North Dallas-based The Real Estate Council announced Michelle Corson as its new president. Corson brings 25 years of experience in commercial real estate, philanthropy and community initiatives. Most recently, she was president and founder of Kinsale Group Inc., a real estate investment and development company with a focus on leisure-oriented projects.
The Catholic Foundation invites local artists to submit their artwork for the Third Annual Catholic Foundation Plaza Artists Competition. The deadline for entries is Friday, Aug. 15, by 3 p.m. Entries do not have to be of a religious theme. A panel of members from the local arts community will pick the winning entry. The winner will receive a $1,000 stipend and have his/her artwork displayed on a wall in The Catholic Foundation Plaza for approximately one year. Four runners-up will receive $250 each. For the complete request for proposal with competition details, e-mail info@catholicfoundation.com.
Casa de Vida, a respite care program for caregivers of early onset Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, is offered weekly on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m at NorthPark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central Expressway. It’s strictly a social program, with no medications or health care administered. Activities include morning snacks, exercise, bingo, crafts and music. A $10 fee covers the day’s program; application required. Call Ann Anderson at 972.783.8780 or Nick Harper at 214.349.6584 to apply or for information.
Dallas Water Utilities reminds residents that time-of-day watering restrictions have resumed. These mandatory restrictions prohibit the watering of landscaping from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Oct. 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 can’t 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.
Disabled American Veterans Big D Chapter 57 meets every first Saturday at 1 p.m. at 8630 Thurgood Lane for discussions and lunch. Meetings include various activities, presenters and topics. The group is also 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.
The Dallas Education Foundation, in partnership with Texas Instruments Foundation, announced the 2008 Texas Instruments Foundation Innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Teaching Awards recipients. W.T. White science teacher Mary Rivers and Hillcrest calculus teacher Loucia Mavrokordatos were among those recipients. Each teacher will receive $10,000, half of which she can keep, and the other half she will use for professional development and/or instructional technology at her school.
The Hillcrest valedictorian for the class of 2008 is Burke Hall. He plans to attend Harvard University and major in engineering. The salutatorian is Bee Metitiri. She plans to attend Harvey Mudd College and has not yet declared a major.
Hillcrest band officers for the 2008-2009 school year have been announced. They are: Ben Debus as drum major; Caity Smith and Justin Hernandez as assistant drum majors; Christian Correa as band president; Stephen Ashworth as vice band president; Alma Madina as band secretary; Lelah Burchett as percussion captain; Caity Smith as colorguard captain; Maya Warnock as flute section leader; Daisy Hernandez as clarinet section leader; Morgan Mayberry as saxophone section leader; Ed McCurdy as high brass section leader; and Jeremy Pittman as low brass section leader.
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation recently announced the recipients of the Dallas Regional Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards. Local high school seniors were selected for their leadership in the classroom and community. Recipients included Hockaday student Madisen Obiedo and St. Mark’s student Manuel Manzanares, who were each awarded a $3,000 college grant, and Jesuit student Christopher Burge, who received a $1,000 college grant.
The W.T. White valedictorian for the class of 2008 is Michael James Lee. He plans to attend the University of Texas at Dallas and major in engineering. The salutatorian is Kathryn Gelhausen. She plans to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder and has not yet declared a major.
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. To join or for information, call 972.437.1239 or assistanceleagueofdallas.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 more 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.
