neighborsgo.com: post your community news

“Fresh Picks” features some of the top stories posted by contributors at neighborsgo.com for and about the Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath and RoyseCity areas.

Look for many of them to come in next week’s print edition or find quick links to all of them right now, right here:

>> ROCKWALL/HEATH

Pony Club wins first in dressage rally http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32474

RTU launches QuickStart tennis program http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32578

Bargains discovered while prom dress shopping http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32576

‘Born to be wild’ on Spring Break at Children’s Park http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32551

YMCA to host annual Healthy Kids Day, April 18 http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32333

Cousins accepted to military summer academy http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32587

Introducing Rockwall-Heath’s 2009-10 cheerleaders http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32312

Fulton students honored for good citizenship http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32451

Fulton students honored for American History essay contest http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32447

>> ROWLETT

Waterway cleanup volunteers needed to Keep Rowlett Beautiful http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32563

Enjoying fun Spring Break activities at the library http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32546

>> ROYSECITY

Friday Study Club learns fun facts about Royse City http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32673

>> NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS

FIRST robotics contest awards NorthTexasHigh School teams http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32372

‘Real Easter Bunny’ visits Children’s MedicalCenter for 25^th year http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32495

Hillside Academy hosts ‘Disco Inferno’ http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/32516

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 Mar 25, 2009 10:20 PM

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Rockwall County readies for Youth Fair

Rockwall County will celebrate its 56^th annual Youth Fair April 1-4 at the Rockwall ISD Agriculture Barn on Riding Club Road.

New this year is the agriculture mechanics show at 5 p.m. Wednesday. About 30 schools will participate.

Friday is Heritage Land Bank School Day, when RISD third-graders will engage in interactive learning sessions that explore farm animals and gardening. Rockwall 4-H and FFA students will lead tours of the animal project barn and discuss their experiences raising livestock projects.

Livestock show activities begin Friday at 6 p.m. with the open breeding show (heifers, rabbits, goats, sheep). Saturday’s activities get underway at 9 with market lambs, market goats, market swine and market steers showing.

A barbecue lunch will be served at noon for $5. A premium market sale follows at 1. Last year, more than $60,000 was given back to Rockwall youth as a result of the market auction. Premiums are utilized by participants to save for college and to continue another project next year. And as Michelle Morris, Rockwall High’s career and technology education department chair points out, “The benefit for buyers is the assurance of a quality meat for the dining table, and rewarding a young person for a job well done.”

RISD students will also participate in the youth fair art show, which includes painting, drawing, sculpture, craft and mixed media.

“The Rockwall Youth Fair is a fine example of our young leaders of tomorrow presenting their hard work and dedication to success in their future of agriculture and agribusiness. It is our responsibility as leaders to offer support and guidance to these students to enable them to achieve their
goals. We must always remember that the children are our future and we are
their guide,” Travis Reynolds, youth fair president, said.

Jacy Jones, Rockwall-Heath senior and president of the Clovers 4-H Club added that “participating in 4-H and the Rockwall Youth Fair has been a fun experience. I’ve been a member of 4-H since I was in third grade and have raised steers since fifth grade. This is my last year and I am going to miss it so much. I’ve met a lot of friends through 4-H.”

For more info, contact Rockwall County Extension Agent Todd Williams at 972-204-7660.

Contact neighborsgo editor Dawn Redig at dredig@neighborsgo.com and follow her blog at neighborsgo.com/blog/lightofdawn.

Posted by Dawn Redig on Mar 23, 2009 6:19 PM

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Crowd pours in, ideas flow for 'Coffee with the Editor'

Thank YOU.

I cannot think of a more appropriate way to begin than by expressing how much I appreciate you – our neighborsgoreaders and contributors. I am so grateful to all of the wonderful folks who began Spring Break by dropping by Starbucks to learn more about neighborsgo and to provide feedback.

