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Hey Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath and Royse City...it's your time to shine! Check in daily to keep up with all the unique, wonderful and entertaining events happening around here. On this blog you'll find Editor's Notes, Know Your Neighbor profiles and links to news of local interest. Let me know what's noteworthy in your neighborhood!

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Archive for February, 2009

This just in from the Castro camp...."Things are moving a mile a minute in lots of different directions. Turns out Jason won't be on Idol this week and the song won't be on iTunes tomorrow. We know this is not what you want to hear, BUT there's really great news coming soon...."

They continue, "We know how excited everyone was for the big week, but it simply wasn't possible to have on Idol due to time constraints. AI and Jason are looking forward to a future appearance if scheduling permits."

Posted by Dawn Redig on Mar 3, 2009 6:12 AM
Last week he sang his first single, "Love Uncompromised," on TV Guide Network. This Wednesday, March 4, American Idol Season 7 top four finalist Jason Castro will make a guest performance live on the AI stage.
Posted by Dawn Redig on Mar 2, 2009 9:46 AM

Are you wondering what Rockwall's favorite, dreadheaded music man has been up to?

Don't miss Season 7 American Idol finalist Jason Castro perform his first single, "Love Uncompromised," when he appears on the show Idol Tonight, which airs this evening at 8pm ET/PT, 7pm CT on the TV Guide Network.

Sources tell me the song will be available for download on iTunes on Tuesday, March 3.

Rebroadcasts of the episode will air throughout next week, too.

 

(more)
Posted by Dawn Redig on Feb 27, 2009 4:49 PM
Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath & Royse City

Here are quick links to some of the top stories posted by contributors like you, for and about the Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath and Royse City areas. Look for many of them to come in next week's print edition.  

>> ROCKWALL/HEATH 

Community Playhouse hosts auditions for ‘Kiss Me Kate’ http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30722

Ask these winning RushCreek sailors about their “keg” trophy http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30694

Rockwall author part of “Christianity Today” panel http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30560

Fulton senior participates in Noon Rotary 4-way speech contest                 http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30520

“From Jester to Knight,” a short story http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30796

Girl Scout Service Unit 170 sets sail for World Thinking Day http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30790

Highsteppers host, compete in American dance/drill team regionals               http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30786

Share your family secret anonymously http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30425

Let’s put on a play: ‘One for the Books’ musical revue http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30747

Girl Scout Troop 2018 performs community service http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30784

Highsteppers celebrate Valentine’s with retirement home residents               http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30781

Violinist is guest at Friday Study Club http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30746

Thrilling story of Son Tay POW Raid http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30766

Congressman Ralph Hall welcomes LegacySchool to Rockwall http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30765

APHE hosts talent show http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30760

>> ROWLETT 

Texas governor appoints Rowlett woman to TWU board http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30558

Diega is Feral Friends’ cat of the week http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30555

Manager of Rowlett Road Domino’s named Manager of the Year http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30678

>> NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS 

Spring bazaar coming to Woodbridge Golf Club http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30531

In remembrance of Jackie Ballew of Garland http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30478

Rising fabric prices don’t stop quilters http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30720

Texas Christian Songwriters, Buckingham UMC host community outreach concert   http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30699

Spring Break at CampRorieGalloway http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30587

You, too, can post your news, photos, videos and blogs at neighborsgo.com. Then look for them in our neighborsgo print edition Fridays in home-delivered copies of The Dallas Morning News and our local Starbucks.

Posted by Dawn Redig on Feb 27, 2009 8:36 AM

KRLD News Radio1080 recently named Heath resident Jerry Hogan the North Texas Community Hero of the Week for the volunteer work he is doing to tell the stories of hometown servicemen and women.

Hogan, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, writes The Military View column that appears regularly in neighborsgo. In these articles he describes real life experiences of military personnel and the sacrifices that they and their families make.

“After watching the mainstream media continue to focus on all the sensationalism and headline-catching events of the military, I thought the American people should have the opportunity to see the other real, personal side of what it is like to be a soldier,” Hogan said.

So far about 200 articles have been written for various newspapers.

