Scheduled Klyde Park Opening On October 27-28 To Test Mother Nature’s Temperment With Bad Weather Vets

We’ve known the inconveniences of its building. We’ve known the surprise we felt when it was announced that it was being named after a youngster. But now we finally know when it’s going to come alive.

Kit Sawers (File photo)

The 5.2-acre Klyde Warren Park will officially celebrate its birth the last weekend of October. October 26-27, to be exact. Organizers plan to have a launch similar to the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge celebration back in March, when guests shivered and smiled to Lyle Lovett, fireworks and family-friendly activities. Let’s just hope the weather will be a little user-friendly in late October for the $110M park’s debut. Former North Texas Super Bowl staffers Kit Sawers and Tony Fay have been brought on board to coordinate the event. So if anybody is a bad-weather veteran, these two have tales to chill a barbecue pit.

Even though the date is set, the breakdown of hoop-la is still under wraps. So no word on if there’s gonna be a big-buck event, concert or lemonade stand. That’s all to come. The brains behind the weekend just want to make sure that you have those days on your calendar locked down.

BTW: The British members of the MySweetCharity elves insist on calling it “Klyde Park.” They say it reminds them of jolly old “Hyde Park.”

Let’s All Chill

The first half of the year ends today business-wise. The sunlight is blindingly bright. Everybody wants you somewhere ten minutes ago. It’s so hot that eggs won’t even come out of shells to be fried on sidewalks. The most popular sport is the least favorite — sweating.

In other words, it’s cranky time. Now, stop it. Take a deep breath. It will only take a second. That was good. Now splurge and take another one, only deeper this time. Excellent.

If that wasn’t enough, follow the next steps:

  1. Set the time on your smartphone for five minutes. Yes, you can spare five 60-second moments. 
  2. Get up from your computer.
  3. Go get a cold hand towel and apply it to the back of your neck (that way it won’t smear your makeup that’s already in various stages of melting)
  4. Fountain at The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek (File photo)

    Close your eyes and think of Thanksgiving with brown and gold leaves falling from trees, the aroma arising from the kitchen and a slight chill outside. Or, recall the infamous Super Bowl Snow Ball. Remember how cold it was and how good hot chocolate tasted?
  5. Continue to breath. Believe it or not, most of us tend to hold our breath when we’re stressed or just shallow-breathe, resulting in anorexic lungs.

When the timer goes off, return to those of us living in your computer, tablets and smartphones. We missed you, but we’re glad you’re back. Take care of yourself.

Camp Hope Springs Eternal And Pops A Cork Or Two Friday

If someone says, “Attaway-to-go,” chances are they went to Camp Longhorn. Like Waldemar, Camp Fern and other summer camps, Longhorn continues to instill lifelong memories as it has for generations.

Cork popping fundraiser for Camp Hope*

But did you know about Camp Hope? Nope, it’s not open to the general public. It’s “a unique weekend camping experience where children adopted through Hope Cottage can build memories and lasting friendships.”

To assist in the financial support of Camp Hope, the Rotary Club of Dallas-Uptown, Two Corks and a Bottle and the friends of Hope Cottage are getting together tomorrow (Friday) to raise funds. A portion of all the wine sales will go to Camp Hope. As if vino on a steamy Friday night in Uptown wasn’t enough, there will “raffle prizes and other surprises to spur your generosity!”

It takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. at Two Corks and a Bottle, 2800 Routh St., in the Quadrangle. The front door is right at the corner of Routh and Laclede.

* Graphics provided by Hope Cottage

MetroPCS Fair Park Fourth Solves A Lot Of Problems For A Wednesday Holiday

MetroPCS Fair Park Fourth*

Alas, the Fourth of July falls right in the middle of the week. Translation: No three-day weekend getaway. Shoot. But not to worry. You can save on gas and time by just heading over to Fair Park for the MetroPCS Fair Park Fourth.

The hoop-la isn’t limited to the free fireworks show sponsored by Gold Metal Recyclers in the Cotton Bowl that commences at 9:30 p.m. Starting at 4:30 p.m., the Friends of Fair Park have arranged for a plethora of activities including a patriotic program featuring the Dallas Wind Symphony under the direction of Don McKinney, live music, kids activities, carnival games, “dancing water” shows and more. (Warning: The dancing water show in the Esplanade Fountain is for watching, not joining in.)

