Can I just tell you how much I love living in Lake Highlands?We have dynamic people among us who are making a real difference in our community.Three of those individuals helped create special opportunities for our residents the weekend of April 10^th.First, the community garden had its groundbreaking and planting day with great fanfare behind the armory off Goforth near White Rock Trail.Next, the Dallas Teen Job Fair was held at the Lake Highlands Recreation Center.Last but not least, the Exchange Club went to DFW Airport to welcome home the troops.There was something for everyone who wanted to help make a difference in the lives of others.

Fellow Exchangite and gardener, Adam Meierhofer, had told me about the garden and had encouraged me to come.So, I got up early Saturday morning and headed out to be there by 9:30 a.m.As I drove up to the field, a large group of people was gathered next to rows and rows of sectioned off gardens.City Councilman Jerry Allen was welcoming everyone and paying honor to those who had made the garden possible.One resident he introduced was A. L. Nickerson who helped start the project.Mr. Dickerson said he originally had hoped to find eight to nine gardeners, but it soon grew to forty families who wanted their own garden.Mr. Dickerson’s wife, Linda, called the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association who helped get the city of Dallas involved.When it looked dismal, a grant from Keep America Beautiful and Scotts Miracle-Gro was awarded to make it a reality.What a great project for the young families of Lake Highlands!Here they can share the fresh air and the love for the outside with their children.As they all walked to their plot of land Saturday to get their gardens started, I recognized my friend Adam with his wife and small children getting ready to begin.While Adam and his daughter, Ava, were busily “working the land” I spoke to Brandi his wife who was holding their baby,Elizabeth.When asked what she hoped to gain from this experience, she said, “I know people in the Lake Highlands Preschool PTA, the Exchange Club and now the community garden.”For her, it opens up a new way to meet new families with small children. As I looked around, dozens of families had hit the dirt and started digging, tilling, and spreading.It was fabulous!Lake Highlands families were all working together to “plant the seeds,” showing their children how to enjoy being outside.It was a beautiful sight to see, and I can’t wait to return when the seeds begin to sprout.A return visit will definitely be in my future.Could we possibly persuade them to open a Lake Highlands Farmer’s Market?

From the garden, I ventured down to the Lake Highlands Recreation Center where Exchange Club members Michael Gaston and David Tyson were conducting the Dallas Teen Job Fair.With camera in hand, I entered to find Michael hanging up a sign and directing young teens to Tyson’s “How To Interview” seminar.Michael has sponsored the Lake Highlands Mentoring Club for the past two years and saw the need to help these teens get jobs.The seminar room was packed with more chairs being brought in for the continuing flow of attendees.The gym area had booths set up for participating employers.Offering job opportunities were The Work Source for Dallas County, Sam’s Club, National College of Technical Instruction/ EMT Training, Bahama Beach Waterpark, Wal*Mart, and the Dallas Parks Department.The teens were well dressed and were definitely eager to find employment.Michael Gaston said, “ I can’t believe this.I can’t believe there are so many.”I patted him on the back and said, “All it takes is one person, Mike.Congratulations on doing a good job putting this together.”He has and does continue to make a difference in the lives of the teens in Lake Highlands.

Exchange Club member, John York, who has been organizing trips to DFW Airport monthly to greet the troops, planned the Saturday event.What a great way to spend a Saturday morning!John said after the event, “What a joy!If I could do that everyday, I believe I would. It is such a joy to thank those men and women who are sacrificing so much to serve and fight for my freedom. I am so proud of each and everyone of them. It makes me glad to see so many people who want to go and thank these soldiers by greeting them at the airport.What a blessing.” I would encourage anyone in the community to join John, Exchange Club members, and other Lake Highlands residents to welcome these deserving young men and women home.As a mother of a military son, I have heard more than once what it means to these kids when they return home to find a filled terminal of well-wishers.They are overwhelmed and filled with pride when the door opens and dozens of greeters are waiting for them.Anyone is welcome to go with the Lake Highlands group.If you are interested in participating, contact any member of the Exchange Club to find out the next time the trip will be planned.

In my previous article, I mentioned the things that made Lake Highlands great.The people make the difference in the community.Some are leaders and creators, while others are great “worker bees”.Together, we make this the best community in Dallas County.We are proud of it!