GREENVILLE - BELMONT - HENDERSON - CENTRAL - GOODWIN

P.O. BOX 720192 DALLAS, TEXAS 75372 VOICE MAIL: (214) 967-5134 WWW.VPNA.ORG

GET INVOLVED!

But we got a newsletter every month that let us know that there were others like us; those that wanted to help solve traffic issues, to plant more trees in the neighborhood, to clean up the alleys. My wife and I both had very demanding jobs, but we found the time to deliver newsletters to a 3 block stretch of homes one day a month. Every once and while, we would attend monthly meetings to find out more details on issues we were concerned about. We showed up early and stayed around late to help with National Night Out. We learned that the officers and board members of the neighborhood association were just like us—normal people without agendas or political aspirations—just good folks concerned about their surroundings. We made friends. After only 3 years of living in the neighborhood, I was asked to join the board and help coordinate and direct the activities of the association. Today I am the president. Today, all around me I see friends donating an hour here, and hour there, meeting their neighbors and making new friends. Single mothers, working parents, company presidents, busy professionals, students, doctors, lawyers, longtime residents and short (4 of our board members this year have lived here for less than 3 years)—all doing their part for a better place to live. Even I, while oftentimes traveling out of town on business 5 or 6 days out of every week, somehow manage to find the time to finish what I need to do for the neighborhood and make new friends. Can you?

MAY GENERAL MEETING

Date: Thursday, May 9th

Time: 7:00pm

Place: Sticks & Stones

5016 Miller Ave.

Join Mike Thompson, owner of Sticks & Stones, in a timely discussion on

the following subjects:

* May plantings

* Ladybug life cycle

* Orchids 101

* Black spot on roses

* Information on how to achieve an exotic,

tropical feel with adapted plants for this area

such as Clerodendrum, Ugandense, "Blue

butterfly bush", Butterfly Ginger and Candle

stick Tree.

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

"I Found the Time, and Found Friends"

When my wife and I bought our first house here in Vickery Place nearly six and half years ago, we were new to Dallas, didn't know anything about the historical significance of the homes in the neighborhood, and were unaware of the existence of a neighborhood association. We did know that we liked our house and the trees, that the neighborhood wasn't a brand new subdivision with 1,000 homes that looked exactly the same, and that we were only minutes from downtown and local restaurants and bars. Once we came down from our "new owner" high, we began to realize that not everything is perfect here.

~ Tim Oliver

VPNA President

DINNER FOR TWO

Doug and Karen Bardoff are the winners of the $75.00 gift certificate at Terelli's Restaurant. The drawing was held at last month's general meeting. Doug and Karen are new to the 5200 block of Goodwin Avenue. We welcome them to Vickery Place and know that a great dining experience awaits them at Terelli's. Congratulations, Doug and Karen.

Bulky Trash/Ramas Grandes

Week of May 13th

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 4

APRIL, 2002

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

PLANNING MEETING

THURSDAY, MAY 16 7PM

5130 VICKERY

If you have ever attended a Vickery place National Night Out Celebration, you know it is a fun-filled, food-filled evening of entertainment and information for the entire family. National Night Out was designated to encourage neighbors to get to know one another and look out for each other. Ours has turned in to one of the best in Dallas, resembling a street-fest rather than a block party.

We have fantastic prizes, live entertainment, great food, rides for the kids—everything, including volunteer opportunities from popping corn to selling raffle tickets!

Please join us at the planning meeting! And if you can't make it on May 16th but would still like to volunteer, please call the VPNA voice mail at 214-967-5134 or email us at info@vpna.org.

Featured guests from Dallas Independent School District included Dr. Larry Gropel, Deputy Superintendent; Miriam Kelley, Assistant Superintendent for Area 3; Gilbert Gonzalez, Principal James Bonham Elementary; Jose Munoz, Principal Robert E. Lee Elementary and Santos Cortez, Community Liaison for Robert E. Lee.