“And I have no plans to stop,” Hogan added. “One of the hardest things is finding all of the local people who are now serving so their story can be told. If you know someone, please let me know at jerryhogan@sbcglobal.net  or 214-394-4033.”

(more)
Posted by Dawn Redig on Feb 27, 2009 7:38 AM
After riding the Dreadhead Express with Jason Castro in Season 7 of American Idol, then boarding the AI rollercoaster once again in hopes of riding along with Jason’s younger brother Michael, I’m guessing that some of you – like me – are experiencing withdrawals while tuning in to Season 8.      

As Jason and Michael continue their amazing musical journeys off the AI stage, you can find your prescription for Castro fever at jasoncastromusic.com, neighborsgo.com/jasoncastro, iamsecond.com and on my editor’s blog at neighborsgo.com/blog/lightofdawn.

And you can check out some other incredible local talent beginning next week, as the Rockwall chapter of Soroptimist International presents Rockwall Idol 2009.

The annual singing competition benefits RockwallCounty women and children through a partnership with Helping Hands Clinic.

The first of three preliminary rounds gets underway at 7 p.m. March 5 at the Hilton Bella Harbor. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Prelims continue March 12 and 19. The top prelim winners will compete for the title of Rockwall Idol 2009 during the Soroptimists’ WomenAid Gala on March 28. The Idol will receive a cash award and complimentary recording session donated by Nicki and Stephen King, owners of Manor Recording Studio in Rockwall.

Register to compete at rockwallidol.com or at the preliminaries; entry fee is $10 per song.

Order WomenAid gala tickets by e-mailing Shelli Miller at shellirocks@aol.com or calling 972-467-9923. Gala tickets are $60.

For more information on the competition, e-mail sandy@fredkolodeylaw.com or call 214-335-3699.

Where is he now?

neighborsgo has learned that Joseph Reyna, winner of last year’s Rockwall Idol competition, has been very busy pursuing his love of music. He just completed his first album with The Manor Analog Studio. He is in his third year at StephenF.AustinUniversity where he is a vocal performance/music major. He is currently serving as a judge for the Lumberjack Idol competition at SFA – an honorary position since he won the title of Lumberjack Idol in 2007.

In addition to hearing Reyna perform at Relay For Life kick-off events, see him live at the Rockwall Idol preliminary round on March 19 and at the finals on March 28.

To view of video of previous Rockwall Idol contestants, visit neighborsgo.com/video/762. Hear Angie Landers, Rockwall Idol 2007, sing at neighborsgo.com/video/584.

Posted by Dawn Redig on Feb 27, 2009 6:42 AM

Dads and daughters all over town have memories to last a lifetime following Rowlett’s Little Sweetheart Dance and Rockwall’s Black and White Ball.

Donna Huerta, public information officer for the City of Rowlett, reports that 96 father/daughter couples put on their best suits and dresses, polished their dancing shoes and came out to the Rowlett Community Centre Feb. 6 to enjoy a night of fun at the annual dance sponsored by the Culture and Recreation Department.

Jason Thedford escorted his three-year-old daughter Rylea to the Broadway-themed event.

“Rylea talked about getting to ride in the “limbo” all week,” writes Rylea mother, Casi Thedford, at neighborsgo.com/stories/30154.

Jason added, “This was Rylea’s first dance. She danced as if she were in her ballet and tap dance class.”

Happy couples enjoyed limo rides, corsages, a twist and a limbo contest, good food, and according to Huerta, “even getting a little crazy with a Congo line.” Each couple was able to take home a keepsake photo.

“At one point, Rylea laid across two chairs and just gazed into our picture while she munched on a chocolate heart!” Jason said.

On her neighborsgo.com post, Rylea’s proud mom says that next year, Jason plans to take both of their daughters.

“I’ll have my hands full with a 2 and a 4-year-old,” Jason said.

Like the Thedford’s, your memorable moments, photos, blogs – even videos – are welcome at neighborsgo.com. You may find your news in an upcoming print edition.

To post, simply log on to neighborsgo.com, register as a first time user (if you’re not already), and select “post a story.” A text box will appear where you can type in your news. At the bottom of the screen, you’ll have the option to upload a photo. Then click “submit,” and your news will be instantly posted online and considered for publication.