The pot of French Press coffee may have run dry, but the ideas and conversation kept flowing, well beyond the two hours we had planned for the meet-and-greet. The record crowd for Coffee with the Editor maxed out around 40 (we stopped counting when there were no more spaces left on the sign-in sheet); I only wish I could have spent more time individually with each of you.

“What a fun morning! I felt as though I had been to a party!” Leigh Plagens said. She came by with Carolyn Francisco of the Rockwall County Historical Foundation and Billye Wood, with RCHF, Friday Study Club, Friends of the Library, Rockwall Women’s League and Rockwall Area Retired Teacher’s Association. I met Rochell Elementary teacher Geli Marquis; Beth Way, whose son Jacob graced our cover for mission work he’s doing in South Africa, Our Town columnist Sue Watkins from Garland; and Peggy Willis, who keeps us posted on the Rockwall High golfers.

From the Newcomers Club I met Darlene Bealmear and Jane Buie. Nancy Hill was there from Friday Study Club. It was so nice to meet Ginny Progelhof, chairman of the board of the Rockwall County Library. I was also blessed to meet 10-year lymphoma survivor Judy Riordan and her husband Pat, who plan to use neighborsgo to help raise awareness for the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

Of course the party wouldn’t be complete without Military View columnist Jerry Hogan; J.R. Rahmanzadeh, Sue and Nick Peterson from Rockwall Tennis Unlimited; Richard Reimer (aka Mark Twain); Dr. Orsel McGhee; and Larry Beckham, who contributes on behalf of Rowlett’s senior citizens. Even Rowlett Mayor John Harper and J.J. Smith from RockwallRocks.com came by. Reginald Williams, who many know from the Rockwall post office, updated us on the success of his science fiction novel (which neighborsgo wrote about when he became a published author two years ago); Reggie’s book is being adapted into a screenplay (more to come on that!)

Despite the heavy rains which could have dampened the mood, there was “Peace Inside” as country rocker Katie Mariah treated guests to songs from her newly released CD “Hit the Ground Running.” Manager Brad Davis of Frozen Fire Films/Wayrock also brought Tim Glasson by; Tim is the father of go-kart racer Cole Glasson, whose outstanding performances on the track are chronicled on neighborsgo.com.

So many new faces, so many more names to mention; I really appreciate each and every one of you, and hope that Garland/Wylie/Sachse editor Marcus Murphree (who helped us out with his “Mighty Mac”) was able to answer your technical questions and get you signed up on neighborsgo.com, if you weren’t already. Toni Thomas, our favorite neighborsgo account executive, added her special blend of hospitality to the Starbucks scene. And to those we interviewed on our “GO cam,” a big thanks from White Rock editor/videographer Jennifer Carpenter. I’ll let you know when the video is up at neighborsgo.com. And for those who weren’t able to come by, we’ll meet again soon.

Posted by Dawn Redig on Mar 17, 2009 10:38 PM

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Fresh Picks

Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath & Royse City

Here are links to some of the top stories posted at neighborsgo.com about Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath & Royse City. You'll see many of them in next week's print edition - or click away and read them now!

>> ROCKWALL/HEATH

Good time to be a drummer in Rockwall http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31706

Rockwall, Rockwall-Heath take top honors at Stinger Golf Classic http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31689

Lacrosse lands in Rockwallhttp://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31691

Pool Stop earns award of excellencehttp://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31447

‘From Jester to Knight,’ a coach’s story http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30796

Learning differences? Ask the doctors http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31393

Legacy School welcomes advisor to board http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31392

Seeking senior musicians age 55 or older http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31631

Friends of the Library to host lunch basket http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31603

Mike Manning: gone but not forgotten http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31590

Good Morning America honors literacy coordinator, Gloria Bishop http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31580

>> ROWLETT

Daylight savings: do we feel any younger? http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31728

Register for Garland cheer, drill http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30991

Chamber hosts ribbon cutting forRockwall CountyEnterprise Success http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31469

Chamber hosts ribbon cutting for Ambassador Cakes and Catering http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31487

Wal-Mart is Chamber’s business of month http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31488

Chamber welcomes Jordan’s CarCareCenter http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31481

Sassy’s Bark and Bath is new Chamber member http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31474

Chamber hosts ribbon cutting for PetSmart http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31480

Chamber celebrates with Milestone Electric http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31476

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 Mar 10, 2009 11:01 PM

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Take your coffee break with the editor

“Where can I get extra copies of neighborsgo?”

