gabriel Beavers from the Frost School of Music in Miami; and the piano judge was Kathryn Brown from the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Student musicians in grades 9 through 12 from throughout the state of Texas are prescreened before they can compete.

The first-, second-, and third-place winners in all three divisions are awarded cash prizes. The grand prize winner is awarded the opportunity to perform with the Marshall Symphony Orchestra.

The late Juanita Miller of Dallas was the founding president of the Texas Association for Symphony Orchestras (TASO) and also began the first concerto competition in 1997. She and her husband, the late Henry S. Miller, provided the initial underwriting and subsequent gifts to fund the youth competitions which now bears her name. Patsy Donosky, daughter of Juanita and Henry Miller represented her late mother at this year’s competition.

Now in its 26th year, the Juanita Miller Concerto Competition is hosted by members of TASO, a volunteer organization consisting of delegates representing more than 25 symphony leagues from cities throughout Texas. 

To learn more, visit www.tasovolunteers.com.

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Michael and Claire Catrino with Party Hosts Sarah Frazee and Daniel Mills.

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League hosted parties and bow rehearsals for the 37th Annual Presentation Ball debutantes during the busy holiday season. The events lead up to the Presentation Ball to be held on February 11 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center where 26 debutantes will be presented. The event is the largest fundraiser for the League. The Honorary Chairs are Lisa and Clay Cooley. Karen Cox is the Presentation Ball Chair and Cynthia Beaird is the DSOL President.

Dr. and Mrs. Lewis Frazee hosted the holiday party in their elegant home on December 18th for the debutantes, honor guard and their families. A mother-daughter luncheon was held at the Meyerson on December 20. Other events included a mixer at Park House and bow boot camp.

After a semester away, the Debutantes and Honor Guard were meeting back up with the new acquaintances they met this year as well as seeing old friends.

“These events are so fun and enjoyed by all”, said Ball Chair Karen Cox. “The friendships formed through the season will last a lifetime.” 

The Miller and Averitt families have both been a part of the Presentation Ball since the inaugural event in 1987. Vaughn Miller and Mark Averitt met up during the evening, recalling the first ball and how far the event has grown and evolved through the years. Ball founder Tincy Miller recruited her son Vaughn and also personally invited Mark. They have remained friends through these many years and both currently serve on the Honor Guard Board of Governors.

Vaughn has three children participating this year: daughter Gigi will make her debut and sons Vaughn Miller and Vance Miller are Honor Guards. Mark Averitt has a niece Natalie Duvall who is being presented this year.

 

 

Photos by Deborah Brown

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Mayor Eric Johnson and wife Nikita with Event Chair Mark Ramsey.

The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce joined forces with Chamber Member Casa Linda Plaza to make the annual tree lighting and holiday party one the community will cherish for years to come. It was held on Tuesday, November 29 at Casa Linda Plaza, located at Buckner Boulevard and Garland Road.  

The local businesses provided food and gift specials throughout the shopping center while the area around the tree lightening had numerous activities for the kids. The event provided the opportunity to have photos taken by Chamber Member Lantana Studios with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. The pair were gracious to be photographed with children and adults alike. Cathy’s Petting Zoo was extremely popular with the children who were able to pet pigs, chickens, rabbits, a cow and the cutest llama you have ever seen.  

Boy Scout Troop 42 opened the evening with a presentation of the flags and the pledge of allegiance. DJ Deluxe Mark Ridlen spun holiday tunes throughout the evening.  

Three local choirs performed the most popular holiday songs the crowd could dance and sing along to: Woodrow Wilson High School, Bishop Lynch High School and Lakewood Presbyterian.  

The ice arena sponsored by Elle Realty was filled with laughter and cheer while the children "skated" around and threw snowballs at each other.  

The always popular balloon artist and face painters transformed the childrens’ imaginations and turned them into superheros and magical creatures. 

 At 7:45 p.m., Mayor Eric Johnson along with his family flipped the switch lighting up the tree and all of Casa Linda Plaza. 

Lastly, The Youngins, singers from Chamber Member CC Young, performed the final songs of the evening sending the local community home with smiles and holiday cheer.  

The East Dallas Chamber of Commerce and Casa Linda Plaza were thrilled they were able to provide such a fun event for our local East Dallas community and business owners.  

