community

Dallas Water Utilities is reminding residents that time-of-day watering restrictions have resumed. These mandatory restrictions prohibit watering landscaping from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 1 through October 31. Failing to follow the conservation ordinance guidelines could result in possible fines of $250 to $2,000 per incident.

Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law offers free one-hour tax consultations for anyone who cannot afford attorney services and is facing an IRS audit, appeal or collection process; involved in innocent spouse relief; or needing to resolve a past due tax matter. To schedule a free consultation, call 214.768.2562 or visit smu.edu/law/taxclinic/. The school’s small business clinic also is providing free legal services to new and existing small businesses and nonprofit organizations that cannot afford to pay legal fees. For information, call 214.768.4935.

Casa de Vida is a respite care program for caregivers of early onset Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia at NorthPark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central Expwy. The weekly program is on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. It is strictly a social program, with no medications or health care administered. Activities include morning snacks, exercise, bingo, crafts and music. $10 fee applies; application required. Call Ann Anderson at 972.783.8780 or Nick Harper at 214.349.6584 to apply or for information.

Disabled American Veterans Big D Chapter 57 meets the first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. at 8630 Thurgood Lane for discussions and lunch. Meetings include various activities, presenters and topics. The group also is informed about legislative matters of interest to our group at federal, state and local levels. All disabled veterans are welcome. For information, call 214.343.8643 or e-mail adjutant57@verizon.net

The SPCA of Texas runs an injured animal rescue ambulance service to help strays. SPCA will respond to calls in our neighborhood from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Field officers will evaluate injured animals and take them to the SPCA, Highland Park Animal Clinic or an emergency clinic for treatment. 214.651.7387.

Teen Community Bible Study meets Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Schreiber Methodist Church. Teens from North Dallas public and private high schools are invited. 4525 Rickover. For information call 972.387.0188 or visit teencbs.org.

people

Preston Hollow resident Lewis McMahan recently was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve on the Texas Water Development Board for a term expiring December 2011. The board oversees statewide water planning and administration of financial programs for water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control and conservation projects. McMahan is a retired vice president of Texas Instruments and a member of the Southern Methodist University Engineering Advisory Board and the Dallas Chamber Water Council.

schools

An online tutoring service is available on the Dallas Public Library’s website, tailored for students grades 4-12. The service is free to Dallas Public Library card holders. The service can be accessed by visiting dallaslibrary.org and clicking DASH.

students

The Hillcrest High School Mock Trial team recently was honored at the Dallas Bar Association luncheon. Fifteen mock trial teams attended, but Hillcrest’s team was the only one with three individual finalist recognitions, which went to Tom Lewis, outstanding witness finalist; Michael Hinojosa, outstanding advocate finalist; and Jeff Wilke, outstanding advocate finalist.

Hillcrest High School’s Academic Decathlon Team recently competed in a state competition. Burke Hall earned a gold medal in Honors Speech and a bronze medal in Honors Interview; Mattia Flabiano earned a silver medal in Honors Interview.

volunteer

Assistance League of Dallas is a volunteer group dedicated to assisting the elderly, children, and the abused. Volunteers work in structured and established programs for Children’s Medical Center, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, and Dallas ISD. New members are welcome. For information, call 972.437.1239 or assistanceleagueofdallas.org.

Bea’s Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational and personal development opportunities to low-income children so they will stay in school and break the cycle of poverty. The organization is seeking volunteers to assist center directors in providing after school homework help, and give encouragement to low-income pre-kindergarten through high school students. The center, 13450 Maham, is open Monday through Thursday, 4-6 p.m. throughout the school year. For information about volunteer opportunities at Bea’s Kids (beaskids.org), contact director of volunteers Lisa Vaughn at 972.417.9061, or lisa.vaughn@beaskids.org.

CONTACT Crisis Line is seeking volunteers to help callers through some of their life’s most critical moments. Those interested will be taught crisis management techniques, will develop their listening skills, and will enhance their interactions with family, friends and co-workers. CONTACT Crisis Line specialists provide a caring human connection, a trained listening ear, and a connection to resources to help people through tough times. For information, call 972.233.0866, ext. 311.

Dallas CASA is seeking volunteers to train as advocates for abused and neglected children. CASA empowers everyday citizens to speak up in court for the best interest of children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect.  Volunteers gather information for the court and work with the child welfare system and others to help quickly find a safe, permanent home for each child. For information or to register for an upcoming information session, please call 214.827.9603, ext. 273 or visit dallascasa.org. 
 
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at the Senior Source is looking for volunteers age 55+ to volunteer with more than 230 non-profit agencies in Dallas and Collin counties. RSVP matches your skills, needs and desires with a volunteer job. Volunteers are generally needed for three hours, one to two days a week. 214.823.5700 or rsvpd@TheSeniorSource.org.