Moving to a new home can be an exciting but stressful time. Amidst the chaos of packing boxes and coordinating logistics, it's important not to forget about the impact your move can have on your neighbors. Being a considerate neighbor during the moving process is not only the right thing to do, but it can also help maintain positive relationships in your community. In this article, we will explore some essential moving etiquette tips to ensure a smooth and respectful transition for everyone involved.

1. Give Notice

One of the first steps in being a considerate neighbor during a move is to provide ample notice. Inform your neighbors about your moving plans well in advance, preferably a few weeks before the actual moving day. This will give them time to prepare for any potential disruptions and make necessary arrangements on their end.

2. Communicate Parking Needs

Moving trucks and vehicles can take up a significant amount of space, potentially causing inconvenience for your neighbors. To avoid any parking conflicts, communicate your parking needs with your neighbors beforehand. If possible, reserve parking spaces or provide alternative suggestions to ensure a smooth flow of traffic during the move.

3. Be Mindful of Noise

Moving involves a lot of noise, from the sound of boxes being shuffled to the constant opening and closing of doors. While it may be unavoidable, try to minimize excessive noise during early mornings, late evenings, or other times when your neighbors might be resting or working from home. Being mindful of noise levels demonstrates your consideration for their peace and quiet.

4. Protect Common Areas

If you live in an apartment building or a shared community, it's crucial to protect common areas during your move. Take extra care not to damage walls, floors, or elevators while moving furniture and boxes. Use protective coverings and padding where necessary to prevent any accidental damage. Cleaning up any mess promptly is also a considerate gesture towards your neighbors.

5. Offer Assistance

Moving can be physically demanding, and a helping hand can make a world of difference. If you notice your neighbors struggling with heavy items or could use some assistance, offer to lend a hand. Acts of kindness like this not only foster a sense of community but also show your neighbors that you value their well-being.

6. Follow Local Regulations

Different neighborhoods and communities may have specific regulations or guidelines regarding moving. Familiarize yourself with these rules and ensure that you adhere to them. This may include obtaining necessary permits, adhering to designated moving hours, or following specific routes for moving trucks. By respecting these regulations, you demonstrate your commitment to being a responsible neighbor.

7. Express Gratitude

Once you have completed your move, take the time to express gratitude to your neighbors for their understanding and patience. A simple thank-you note or a small gesture of appreciation can go a long way in maintaining positive relationships with those around you.

Being a considerate neighbor during the moving process is essential for a harmonious community. By giving notice, communicating parking needs, being mindful of noise, protecting common areas, offering assistance, following local regulations, and expressing gratitude, you can ensure a smooth and respectful transition for both yourself and your neighbors. Remember, a little consideration goes a long way in fostering a positive living environment.

Premier Designs & Moving specializes in moving services, art installation, and packing and organization. For the past 5 years, Premier Designs & Moving have been securing your valuables and moving them with ease, handling your objects with care, and packing and unpacking your assets so you can focus on the more important aspects of moving. All our packing services are designed to make your move efficient and streamlined. We’re not just any residential moving service, we pride ourselves on providing you with the service you expect from our name. For the best home movers in Dallas, TX, call Premier Designs & Moving at (469) 859-5454.

(May 8, 2024) ­– Youth across the greater North Texas area pitched in to help improve lives and support the efforts of area charities for Global Youth Service Month.

In 15 nonprofit projects, over 1,000 teens helped food pantries, homeless shelters, refugees, city cleanups, animal conservation centers, special needs therapeutic horse centers and more.

Youth found projects using the help of JustServe.org, a free app and website that connects the needs of charities with volunteers. For 36 years, Global Youth Service Month has brought people together for community service events, this year from April 12-May 12. This event highlights youth ages 5 to 25 as they unite for a great cause within their community.

On Saturday, local youth will help Equihope horse farm to paint the metal fencing for the stables and pasture, finishing a task in one day that could take one or two people more than a week to complete. This project expresses gratitude to EquiHope staff and volunteers who have helped so many individuals and their families.

In Carrolton, 200 youth rallied behind The Birthday Party Project, spreading joy to homeless teens and children in Dallas through birthday celebrations. Teens enthusiastically put together 790 party favor bags, through donations gathered through the community and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This project resulted in a month's worth of parties for those in need, promising countless smiles and moments of happiness.

