June 2009 - Vickery Place

JUNE GENERAL MEETING - NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL
Date: Thursday, June 11
Time: 7:00 pm
Place : Veritas Wine Room
The VPNA June general meeting will be a get-together at Veritas
Wine Room, located at 2323 N Henderson Ave, 7pm to 8pm.
Opened in the summer of 2008, Veritas Wine Room is owned and
operated by brothers Brooks and Brad Anderson lawyers by
profession, wine their passion.
Sample various wines by the glass or bottle at a discounted price
along with free appetizers for Vickery Place residents and guests. No business at this
meeting; just relaxing fun and a chance to get to know your neighbors.
'A TASTE OF VICKERY PLACE' COUPON BOOKS
You will soon have an opportunity to purchase the first ever A Taste of
Vickery Place coupon book. The book will feature our local neighborhood
restaurants: Cafe San Miguel, Capitol Pub, Cuba Libre, Dickey s Barbeque Pit,
Fireside Pies, Fish City Grill, The Grape, Greenville Bar and Grill, Hector s on
Henderson, Hurricane Grill, Quesa-D-Ya s, Stan s Blue Note, Sushi Axiom,
Vickery Park and Victor Tangos. Each participating restaurant will offer a
discount or special on items from their menu.
The cost of the coupon book is $12. Proceeds from sales will benefit our
Expanded Neighborhood Patrol. This exciting new endeavor is sponsored by Consilient Restaurants, Dickey s
Barbeque Pit and Ken Lampton/Remax About Dallas. To purchase your book, contact Kathy at
ka54harris@aol.com or call 214-887-3451. They will also be available for purchase at our monthly neighborhood
general meetings and on several Saturdays at Newflower Farmers Market. Please support neighborhood safety and
have some delicious meals by participating in the first-ever Taste of Vickery Place! ~ Kathy Harris
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY VICKERY PLACE DADS!
Bulky Trash/Basura Abultado
Don t Set Out Trash Before:
Recycling Pick-up
Thursday, June 4
Pick Up Week:
Volume 28, Issue 6
June 8 - 12
June 2009
Thursday June 11
Thursday, June 25
MAY 14 GENERAL MEETING RECAP
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT & TRINITY RIVER AUDUBON CENTER
Deputy Chief Golbeck
Frances Ockels
The evening began on a positive note with DPD Central Patrol Deputy Chief Vince Golbeck
reporting that overall crime in our area has significantly dropped compared to this time last
year. However he did caution that criminal activity usually spikes in
the summertime months and reminded us to stay alert and report any
suspicious activity or persons by calling 911. He noted a recent trend
of purse snatching from outdoor restaurant patios along Greenville &
Henderson, so be mindful of where you set down your purse, cell
phone or car keys. He then introduced Central Patrol s new
Community Outreach representative Kim Peters, who said she is
looking forward to working with everyone in the Dallas community.
Kim Peters
Environmental Coordinator on the City of Dallas Storm Water
Management Outreach Team, Frances Ockels, gave a visual presentation on ways to
keep our storm drains clear and clean such as properly disposing of motor oil, trash,
litter and grass clippings, rather then allowing them to end up down the storm drain inlet;
or by using organic herbicides/pesticides which will be less harmful to plant and animal life
in our feeder lakes & rivers. Everyone who attended went home with a rain gauge and
the tote/umbrella door prize winners were Mary Kay Henley, Selena Urquhart and Rick
Bentley. To find out more on how to keep our waterways clean, go to
www.wheredoesitgo.com.
Chris Culak from the Trinity River Audubon Center described this somewhat undiscovered
oasis, located just 8 minutes from downtown! The Center opened in October 2008 with a
partnership between the City of Dallas and the Audubon Society. Visitors can explore miles
of hiking/walking nature trails (which are ADA accessible) and see over 200 different
species of birds along with various bugs and wildlife. Hundreds of school children field trip
here each week field instructors correlate lessons with DISD s science curriculum. The
Center itself is the first LEED-certified building constructed by the City of Dallas Park and
Recreation Department. Its sustainable features include a vegetated roof, rainwater
collection system, energy efficient systems, and recycled materials. For more information,
go to www.trinityriveraudubon.org.
