By Dawn Redig
dredig@neighborsgo.com

Now that school is back in session, my daughter has requested a wake-up call at 5:50 a.m.

In our house, that basically means I knock five times on the wall by the stairway and holler good morning loud enough to cause a stir in her second story bedroom.

Ten minutes later, like a human snooze alarm, I follow up with another round of knocks – this time announcing that it is 6 a.m.

By 6:05, I double-check that a light has turned on in the upstairs bathroom. If not, I’m forced to climb 16 steps to shake her from her slumber.

Mind you, Samantha is 13 years old and she does own an alarm clock, but she prefers this method of morning torture. And when I say torture, I’m talking about my own torment, not hers.

The good news is that all this banging gives my son a heads up that it’s approaching 6:15, and he lumbers out of bed without further ado. 

Meanwhile my husband, who rolls out of bed at 4 a.m. without help from anyone except the dog, realizes quiet time is over. He closes the lid on his laptop and exits for the gym.

So who wakes me up?

I set my alarm for 5 a.m. and challenge the snooze button to an endurance contest, eventually conceding defeat and rising in time to make sure everyone else is on schedule.

In a strange way, I welcome this morning routine. It means football Fridays are upon us, my daughter’s drill team practices are underway, and my son’s ice hockey season is set to begin. Perhaps cooler weather is just around the corner, too.

Next week, neighborsgo brings back HS GameTime, our high school sports supplement. As in previous years, we need you to be our eyes and ears in the sports community. Whether it’s crafty work with a camera lens, or an in-game update through your cellphone’s Twitter app, we want to hear from you.

This week we’re showcasing back-to-school photos submitted by parents and teachers on the first day of school in Rockwall, Garland and Royse City ISDs. Help us showcase your school or student athlete by posting your photos today.

By Dawn Redig
dredig@neighborsgo.com

If you haven’t started your back-to-school shopping yet, there’s good news for you, too. Tax Free Weekend is Aug. 20-22, when Texas law exempts most clothing, footwear and backpacks priced under $100 from sales tax. Shoppers could save about $8 on every $100 they spend. For full details, visit tinyurl.com/taxfreeweekend2010.

We’ll have updates on this and other school-related news in our special Back to School editions on Aug. 13 and 20.

By Dawn Redig
dredig@neighborsgo.com 

A record 23 youths from Rockwall earned the chance to compete in the National Junior Olympics, after making the final cut at a recent Southwest Water Polo qualification tournament.

With 600 teams participating, the National Junior Olympics is touted as the largest water polo tournament in the world.

Fourteen of the 23 Rockwall qualifiers will actually make the trip to Los Angeles, Calif., where the boys teams will compete tomorrow through Tuesday, followed by the girls on Thursday through Sunday.

“This is in great contrast to last year,” said Jim Hummingbird, whose 13-year-old daughter Jordan was the only representative from Rockwall to play in the 2009 qualification tournament. “Jordan remembers that deflating feeling as her team (18 and under) from the Dallas Water Polo Club watched the final seconds disappear in a heartbreaking 12-9 loss in their last game. They finished the tournament 1-2, needing that final game to qualify.”

Fast forward one year and the tide has completely turned.

“As water polo has grown in Texas, so has the number of teams that the southwest region is allowed to bring to the tournament. And with the growth of youth water polo players in Rockwall, the number of qualifiers grew, too,” Hummingbird said.

Although nine of the 21 Rockwall qualifiers chose not to go because of financial concerns, prior commitments or the personal decision to continue training, Coach Andres Rodriguez is ecstatic about the number of players who will represent his hometown.

“Water polo is a great sport that brings the elements of ball and team to an aquatic environment,” he said. He credits the improvement his players to “a better sense for the game, allowing them to add their own creative touches, finishing plays in ways that will throw a coach off his chair.”

Many parents believe the turnaround is the result of great coaching.

“Andres has been the glue that has bound our group. We have all benefited to some degree just by knowing Coach Rodriguez and allowing our kids to benefit as well through his knowledge and training,” Norm Scown said.

“No matter what the reasons, going from 0 qualifiers to 23 in one year is simply amazing,” Hummingbird said.

The Eldridge family of Rockwall will send the most kids to the Junior Olympics; three of their children will compete.

“The travel plans have been a little tricky as the boys and girls tournaments are on different days,” said Eric Eldridge, father. “My kids really look forward to seeing how their play compares to other kids their ages from other parts of the country.”

Eliseo Villarreal agrees. He is sending his son Eliseo and daughter Araeli.