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2022-2023 Debutantes - Photo by GITTINGS

The 2023 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutantes were honored at a holiday reception and seated dinner on November 23, 2022 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. The debutantes, honor guards and their families were welcomed by Presentation Ball Chair Karen Cox.

 

“Thank you for spending your holiday evening with us,” said Karen. “This year, as we look forward to the brighter days ahead in Dallas after the pandemic, we are ever so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate and honor the inspiring and resilient young women and men who comprise our 2022 Debutantes and Honor Guard, as well as their families. 

The evening was chaired by Janice Walsh who was unable to be there.

Each of the 26 debutantes was formally introduced by emcee Stan Gardner and joined by an honor guard escort for the presentation. A debutante presentation gift was provided by Eiseman NorthPark Center.

In attendance were proud parents including Harlan and Kathy Crow, Vaughn and Dena Miller, Heather and Bill Esping, Patrick and Dawne Tribolet, and Yvete Ostolaza and Peter B. Dewar.

The evening was the start of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend which included a mixer for the debs and honor guard, as well as a Bow Boot Camp for the debs.

During the Christmas Holidays, the debs will return for another busy schedule of parties and bow practice. All the many events will culminate with the 37th Presentation Ball which will be held on February 11, 2023.

The 2023 Debutantes are: Britton Barcus, Margaret Bracken, Stephanie Ciarochi, Kate Clark, Sarah Crow, Elena Dewar, Gracie Dix, Natalie Duvall, Arden Eiland, Charlotte Esping, Kaitlin Ann Kelly, Celeste Lay, Ella Marks, Ellie Michaelson, Gigi Miller, Lydia Pigott, Morgan Potter, Sasha Schwimmer, Ellie Steindorf, Catherine Stiles, Elizabeth Thompson, Lucy Tilden, CeCe Tribolet, Danielle Ward, Paige Williams, and Nicole Zimmer.

The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. Over $13 million has been raised for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through the annual event, which was created with the vision of long-time League member Tincy Miller, who chaired the first ball.  

Founded in 1946, the DSOL's mission is to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education and fundraising activities. Since 1998 the League has contributed over $21 million in support of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Community Outreach and Education programs, which help bring the wonder of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to thousands of youths and adults in the Dallas Metroplex.

 

Photos by GITTINGS and Deborah Brown

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Lele Sadoughi, Claire Catrino

Event Chairs Sharon Lee Clark and Kira Nasrat kicked-off the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League 9th Annual Fashion Notes Luncheon and Style Show on October 13, 2022 at a fresh new venue. It was held in the new Virgin Hotels Dallas at its premiere location in the Design District located at 1445 Turtle Creek Boulevard, providing a youthful vibe for the event. 

“We are delighted to celebrate elegantly bold fashion and timeless music in this incredible new venue,” said DSOL President Cynthia Beaird.  

Highlighting fashion design and the Dallas Symphony Community, the event started with a morning reception and raffle followed by a fashion presentation and luncheon live auction. 

The crowd was dressed ultra-trendy. In attendance were many young movers and shakers including Kate Boatright, Madelaine Lam, Laura Price, Nipa Nobel, Samantha Stewart, Anne Hyun, Melissa Pastora, Whitney Turner and Madelaine Lam.  

Cynthia Beaird introduced the Honorary Chairs, mother-daughter duo Janie Donosky Condon and Patsy Donosky, longtime supporters of the Dallas Symphony and well known throughout the Dallas arts community. Patsy and Janie are the daughter and granddaughter of the late Juanita and Henry Miller, a philanthropic family that has been instrumental in transforming the DSO and the Dallas arts community through the years with their support. 

This year’s featured Fashion Designer Award was presented to Lele Sadoughi, who started the craze of decorated headbands which adorned the heads of many guests in the audience and on the runway models. Lele attended with family members in support: her mom Jeri Finkelstein and her daughter Shanna Bygott-Webb. 

Stunning fashions from St. John were modeled in a runway presentation by League members and their families, past and present DSOL Debutantes, and members of the DSO Family. 

Bachendorf's was the fine jewelry sponsor and adorned the models with beautiful jewelry. 

The event was sponsored by PaperCity, the print and digital local luxury lifestyle media sponsor and Virgin Hotels Dallas. 

Proceeds from the event benefit the Dallas Symphony Association’s Education and Outreach programs including Young Strings and Young Musicians which provide free instruments and free music lessons to children in the Dallas Community. 