At Fossil Rim Wildlife Conservation center, youth clear brush in the pastures; stain benches and the stage for the outdoor classroom; recycle feed bags; and remove old fencing. Children and youth truly do make a difference. 

See service project video reels at facebook.com/justservenorthtexas

Scott Hughes, a director at Fossil Rim, shared the volunteers supported Fossil Rim and allowed employees to focus their efforts on the conservation programs to protect endangered wildlife species. 

The annual Global Youth Service Day sponsored by Youth Service America can help foster a spirit of community and service and teach youngsters that service does not need to be complicated.

At Tarrant Area Food Bank, youth served for two hours helping to sort and prepare heads of cabbage for families in need throughout the Tarrant County Area.

At Christ’s Haven in North Richland Hills, 100 youth made reusable grocery bags out of recycled t-shirts to be used at the food pantry at Christ's Haven, a JustServe partner. The teens made 260 bags in less than three hours.

At Frisco’s Clean It and Green It city cleanup, youth served despite rainstorms to clean up trash. Rian Wilson, a young adult who served in Frisco, said “I enjoyed serving the community. I loved that we were given a trail as our location to pick up trash. Even with the rain, it was fun to be able to be out in nature with my friends and work alongside them to serve out community.”

In Tyler, 300 youth showed up to serve those struggling with food insecurity at East Texas Food Bank. “It’s really good to know you get to be a part of something that big,” said Cohen Sacks, a youth volunteer for the East Texas event.

Families in Prosper joined a community Food Pack at Stonebriar Community Church for Feed My Starving Children.

Luke Compton, a seventh grader, and his sister Emma Jane, a high school sophomore, loved serving at the food pack. Luke said, “It was fun that we all worked together.” He added, “The best part is helping people in need.”

Find the perfect project for you and the young people in your life by visiting JustServe.org or for North Texas at facebook.com/justservenorthtexas

On Friday, May 3, 2024, Broadway Dallas proudly unveiled the updated lobby installation of South Dallas Stories: Uprooted, a poignant multimedia exhibit that delves into the historical inequities of the South Dallas neighborhood. This event marked a significant step in the theater's ongoing commitment to fostering community conversations and exploring the rich, complex history of its home neighborhood.

The event featured several notable speakers, including Nitashia Johnson, a multi-media artist and creator of The Beauty Of South Dallas Collection. Johnson's work has been instrumental in highlighting the beauty and resilience of South Dallas through photography and documentary-style interviews. Her latest collection includes illustrations of Fair Park, surrounding historic landmarks, and memorabilia of the late Juanita J. Craft, a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement.

Another speaker was Pat Perez, a founding member of The Friends of Juanita Craft Civil Rights House and Museum. Perez shared insights into the historical significance of South Dallas and its impact on the broader civil rights movement.

Michael Sneed, a devoted South Dallas native and resident, also spoke at the event, sharing his personal experiences and reflections on the neighborhood's history and resilience.

The updated lobby installation of South Dallas Stories: Uprooted offers viewers a compelling visual narrative that sheds light on the community's struggles and triumphs. Through photography, illustrations, and documentary-style interviews, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant history of South Dallas and gain a deeper understanding of the systemic inequities that have shaped the neighborhood.

Broadway Dallas' decision to dedicate a prominent space in the Music Hall lobby to this exhibit is a testament to its commitment to racial equity and social justice. By centering the stories of South Dallas community members, the theater aims to spark meaningful conversations and inspire action towards a more equitable future.

As we continue on our journey towards racial equity, Broadway Dallas invites you to explore South Dallas Stories: Uprooted and join us in honoring the resilience and strength of the South Dallas community.

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. 

SPARK! Dallas, the innovative educational facility fostering creativity in youth, announced a groundbreaking partnership with arts and entertainment company Meow Wolf second SPARK! PRISMATIC Art Pop-up Experience featuring 28 area high school artists’ creations. The colorful exhibition is an immersive experience showcasing the students’ creativity through a variety of themed areas imagined, designed and built in a single color and theme. The community is invited to see the PRISMATIC Art Pop-up Experience June 1 to September 29 at SPARK!, located at Southside Lamar (1409 Bothan Jean Blvd., Suite #004, Dallas, TX 75215).