Tom Lea mural at Hall of State (File photo)

And the best part is that admission to Fair Park’s six museums (African American Museum, Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park, Dallas Historical Society/Hall of State, Museum of Nature & Science, Texas Discovery Gardens and Texas Museum of Automotive History) is reduced from 4:30 to 7 p.m. So you can check out Fair Park’s treasures in air-conditioned surroundings and avoid the July heat.

As for the eating part, you can bring a picnic or buy food from concessionaires, but no alcoholic beverages or glass bottles are permitted. Oh, and leave your “firearms” and fireworks at home.

MetroPCS is the title sponsor of Fair Park Fourth. Other sponsors are Ben E. Keith Beverage Company, Budweiser, Gold Metal Recyclers, Baylor Healthcare Systems, Coca-Cola and Green Mountain Energy. Media partners are WFAA, Univision 23, Al Dia, The Greensheet, 98.7 KLUV, K104, Smooth R&B 105.7, La Que Buena 94.1 FM, 1270 AM La Voz del Pueblo, and 90.9 KCBI.

So, after you check out your favorite 4th of July parade, head on over to Fair Park for some priceless “cheap” thrills.

* Graphic provided by Friends of Fair Park

Share-A-Date: Sixth Annual Art + Advocacy Auction

Thursday, November 1: The first hints about the upcoming Art + Advocacy for the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center are starting to leak out. The sixth annual auction (both silent and live) of art “by emerging and established artists” will take place at F.I.G. from 7 to 10 p.m. Thank heaven, the preview party of art will be held on Tuesday, October 30. Now you won’t have to decide between being at F.I.G or at a Halloween party.

Patricia Meadows (File photo)

Leadership of the A+A includes Honorary Chairs Marlene and John Sughrue, Event Chairs Lindsay and Chuck Jacaman, Honorary Art Chair Patricia B. Meadows, Art Chairs Laura Green and Jordan Roth, Underwriting Chairs Ginny and Mark Fein and Art Guide Gail Sachson.

Last year’s auction broke records netting $450K for the DCAC, so you just know this one is going to try to surpass the past goal with 600 artsy types and kid supporters expected in attendance.

Organizers plan on announcing more activities associated with A+A, so stay tuned.

Let The Twins’ Deaths Serve As A Very Grim Reminder

Parenting is the toughest job around, and summer can be the most challenging time for  year. The little ones are out of school. It’s hot. You’re juggling cell phones, promises, appointments, commitments and still trying to be rational.

That’s why the story this morning of the twin four-year-olds who drowned last night in their grandparents’ pool is so heartbreaking. The father was inside checking on his diabetic mother. The twins almost immediately made a laser line to the pool. . . and you know the rest.

With three-digit weather raising electric grids, let’s not let the death or injury to children rise, too. That goes for munchkins around pools as well as inside cars. There is no such thing as leaving a child in a car. . . even with the vehicle running and the A/C on.

And if you see such a situation, report it. Don’t look the other way and think someone else will do something.

Let’s try to make this summer a record breaker by not losing one child to being left in a car in Dallas. We’re already lost too many in a swimming pool accident.

Our condolences go to the twins’ parents, grandparents and all who were touched by their brief lives.

Half Price Books Hits The Million Book Mark In Less Than Six Months And Heads For The Next Million

Despite the electronic book age, hardbound and paperback books are still being gobbled up by bookworms. In case of any doubting Thomases, just check the 1,400 schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the country that have received thousands of free books since January from Dallas-based Half Price Books.

No, correct that: hundreds of thousands of books. In fact the total hit a million with #1,000,000 — “How Much is a Million?” by David M. Schwartz — going to the Vickery Meadow Learning Center.

“It’s so important to encourage reading with the young students who attend VMLC, many of whom do not have books in their homes,” said Sarah Papert, executive director of VMLC. “We are honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the millionth book from Half Price Books and are so appreciative of this donation because it enables our kids to read many different types of books and take them home to read with their families.”

