Hey neighborsgo nation, I'll be joining Marcus Murphree, our Garland/Wylie/Sachse editor, at the Starbucks at Firewheel from 10am to noon Friday, for a meet-and-greet with readers.

Want to learn more about neighborsgo.com? Have questions about blogging? How to share your stories and photos in print?

Do you want to learn tips for how to spread the word about your school, club or special event?

Join me for cup of Joe.

>>>FEATURED STORY – ONLINE NOW

‘Tiara-fying’ murder mystery

Rockwall Women’s League board members enjoyed a summer retreat at the weekend home of associate member Cindy Bledsoe. Donning tiaras, sashes and gowns, the ladies enjoyed a murder mystery-themed event which played out at an American beauty pageant. RWL will host an informational meeting at 10 a.m. today for those interested in joining the women’s philanthropic organization; the first general meeting will be Sept. 18. Learn more at neighborsgo.com/stories/40848.

>> ROCKWALL/HEATH

Rockwall Women’s League gears up for new year http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40848

It’s RockwallCounty Girl Scout recruitment time http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40970

Rockwall pool is site of doggone good party http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40957

Enjoy a day of fly fishing instruction in the park http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40949

Rockwall grad receives PhD in information science http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40987

 >> ROWLETT 

Rowlett to host electronic recycling event Sept. 19 http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40844

Calling all cancer survivors for Relay For Life of Rowlett http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40811

Mighty Owl Band rocks summer band camp http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40912

>> HOT BLOGS 

neighborsgo.com/blog/dear_sassy

What’s UP!: the search for alien Earth-sized planets is on

neighborsgo.com/blog/astronomy

Dallas Moms: LaDawn Fletcher tries Rockwall’s Tri-Rock sprint triathlon

http://momsblog.dallasnews.com

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 other day – when my fifth-grader was just a toddler – he came down with chicken pox. We learned quickly that oatmeal baths weren’t going to cure his incessant itching.

      “When will my chicken spots go away?” my son asked.

      “With time,” I said, applying another layer of anti-itch cream.

      “What is time, Mommy?” he asked, scratching his head. “’Cause I’m pretty sure we’re going to need more of it.”

      How insightful.

      We never seem to have enough time.

      My husband and I have three alarm clocks in our bedroom – one on my nightstand, with a backup battery; one on my husband’s nightstand, which we don’t trust because it’s been hit too many times; and one across the room, requiring us to get out of bed to turn it off. All three are set anywhere from five to 15 minutes fast, as if that’s going to fool us.

      For grins, I counted the number of clocks in our house. NINETEEN. That doesn’t include wristwatches, laptops, cell phones, microwaves, answering machines or satellite TVs (which, for the record, are my family’s only source for determining what time it really is.) 

      It’s as if having more clocks means we have more time. But I’ve come to realize it’s quite the opposite.

      With kids back in school, fall sports underway and civic clubs beginning a new year, it’s important to manage our time well and get enough sleep. In this issue, Dr. Vincent Iannelli’s “Parenting My Way” column addresses just how much sleep children and teens require. (We’ll have to ask him about parents later!)

      Perhaps the best advice is to plan ahead.

Set time aside for a free family picnic with the Rockwall Newcomers Club, coming Sept. 27 to Harry Myers Park. Women interested in fostering new contacts in the community may join Newcomers at their first meeting, Sept. 10.

      In Royse City, families will enjoy the annual FunFest and Stick Robinson Memorial Fun Run on Oct. 17.

      Rowlett senior citizens may take advantage of computer classes at the Rowlett Public Library this fall.

      As you go about the busy season ahead, capture those fleeting moments in photos and video, and post them at neighborsgo.com. Whether you’re on the sidelines at sporting events, in the classroom supporting students, or performing community service with your church or civic group, neighborsgo will make time to spotlight the activities that are most important to you.

“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 – and lots more – right here: 

>>>FEATURED STORY – ONLINE NOW

Rowlett’s VIP pets

P’et cetera Boarding and Grooming and Massage Envy are sponsoring part of the adoption fees for this month’s VIP Pets – Rusty, a three-year-old, neutered shepherd mix and Jasmine, a one-year-old silver calico short-haired cat. Friends of Rowlett Animals and Rowlett Animal Shelter have the scoop on how to adopt these loveable pets at neighborsgo.com/stories/40635.