In January, Dallas voters approved the largest ever bond program for capital improvements for DISD.

Dr. Gropel gave us a rundown of how the money will be spent; new construction (20 campuses will be added to DISD), improved technology (i.e. wiring and cables for computers) and critical improvement of existing structures, which will include sports facilities, kitchens and cafeterias. Ms. Kelley talked about her "stay focused" approach to improving the quality of learning in Area 3. She invited us to visit the schools and pledged support and response to any questions and concerns. Mr. Gonzalez explained the difference between Low Performing, Acceptable, Recognized and Exemplary status. Bonhan Elementary has gone from Low Performing to Recognized this past year under his leadership. Principal Munoz shared his enthusiasm about the future of Robert E. Lee and DISD.

Todd McCavitt presented Morris Smart with a shovel and framed picture of the Goodwin Tree planting in appreciation of the work that Morris has put forth to beautify Vickery Place.

The meeting was adjourned and everyone was invited to enjoy refreshments and visit with the DISD guests and the VPNA board members.

APRIL MEETING NOTES
VPNA president, Tim Oliver, brought the meeting to order. J. T. Johnson reported that overall crime was down in our neighborhood. He introduced Lt. Silva, the new night watch patrolman for this area. Both officers pointed out that the advent of Spring and Summer often brings folks passing through the neighborhood looking for "odd jobs" . These persons may or may not be legitimate and caution should be used when dealing with them. The warmer weather is also the season for yard work and outdoor repairs. They reminded us to keep lawn equipment and power tools out of sight and locked away. As always, we were reminded to call 911 to report any suspicious activity. "Neighbors are the eyes of the neighborhood," said Lt. Silva.

The May crime stats will be posted next month.

HENDERSON TASK FORCE UPDATE

The growth of the bar and restaurant district on Henderson Ave. has prompted VPNA to join forces with the Cochran Heights NA to develop new strategies to deal with the increase in traffic, parking and crime problems.

In April, VPNA Planning Committee representatives and CHNA members met at Councilwoman Lill's City Hall offices, along with members of the Department of Public Works, property owners and business owners to discuss proposals for minimizing the ill effects on the residential areas adjacent to Henderson. In VP, parking has spilled over onto Miller, Willis, Richard and Homer on busy nights. Cochran Heights has similar problems on Pershing, Milam, and Alcott.

Ideas for dealing with the parking shortage were discussed. VPNA presented proposals for diverting traffic away from the residential portions of our streets, while allowing for better flow of traffic along Henderson. Public Works has agreed to review all problem areas and proposals, and to begin to develop ideas for reconfiguring streets and traffic controls in the two neighborhoods. In the coming months, there will be various approaches to dealing with these problems brought before the VPNA members for further discussion within the neighborhood. Watch the newsletter for future meetings that will have these issues on the agenda.

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OPEN HOUSE

May 31, 2002

5:00 p.m. _ 8:00 p.m.

Vickery Towers Retirement

and Assisted Living

Ten residents of the Vickery Towers Community have graciously opened their homes for you to tour. Community representatives and residents will be available to answer your

questions about life here at the "Tower".

Reservations for dinner in our solarium can be made up until Thursday, May 30^th. For your enjoyment there will be wine, light refreshments and live jazz music poolside.

VICKERY TOWERS

RETIREMENT AND ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

5619 BELMONT AVENUE

DALLAS, TX 75206

214.826.1113

BEST KEPT SECRET IN DALLAS

IS YOUR HOME BEING RENOVATED? DO YOU HAVE GUESTS FROM OUT OF TOWN AND NEED MORE ROOM? THEN CONSIDER VICKERY TOWERS GUEST APARTMENTS WHERE YOU WILL BE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF GREAT RESTAURANTS, HAVE USE OF OUR POOL AND WORKOUT ROOM FOR ONLY $55.00 PER NIGHT FOR ONE PERSON, $65.00 FOR 2^ND PERSON, CHILDREN ARE FREE, ALL MEALS INCLUDED.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY WRAP UP

The annual St. Patrick's Day Party on Greenville Avenue returned this year on Saturday, March 16^th. Over 10,000 revelers "partied hardy", while over fifty Dallas Police looked on. This year, the mounted patrols added a prominence to the security force. Citations issued by the Police totaled fourteen for public intoxication, ten for public urination, and one disorderly conduct. Thirty-nine cars were towed from the "No Parking" zones around the party.