It’s all a part of The Million Book Donation Project that was undertaken to celebrate Half Price Books’ 40th anniversary.

“We’ve donated millions of books since my mother co-founded the company back in 1972. She showed me how important it is to get books into the hands of kids and adults who need them in not only our communities but around the world,” said Sharon Anderson Wright, Half Price Books president and chief executive officer. “And just because we’ve already hit a million books for the year doesn’t mean we’ll stop giving back. We look forward to helping other organizations throughout 2012 and beyond.”

If you have an organization or school that would like to take advantage of this program, just submit this form.

Top Hat & Tails Contestants Included A Real Hoofer For Paws In The City Fundraiser

Top Hat & Tails has always been good, clean fun where local celebs wear costumes and dance their way into embarrassment on behalf of Paws in the City. It’s so outrageous that you come to realize that your serious newscasters do have senses of humor.

Ah, but this year on June 9 the Dallas version of “Dancing With The Stars” turned into a game of “Clue” — which was the contestant with moves to kill?

After weeks of lessons with Arthur Murray pros, all eight contestants went upstairs at the Frontiers of Flight Museum to be made up, combed out and dressed up like they were going to the prom. Except for financial guy Rodney Anderson and Lance Armstrong‘s mum, Linda Armstrong Kelly, the rest of the crew was made up of foodies (Monica Greene and Lynae Fearing) and TV types (Ron Corning, Melissa Newton, Steve Noviello and Shelly Slater).

Bailey Kensington and Steve Noviello

Was KDFW-CH. 4′s Noviello the one who was going to be the show stopper? After all, his mom was a Rockette. But after taking 10 lessons, he admitted “So I thought there might be some genetics there; not so much!” But he was there for the animals. After all he has three-year old Sam, a rescue Weimaraner.

Paws in the City pooch in need of home

But before an interrogation of the other dancers could take place, they scurried downstairs where all the two-legged guests were eyeballing each other, silent auction items and four-legged critters in need of “furever homes.” In their cages doing their most lovable moves, Venus and her companion Teddy Bear were not pleased at all when another dog walked by stealing the attention of human guests.  Across the way a little of kittens were playing toys. Seems someone had told them that people are suckers for playful kittens. Peaches the terrier/pit bull mix was just lying around in her crate looking about as scary as Benji.

Paws in the City’s Tara Harper, who was with John Broderick, reported that last year’s take of $130K was outstanding. This year they were just hoping to top $100K because of the economy.

Holly Forsythe and Carole Murray

Past St. Francis of Assisi recipient Holly Forsythe had been faced with a Solomon-like situation. Be with her family at Texas Motor Speedway for the Indy race that night of be at Top Hat & Tails. Yes, she used to date Indy driver Scott Pruett and her family does have a condo at TMS on Turn #2, but with two dogs and three cats, she opted for the Paws In the City fundraiser. When asked if she had ever thought of dancing in the competition, Holly said they had tried to get her to dance, but she’s not comfortable in the spotlight.

Last year’s St. Francis of Assisi award recipient Jonnie England joked: “They just begged me to be one of the dancers. But I didn’t want to put the others to shame.”

Bill Smith

With “All My Lovin’” and “Dancing Queen” playing in the background, the “All They Need is Love” theme brought out a handful of Beatles-era costumed guests like Bill Smith in a tie-dye shirt, headband, hippie outfit complete with goatee. Where’d he find his  vintage clothing? “I shouldn’t tell you where I bought it. At a head shop! They had the T-shirt, the bad, everything.”

Rebecca Miller

Before the dancing began, the sold-out crowd including Carol Roberts and a table of Albertsons’ guests along with honorary chairs Jack Lindstrom, Rebecca Miller, Michelle Witten, Sherry Boone, Nicole Hutchison and Jocelyn White (Yvonne Crum couldn’t make due to a bad case of shingles) took their places for dinner, saw videos and heard from emcee Scott Murray and host Preston Pearson, who told the story of his remarkable dog, Lucy, after which the dancing trophy is named.