>> ROCKWALL/HEATH

Stars on the Rock stargazing party, Aug. 23 http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40765

RARTA begins 2009-10 school year http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40123

Military View: ‘Obama is wrong...we need victory’ http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40697

RHS Class of 2010 to host pancake breakfast http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40647

Pullen Elementary goes green http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40633

Local sailor carries stars and stripes http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40463

>> ROWLETT        

Rowlett MartialArtsCenter offers after school program http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40695

Rowlett High’s Amber Morrow wins Sophomore of the Year scholarship      http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40633

Rowlett brothers to compete worlds apart http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40488

>> NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS 

Danny Mack: Lessons from a heart attack  

Town East Mall to open early, close late for tax free holiday weekend                                  http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40161

New church with a different name, thestorychurch.org http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40201

Garland speedskater still rolling along http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40152

DART changes hours for Labor Day http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40167

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.

Since its recent annexation by the City of Rockwall, Lake Rockwall Estates has seen the addition of a community center and the beginning of several renovations. The signs of change are everywhere.

One of those signs sits at the entrance of the 335-acre island community, located south of Interstate 30 off Horizon Road.  It reads, “Home of the Christian Wrestling Federation.”

It is inside the CWF warehouse at 331 County Line Road that perhaps some of the biggest changes of all have been taking place.

The CWF is an outreach ministry of talented athletes who – for the past nine years – have been using incredible feats of strength, engaging stories and the thrill of wrestling to share the message of Jesus Christ.  

According to founder Rob Vaughn, aka “Jesus Freak,” the CWF has performed for wrestling fans in 29 states – even as far away as Mexico and Nigeria – and more than 15,000 people have given their lives to Christ during CWF events.

“That’s not bad for a part-time ministry,” Vaughn said. He added, “We estimate that more than 400 people have received Christ right here in our warehouse.”

At 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, the CWF will perform its 400^th wrestling event. This free, family-friendly show is open to all ages, and includes pizza donated by CiCi’s Pizza.  Additional shows are set for Sept. 26, Oct. 17 and Nov. 14. Guests will enjoy a gospel presentation and, according to Vaughn, “great up-close wrestling action that many say is as good as they see on TV.”

CWF wrestlers meet every Monday evening to train in the ring and enjoy Bible study. “We are a group of ministers made up of personal fitness trainers, cell phone salesmen, plumbers, children’s pastors and teachers. We have the only consecrated Catholic bishop in America who wrestles for CWF, right here in Rockwall,” Vaughn said. And each is drawn to evangelize in a most unique way, from within the ring.

This summer, CWF hosted a Kid’s Pro Wrestling Camp attended by 16 local children. “Eight of them accepted Christ as their savior by the end of the week,” Vaughn said.

BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS

CWF members train in a 1,500 square foot weight room filled with donated fitness equipment. Owner Rob Vaughn, a former college and arena football coach, offers personal fitness training. Vaughn and Rockwall resident Aubrey Jones have partnered to offer “the toughest training facility around.” Aubrey started training in Rockwall in 1991 after 25 years in the Marines. “He has trained so many of Rockwall’s student athletes over the years,” Vaughn said of his friend. “So many of them come back to train while still in college.”

Some notables who train with Aubrey are Rhett Richardson of Arkansas, Ryan Craven of Midwestern State, Haley Lemmons of Texas State, Shelby Adamson of Tarleton State, as well as several softball, basketball and baseball players.

BECOME A PRO WRESTLER

The August issue of Family Circle magazine declares Rockwall one of the 10 best cities in America to call home, citing exceptional public school systems and good neighbors.

Rockwall residents really didn’t need a national magazine to tell them what they already know. But in case there was any doubt, one only had to attend the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce and Rockwall ISD New Teacher and Employee Breakfast, held last Friday at RockwallHigh School.

First up was Chamber president Margie Hooper, welcoming the 110 new district employees, and inviting the near sell-out crowd of supportive community and business partners to enjoy a country breakfast buffet.

I was fortunate to be seated with local members of Farmer’s Electric Co-op, Chick-Fil-A and Rockwall-Heath mom – and new teacher’s aide – Stacey Romo. Stacey’s son Jonathan, former Hawk mascot, is now the mascot at BaylorUniversity.