“What happened to youroffice on the downtown square?”

“Why don’t I see my club’s news in the paper?”

“How in the world do I blog?”

These are a few of the questions readers asked during neighborsgo’s last “Coffee with the Editor” at Starbucks.

I asked a lot of questions of my own, too – like “What do you like most about neighborsgo? About neighborsgo.com? How can we improve?” Knowing what’s important to you is very important to me, so neighborsgo can best serve the community.

That’s why you’ll find me and other neighborsgo staffers back at Starbucks between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday, March 13. This time we’ll be at the new location at 1699 Laguna Drive (that’s Horizon and Interstate 30, next to Genghis Grill). Stop in and say hello, and we’ll share coffee and conversation. There will be French Press coffee available at our table, courtesy of Starbucks, and $5 Starbucks gift cards to give away while supplies last.

If you don’t have time for a coffee break, that’s okay. We’ll host another meet-and-greet event soon. And you can always contact me directly with your questions and comments at dredig@neighborsgo.com.

Posted by Dawn Redig on Mar 10, 2009 9:35 PM

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Smoking remains hot issue in Rowlett

Council votes to hold May election to determine fate of smoking ordinance

Public Information Officer Donna Huerta reports that the Rowlett City Council just voted 5–2 to call a special election on Saturday May 9 for the purpose of allowing citizens to vote for or against the recently adopted smoking ordinance.

A valid petition to repeal Rowlett’s recently adopted smoking ordinance was filed last week with the Rowlett City Secretary’s Office leading the City Council to schedule today’s special meeting to determine the next steps in the process.

The petition provided the required 521 valid signatures of registered voters in Rowlett leaving the City Council with several options. The Council had a choice of voting to repeal the ordinance, or take it to a public vote.

Since the City of Rowlett did not have an election planned for May 9 because there are no City Council positions up for re-election, the Council also voted to enter into a joint election contract with Dallas County to conduct the election which is estimated to cost approximately $12,000.

The meeting was taped and will be rebroadcast on the City’s cable access channel RTN16 in Rowlett and will also be available on the City’s on demand video streaming at rowlett.com after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10.

Posted by Dawn Redig on Mar 9, 2009 5:22 PM

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Rowlett: citizens petition to repeal smoking ban, City Council calls special meeting Monday

According to Rowlett's public information officer Donna Huerta, a valid petition to repeal Rowlett’s recently adopted smoking ordinance was filed with the Rowlett City Secretary’s Office last week leading the City Council to schedule a special Council meeting for Monday, March 9 to determine the next steps in the process.

The petition provided the required 521 valid signatures of registered voters in Rowlett leaving the City Council with several options. The Council will meet Monday to consider repealing the smoking ordinance, or scheduling an election in May to allow voters to decide the fate of the ordinance.

The City of Rowlett does not have an election planned for May 9 because there are no City Council positions up for re-election, but should the Council decide to hold an election, they could enter into a contract with Dallas County to hold the election on May 9, 2009. Dallas County requires that it be notified of such an agreement by March 10, so the Rowlett City Council has called a special meeting for Monday, March 9 at 4:15 p.m. to make that determination.

The Council’s action will be forthcoming in a news release after the meeting on Monday afternoon. The meeting will also be taped and rebroadcast on the City’s cable access channel RTN16 in Rowlett and will also be available on the City’s on demand video streaming at rowlett.com.

Posted by Dawn Redig on Mar 8, 2009 12:54 PM

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Rockwall celebrates Public Schools Week

This just in from Sheri Fowler, with Rockwall ISD communications:

Campuses throughout Rockwall ISD will open their doors to the community Monday through Thursday, March 9-12, as part of the statewide celebration of Texas Public Schools Week. (Note: Rockwall ISD is closed on Friday, March 13.) A number of schools have planned special events to highlight this year's theme Growing Graduates: Texas Public Schools Plant Seeds for Success.