Preston Pearson, Samantha Reid and Drew Pearson

Then came the live auction with a football package including a photo with Drew Pearson and Preston plus their Super Bowl rings. That one was so popular, they sold it twice.

Steve Kemble

Finally it was time for the competition with the introduction of the judges. Preston introduced Allen Wranglers GM Drew saying Drew “did

Claudia Marshall

something I thought was great. They got rid of T.O.!”  In addition were Sassy Steve Kemble and local Arthur Murray Dance Studio owner Claudia Marshall, who has been a judge for all five years.

Now it was dance time:

  • Rodney Anderson and Lindsey Dellucci

    Rodney Anderson in white suit and huge black Afro wig danced with Lindsey Dellucci to a Jackson 5 tune. When Preston asked, “First of all, where’d you get your hair? I could use some of that!” Rodney replied, “Hair Club for Men!” He then placed the wig on Preston, who seemed to disappear under all the hair. Then Rodney was asked how he got involved in the dance-off. . . “Holly Forsythe sent me an email. I took me 48 hours to say, ‘Hell, no.’ But it was the best experience of my life. I took 24 lessons!”  Receiving thee 8′s from the judges, he also got reviews that included: “Back in the day, I had a bigger one. Let me borrow it; I’ll go to the club,” from Drew.  
  • Adriann Alexander and Ron Corning

    Ron Corning did a Quick Step with Adriann Alexander to “Can’t Hurry Love” by the Supremes. Upon completing his performance, Ron asked, “What just happened? Is it over?” Judge Steve “loved the outfit and gave him a 9. Drew summed the dance up with a 8 and “Good job.” Then Claudia reviewed Ron saying, “Terrific job,” but only gave him a 7. That last score resulted in boos from the audience.
  • Ryan West and Lynae Fearing

    Lynae Fearing with dancer Ryan West did the Hustle after which Preston told her, “Relax. You look like you’re about to go into a firing machine.” Lynae revealed why she decided to participate in the dance competition this year: “Last year, my life was a little more chaotic. This year it’s calmer, so I said yes.” Owning three cats and a dog, Lynae also earned three 8′s and reviews like “The dance was untamed and relentlessly erotic. I loved every minute of it” from Steve and “When you came out, the first thing I said was, ‘Whoa! I’m old, but I can still see.’”   
  • Justin Brown and Monica Greene

    Monica Greene performed a salsa with Justin Brown to “Quando, Quando, Quando.” Before Preston could get a chance to asked the restaurteur a question, Monica did a shout out: “Holly Forsythe, you owe me one, bad!” With still another repeat of three 8′s, the judges’ reviews included Steve’s “You dirty, dirty girl. I loved it.” Drew’s “Great job!” and Claudia’s “I thought you were really beautiful.”
  • Linda Armstrong Kelly and Antonio Rivera

    Linda Armstrong Kelly did the swing with Antonio Rivera to “Think” by Aretha Franklin. The adorable grandmother and motivational speaker admitted, “You get out of your comfort zone. It’s a great cause. I had a blast!”  Evidently the judges did, too. Steve gave her a 10 saying, “You look amazing. It was absolutely more delicious than my grandmother’s apple pie.” Drew gave her another 10 adding, “I think you nailed it.” Claudia provided a 9 with “It takes a competitive spirit. I think your son would be very proud of you.”
  • Melissa Newton and Ian Kelley

    CBS11′s Melissa Newton did a West Coast swing with Ian Kelley and admitted afterward, “I have a blast.” Her wardrobe provided a blast of comments and three 9′s from the judges. Steve reviewed: “I bet the wardrobe department was under-budget.” Drew: I loved the way your partner matched his tie with your dress. I never watched Channel 11, but I will now. Sorry, Newy Scruggs (of KXAS-CH. 5). They say sex sells, and it also gets votes.
  • Asked what “the story” was behind his doing the swing with Bailey Kenzington, Steve Noviello said, “Don’t call and try to quit after the first lesson, because it gets a little bit easier.” Judge Steve countered with, “You can tell me a story and put me to bed anytime. You had the untamed energy of a young pup tonight. ” Drew: “I saw your clip (of rehearsing) last week on Channel 4 and said, ‘This guy’s got no chance.’ But you’ve come a long way.” While the judges gave the performance thee 9′s, some in the audience grumbled that it should have received at least one 10.
  • Shelly Slater and Daniel Dellucci