“We want both of them to go and experience what kind of competition there is and learn from that, regardless of the outcome. The experience they will obtain will be immeasurable,” Villarreal said.

Jim Hummingbird contributed to this story.

MAKING WAVES

Boys 12 and under

Mitchell Eldridge

Saxon Foster

Alex Rodriguez

Boys 14 and under

Reace Foster

Mateo Hernandez

Evan Scown

Eliseo Villarreal

Boys 16 and under

Nathan Eldridge

Luke Phillips

Boys 18 and under

Jonathan Walters

Girls 12 and under

Araeli Villarreal

Girls 16 and under

Raena Eldridge

Jordan Hummingbird

Summer Scown

Other qualifiers

Courtney Bolin

Chris Boyer

Dani Deitrich

Sean Eldridge

Kyle Killion

Katie Langdon

Shannon Lockhart

Morgan Madrid

Cody Price

By Dawn Redig
dredig@neighborsgo.com

I’ve been told that the centuries-old tradition of giving a ship a name was born out superstition. Early sailors believed that naming a boat would protect them from harm while at sea.   

Today, if you want to see how long-winded some sailors can be, ask them how they arrived at the name of their boat. Honest seafarers may admit they put more thought into naming their boat than naming their children.

Scott Self, captain of the 40-foot catamaran that offers sailing charters on Lake Ray Hubbard, shares the story of his vessel’s moniker on his Web site, sailwithscott.com. As the legend of Seawolf goes, villagers along the southern coast of England often seized floundering ships and plundered their cargo as they sailed into the English Channel in the1820s. The British Royal Navy dubbed each of these villagers a “seawolf,” and the pirates were arrested – taken to Australia.

In 1836, Texas won its independence from Mexico. According to Self, the new republic, eager to gain its own identity, welcomed any person of Caucasian appearance, no questions asked.

“The British Navy began diverting their prisoner ships to Galveston,” Self’s Web site reports, and the Texas government, in an effort to track the pirates, changed the names of all those known as a “seawolf” to Self.

I’m not sure if other boats on Lake Ray Hubbard share such interesting legends, but with names like Hotter Tuna, August Blaze and GLO Worm, the winners of Dallas Race Week certainly got it right. The competition was on fire during the annual regatta, and you can view the results at dallasraceweek.com. The weeklong event concluded last Friday, with trophy presentations and a post-race party at The Harbor. Thanks to Self, Stephen Straughan, Mike Lucas, Johnny Tomasino and the Rockwall Breakfast Rotary for allowing neighborsgo to come along for the ride.

Perhaps neighborsgo readers can offer my family and I some help naming our boat. It’s an old cabin cruiser – a 28’ 1978 Trojan, whose former owner named it Life Savor. We thought it would offer great family recreation. During our maiden voyage, an uninvited five-foot snake appeared on deck, causing quite a stir. Our second trip yielded another snake in the hull. We’ve since learned to conduct “snake checks” before boarding. Perhaps a name change is in order?

In the meantime, be sure to check out this week’s cover story about a record number of Rockwall kids who are making a name for themselves in water polo. We’re tracking their progress at the National Junior Olympics in Los Angeles, Calif.

Connect with editor Dawn Redig at dredig@neighborsgo.com.

By Dawn Redig
dredig@neighborsgo.com

Two lucky people will walk away with new 64GB Apple iPads this Friday evening, July 23, when a pair of prize-winning raffle tickets are drawn during Dallas Race Week’s closing ceremonies at The Harbor in Rockwall.

The final competition sets sail at 7 p.m. Friday. The action starts at Bass Pro Shops and finishes at the lighthouse on the eastern shore of Lake Ray Hubbard. The public is welcome to enjoy the post-race party and trophy presentations.

“It is truly an honor to contribute to the efforts of these wonderful organizations serving the people in and around RockwallCounty,” he said.

Marsha Fleming, founder of Before the Bridge, received a Breakfast Rotary grant for the second time. Her nonprofit pet rescue organization specializes in Pit Bulls, and currently houses 42 dogs and 30 cats.

“If our (pets) are not adopted into other homes, we keep them,” Fleming said.

Fleming plans to use the $800 grant to buy kennels and building materials to provide adequate flooring and shade.

One Man’s Treasure Clothes Closet is also a second-time recipient of a Rotary grant. The organization, which serves Rockwall, Dallas and Kaufman counties, provides clothing to indigent men who have been recently released from prison, so they can attend job interviews.

Annette Jenkins, director of the organization, said the group is planning to buy more garment racks and clothes bins with its $550 grant.

The organization helps 50 to 60 men a month, Jenkins said.