Meg Bittner, executive director of SPARK! said, “As an inaugural grantee of the Meow Wolf Foundation for 2023-2024, SPARK! Dallas is honored to announce Meow Wolf Grapevine as a presenting sponsor, which will contribute to the success of the PRISMATIC Art Pop-up Experience. This partnership not only provides financial backing, but also offers amazing opportunities for student enrichment, including behind-the-scenes tours at Meow Wolf Grapevine, mentorship from Meow Wolf's Exhibitions team members and funding for materials.”

SPARK! received 22 submissions, and the following six public high schools were selected to participate based on their creativity, design elements and proposal submission:

• CityLab High School (Dallas ISD) – Dream Cream(sicle) (coral)
• Hillcrest High School (Dallas ISD) – Fungi Delight (red)
• Newman Smith High School (Carrollton/Farmers Branch ISD) – Orange Lovers (orange)
• West Mesquite High School (Mesquite ISD) – Snake Eyes (green)
• Williams High School (Plano ISD) – Automation Biker Frogs (purple)
• Woodrow Wilson High School (Dallas ISD) – Moonlight Sonata  (blue)

In addition to being the presenting sponsor and major funder for this initiative, Meow Wolf Grapevine is offering mentorship to the students and an opportunity to show the community their artistic creations come alive when the exhibition opens.

“I am thrilled to mentor SPARK! Dallas students to inspire and empower young creators,” said Exhibition Manager for Meow Wolf Grapevine Christy Howell. “This PRISMATIC Art Pop-up Experience offers students a platform to unleash their imagination and creativity. This partnership epitomizes the dynamic convergence of art, technology, and engineering, offering students an unparalleled chance to delve into immersive design concepts.”

“Partnering with SPARK!, we are eager to see these innovative projects.”  said Lead Exhibition Technical Engineer at Meow Wolf Daniel Bornhorst.  “Meow Wolf Grapevine specializes in integrating traditional art with cutting-edge technology to create immersive experiences. From sound processing and lighting to scent design, we blend various elements to craft truly unique experiences which makes this partnership perfect.”

Bittner added, “These public high school students are amazingly talented, and I am impressed with how they have thoughtfully sketched and are creating their rooms into an interactive and immersive pop-up experience perfect for social media moments. I invite everyone to come see it and celebrate these students’ success.”

Exhibit hours:

Open to public starting June 1-Sept. 29

Fridays: 1:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Sundays: 1:00-6:00 p.m.

Adult Nights (age 21+): Thursdays starting June 6-Sept. 26,5:00-9:00 p.m.

Ticket prices:

Adults regular admission:  $25

Children (ages 2-17) :  $23

Teachers (with Teacher ID): $20

Adult Night (age 21+): $40, includes 2 drink tickets

All tickets include the PRISMATIC exhibit and admission to the play sculpture areas.

Learn more and make a ticket reservation: https://sparkdallas.org/prismatic/ or 214.421.7727.

About SPARK! Dallas:

A nonprofit founded in 2010, SPARK! Dallas provides children from second grade to high school with a fully immersive creative environment with hands-on learning that develops their self-definition as creative individuals. Through an endless roster of workshops and pop-up activities, students exercise their creativity and learn from creative experts, innovators, and artists. The organization’s vision is to help students acquire creative skills to excel in school and compete in the work force. SPARK! also hosts interactive camps, field trips and birthday parties. SPARK! is located in the historic South Side of Lamar building at 1409 Botham Jean Blvd, Ste 004, Dallas, Texas 75215. For more information, visit https://sparkdallas.org/.

ABOUT MEOW WOLF:

Meow Wolf is not your typical arts and entertainment company; they’re the creators of extraordinary, mind-bending experiences that transport millions of adventurers of all ages into breathtaking realms of imagination and wonder. As the proud recipients of numerous accolades, including Time Out's #1 Immersive Experience in the US (2023), Fast Company's World's 50 Most Innovative Companies (2022 and 2020), and USA Today's Top 10 Best Immersive Art Experiences (2022), Meow Wolf is committed to engaging curious seekers through the magic of discovery and play. They are distinct in their collaboration with hundreds of visionary artists who infuse creativity into every Meow Wolf experience. The journey began with the THEA Award-winning House Of Eternal Return in Santa Fe (2016), a mystery house with hidden passages and mesmerizing art exhibits. In Las Vegas, Omega Mart (2021) presented a surreal grocery store experience. Denver's Convergence Station (2021) appeared as a maximalist architectural marvel linking four alien worlds. In July 2023, Meow Wolf unveiled The Real Unreal in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and plans to open a new location in Houston in 2024. As a certified B-Corporation, Meow Wolf leads in themed entertainment, innovating and celebrating human imagination. All are invited to join a journey that defies convention, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