    Last up was Shelly Slater with Daniel Dellucci doing a tango to “Whatever Lola Wants.” So stunning was the performance that both the judges and the audience seemed speechless resulting in three 10′s, a first of the night. It also left Shelly out of air, saying, “I can’t breathe.” Even saucy sassy Steve admitted, “Beautiful dance.” Drew: “Very smooth. . . very sexy.” Ever professional Claudia summed it up saying, “A really serious routine. Very difficult. Great job.”  

While the votes from both the judges and guests were being tallied, it was a perfect time to recognize the various organizations and people who have made Paws in the City a success. In addition to the various boarding kennels (Barking Hound Village, The Boarding Bungalow, Canine Country Club and Wellness Center, Downtown Dog, Kinder Kritter, Barney’s Ranch, Tailwaggers Country Inn, Toothacres Pet Care Center, Urban Paws, VHEA’s Laudromutt, Shari’s Family Pet Spa, Paw Tenders, Camp Diggy Bones and Paradise 4 Paws, longtime Paws in the City advocate and Top Hat & Tails Event Co-chair Tina Fairbanks was presented the St. Francis of Assisi award along with Dr. John Vandermeer and Dr. Wendy Dearixonwere give the Man’s Best Friend Awards.

Tina Fairbanks, Preston Pearson and Becky Haisma

With Preston off to the side, you could tell he was dreading this next part — In Memoriam. During the past year, three individuals, who had supported Paws in the City and Top Hat & Tails over the year, had died — Janie Tilford Pearson (Preston’s wife), Al Huchet and Joe Avezzano. Tina said, “We owe this event to Janie. She was watching ‘Dancing With The “stars” and said, ‘That’s what we need to do for Paws in the City.’”  Calling Preston to centerstage, Tina and Event Co-chair Becky Haisma announced the creation of the Janie Tilford Pearson Fairy Godmother Fund, for people who can’t pay for pets. As a mega-sized check of $5,000 was revealed, Preston  shook his head, wiped a tear from his face and stepped behind the judges’ backdrop.

Top Hat & Tails teams

But this moment of remembrance was quickly replaced with the presentation of all the dance couples and judges on stage for the announcement of the winning team.

Ah, the mystery was solved. Who was the mystery celeb, who admitted that dancing was one of her longtime favorite things to do? Shelly ! Seems those years of dance lessons had paid off.

After receiving her flowers and congrats, she said of her partner: “Daniel is the bomb. He’s patient and loving and he’s sassy and he’s got class.” He also had a talented partner.

Share-A-Date: Dallas Children’s Theater’s 20th Annual Cabaret Gala

Saturday, October 6: For a long time cabarets have had an identity problem. A lot of people thought a cabaret was strictly a la the Liza Minnelli/Joel Grey type of entertainment. Yes, a cabaret is a nightclub with humor and songbirds in the spotlight. However, they got their reputation for being a “bit” risqué thanks to the French with the Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergere a century ago.

Over the years it evolved into the American version, which was not as naughty. Well, perhaps mischievous, but nothing way too blue. With performers like Bette Midler, Eartha Kitt, Peggy Lee, Hildegarde and Marilyn Maye, the focus was on female singers, jazz and banter.

Now that you’re an expert on cabaret, you’ll appreciate the Dallas Children’s Theater‘s 20th Annual Cabaret Gala that will have 2012 Leading Ladies (aka former honorary chairs/chairs of past galas) Ruth Buzzi, Yvonne Crum, Caroline Rose Hunt, Carolyn Lupton, Jill Rowlett and Dee Wyly) at the Fairmont Dallas’ Venetian Room.

Emily Bergl

Headlining the show will be a youngster in the world of cabaret royalty — Emily Bergl, who has already built a resume including  TV shows (“Southland,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Men in Trees,” etc.) and New York stages (“Love, Loss and What I wore,” and “Becky Shaw”). Why, just this past May she opened her new cabaret show, “NY I love You” at Cafe Carlyle. For her Dallas show, she’ll present “Kidding on the Square,” which has gotten “rave reviews from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg.”