Chris Culak
To top off the evening, Quesa-D-Ya s owner and
manager Paul Oltmann brought an assortment of freshly
made gourmet quesadilla pies for all to enjoy! Drop on by their 2820 Greenville
Avenue location or visit quesa-d-yas.com to order your next quesadillas.
Thank you all for a
very informative and
enjoyable community
meeting, and thanks to
Vickery Towers and
VT Program Director
Jerri Lamrock and for
hosting us!
SEE YOU NEXT
MONTH!
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HISTORIC APPEAL OF FRONT PORCH LIVING
The newly designed neighborhood of Habersham in the low country of
Beaufort, South Carolina was recently recognized as the Best New
Neighborhood Design in America by the National Association of Home
Builders, and it takes its cues from the architecture of a bygone era.
Like Vickery Place the Habersham cottages have porches that rest
close to the streets, encouraging neighbors passing by to stop and chat.
Our friendly, inviting porches are one of the most unique features of our
neighborhood. They are often another room creating a special place for
dining and entertaining.
As we approach summer remember to set aside time to enjoy this age old pastime of porch sitting and when you are
out for a stroll, make time to stop, say hey and maybe sit a spell. ~Sheila Huffman
HIGH WEEDS
CODE COMPLIANCE REMINDER:
With the recent rains of spring, Vickery Place is lush and green. Which also means, high
grass and weeds. Please keep your lawn trimmed and maintained not only will it look
nicer, but you won t get cited by the City!
According to the City of Dallas Section 7A-18/Section 18-13(a): homeowners or tenants
are responsible for keeping their lawns mowed, clipped, mulched or cleared and the
property free of litter (garbage, paper, cardboard, wood, glass, bedding, auto parts, appliances, limbs, etc.). The property must be maintained between the curb in front of the house (or if no curb then from
the edge of the pavement) to the middle of the alley (or the back property line if there is no alley).
Weeds or grass more than 12 inches high is a violation of the City Code. Failure to do so may result in a court citation
and/or a bill for the City s mowing services.
As you mow your yard, remember to sweep grass
clippings off the sidewalk, driveway and street and
dispose of them properly. You can place clippings back on
your lawn where they will act as a natural fertilizer. City
Code Sec. 19-118.2.F.5 prohibits discharging grass
clippings into the storm drainage system. Do not blow or
sweep grass clippings into the street or storm drain inlets!
A clogged inlet will cause flooding on neighborhood
streets. For more information about Code Compliance
visit dallascityhall.com or call 3-1-1.
Reservations accepted
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KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25
Some neighbors are taking this message to heart and soon you will be seeing Keep Kids
Alive Drive 25® signs in front yards throughout Vickery Place.
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25® is a safety campaign targeting observance of the residential
speed limit. The campaign goal is to unite neighborhoods and communities throughout the
U.S. with a consistent message about safe driving.
Since we as drivers cause the problem of speeding in residential neighborhoods, and
beyond, we must be actively engaged and committed to being the solution as well. Keep
Kids Alive Drive 25® is a friendly reminder to slow down in a fast-paced world, as well as
an invitation to take personal responsibility for our driving behavior.
Obtain your yard sign by contacting Melanie Buckholt at info@vpna.org or call 214-460-3094. Signs cost $25 each.
Let s make our neighborhood a safe place to live and play!
SUMMER WATER SAFETY
Follow these general water safety tips for a fun and injury-free summer:
Don t swim alone. Keep an eye on your child at all times. Remember, kids
can drown in seconds and in silence. Swim in areas supervised by a
lifeguard.
Obey posted rules. Read and obey all posted signs and follow the rules and
directions given by lifeguards.
Always be aware. Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in
and its potential hazards.
Enter safely. Use a feet first entry when entering the water. Do not dive in shallow water--backyard pools are often
diving hazards, especially for teenagers.
Take precautions. Children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a proper U.S. Coast Guard approved personal
flotation device.
Avoid alcohol. Do not mix alcohol or any other drugs with swimming, diving or boating.
Protect yourself. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and both UVA and UVB protection and be sure to re-apply
after swimming. Even a few serious sunburns can increase the risk of getting skin cancer.
Learn to swim. The Dallas Park and Recreation Department has lessons for people of all ages and abilities at each of
its 21 community pool locations. Go to www.dallasparks.org for more information or to enroll.