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The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League presents Deck the Halls, a family holiday concert at the Meyerson on Saturday, December 3, 2022. 

Families are encouraged to bring children and grandchildren to one of the League's most beloved events. The morning begins at 10:00 a.m. with cookie decorating and family activities prior to the 1-hour long family concert. The ticket includes a VIP Symphony experience with muffins, mimosas and crafts for the kids. 

Claire Catrino is the event chair. Cynthia Beaird is the DSOL President.

 

$150/Person. Limited to 50 tickets.

For Info: claire4790@gmail.com

Purchase online www.dallassymphonyleague.com

 

Proceeds from the event benefit the Dallas Symphony Association’s Education and Outreach programs including Young Strings and Young Musicians which provide free instruments and free music lessons to children in the Dallas Community.   

 

ABOUT THE DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAGUE 

 

Mission Statement: The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League is an organization of volunteers who support the Dallas Symphony Association through service, education and fundraising activities. 

History: Since 1946, the DSO League has worked to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education and fundraising efforts. Since 1998, the League has contributed more than $20 million in support of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Community Outreach and Education programs, which help bring the wonder of music to thousands in the Dallas Metroplex.

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Russell Crews, Patty Sullivan, Lila Stewart, Brad Grist, Karen Hettrick

 

The Greater East Dallas Chamber’s 18th Annual Economic Summit Presented by CC Young was held October 18th at the Lakewood Country Club. Combining the East Dallas community’s dedication to education, growth, the work force and development, this year’s Economic Summit centered around the theme “Flip Your Script: Finding Opportunity and Adventure Everywhere.” 

The 2022 Economic Summit was chaired by Karen Hettrick who serves as Vice Chair l of the Chamber board. 

Says Hettrick: “The East Dallas Chamber of Commerce was once again pleased to bring quality speakers and programs to the community and this year’s line-up was no exception.” 

As part of the Economic Summit, the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce officially released the much anticipated 2022 Economic Report. This publication included an exclusive economic analysis specific to the East Dallas community. Each guest received a publication and a copy of the 2022 Economic Report can be found the chamber’s website.

Featured speakers were Councilmembers Paula Blackmon, Adam McGough and Paul Ridley, DISD Trustee Dan Micciche, The Dallas Morning News real estate editor Steve Brown and the keynote speaker was Lila Stewart, co-founder of Hari Mari. 

Micciche spoke about DISD's work to implement its $3.5 billion bond package and to improve its services for the district's more than 140,000 students who are economically disadvantaged. 

The councilmembers participated in a panel discussion, speaking about ongoing and upcoming projects in each of their districts.Steve Brown shared the latest in area real estate news with his entertaining sense of humor. 

“Dallas-Fort Worth has the top real estate market in the country”, says Brown. “And so far, a pandemic and higher interest rates aren't slowing things down. It's the thousands of people moving to North Texas each year that keep the property market here moving.” 

Keynote speaker Lila Stewart, a native Dallasite and mom of two, is the Co-Founder of Hari Mari, which began in East Dallas in 2012 with the simple mission of making comfortable, premium sandals & footwear for men, women, and children. Lila's expertise and experience in Wholesale, Public Relations, Retail, and Sales Management has helped place Hari Mari in over 1,000 retail locations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas. The company is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year.

Lila’s true passion is the brand's philanthropy - Hari Mari donates 1% of sales to help children and families battling pediatric cancer. It's called #FlopsFightingCancer. She shared a brief video which featured several children sharing their stories of their battle with cancer. There was not a dry eye in the room when the clip ended.

Sponsors for the event included: CC Young – Presenting Sponsor; Atmos Energy – Platinum Sponsor; Comerica Bank and Oncor – Gold Sponsors; White Rock Medical Center and Veritex Community Bank – Silver Sponsors; Locke Lord LLP and Frost Bank – Bronze Sponsors; Advocate Media – Media Sponsor. 

Table hosts included BackMenders Chiropractic With Care, Bishop Lynch High School, Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International, Business Solutions Technology, Community Impact Newspaper, Ebby Halliday - Little White House; Independence Title, Jenny Capritta / RE/MAX DFW Associates, Jesse's AC & Appliance Repair, Juliette Fowler Communities, Mill Creek Residential Trust, St. John's Episcopal School, Sayre Hettrick Group at Briggs Freeman, and White Rock Lake Foundation.