For most kids, birthdays are a time for parties and presents. But for 10-year-old McKenna McGough – who will soon enter fifth grade at Back Elementary in Rowlett – there were no gifts to unwrap at her latest birthday celebration.

That’s because the Garland girl asked her family and friends to donate money to help a dolphin, rather than shower her with toys. More than $100 poured in for Winter, McKenna’s special companion at Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida.

McKenna first met the marine mammal during a family vacation in July, 2007.

“They bonded instantly,” said Stacy McGough, McKenna’s mom.

And perhaps that’s because McKenna and Winter both live – and thrive – with what might some consider to be a disability.

As a baby, Winter was caught in a crab trap, threatening the dolphin’s life and causing her to lose her tail. Now the 3-year-old Bottlenose inspires amputees, special needs children and every other visitor at the “rescue, rehabilitate and release” facility in Clearwater. And Winter has even been fitted with a prosthetic tail.

Since the age of 5, McKenna has suffered from hearing loss due to tumors in both of her ears, and she didn’t want to wear her hearing aid.

“I just didn’t like people asking me about it – like ‘what’s that in your ear?’” McKenna explains.

“That all changed after she met Winter,” Stacy said. “McKenna felt that if Winter wasn’t embarrassed to have everyone look at her stump and her prosthetic tail, then she could wear her hearing aid not be embarrassed.”

Since their initial meeting at the aquarium two years ago, McKenna traveled back to Florida four times to visit her extraordinary friend. And when it came time to plan her tenth birthday, McKenna knew exactly what she wanted.

“I have so many things, and knowing that Winter has done so much for me, I want to give back to her,” McKenna said. When party invitations were mailed out, McKenna included a request that cash donations be given in lieu of gifts. 

Then on June 22, McKenna arrived at the aquarium with bubbles, hula hoops, diving rings, a ball, a kickboard, a pool brush and net – and lots of non-toxic paint for Winter – as well Winter’s dolphin and otter friends – to paint with.

“When Winter saw McKenna, she immediately swam over and ‘talked’ to McKenna, making a clicking sound. The bond these two have was obvious to everyone there,” Stacy said.

Winter’s trainer, Abby Stone, gave McKenna a birthday surprise: the opportunity to get in the water with Winter.

“It was a dream come true,” her mom said. “These two best friends may not be able to communicate in a regular way, but they communicate through love.”

McKenna and Winter’s relationship captured the attention of the CBS Early Show last fall. Shortly before filming the segment, McKenna’s hearing aid broke.

“Our audiologist contacted Widex, the maker of the hearing aid, to see if they would expedite the repair. Widex gave McKenna a brand new, state-of-the-art hearing aid,” said McKenna’s mom, Stacy McGough, who teaches at Bullock Elementary in Garland. “Until this hearing aid, McKenna didn’t realize the air conditioner in the car made a noise. She also heard whispers for the first time. This is just one of the many ways that Winter has helped McKenna.”

To learn more about Winter, visit seewinter.com.

Did you know?

• A dolphin’s skin is delicate and easily injured by rough surfaces, much like human skin.
• Unlike any other mammal, dolphin babies are born tail first.
• The largest member of the dolphin family is the killer whale, which can grow to 30 feet long. 

Dawn Redig is the neighborsgo section editor for Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath and RoyseCity. E-mail Dawn at dredig@neighborsgo.com. Got a story, photo or video to share? Post your news directly at neighborsgo.com. Got a story idea? Send it to Dawn directly. For more about how neighborsgo.com works with our neighborsgo print editions, please visit neighborsgo.com/help.

 Four years ago on Christmas Eve, Shaun and Shelby Steiniger – sons of Chris and Sally Kilgore of Rowlett – decided to gather up coats and blankets and distribute them to homeless people in downtown Dallas.            

Word of their goodwill spread, and so did the outpouring of jackets, gloves, sweatshirts and cash donations.  Soon, family and friends from the Liberty Creek neighborhood helped fill the Kilgore’s garage with holiday gifts of comfort and warmth for the homeless. Shelby and Lori Steiniger’s garage in Royse City also began to fill. Contributions from throughout the Rowlett community and across the Metroplex poured in, and a tradition was born.           

Neighborsgo first featured a story about these efforts in our January 2009 issue. Sally reported that volunteers collected four truckloads of donations and personally delivered them to homeless people this past Christmas Eve. They carved turkeys and hams and prepared sandwiches for those living on the streets. And then they made plans to do it again this holiday season.            

But as the heat of summer began blanketing North Texas, this grassroots group decided they couldn’t wait.           

“[The effort] is our way of sharing our bounty with the homeless, and doing it personally,” Sally explains. “But summers are long and hot for the homeless.”            

They’ve scheduled the first ever summer distribution for Sunday, Aug. 23.           

“The tradition is to make bagged lunches with sandwiches and individually packaged snack items to distribute. This August, along with bagged lunches, we will also distribute cold bottled water, new socks and soap,” Sally said.            

Your donations of these items, as well as ice, coolers and cash donations, are welcome as this tradition of helping homeless people grows.            

To donate, call Sally at 972-412-8605 or e-mail her at sallykilgore@yahoo.com.