Posted by Dawn Redig on Feb 18, 2009 3:00 PM

For your viewing pleasure, here are links to some of the top stories posted by contributors like you here at neighborsgo.com, for and about the Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath and Royse City areas. Look for many of them to come in an upcoming print edition.  

>> ROCKWALL/HEATH

Hubbard Chamber Music grants awards in memory of Lindy Barton                     http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30455

Helping Hands’ needs don’t end with holidays http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30434

Starlight Singers perform USO Show      http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30386

Friends of the Library host “One for the Books” with the Four Plaids http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30259

Tween Dia-Beaters meet at TrainUp for fitness fun http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30048

Heath Hawk golfers finish second in Waco    http://neighborsgo.com/stories/30313

Winning in overtime – Williams’ seventh grade basketball http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30326

50,000 free books to needy kids          http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30407

Toby ties pet columnist in knots                 http://neighborsgo.com/stories/30299

Rockwall auto care expert offers car care tips http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30046

 Video: Astronomy blogger sheds light on what causes a lunar eclipse                                                  http://www.neighborsgo.com/video/1587

>> ROWLETT 

Sewing toward success http://neighborsgo.com/stories/30281 

Blog: How to get an appointment with your doctor http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&site_page_id=301&sblog_id=645&post_id=13737

 >> ROYSE CITY

Royse City senior earns culinary arts scholarship http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30341

 >> NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS 

Bike and DART bus combo means healthier commute http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30111

Forney student receives Eastfield guitar scholarship http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30134

Saturn of Mesquite hosts successful Valentine’s Day blood drive                        http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30341

You, too, can post your news, photos, videos and blogs at neighborsgo.com. Then look for them in our neighborsgo print edition Fridays in home-delivered copies of The Dallas Morning News and our local Starbucks.

Posted by Dawn Redig on Feb 17, 2009 8:40 PM
The talented art students of Rockwall ISD have created and donated more than 200 unique pieces of artwork to be sold and auctioned at the RISD Education Foundation’s annual event, “Reach for the Stars: A Celebration in Black and White.” 
 
The gala begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Southfork Ranch, and will honor Innovative Teaching Grant recipients, Century Club members and the Foundation Board of Directors.
 
The evening’s festivities will include music by the Rockwall High School Jazz Band, a video of the Prize Patrol, dinner and live auction.Proceeds will help the Foundation award grants to RISD teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty to inspire students to learn in new ways that might not be provided for within the district’s budget.
 
Among the Fall 2008 Innovative Teaching Grant recipients are Brenda Kraft, Michael Oldham, Katie Braden, Traci Songer, Patricia Williams, Diana Firley, Ruth Johnson, Kimberly Yarbrough, Jennifer Doss, Alan Engle, Tammy Kea, Marlane Hildebrandt, Nancy Doudney, Robyn Gunderson, Deborah Lee, Melissa Padilla, Alissa Pettit, Susan Boyd, Janet Caporaletti, Kathy Riley, Kristina Cooper, Chris Ghormley, Patrick McClendon, Lisa Costello, Dolly DeLaGarza, Jay Fisher, Susan Segura, Elena Straight, Deanna Wheeler, Lynne Milner, Elizabeth Kelly and Ann Knostman. As a group, grant recipients were awarded $21,531.84 to be used in the classrooms.

For more information, contact RISD Education Foundation at 469-698-7032.

Information provided at neighborsgo.com by Marcia Gilbert with the RISD Education Foundation; Leigh Plagens with the RISD board of trustees and foundation board; and Ann Knostman, grant recipient and Shannon’s technology teacher.

Posted by Dawn Redig on Feb 13, 2009 5:59 PM

Check out these heartwarming events happening in the Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath, Royse City and surrounding areas over Valentine's weekend.

WMS ‘Pink Dance’ benefits cancer research Williams Middle School PTA, Student Council and National Junior Honor Society will host a Pink Dance” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, in the WMS gym to benefit cancer research. Students are encouraged to wear pink in honor of those they love who are affected by cancer. Tickets are $10 if purchased in advance and $12 at the door. 