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SPARK! Dallas PRISMATIC WINNING TEAMS:

CityLab High School – Dream Cream(sicle) (coral)

Advisor: Kelsey Turner Creators: Brian, Diego, Jennifer, Jose, Kevin, Princess, Sebastian

A creamsicle comes from the sky into a living room on the top story of a building. The creamsicle is in the middle of the room and has broken a part of the wall and ceiling. This living room resembles a crime scene where the room also has clues about why this creamsicle is in the room in the first place in which includes the immersive part like parts of the room being a scavenger hunt. The room includes a coffee table that the creamsicle crashed into, a bookshelf with books on the floor, a couch and pinboard with connected dots related to the crash of the creamsicle to start up the scavenger hunt.

Hillcrest High School – Fungi Delight (red)

Advisor: Karleen Hesselbacher Creators: Dana, Inergee, Kyra

The design includes a textured floor (red moss and red turf) accompanied with different species of handmade mushrooms and natural looking elements. On the ceiling, we incorporate different aspects of nature, such as poppies and red spider lilies with fairy lights. On the walls, we utilize a 3-D mushroom design that extrudes outwards and adds depth to the space. There are glowing mushrooms surrounding the bigger mushrooms that visitors can sit on and take selfies. The mushroom chairs are main focal point of the room. The room transports viewers to an environment that would remind them of storybooks by Lewis Carroll. We also incorporate additional senses with scents as well as the visual and tactile aspects.

Newman Smith High School – Orange Lovers (orange)

Advisor: Allison Ketchersid  Creators: Cora, Haydrienne, Hazel, Triniti

The design was inspired by many beautiful poems using oranges as a sign of love and the beauty of having someone to make your life just a bit easier. This metaphor is shown throughout the room by many different sketches of peeled orange “furniture” such as cushions, a peelable orange table, even small peelings used as light decor. The idea of the theme was to be seen as a place to relax and be at ease just lounging with someone. A gesture to prove love is not something grand and always upbeat, but to have times of calm and peace. One wall has round orange movable dioramas showing the growth of a relationship such as dates, and even a proposal. Along one mirrored wall, inspired by Yayoi Kusama's Pumpkins, is hope reflecting that love only needs commitment to grow.

West Mesquite High School – Snake Eyes (green)

Advisor: Megan Eakins  Creators: Chris, Emma, Esmerelda, Haley, Heaven, Jasmine, Mariah

The design is based on a thick tropical rainforest. Using green as our main color, we fill the room with vegetation and highlight focus points in the room with UV paint to glow under a black light. The story behind our room is that highly valuable crystals are scattered throughout the forest; people who have succumbed to greed and stolen from the forest have faced its wrath and have been permanently trapped in the forest.

Williams High School – Automation Biker Frogs (purple)

Advisor: Emily Garner  Creators: Archie, Birdie, Cale

We wanted to replicate a Western town with a cartoony style. To design our village, we are creating a saloon, sheriff's office/jail, bank and general store. We add components like astroturf  “sand,” barrels, backdrops and a water trough to give the room more details that will interest the guests and add to the aesthetic. Our room has multiple interactive components like funny items in the market, multiple silly animals, walkable saloon doors, a hidden cat, wanted snake signs, and a scavenger hunt to find all the snakes because they “escaped” from the jail.

Woodrow Wilson High School – Moonlight Sonata (blue)

Advisor: Jessica Raff  Creators: Sera, Karen, Kara, Dascha

Step into this enchanting world where the theme revolves around a mesmerizing moon light. The walls are adorned with a breathtaking backdrop of majestic mountains, providing a sense of depth to the room. Playful swirly clouds, painted in vibrant patterns, dance across the ceiling, creating a whimsical atmosphere. The focal point of the room is a moon with its own swirly designs, casting a cool and mysterious glow. The moon's glow on the ground adds a touch of magic, contrasting beautifully with the darker hues of the clouds. The overall effect is a vibrant and lively ambiance, evoking the warmth of twilight scene. This space is designed to inspire creativity and ignite the imaginations of the little ones who enter, turning bedtime into a magical adventure. With soft clouds, this room invites kids into a world of dreams beneath the moon.