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STUDYING ABROAD - GREECE
Vickery Place resident and VPNA board member Selena Urquhart was
awarded the International Education Scholarship which allowed her to
study in Greece for 10 days this past May. Selena is currently working
towards her Master s Degree in International Business and plans to graduate
in August. Texas Women s University established the International Education
Fee Scholarship (IES) in the fall of 2001 to provide study abroad scholarships
for TWU students. Funds are distributed in a scholarship competition open to
all TWU students meeting the eligibility requirements developed by the International Education Fee Scholarship Committee. Applicants had to submit the
entry form, write an essay, obtain two letters of recommendation from professors and submit a budget for the trip.
Preference in awarding the scholarship is given to academic achievers.
Selena along with 32 other students and 2 professors attended classes at local businesses in Athens, Thebes, Delphi,
Epidaurus, Corinth, Argos and on the island of Santorini. While not in class, they visited ancient ruins, shopped the
colorful street markets and tasted some of the local cuisine.
Asked what she enjoyed most about this opportune trip, she replied the myths and history surrounding the Oracle at
Delphi, the business meeting with the handmade rugs company (did you know there are still nomadic tribes in the north
of Greece?) particularly challenges they face since becoming part of the European Union, and finally the grilled
calamari in basil pesto on a bed of shoestring potatoes & the zucchini stuffed with sausage, rice, fennel seeds & dill
with the most amazing lemon sauce. Congratulations Selena!
8TH GRADE GRADUATION
You have probably seen Jake Rachel around the neighborhood or at a VPNA event.
His grandmother Shelia Huffman moved to Vickery Place in 1990, five years before
Jake was born. He and his sister Natalie haven t missed a National Night Out or
Vickery Place dog show since they were old enough to participate. Jake has also
helped out at several VPNA events earning community service points for school.
This May he graduated from 8th grade at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic School in
Dallas. While at St. Bernard s Jake played on the Bruins Varsity co-ed Volleyball
team, 8th grade Basketball team and the Varsity Baseball team, 7th and 8th grade, and
was a team member during the Bruins first Dallas Parochial League Championship in
2008. Jake also enjoys golf and tennis.
He is looking forward to summer vacation including a trip to the beach, various sports
camps and of course, hanging out with friends . He will attend Naaman Forest High School in the fall.
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FUN AND FREE (OR ALMOST) WAYS TO ENJOY SUMMER
Fun in the sun doesn t have to cost the moon. A great by-product of our slow
economy is the increasing number of fun and cheap ways to enjoy the
summer and they re all in our backyard.
Cool Thursdays Concert Series, Dallas Arboretum, www.dallasarboretum.org
The trifecta atmosphere (sunset, White Rock Lake), your favorite picnic foods
(and wine) and music. A great way to enjoy a Thursday evening and unwind from
the work day. Through June 25, tickets range from $7 to $21.
Shakespeare Dallas, Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre, www.shakespearedallas.org
A picnic under the stars is a great way to enjoy Shakespeare, even if you didn t get an A in English. The Taming of
the Shrew runs Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays. The Merry Wives of Windsor Wednesdays, Thursdays and
Fridays. Through July. Tickets for Saturdays are $10 for adults. All other nights are free but a $10 cash donation is
requested.
Jazz Under the Stars, Dallas Museum of Art, www.dallasmuseumofart.org
The DMA will never be classed as a stuffy old art museum. Thursday night jazz series through June is only one of
the events celebrating the arts. Thursdays at the DMA also include Sketching in the Galleries, Make It/Take It
(experiment with new materials or techniques) 1st Thursday of the month. All free. Checkout the DMA s web site
for other programs.
Sunday Movie Series at Central 214, Hotel Palomar, www.central214.com
Free sunset movie screenings at Central 214 s outdoor courtyard. No reservations, festival seating. Sundays starting
8:30 pm through June.
Free Thursdays, Nasher Sculpture Center, www.nashersculpturecenter.org
The garden at the Nasher is one of the most appealing and serene locations in Dallas. Like the DMA, Nasher is a
vibrant space that encourages people of all ages and walks of life to enjoy its collection and atmosphere. Every
Thursday through July admission is free, as is Yoga or Sketching in the Garden. First Thursdays feature special movie
screenings. There s lots more fun events at the Nasher. Checkout their web site for further details.