Valentine Tea at Joy Lutheran  Women in the Rockwall/Rowlett area are invited to a ladies’ tea at JoyLutheranChurch, 302 N. Goliad in Rockwall, beginning at 1 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14. Everyone is encouraged to wear a hat; the program will include a competition for the most interesting hat. Snacks, desserts and tea will be served.  

Michael Castro at FridayNiteLive Michael Castro of Rockwall, brother of Season 7’s top four finalist Jason Castro, is touring area schools in February as part of Friday Nite Live. Michael made it through to Hollywood in Season 8 before being sent home this past Tuesday. Michael will perform live Friday, Feb. 13 at ForestwoodMiddle School, 2810 Morriss Road in Flower Mound. On Saturday, Valentine’s Day, he will perform at CainMiddle School, 6620 FM 3097 in Rockwall. Other performances are scheduled in Coppell, Lewisville, Saginaw, Bedford, Houston, Pasadena and Pearland. For more information, call Elva at 972-880-6699 or visit FridayNiteLiveEvents.com for a complete schedule.

Valentine's cat adoption event Feral Friends Community Cat Alliance will host a Valentine’s Adoption Weekend from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 at PetSmart on Highway 66 and Liberty Grove in Rowlett. There will be Valentine's crafts, treats and a door prize drawing.

Pour your heart into kayak polo Playing polo in a kayak is an exciting sport that takes skill, ability and a willingness to get a bit wet. The game involves two teams of five players trying to make a goal on the opponent. Those interested in a non-competitive way to learn more about this game and to improve their paddle skills are invited to join the recreational kayak polo league. Players from age 8 to adult are welcome. Practice sessions begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at the ColonyAquaticPark, 5580 N. Colony Blvd. Sessions are $10 to cover pool and equipment use. Kayak Instruction is based in Rowlett. or more information, call Dave Holl at 214-629-4794 or visit KayakInstruct.com.

Kroger Express Tents offer ready-made giftsKroger customers can conveniently purchase Valentine’s Day-related items including flowers, fragrances and balloon bouquets in Kroger’s Floral Express Tents located outside of local stores through Feb. 14. For customers wanting to surprise their sweetheart with flowers at work, Kroger is offering floral delivery on Feb. 13.Call 1-800-4KROGER to place an order.

Rockwall Tennis Unlimited Hosts Valentine’s MixerRockwall Tennis Unlimited will host a Valentine’s Mixer from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Rockwall-HeathHigh School courts. The cost is $15 at the door; $10 with early registration. Refreshments provided. To register, e-mail Rahmanzadeh1@sbcglobal.net or visit Rockwalltennisunlimited.com.

Dinner with a heart at Southern Junction  Enjoy a heart-shaped rib eye dinner for two on Valentine’s Day with your loved one at Southern Junction in RoyseCity. The Dirt Road Gypsy Band will perform live. Ladies will be treated to a novelty rose when they arrive as well as a big balloon drop. For more information, call 972-771-2418 or visit southernjunctionlive.com.

 'My Possibilities' hosts Valentine’s BowlMy Possibilities, a center in Plano for adults with disabilities, will have a Valentine’s Day bowl from 1 to 4 p.m. at Plano Super Bowl, located at Avenue K and Park Boulevard. Cost is $50 per lane, which includes one lane for 3 hours of bowling and shoe rental for six people. The family and friends sponsorship is $75, which includes one lane for 3 hours, shoe rental for six people and a Valentine’s message on screens throughout the event. Raffle tickets for a Chevrolet Aveo5 are available. To register or buy a car raffle ticket, visit mypossibilities.org/events.For more information, call Pam Ferrell at 972-743-1113.

Richardson Symphony performs ‘Music for Lovers’ Richardson Symphony Orchestra’s “Music for Lovers: The Most Romantic Moments from Movies, Broadway and Opera” will be at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at the EisemannCenter, 2351 Performance Drive in Richardson. Tickets are $12 to $101 and are available by calling 972-234-4195 or at eisemanncenter.com/tickets. For more information, visit richardsonsymphony.org.

 

Posted by Dawn Redig on Feb 12, 2009 11:35 AM
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