“We can make a difference by giving them an opportunity to look nice, feel confident,” she said.

Rockwall Breakfast Rotary

The no-kill pet rescue organization will purchase kennels and building materials to increase shelter capacity and improve conditions for rescued animals. The group visits PetSmart at 3300 N. Central Expressway in Plano every Saturday to host adoptions.

Chairs, tables, board games and a badminton set will be purchased to support the club’s efforts to positively impact youth in areas of academic success, character, citizenship and healthy living.

The organization, which provides professional clothing to low-income women, will buy a computer and printer for clients to prepare resumes and seek employment online.  

Funds will provide short-term daycare for children of RockwallCounty parents returning to the workforce.

Funds will provide equipment for exam rooms, including temporal thermometers and wall-mounted blood pressure cuffs.

Grant money will buy a computer system to be used by a newly-hired casework supervisor who will enable the Court Appointed Special Advocates group provide increased services to children who have come into the court systems of Rockwall and Kaufman counties as a result of abuse or neglect.

New shelving units will increase storage and efficient distribution of shoes, T-shirts, socks, gloves and hats for indigent men recently released from prison. The organization provides clothing appropriate for job interviewing and networking opportunities.

The center, which serves women facing unplanned pregnancies by offering free and confidential pregnancy tests, counseling, sonograms and education programs, will buy cribs, mattresses and infant car seats for clients in need. 

The Rockwall County Library literacy program will purchase GED materials for those seeking to improve their employment situations.

The Christian housing ministry will buy building supplies and the services of specialized craftsmen for work that is not doable by their volunteer labor pool.

Grant money will fund the second annual Angels Camp, which offers canoeing, archery, chapel and field trips for special needs children.

Funds will purchase 1,500 pairs of new shoes for low-income Rockwall and Royse City ISD students during the 2010-11 school year.

Grant money will purchase a four-shelf cart to help store volunteers move merchandise from the “make-ready” area to the sales floor of the nonprofit critical assistance agency’s thrift store.

I already viewed the latest Rockwall/Rowlett edition online at neighborsgo.com, but I scanned the issue again. I was delighted by Julieta Chiquillo’s account of her experience aboard Soap Opera, and I knew our new assistant editor’s coverage of Dallas Race Week had gotten off to a great start. [The winners of the weeklong regatta will be announced tonight at The Harbor, so be sure to stop by the post-race party, and check out our related story on the Rotary’s community grant awards in this Friday's edition.

My list of things to do was long, so I closed the paper and drove off to meet my next deadline.

Only I never made it.

I was drawn instead to the majesty of dozens of American flags planted alongside Highway 205, billowing in the summer breeze. Crowds of people, young and old, formed along the roadway. Some stood at attention. Many placed their right hand over their heart. Others wept.

I knew immediately it was to honor a hero – Spc. Jerod Heath Osborne, the 20-year-old Army medic from Rockwall who, on July 5, gave his life to shield a lieutenant from an explosive in Afghanistan.

With my family’s trip to our nation’s capitol still fresh in my mind, this heart-stopping scene was made all the more poignant. We had just celebrated Independence Day at the World War II Memorial, the WashingtonMonument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian’s AmericanHistoryMuseum. We visited Civil War battlefields, where so many soldiers died to save others.

I paused to pray and reflect as the limousine carrying Spc. Osborne drove by on its way to Rest HavenMemorial Park. An entire community stopped to salute a local hero and his family for making the ultimate sacrifice. And Spc. Osborne reminded me what it really means to return home.

By Dawn Redig
dredig@neighborsgo.com

Sailing enthusiasts from across North Texas are expected to flock to the eastern shore of Lake Ray Hubbard this Sunday to launch Dallas Race Week 2010.

For the first time since the debut of the competition in 1982, the weeklong series of fleet races and after-parties will not be anchored around June 22, which is the longest day of the year. The recent construction of 50 new day-use docks and slips at The Harbor, along with the installation of a 375-foot wave attenuator, pushed this year’s regatta to Sunday through July 23.

The Hilton Bella Harbor will serve as race headquarters, following the closing of Chandlers Landing Yacht Club.

“Each year, spectators line the shore of Lake Ray Hubbard because the event is so beautiful to watch. We think this year’s changes and the more public venue will allow even more people to enjoy it,” said Stephen Straughan, Rockwall Breakfast Rotary Club event chair. “We expect about 50 racing teams to participate in the charity regatta, and we hope to raise more than $25,000 to support the Rotary’s international and community service projects.”