GOOD NEWS FOR WINE LOVERS
Wine enthusiasts have discovered a way to curb the expense of dining out by
bringing their favorite wine to the restaurant. Below is a list of some local BYOW
restaurants within 1 ½ miles of Vickery Place, found at www.gobyo.com. Not all
restaurants allow you to bring in your own wine, and some charge a corkage fee, so it
is best to call ahead to verify what is allowed and any additional charges.
K. Tokyo - No Charge
2217 Greenville Ave., 214-824-3255
Sevan G&G Cafe - No Charge
2221 Greenville Ave., 214-821-0601
Dodie s Seafood Cafe - $8 per bottle
2129 Greenville Ave., 214-821-8890
Mai Vietnamese Restaurant - No Charge
4812 Bryan St., 214-826-9887
Teppo Yakitori & Sushi Bar - $10 per bottle
2014 Greenville Ave., 214-826-8989
Fadi s Mediterranean Grill - $1 per glass
3001 Knox Street, 214-528-1800
MoMo s Pasta - $10 per bottle
3312 Knox St., 214-521-3009
Thai Noodle and Rice cost varies
2634 N Fitzhugh Ave., 214-827-5828
Garden Cafe - No Charge
5310 Junius St., 214-887-8330
Scalini s Pizza & Pasta - $10 per bottle
2021 Abrams Road, 214-821-8088
Vietnam Restaurant - $5 per table
4302 Bryan St., 214-821-4542
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FATHER S DAY IN VICKERY PLACE
Celebrate Father s Day in Vickery Place with some of our local restaurants.
Fish City Grill, 2323 North Henderson, Phone 214-826-3474
Crab stuffed redfish with etouffee; poblano-stuffed, bacon wrapped shrimp
are just some of the features Dan Keil s and his team will be offering. Free
koozies for every dad too, while supplies last. Check out their drink specials
and chalkboard specials for the day.
Cuba Libre, 2822 North Henderson, Phone 214-827-2820
Offers their Brunch Menu along with full lunch menu. Advance Reservations available at Cuba Libre.
The Porch, 2912 North Henderson, Phone 214-828-2916
Full lunch menu along with a Special Menu Items available on Father s Day. The Porch normally does not take
advance reservations, but special arrangements can be made for groups with 6 or more guests seating at 11:30am or
earlier. Contact ndickey@consilientrestaurants.com M-F 8:30am-5:30pm.
WATERMELON SALAD WITH MINT LEAVES
~ Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
1 (5-pound) watermelon
1 Vidalia or other sweet onion
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
6 whole mint sprigs
Cut the flesh from the melon and cut into bite size pieces, removing and discarding the seeds, and set aside. Peel
and slice the onion into rings.
In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, salt, pepper, and whisk until salt is dissolved. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, a
few drops at a time. Add in the chopped mint, taste, and adjust seasonings.
In a large bowl, combine the melon, onion, and feta. Pour the dressing over the melon mixture and toss gently until
everything is coated and evenly mixed. Garnish with mint sprigs.
To serve, divide salad among individual plates and garnish with mint leaves. Prep time 20 minutes; serves 6.
New to Vickery Place?
www.vpna.org
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A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation s
service. First enacted to honor soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include
American casualties of any war or military action. It became a federal holiday in 1971, and is now observed on the last
Monday in May (May 25 in 2009).
Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. To help re-educate and remind Americans of
the true meaning of Memorial Day, the National Moment of Remembrance resolution was passed in December 2000
asking that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of
remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps.
Ralph Curry - January 15, 1914 to May 6, 2009
Ralph Curry, father of Vickery Place resident Al Curry, was
honored with a full military service this past May. He was the
first man drafted from Wheeler County Nebraska during
FDR s build up. In camp in the Carolinas during Pearl Harbor,
later dispatched to Panama Canal to defend a German attack,
then to New Guinea, the Philippines and Bautista Luzon.
15TH ANNUAL WATER-WISE TOUR
Come and see how beautiful using less water can be,
Saturday, June 6, 2009, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. City of
Dallas Water Utilities, City of Dallas Stormwater Management , Texas AgriLife Extension and the Dallas County
Master Gardeners are teaming up with surrounding cities to demonstrate the
beauty of Water-Wise and EarthKind gardening with the 15th annual WaterWise Landscape Tour.
Dallas County Master Gardeners will be conducting free 15 minute talks on WaterWise gardening every hour on the hour at each of the tour headquarters. Dallas
County Master Gardener volunteers will also be assisting homeowners and helping
answer questions about the plants and landscapes on the tour.
