Members of the Merriman Park/University Manor Homeowners’ Association are making an effort to save the world’s environment, and at the same time beautify their neighborhood’s environment.
The homeowners’ association set up a recycling program three years ago by placing igloos to collect glass and cans in the parking lot of the Skillman/Abrams Crossing Shopping Center. Collected items were sold, and the money was used to pay for the igloos.
But after paying off the igloos, the association earmarked the money for neighborhood beautification projects.
The first project was recently completed when several residents planted 450 daffodil bulbs, 95 bushes and 475 cover plants at the Town North entrance of the neighborhood at Northwest Highway and Abrams.
Lee Wright, co-chair of the neighborhood’s beautification committee, says the recycling program gave the neighborhood an opportunity that otherwise wouldn’t be affordable.
“It’s been in need of improvement, and this has given us a chance to do it,” Wright says.
The beautification project will be maintained by volunteers and other areas of the neighborhood will be beautified in the future.
Exchange Club Receives National Service Award
Perrie Adams and the Lake Highlands Exchange Club were honored by the National Exchange Club recently with a National Service Award. The award recognized the Lake Highlands club’s extensive community service and programs during Adams’ presidency. The club received a special banner, and each member received a lapel pin for their hard work.
Arboretum Begins Series of Winter Gardening Classes
The Dallas Arboretum is beginning its Winter Series of gardening classes in the DeGolyer House at the Arboretum. Classes are intended for beginning and advanced gardeners; fees range from free to $30 and include admission to the 66-acre botanical garden.
No classes are scheduled in December, but on Jan. 8 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., a class on perennials will be taught by Bob Wilson, a professional grower of perennials.
Landscape architect Warren Johnson will teach a landscape design class Jan. 15 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
For information or to register, call 327-8263.
East Dallas Chamber Elects New Board of Directors
The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce recently elected its 1994 board, according to acting chamber president Earl Allen.
Suzanne Cochran, a lawyer with Cochran and Cochran, P.C., was elected chair. She has been a board member for three years and is in private law practice with her husband, John. She has lived in East Dallas for 24 years.
First vice-chair is Larry Cline with Schrader Investment Company, and second vice-chair is Susan Wells with the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society.
Division vice chairs are community affairs, Jan Baldwin with Baylor Health Care Leadership Center; communications, Rick Wamre with Advocate Community Newspapers; development/strategic planning, Sherryl Wesson with Henry S. Miller Realtors; events, Scarlett Ammons with Dallas International Travel; membership, Greg Blair with Eastpark National Bank; treasurer, Campbell Scott with Larkin and Scott, P.C.; legal counsel, Mark Shank with Clark, West, Keller, Butler and Ellis; and immediate past chair, Pete Sessions with Seibert-Wilson.
Lakewood Service League Plans Annual Fund-raiser
The Lakewood Service League needs donations from neighborhood businesses for the league’s annual party/fund-raiser April 9.
Donated items will be auctioned at the party, and proceeds benefit neighborhood schools and nonprofit organizations. For information, call Pat Williams at 327-4925 or Margaret LaRocca at 363-2847.
League members work with neighborhood schools and organizations and always need more volunteers. For information, call Monica Terrill at 319-9065.
Area Residents Announce Plans for Political Races
David Schum recently announced his candidacy for U.S. Congress, District 3, running against Rep. Sam Johnson. Schum lives in North Dallas with his wife, Claudia.
In 1992, Schum started the Dallas chapter of Citizens for an Alternative Tax System, an organization that advocates replacing the income tax with a national sales tax. Before becoming the midwest regional director for the organization, Schum worked in life and health insurance.
He grew up in Naperville, Ill., and graduated from SMU with a business administration degree in 1972.
Schum, 43, has four daughters – Angela, a junior at St. Olaf College; Lisa, a sophomore at Highland Park High School; Tesa, in kindergarten at Aikin Elementary; and Tara, who was born last March.
Schum says he wants to restructure health care and the federal tax system, as well as downsizing the federal government and bureaucracies.
- Justice of the Peace Fletcher Freeman, Precinct 1, Place 2, is running for a fifth term as Justice of the Peace.
His district includes East Dallas/Lakewood, Lake Highlands, the Park Cities and Downtown. Freeman lives in the Swiss Avenue Historic District with his wife, Pam. Son Chris graduated from Woodrow Wilson last year and daughter Carolyn attends White Rock North.
Freeman has been active in several civic organizations, including the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, the Dallas Civic Garden Center at Fair Park and the Historic Preservation League.
News & Notes
MILITARY PROMOTION: Cadet Michael David Cherry was recently promoted to Private First Class at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen. Cherry, 16, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Cherry of Lake Highlands. The promotion recognized Cherry’s performance in academics, military leadership and athletics.
LOOKING FOR HISTORY: KERA-TV Channel 13 is seeking historical information about Dallas from the 1930s through the 1970s. Pictures, films, stories and any other memorabilia is needed. The information is being collected for “Remember When,” a one-hour special concerning the history of Dallas. The program is scheduled to air next spring. For information, call Sheila Cooper at 740-9226.
NEW TALK SHOW: Lake Highlands psychiatrist Gary Lefkof hosts a weekly mental health talk show on KGBS Talk Radio 1190 AM. Lefkof has appeared on Inside Edition, 48 Hours with Dan Rather, Geraldo and the Jane Whitney Show. The new radio show, The Mental Health Forum with Gary Lefkof, M.D., airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m.
CHRISTMAS TREE SALE: Several Lake Highland residents are participating in the Dallas County, Garland/Richardson and Plano A&M University Mothers’ Club’s annual Christmas tree, poinsettia and pecan sale Dec. 4 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Texas A&M Extension Center, 17360 Coit. Proceeds fund Texas A&M scholarships and student organizations.
ADOPT-A-PET: Cats and dogs will be available for adoption Dec. 4 from 1-5 p.m. at Petco, 9090 Skillman. The Adopt-A-Pet is sponsored by the Human Society of Greater Dallas. For information, call 343-3666.