In Vickery Place, VPNA volunteers were out early to secure the "No Parking" signs that had been knocked down. Several signs were stolen on Willis around 7:00AM, but the volunteers had them replaced within an hour. Wherever cars were parked in the "No Parking" zones, VPNA members knocked on doors until the owner was located and reminded about the temporary regulations. As a result, only a handful of cars were towed from VP.

As partygoers began to arrive in the neighborhood before noon, they found clearly marked "No Parking" zones, and Police cruisers at hand ready to enforce the law. Very few people attempted to park in the zones, and the streets remained passable all day. The increased compliance this year made the event much more tolerable in the residential areas.

After the official party was dissolved around 6:00PM, and Greenville reopened to traffic, the parties moved inside the bars. Throughout the evening, as revelers made their way back to their cars, there were some incidents of misbehavior, but fewer problems were reported than in past years.

On Sunday morning, VPNA volunteers removed the "No Parking" signs, and the bar owners' crews made their way through the neighborhood picking up trash and barricades.

At the St. Patrick's Task Force Committee's follow-up meeting on April 4^th, several suggestions were made for improvements in next year's event. Foremost was the provision of even more portable toilets. Ninety were furnished this year, but complaints of public urination were common, and long lines prevailed. Additionally, members suggested a designated taxi cab drop off/ pick up area, detour signs on southbound Greenville at Mockingbird, better security fencing behind Terilli's, and a more thorough clean up on the day after the event. Fire Department officials suggested an ambulance on standby. Police noted that they plan to hold towed cars that belong to residents in a designated area where no towing fee will be charged.

Neighborhood representatives, City officials and the bar owners worked hard to make the event more manageable this year. Bar owners donated a portion of this year's ticket revenue to the neighborhood organizations that helped with the planning. A big "Thanks!" to all.

5

DREAM NEIGHBORHOOD

Other than good schools and close proximity to work, what do people look for when trying to decide if a particular neighborhood is the one they want to call home? According to Amy Lughinghouse's article on Homestore. com, "How to Spot Your Dream Neighborhood", people look for the following:

· Well-maintained houses

· Well-manicured yards

· Absence of code violations

· People out walking children and dogs

· Active neighborhood association

· Architectural controls to help maintain home value

· Proximity of good shopping and dining

APRIL MARKED 30TH ANNIVERSARY

FOR JOHN'S CAFÉ

John Spyropoulos and his family have been serving the Breakfast Special, great burgers and other favorites in this down-home diner located at the corner of Greenville and Vickery since 1972. Saturday and Sunday mornings are

packed with locals enjoying coffee, the newspaper or conversation, often at the communal table in the center of this popular, Greenville Avenue restaurant. Sometimes Fido waits patiently for his owner on the sidewalk out front.

John's Café has become an Old East Dallas institution and we wish them another 30 years of serving great food and atmosphere to our

neighborhood.

Contributing Editor,

Shelia Huffman

GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS

City Codes require commercial parking lots that are located adjacent to residential areas must have a screening fence. The fence must be made of brick, concrete, or wood. The purpose of the regulation is to protect residents from headlights and noise. Also, the visual screen helps to preserve the residential nature of the neighborhood.

Recently, the fence around the parking lot behind the Blue Goose in the 5600 block of Goodwin was replaced. Scott Cain, of Greenville-Goodwin LLC, worked with VPNA to insure that the new fence met City requirements. Greenville-Goodwin LLC owns the parking lot and the building on Greenville Ave. that houses Terilli's, Hurricane Grille, and Greenville Avenue Bar & Grille. Thanks to Scott for being a good neighbor.