Along with Emily, gala producer Artie Olaisen has already arranged for champagne and desserts to be served and the following folks to serve on the host committee: Eva and Rob Aikey, Jennifer and Peter Altabef, Sami Arslanlar and John Clutts, Lee Bailey, Deborah and Jim Barnes, Joan Becker, Lindy and Bradley Berkley, Gwendol Bowling, Barbara Brice, Ruth Buzzi and Kent Perkins, Leigh and Vincent Carrizales, Yvonne and Mayo Crum, Barbara and Don Daseke, Pamela and Tomas de la Mata, Tiffany and Paul Divis, Michelle and Stacy Godo, Laurie Sands Harrison, Megan and Dan Hemenway, Charlene Howell, Marisa and Will Huckin, Merrick and Stuart Huckin, Caroline Rose Hunt, Ben Jones, Margaret and Les Keliher, Connie Coit Kitchens, Carolyn and Tav Lupton, Rhonda and Fraser Marcus, Megan and Andy Meyercord, Sharron Hunt Munson, Dianne and O.T. New, Jill and Tracy Rowlett, Gayle Sands, Georgiana Shelokov, Sally and Doug Schopmeyer, Janet and Lewis Shaw, Amy and Allan Spence, Terry Van Willson, Alison Volk, Annette and Myron Watkins, Carmaleta Whiteley, Claire and Ben Wilhite, Dee Wyly and Emily Wyly.        

Since no tickets will be sold at the door and seating is limited, you might want to make reservations pretty soon.

And, yes, there will be a raffle and Yvonne has thrown down the gauntlet announcing that she’s going to outsell everyone. To do this, she’s offering to “a raffle ticket for the fabulous trip to NYC, the Carlyle Hotel and roundtrip airfare. . . all to benefit DCT” for anyone who buys a commemorative brick on the Dallas Children’s Theater Walk of Fame.

Photo provided by Dallas Children's Theater

Share-A-Date: Family Gateway’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

Thursday, February 7, 2013: Yup, you got that date right! The Family Gateway folks are already hard at work planning their 25th anniversary celebration. Sure, the $250,000 goal may seem daunting, but Gateway has proved time and time again that nothing is going to hold them back when they set their sights.

Even before the Save-The-Date cards go out, they’ve arranged to have a stellar lineup of honorary chairs including Caren Prothro, Elaine ad Neils Agather, Renee and Hill Feinberg, Anita and Truman Arnold, Sammye and Mike Myers and Pat and Pete Schenkel.

As for the honoree, it makes absolutely perfect sense if you know your Family Gateway history. The organization that provides housing for homeless families was the dream of the late former Mayor Annette Strauss. Dang! She planted so many seeds of brilliance that continue to flourish and grow today.

Ted Strauss (File photo)

And while daughters Nancy Strauss Halbreich and Janie Strauss McGarr are chips off the old block, it’s the man behind the women who will be honored at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek — Ted Strauss, aka Annette’s husband, Nancy’s and Janie’s father and an incredibly successful businessman.

Mark your calendars and get your $$ in ASAP because you just know this one is going to be more than a sellout. It’s going to be a major must-not-miss.

Get Your Grocery Carts Warmed Up For Wednesday At Whole Foods Preston Forest Benefiting Metrocare Services

What’s the best day of the week to shop for groceries? This week it’s Wednesday! And the best store to push a cart in is the Whole Foods Market at Preston and Forest. Sure, it’s a little out of your way if you live in Uptown, but it will provide funding for Metrocare Services‘ Kids’ Kloset.

As part of the Whole Foods Market community Giving day program, 5% of Wednesday’s net sales at this specific Whole Foods will go Kids’ Kloset, which supplies new school uniforms for low-income, poverty-level children who are patients at Metrocare for their mental health services.

You know as well as anyone that kids give each other a hard time for not having new stuff. They can even spot a new uniform from a raggedy one. So, why not stock up on those long-lasting canned foods and fill that freezer for the long, hot summer ahead? You’ll also help a little one to start school with a spiffy new uniform.