Parents, extended family, community members and the media are all invited to share in the celebration. An example of the various activities around the district include:

*At Amy-Parks Heath Elementary School, students will create and decorate working clocks during art class with the theme, "It's a special TIME in Texas public schools."

*At Amanda Rochell Elementary School, on Tuesday, March 10, the campus will host a Math/Science/Wellness Night in the gym from 6:30-7:30 p.m. There will be stations in the gym with fun science and math activities for parents and students to do together. Also, families will have the ability to have their vision, flexibility, blood pressure and BMI (body mass index) checked.

*At GraceHartmanElementary School, kindergarten students will have a Texas hoe down on Wednesday, March 11. In addition, parents are being invited to come join their child for art class any time during Texas Public Schools Week.

*At Nebbie Williams Elementary School, students are making special decorations geared toward Texas Public Schools Week. Each grade level is decorating with student work that is geared toward Texas.

*At Sharon Shannon Elementary School, engaging student work is being displayed throughout the building. The Shannon website will have a page dedicated to Public Schools Week with links to some of their students' technology projects. In addition, there will be a special video played on the KSTR morning announcements celebrating Texas Public Schools Week.

*At Celia Hays Elementary School, roller coasters rule during Texas Public Schools Week. The sixth graders have constructed roller coasters for a science lesson and the results are on display throughout the campus. The students are presenting their projects to their grade level. In addition, top projects are being presented to younger grades.

*At Quest Academy, students will attend an assembly for The Power of One, the district's theme that reminds students that one person has the power to have incredible influence on others.

From its beginning in 1950, the Texas Public Schools Week celebration has grown into an event that showcases the educational opportunities and benefits that free public schools provide to children across the state.

Posted by Dawn Redig on Mar 8, 2009 12:38 PM

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See Jason Castro in concert

This just in from the Castro camp....American Idol Season 7 finalist Jason Castro of Rockwall will be performing live in concert at Texas A&M University on Saturday, March 28! Tickets go on sale this Tuesday, March 10 at 11 a.m. The cost is $15 for students; $20 for everyone else. Tickets can be purchased onlineor by calling 979-845-1234 or toll free at 888-890-5667. Gig 'em!

Posted by Dawn Redig on Mar 8, 2009 10:51 AM

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Fresh Picks

ROCKWALL, ROWLETT, HEATH, ROYSE CITY

Here are links to some of the top stories posted by contributors at neighborsgo.com for and about the Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath and Royse City areas. Look for many of them to come in next week’s print edition, or check out these quick links now:

>> ROCKWALL/HEATH

RHS “A” freshmen golfers take first at invitational http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31195

‘Soap Opera’ wins St. Petersburg National Offshore One-Design Championship http://neighborsgo.com/stories/31096

Final hurrah for 2008-09 RHHS cheerleaders http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31114

Heath family’s fence company wins national award http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31013

Nebbie students earn awards for Reflections art http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30980

Hawk men’s soccer wins over LoveJoy http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30976

Pullen artists win Americanism poster contest http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31204

Unique people band together for music http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30861

‘From Jester to Knight,’ a short story by Coach Scott Gill http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30796

>> ROWLETT

Dallas Colts show promise at Metroplex Opener Tourney http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31217

Family starts new chapter with GISD’s ‘Choice of School’ http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31042

Swingsters named ‘Crowdpleasers’ grand champions http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31037

March calendar for Rowlett senior citizens http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/31020

Register for Garland Cheer and Drill Team Association http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30991

>> NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS

Go-kart racer Cole Glasson takes 67^th win, cash http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30937

High Adventure Treks dads, daughters enjoy sweetheart banquet http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30859

Garland’s Ethridge Elementary hosts Dr. Seuss parade http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/30928

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 Mar 4, 2009 4:41 PM

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