Pastor Steve Stroope of Lake Pointe Church gave the invocation. Mayor Bill Cecil recognized Rockwall as a “perfect place” to raise a family.

U.S. Congressman Ralph Hall shared his opinions on important issues facing our nation. The 86-year-old joked that although he got up early to run a couple of miles, he keeps getting mail from AARP and a scooter store. 

Hall’s commitment to the community also runs deep. He welcomed the teachers by saying, “You’re the most important people I’ll speak to all year, because you’re dealing with the treasure of our country – our students.”

Board of Trustees secretary Doug Hamilton welcomed teachers to not only the best district in the state, but the best district in the country. “No matter what role you play – parent, teacher, employee in food services, custodial or building and grounds – your overall role is that everyday you touch the future.”

Share all your school news at neighborsgo.com or connect with editor Dawn Redig at dredig@neighborsgo.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

Westward, ho!

Friends of the Library board members met recently to finalize plans for their first general meeting of the 2009-10 year. Grab your boots and cowboy hat and mosey on over to Baker Ranch Sept. 8, where ranch hands will serve up a barbecue luncheon and author Joe Blevins will dish out a lesson on Texas history. For FOL membership information, visit friendsofrockwallcountylibrary.com. For lunch reservations, e-mail cplagens65@aol.com. To learn more, see Leigh Plagen’s post at neighborsgo.com/stories/40353.

>> ROCKWALL/HEATH 

Rockwall man goes from zero to 20 pull-ups in five months using new fitness program  http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40123

City of Rockwall’s latest road news http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40308

Newcomers Club to host first meeting, social of 2009-10 year                         http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40345

AARP needs Tax-Aide volunteers in Rockwall http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40340

>> ROWLETT 

Rowlett High class of 2012 contracts helps seniors get financial jump        http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40350

Rowlett High class of 2012 Booster membership drive underway                 http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40349

>> NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS 

Town East Mall to open early, close late for tax free holiday weekend                  http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40161

New church with a different name, thestorychurch.org http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40201

Today’s Word for Joel and Victoria Osteen, LakewoodChurch   http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40300

Garland speedskater still rolling along http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40152

DART changes hours for Labor Day http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/40167

>> HOT BLOGS 

What’s UP! astronomy blogger discusses antimatter, the Higgs Bison

neighborsgo.com/blog/astronomy 

America’s Got Talent: Garland dog trainer in top 40neighborsgo.com/blog/iwatchtoomuchtv 

Parenting My Way: school sleep schedules

neighborsgo.com/blog/parentingmyway 

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.

Thousands upon thousands of fresh flowers filled the Double Tree Hotel in Dallas recently for the 96^th Annual Texas State Florist Convention and Trade Show.

“And not a single stem went to waste,” wrote Ann Cain at neighborsgo.com.

Cain, owner of The Flower-Box in Rockwall, along with shop manager Lela Yarbrough and shop designer Maria Aguado, were among the Texas florists who filled meeting rooms for demonstrations, hands-on workshops and business seminars.

Floral experts from across the nation showcased the latest in design styles, techniques and color trends – but what would happen to the abundance of blooms following the weekend event?

That decision was left to Shirley Tullos, who has owned and operated Rowlett Florist on Main Street for 39 years. As chair of the TSFA’s “Blooms Across Texas” program, Tullos made “arrangements” to ensure each flower blossomed into something bigger.

“Part of our calling as florists is to use our talents to bring joy or comfort for whatever the occasion is,” Tullos explained. “I had a heart’s desire to take the flowers to the DallasVA hospital. Our vets are getting older; many are very sick and have no families or few visitors. It is a sad experience for people who have fought for our country to be alone.”

Pat Shirley Becker, TSFA president, said Tullos took on a huge responsibility and gave attention to every detail in order to ensure the project’s success.

On Monday morning, staff members from The Flower-Box and Rowlett Florist joined forces with other convention-goers. Utilizing the thousands of fresh flowers from the show, more than 500 bouquets were prepared, loaded into eight vans and distributed to service men and women at the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Each arrangement included an American flag.

“It was an honor to receive such a beautiful and thoughtful donation for our veterans,” said Bobbie Kay Scoggins, chief of voluntary service at VA North Texas Health System. “The veterans and families were so appreciative of receiving the followers in the inpatient rooms. The flowers were distributed all over the hospital and placed in outpatient waiting areas, family waiting areas, spinal cord injury and the community living center. It brightened up the hospital and lifted the spirits of patients and family members. “

“Participants agreed this was one of the best deliveries they had ever made,” Cain said.