USE YOUR KROGER CARD

AND HELP VPNA

Interested in putting money back into the neighborhood? Simply use your Kroger Cares Card each time you shop at Kroger. It's that simple! 1% of every dollar that you spend comes back to the Vickery Place Neighborhood Association.

Don't have a Kroger Cares Card? Simply cut out this card and use it everytime you shop at Kroger.

Cut along dotted lines

2002 Board of Directors

Tim Oliver President

Candy Hearne Vice President

Shelia Huffman Secretary

Todd McCavit Treasurer

Board Members at Large

Amy Brillhart

Sunny Potter

Leah Holly

Kelly Jennings

Jennifer Bryarly Editor

The Vickery Place Neighborhood News is published by the Vickery Place Neighborhood Association.

For advertising rates and information, call the VPNA voice mail at

214-967-5134.

5343 Richard Ave.

MAY YARD OF THE MONTH

May's Yard-of-the-Month is 5343 Richard Ave. home of Amy & Burton Brillhart. They have lived in the beautiful, recently renovated 1913 Prairie-style house for 2 years. The spring mild temperatures and rain have caused the Brillhart's yard to "explode" with new growth and color.

As you walk up the steps up towards the porch, you pass 2 large pots full of blooming Prairie Verbena, which are native to Texas. The large sweeping beds contain many flowering shrubs such as several spectacular varieties of Spiraea; including "Bridal Wreath", "Anthony Waterer" and "Gold Mound". The beds also contain Fosters Holly and Indian Hawthorne and another Texas native, Coral Berry, which the birds love. There's a nice display of salvia just coming back from last year. On the side of the house, by the driveway the hydrangea were setting buds, along side the quince that were ending their spring bloom. Stop by and say hello to your neighbors.

Plant: Just about everything. The nurseries are splitting at the seams with all sorts of great plants. Try some varieties you've never tried before...especially the ones that are native or better adapted to hot temps and little water. Plant your caladiums, glads and canna bulbs.

Fertilize: Every couple of weeks, your planting areas, with a good organic fertilizer.

Prune: Spring-blooming shrubs and vines after they've bloomed. Pinch the growing tips of the mums.

Water: Early morning or just before dusk. Water deeply but infrequently. Don't overwater the plants that are native to the area. Aren't sure? Ask someone at a local organic nursery, they can help.

Pests: Don't panic when you see pests in your garden and don't automatically reach for the pesticide! There are lots of natural predators that will make their way to your pests and take care of it, you just have to be patient. Read more below in the new section about beneficial bugs.

Beneficial Insects: Learn how to recognize them then leave them alone to do their work. If you spray to kill the pests, you will kill the "good bugs" too.

Lady Beetles (Lady Bugs) You all know and love them, but did you know that the larval stage looks like this? That's right, the cute dome-shaped black and red bug that we recognize, Over winters in that familiar state then emerges in the spring to eat and lay eggs. When the eggs hatch they look like tiny black "alligators" with red markings. They grow fast because they eat 500-1000 aphids in a couple of weeks. They ate all the aphids off my roses in less than a week! They then attach themselves to the leaves of plants and begin the pupal stage which last 3-12 days. The pupal looks a lot like the familiar dome shape but is firmly attached. They eventually emerge to show their shiny new domes.

Happy Gardening,

Sandi

5343 Richard Ave.

Do you have some

free time?

Would you like to be of service to others?

If so, we need your help!

Please become a volunteer at Vickery Towers Retirement Center. Help us with our Gardening Club, Spanish Classes or when we bake cookies & cakes or when we have a party to celebrate good times. If you have time & talent and would like to become a volunteer, contact Terry at 214-826-1113.

It's the best time of our lives _ so come be a part

of the Fun!