The Breakfast Rotary will award its annual community grants during the opening night’s post-race party at the Hilton. Last year’s recipients included Rockwall Area Habitat for Humanity, Helping Hands, Meals on Wheels and Reading for Adults.

Past sponsors of the regatta, including the city of Rockwall and sailwithscott.com, will be joined by new corporate sponsors like Captain Morgan and Crown Royal. Rush Creek Yacht Club will provide the race committee and committee boat for the starts and finishes.

Racing begins at 7 p.m. each evening. The fleet comprises auxiliary boats of differing sizes and speeds that race together with a handicap system known as PHRF — performance handicap racing formula, according to sailor Kathy Irwin of Heath.

“Races are pursuit races where the slowest boats start first, forcing the faster boats to catch the slower boats and pass them,” Irwin said.

Rockwall resident Scott Self of sailwithscott.com said the race recruits mostly Rockwall sailing enthusiasts but also attracts racers from Dallas and Collin counties, and other Texas and out-of-state residents.

The Hilton Bella Harbor, Dodie’s Cajun Diner, Agave, RCYC, Flying Saucer and The Harbor will take turns hosting the post-race parties.

Connect with editor Dawn Redig at 469-330-5635. Assistant editor Julieta Chiquillo contributed to this story.

SCHEDULESunday

5 to 6 p.m. Registration, packet pick-up

HiltonBellaHarbor, C and B Scene Bar, 2055 Summer Lee Drive

HiltonBellaHarbor, outdoor patio

7 p.m. Start/finish at lighthouse

8:30 to 10 p.m. Presentation of Rotary grants and party at HiltonBellaHarbor, outdoor patio

7 p.m. Start and finish at lighthouse

8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Party at Dodie’s Cajun Diner at The Harbor

7 p.m. Start and finish at lighthouse

8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Party at Agave Restaurant at The Harbor

7 p.m. Start at lighthouse, finish at Rush Creek Yacht Club, 320 Rush Creek Drive

Party on the RCYC’s new deck

7 p.m. Start at RCYC, finish at Bass Pro Shops, 5001 Bass Pro Drive

Party at Flying Saucer, 4821 Bass Pro Drive

7 p.m. Start at Bass Pro Shops, finish at lighthouse

Party and trophy presentations at The Harbor

For a complete schedule of events, visit dallasraceweek.com/schedule.

To learn more about Dallas Race Week, to register as a participant or to view a related video, visit dallasraceweek.com.

By Dawn Redig
dredig@neighborsgo.com

Rockwall County Committee on Aging will host its inaugural Meals on Wheels Golf Classic on June 23 at Buffalo Creek Golf Course, to help expand services for the county’s growing number of elderly. 

The RCCOA provides access to meals, transportation, benefits counseling and caregiver support to allow older adults to remain living independently in their homes as long as safely possible. It began as a grassroots movement more than 30 years ago, when Robert and Sis Hawks began cooking in their own kitchen and had the meals delivered to elderly neighbors.

Today, Mary Thacker of Heath is one of many community volunteers who are passionate about supporting RCCOA, and the organization’s efforts to deliver more than 30,000 meals this year alone.

“The program not only provides nutrition for seniors, but it also gives them contact with the outside world. For some seniors, it’s the only personal contact they have during their day,” Mary wrote in a post at neighborsgo.com.

RCOCOA board president Mary Joe Cason added that she loves helping the seniors, “because they need to know that someone cares.”

Although RCCOA receives some federal, state and local funding, most of the money used for day-to-day operations is received through sponsors and fundraising efforts, like the upcoming tournament, Mary said.  

“All proceeds go directly to support our senior nutrition program to serve the ever increasing number of the aging population in the cities of Rockwall, Heath, Royse City, Fate and McClendon Chisholm,” said RCCOA’s executive director, Margie VerHagen. “Whether you play golf or not, you can help make the tournament a success. Each hole on the course is available for sponsorship. There will be awards, door prizes and gifts for golfers, which may be sponsored by companies or individuals,” she said.

Whether you sponsor a hole, volunteer to drive meals or aim for the longest drive on the golf course, the RCCOA encourages everyone to help make a difference in the lives of our elderly neighbors.

Connect with editor Dawn Redig at 469-330-5635. 

GET INVOLVED

What:              Meals on Wheels Golf Classic

When:             Friday, July 23                       

7 to 7:45 a.m. registration                       

8 a.m. shotgun start

Where:            Buffalo Creek Golf Course

624 Country Club Drive, Rockwall

Cost:               $100 per person, includes lunch

How:               Register for the tournament or learn other ways to help at rockwallmow.com

By Dawn Redig
dredig@neighborsgo.com

If you’re looking forward to an old-fashioned Fourth of July picnic, a patriotic parade, or a music-filled celebration that lasts all weekend, this issue of neighborsgo is bursting with things to do.