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.

Shoppers will get a break from state and local sales taxes during Texas’ annual tax free weekend, Aug. 21, 22 and 23.

Legislation recently passed expanding the list of items qualifying for exemption. This year – in addition to clothing, footwear and backpacks priced under $100 – most school supplies purchased for use by a student in an elementary or secondary school are also exempt. Layaway plans can be used to take advantage of the sales tax holiday, too.

The exemption on backpacks includes those with wheels, provided they can also be worn on the back like a traditional backpack. The backpack exemption does not include luggage, briefcases, athletic or duffle bags, computer bags or purses.

Shoppers buying supplies under a business account must provide an exemption certificate to the retailer certifying that the items are for use by an elementary or secondary school student. “Under a business account” means the purchaser is using a business credit card or business check rather than a personal credit card or personal check; is being billed under a business account maintained at the retailer; or is using a business membership at a retailer that is membership-based.

TAX-EXEMPT SCHOOL SUPPLIES

(if priced under $100)

Binders

Calculators

Chalk

Compasses

Composition books

Crayons

Erasers

Folders

Glue, glue sticks

Highlighters

Index cards

Legal pads

Lunchboxes

Markers

Notebooks

Paper

Pencils, pens

Protractors

Rulers

Scissors

(if priced under $100)

Baby clothes

Backpacks for use by elementary, secondary students

Belts with attached buckles

Boots – cowboy, hiking

Caps, hats

Coats, wraps

Diapers – adult, baby

Dresses

Gloves (generally)

Hooded shirts, sweatshirts

Hosiery

Jackets

Jeans

Jerseys

Jogging apparel

Neckwear, ties

Pajamas

Pants

Robes

Shirts

Shoes – sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis, walking

Socks

Shorts

Suits

Swimsuits

Underclothes

Uniforms

For a complete list and more information, visit window.state.tx.us, click on Sales and Use Tax and select Sales Tax Holiday.

As neighborsgo shines the spotlight on teachers who make a difference, we’d miss the mark if we failed to focus our attention on veteran educator Michelle Morris.

Michelle began her career with Rockwall ISD 22 years ago, when Rockwall High was located at the current site of UtleyMiddle School. That’s the same building where Michelle’s son Will now prepares to enter seventh grade; and her oldest son Joe, a recent University of Arkansas graduate, attended class when it was the Rockwall Freshman Center.

Though much has changed over the years, the RHS career and technology teacher says one thing remains the same: Rockwall’s sense of community and school pride.  

“Rockwall ISD is a great school district. I hope everyone realizes how fortunate we are to have leaders who provide quality schools for the children and a positive environment in which to teach,” she said.

As head of RISD’s Career and Technical Education Department, Michelle herself is a dedicated and influential leader. She serves as manager of Clovers 4-H Club and secretary of the Rockwall Youth Fair Board. She is a member of the Utley PTA. She ensures her students are recognized for their achievements by submitting stories and photos at neighborsgo.com.

With a degree in education from UA and a master of science in education from Texas A&M Commerce (formerly East Texas State University), Michelle is also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and First United Methodist Church.

For those who know Michelle, her commitment to her students and her community comes as no surprise. But what readers might not know is that Michelle and her sister own the Kizer Family Farm in Commerce.

“Cotton has been continuously grown and harvested at the farm our parents bought 59 years ago,” she said.

Her first teaching job was in a vocational school; she taught typing skills to adults in a chicken processing factory. “I’ve never taught typing to so many people who had fingers missing,” Michelle laughs. “The people were great; they were always telling funny stories about chickens.”

Her husband Neil is vice president of grain and ingredient purchasing at Pilgrim’s Pride. They live in Rockwall with their yellow Lab Buddy and Will’s show animals. That includes a steer named Cooter who will be shown at the Rockwall Youth Fair. September will find the arrival of a gilt pig to be shown at the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo.

And of course, Michelle will keep neighborsgo readers up to date on the results.

To be part of the Know Your Neighbor feature or recommend someone to be profiled, contact Dawn Redig at dredig@neighborsgo.com.