The tour is free and self-guided. Choose your own route and visit as many of the
landscapes as you like. For more info, visit SaveDallasWater.com or call the Water
Conservation Hotline at (214) 670-3155, M-F 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Central Tour Headquarters: White Rock Pump Station, 2900 White Rock Road.
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APRIL 2009 CRIME STATS:
CRIME
BURGLARY
BURGLARY
BURGLARY
BURGLARY
ROBBERY
THEFT
THEFT
THEFT
AUTO THEFT
AUTO THEFT
VANDAL
VANDAL
VANDAL
VANDAL
OTHER ASLT
OTHER ASLT
OTHER ASLT
FRAUD
TEL HARASS
OTHER
OTHER
OTHER
DATE
04/02/09
04/02/09
04/17/09
04/21/09
04/12/09
04/13/09
04/17/09
04/23/09
04/19/09
04/27/09
03/31/09
04/04/09
04/12/09
04/15/09
03/27/09
04/06/09
04/18/09
04/03/09
04/16/09
04/07/09
04/19/09
04/27/09
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY--CALL 911!
ADDRESS
54XX RICHARD
51XX WILLIS
28XX GREENVILLE
28XX GREENVILLE
26XX HOMER
55XX WILLIS
28XX HENDERSON
29XX HENDERSON
54XX MILLER
53XX WILLIS
56XX VICKERY
26XX HENDERSON
26XX HENDERSON
53XX RICHARD
29XX HENDERSON
25XX LANERI
55XX MILLER
28XX HENDERSON
53XX MILLER
53XX BONITA
24XX GLENCOE
51XX RICHARD
JOIN OR RENEW TODAY!
CRIME WATCH/EXPANDED NEIGHBORHOOD PATROL
If you have already joined or renewed for the remainder of 2009, thank you for supporting the ENP (Expanded
Neighborhood Patrol) program! If not, NOW IS THE TIME. The more members we have, the more patrol hours we
can afford. Our ENP officers are now very familiar with our neighborhood and recognize potential crime areas and
patterns. Become a member today! Simply fill out the form below, mail it back with a check (payable to VPNA) or
bring to the June General Meeting.
Benefits of joining Crime Watch/ENP:
· Police response within minutes to your 911 calls when an ENP officer is on duty.
· ENP officers will become experts on our neighborhood, able to recognize suspicious activity.
· With data terminal in police car, officers are able to check instantly for stolen vehicles and warrants.
· Patrols can check on your home when you are on vacation.
· Receive Crime Alert emails
Bi-yearly contribution of $125, July 2009 - Dec 2009
Name: ______________________________________________Date:___________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: __________________________Work Phone:___________________________
Email:______________________________________________________________________
(Email is required to receive neighborhood alerts; please print clearly)
Mail form and a check (payable to VPNA) to VPNA, PO Box 720192, Dallas, TX 75372
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JUNE YARD OF THE MONTH
5519 Richard - Jim and Cathy Sidler loved to visit our
neighborhood, drive around looking at homes and enjoy the
area eateries, while raising their children in Plano. When
their kids left the nest they took the opportunity to move to
Vickery Place. Once in, they installed a sprinkler system
and colorful landscaping including lilies and seasonal
flowers. A year ago they planted American Elms. Cathy
concedes that Jim is the green thumb in the family and gives
him full credit for maintaining their lovely yard.
They love the neighborhood
and we love them contributing to the beauty of it. They will receive a $25 gift card
courtesy of North Haven Gardens as thanks.
Remember, per Dallas Water Conservation Ordinance: April 1 - November 1, DO
NOT water your yard (with sprinklers) between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Share with your neighbors how
you celebrated this Father's Day.
Send your favorite 'Dad' photo
(jpg format) to info@vpna.org.
2009 Board of
Directors
President: Will Short
Vice President: Selena Urquhart
Secretary: Mary Kay Henley
Treasurer: Wally Bettes
Members at Large:
Derek Adleta
Beth Bentley
Kathy Harris
Mark Rieves
Debbie Simurda
Newsletter Co-Editors:
Beth Bentley
Shelia Huffman
The Vickery Place Neighborhood
News is published by the Vickery
Place Neighborhood Association.
For advertising rates and info,
email Vickery Place at
info@vpna.org.
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