In these pages – and across North Texas – you’ll find professional fireworks displays, live entertainment and fun activities for the whole family – and a lot of great food, too.

Starting Friday, July 2, get your fill of Randy White’s Hall of Fame barbecue, Fletcher’s corn dogs, State Fair funnel cakes and fried butter when QueFest kicks off at 6 p.m. at Elgin B. Robertson Park.

Mix in a little red, white and blues from guitarist Jonny Lang – and the Rowlett Exchange Club will have you coming back for more on Saturday and Sunday, along with Joan Jett and Tracy Lawrence.

Or enjoy brisket, hot links and snocones at Fireworks on Main in Rowlett.

But I hope you save room for breakfast.

Boy Scout Troop 314 of Heath will host a pancake fundraiser from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 3 – a perfect way to start the city’s annual Independence Day parade while supporting future Scouting activities.

To-go meals are only $5. Place your order by contacting Mary Thacker at 972-722-1215 or marythacker@sbcglobal.net. Pancake pickup will be at the corner of Smirl and Hubbard Drive at the American National Bank ATM drive-thru.

Need to cool off after the parade? Meet behind Heath City Hall for free Popsicles in the Park, an annual tradition.

On Sunday, everyone is welcome to melt their cares away with ice cream and bingo at Joy Lutheran Church. Located at 302 N. Goliad St. in Rockwall, the church offers a spectacular view of the fireworks show at Harry Myers Park.

If this hasn’t whet your appetite for a fabulous Fourth, check out our community calendar and assistant editor Julieta Chiquillo’s cover story and listing of area celebrations in our July 2 issue.

SHOW US YOURRED, WHITE & BLUE

Do you have a patriotic pooch with an Uncle Sam costume? A bicycle decked out with streamers, or a golf cart sporting the American flag? Share your Independence Day photos at neighborsgo.com for a chance to appear in an upcoming print edition.

By Dawn Redig
dredig@neighborsgo.com

With headliners like Jonny Lang, Joan Jett and Tracy Lawrence, the Rowlett Exchange Club expects QueFest, its inaugural three-day Fourth of July celebration, to draw more than 15,000 people per day to Elgin B. Robertson Park, while putting more than $50,000 back in to the community.

Cory Morrow, Black Tie Dynasty and Charlie Robison are among the most recent additions to the musical lineup, and the list of local talent keeps growing.

KSCS radio station will be onsite to promote the artists and the event. Local acts will fill the stage beginning around 2 p.m. each day.

“We hope that in addition to music fans, QueFest will attract families from across North Texas that that are looking for a new entertainment venue on the east side of the Metroplex,” said Heidi Vento, QueFest publicity chair. “We have been selling our online tickets as far away as Oklahoma and Arkansas. Even Houston and Austin folks are ordering VIP tickets for the various shows.”

She added that the weekend-long fundraiser is a great opportunity to celebrate America’s birthday with family and friends.“Imagine, just by having a good time, you are helping a great cause,” she said.

Proceeds will benefit the Rowlett Exchange Club’s service programs – like Angel League, Adopt a Family, Believe in the Blue and youth scholarships.

MUSICAL LINEUP

Friday, July 2

Cory Morrow

Saturday, July 3

Black Tie Dynasty

Sunday, July 4

Charlie Robison

Jaci and Those Guys

The bands in italics are still pending final confirmation and are subject to change.  

TICKETS

Elgin B. Robertson Park is located at Interstate 30 and Dalrock Road on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard. Gates open at 6 p.m. Friday and at noon Saturday and Sunday. General admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Children under 5 are admitted free. Active military personnel get free admission with a military ID. VIP tickets are available for $95.

Buy tickets online at quefest.org or call the QueFest Hotline at 469-366-7302 for more details.

Parking along Interstate 30 will not be permitted to watch fireworks. QueFest organizers anticipate traffic delays at I-30 and Dalrock, particularly as the event lets out each night about 11 p.m.

No outside food, drinks or fireworks will be permitted into the park.

Parking onsite on the south side of I-30 is $7 per car. Remote parking located north of I-30 at Dalrock Road is $5. Shuttle buses will transport to the entry gate. 

Opportunities are still available to help with various duties at the event. Register online at quefest.org. 

Connect with neighborsgo editor Dawn Redig at 469-330-5635.