“Fresh Picks” features top stories, videos and blogs posted at neighborsgo.com about your neighborhood. Look for them in an upcoming print edition or find quick links to all of them right now, right here: 

>>>FEATURED STORY – ONLINE NOW

Fight the good fight

Christine, Tom and Lexi Warrick of Rockwall pose with Pete Delkus of WFAA at the III Forks Golf Classic and Auction, a fundraising event for Connor Cruse who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer at age 4. Although the 8-year-old passed away July 10, TeamConnor continues to battle childhood cancer in his memory. To learn more, read David Alvey’s story posted at neighborsgo.com/stories/38641 and teamconnor.org.

>> ROCKWALL/HEATH 

TeamConnor continues to fight the good fight http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39641

Donations of clothing, housewares needed at Thrift Store http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39634

Golf, sail at Helping Hands sports-duo fundraiser http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39632

Marina Day at Chandlers Landing, Aug. 8 http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39672

DPS officer Johnny Solis retires after serving Heath community for 21 years http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39704

Jerry Hogan’s Military View: ‘No one ever said it was easy’ http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39693

Jerry Hogan’s Military View: ‘Combat isn’t pretty’ http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39691

Best-selling author Susan Duke to speak at grief support meeting at LakePointeChurch http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39774

 >> ROWLETT 

Grassroots protestors voice opinions on government-run healthcare – on wrong day http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39535

Reader asks ‘where are the jobs?’ http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39515

>> NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS 

Live casting call for teens, tweens in air band at Town East Mall                           http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39753

Pastor Jonny Mack on ‘upcycling’ http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39639

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.

“Fresh Picks” features top stories, videos and blogs posted at neighborsgo.com about your neighborhood. Look for them in an upcoming print edition or find quick links to all of them right now, right here:

>>>FEATURED STORY – ONLINE NOW

BOYS OF SUMMER

More than 2,000 8U teams began this season with the goal of making it to the PONYState Tournament; the 8U Dallas Texans are one of only 16 teams to achieve that goal. These ball players went undefeated in their division of the Rowlett baseball league, winning both the PONY Invitational and regional tournament. Learn more at leaguelineup.com/texans98, and at neighborsgo.com/stories/39419.

Habitat for Humanity seeks applicants for homeownership http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39387

Astrophotography group forming www.neighborsgo.com/blog/astronomy

Harbor Review: ‘mixed bag’ at Dodie’s Restaurant www.neighborsgo.com/blog/harborreview

Heath Scout Troop 314 enjoys successful Philmont Trek http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39129

Texas Sports Holder 6U team are region champs http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39126

Cole Glasson, kart racer, takes two more wins http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39156

>> ROWLETT 

Keep Rowlett Beautiful awards scholarships http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39347

Poetry group seeks new members http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39393

Cubs baseball team attends Baylor camp http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39301

Members of Congress who vote for a public, government-run health plan should have to enroll in it http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39287

Next steps for Rowlett Tea Party http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/39140

Rowlett resident selected for ExxonMobil summer jobs program                              http://neighborsgo.com/stories/39032

Sachse Swingsters take top honors at dance camp http://neighborsgo.com/stories/39065

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.

As department store shelves begin to fill with school supplies, and sale tags smile at us from racks of navy blue and khaki uniforms, it becomes painfully obvious to those of us venturing into Wal-Mart for barbecue sauce that summer will be over before we know it.

Just when we thought the triple digit heat wouldn’t quit, temperatures drop a few degrees and hints of fall catch us momentarily off guard.

Personally, I welcome the change in season, but my calendar is already filling with things to do for back-to-school.

I’m determined to make the most of these last five weekends before the start of the new school year. We still have to make it out to Flick & Float at Wet Zone in Rowlett, maybe try some Frisbee golf and geocaching at Harry Myers Park, and do some stargazing with the Texas Astronomical Society at The Shores.

No matter where we’re headed, we need to drop by Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings; vendors are waiting with fresh watermelon, berries, tomatoes, jalapenos and corn on the cob in downtown Rockwall, Rowlett and RoyseCity.

We can’t forget about those Thursday evening concerts at The Harbor either; Airwave 80s takes the stage at the outdoor amphitheater this week.

And Samson, my Boxer, and Gigi, my ShiTzu, are begging for us to take them to Doggie Swim Day, scheduled for Aug. 15 at the MyersPark pool.

So much to do, so little time.

As you and your family enjoy the rest of the summer, check out tips for healthy vacationing in tomorrow's print edition, post your vacation photos at neighborsgo.com, and find out everything you need to know to get ready for the classroom in our back-to-school editions, coming next month.

In the meantime, let’s drink iced tea by the pool and cheer on the Rockwall Riptides as they defend their YMCA Lone Star State Championship title this weekend in Frisco. The heat is on for these seven-time state swim champs who know how to make the most out of their summer!

>>>FEATURED BLOG

Light pollution 

‘Be aware of “light trespass” from outdated fixtures all around Rockwall. Ask your homeowners association or the city to replace these fixtures with fully shielded reflective fixtures, saving 30 percent or more in energy costs. Let the city know you want them to...write some code addressing light pollution and light trespass.’                                              - Joe Lalumia, Texas Astronomical Society

Log on to neighborsgo.com to comment on Joe Lalumia’s “What’s UP!” astronomy blog, where he addresses stargazing parks and light pollution in Rockwall: neighborsgo.com/blog/astronomy

>> ROCKWALL/HEATH 

RHHS student leads by example through community service, sets sights on U.S. Naval Academyhttp://neighborsgo.com/stories/39013

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.

Artania, the Russian Equestrian Circus that found itself abandoned by its promoter beneath the I-35 overpass with I-30 in Dallas last week, will perform special shows at Black Star arena in Rockwall this weekend.

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, July 17; 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 18; and 4 p.m. Sunday, July 19 at Black Star, 5565 FM 549. Tickets for seating in the first three rows are $45 each; general admission in all other seats is $35; and VIP tables are $450 (seats for six, beverages provided). General admission tickets may be purchased at the gate; check or cash only. VIP tables may be reserved by calling ahead.

Artania originally emigrated from Russia to Canada to bring their show to North America. A few months ago, the circus was brought to Texas by an American production company to perform in Houston and Dallas. Last week, the producer abruptly cancelled all remaining shows and left 35 performers and 19 horses in a parking lot in downtown Dallas without water or electricity.

Lisa Blackmon of Black Star Sport Horses - who offered her Rockwall ranch as a place for the performers and horses to stay – has agreed to host Artania’s special weekend performances at Black Star arena in order to help the group recover the funds necessary to make their way back to Canada or re-promote their show.

To learn more, visit http://www.lisablackmon.com/artania.html or call the Blackmon’s at 940-367-7815.

“Fresh Picks” features top stories, videos and blogs posted at neighborsgo.com about your neighborhood. Look for them in next week’s issue or find quick links to all of them right now, right here: 

>>>FEATURED VOICES

DART Light Rail in Rowlett

“Four years to build the five miles from Garland to Rowlett is nothing to be happy about,” writes Rowlett resident Ken Middaugh at neighborsgo.com, adding that “...the last 10 miles of the Transcontinental Railroad from Sacramento to Omaha was built in 12 hours. That was 1868 or ’69, somewhere along there; I was taking my afternoon nap so I missed it. Ten miles in 12 hours, compared to five miles in four years. Now that’s progress.”

>> ROCKWALL/HEATH 

First Presbyterian Rockwall welcomes new pastor http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38820

Rockwall County Girl Scouts thank local supporters http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38608

Joy Lutheran Church names new officers, council members http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38587

What’s Up blog: Jupiter is king of planets http://www.neighborsgo.com/blog/astronomy

Super Red Worms: Doing the right thing at the right time http://www.neighborsgo.com/blog/farmingisfun

 >> ROWLETT 

Get active with Garland Area Early Childhood PTA http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38575

Chiggers: how to deal with the summer nuisance http://www.neighborsgo.com/blog/parentingmyway

Lakeview Centennial Law Magnet represents Texas at national leadership conference http://neighborsgo.com/stories/38699

>>NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS 

Christian CareCenter resident wins state art award http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38596

Moon Landing Day at Frontiers of Flight Museum http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38564

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.

The Rockwall County Reading for Adults program was recently honored with a Rockwall Breakfast Rotary Club Community Grant, awarded during annual Dallas Race Week events at Lake Ray Hubbard.  And Gloria Bishop and Kay Maxwell, who are responsible for making the program such a success (along with the help of 75 volunteers) were featured on a recent WFAA-Channel 8 Coffee Break segment: tinyurl.com/literacyprogram

Read Kay Maxwell's story about the community grant posted at neighborsgo.com/stories/39017

And read about Dallas Race Week results and the 11 other community grants that Rotarians awarded to local organizations - to be featured at on my blog at neighborsgo.com/blog/lightofdawn and also in an upcoming print edition!

ROCKWALL, ROWLETT, HEATH & ROYSE CITY

“Fresh Picks” features top stories, videos and blogs posted at neighborsgo.com about your neighborhood. Look for them in next week’s issue or find quick links to all of them right now – and lots more – here on the editor’s blog at neighborsgo.com/blog/lightofdawn.

>> ROCKWALL/HEATH 

Neighborhood decorates homes to reflect best of days gone by                                http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38415

Brownie Troop 8971 uses cookie profits to help nursing home residents, homeless pets http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38285

Jason Castro fans come to Rockwall for ‘Shine Your Light’ weekend of service http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38379

Knowledge is power: self-monitoring of blood sugar, blood pressure                  http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38473

RHHS cheerleaders crowned at SMU Cheer Camp http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38490

>> ROWLETT 

Family duck experiences tragedy, others thrive www.neighborsgo.com/blog/duckslife

Rowlett Martial Arts Center students earn black belts http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38368

GISD instructors participate in mock trial of Lee Harvey Oswald                    http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38364

 >>NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS 

Pastor Danny Mack on ‘Understanding Michael Jackson’ http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38519

Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai students dominate at world championships        http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38473

DART dedicates Rosa Parks Plaza http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38541

Newborns are rockin’ in Garland http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/38541

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.