DALLAS DELIVERS

DALLAS HIGHLIGHTS
CITY HALL DELIVERS
CITY HALL HIGHLIGHTS
V O L U M E 3 · I S S U E 3 M A R C H 2 0 0 9

Children’s Book Fair will bring together children,

families and an array of authors and illustrators
In this A multicultural event in Dallas April 17-18 will bring together children, families and an
Issue: impressive roster of children’s authors and illustrators. The
Dallas Children’s Book Fair and Literary Festival is a part-
nership between the Dallas Public Library, the African
A message from 2 American Museum and the Dallas Independent School Dis-
the City Manager trict, for children in grades pre-K through sixth. AT&T is the
title sponsor for the event.

Solar panels sav- 3 This year’s Children’s Book Fair theme is “Opening Minds by
ing energy at Opening Books,” which is appropriate given the fact that 61
Audubon percent of lower income families have no access to books
for children in their homes. Last year, more than a thousand
DFR saves man 4 children and their families benefited from the Book Fair, and in 2009 an even greater
level of participation is anticipated.
trapped under 18-
wheeler The Book Fair begins Friday, April 17 with an Authors/Illustrators Read-In from 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m. at the Central Library, 1515 Young St. The Book Fair and Festival will be held
5 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at the Central Library. All these events
Fresh new faces are free and open to the public.
now appearing on
Channel 16 "Education is AT&T's key philanthropy focus,” said AT&T Re-
gional Vice President of External Affairs Holly Reed. “We are
driven to help students succeed in school, in the workforce and
Cultural Center 6
in life. Through our philanthropic initiatives and partnerships,
activities held AT&T and the AT&T Foundation support projects like the Chil-
across the city dren's Book Fair & Literacy Festival, which engage children in
the love of reading and which can impact keeping them in
school through graduation,” she said.
Dallas Animal 7
Services feature “We’re very proud to be a part of this important multicultural
event in the City of Dallas,” said City of Dallas Director of Librar-
ies Laurie Evans. “There’s nothing more rewarding to a librarian than helping to foster
City of Dallas 8
Outdoor Learning
Public Information Office
a love of reading and learning among our children, and that’s what the Children’s Book
Center offers
1500 Marilla 4ESfun Fair and Literary Festival is all about.”
Dallas, TX 75201
The Dallas Children’s Book Fair and Literary Festival was started 15 years ago by Dr.
Great Trinity
Publication For-
Number 9
Harry Robinson, Jr., president and CEO of the African American Museum in Fair Park.
06/07-27
est Adventure Hike Proceeds from the fair and festival sponsorships benefit the Museum’s Multicultural
held Summer Camp for students ages 6 to 12. Special features of the all-day camp include
daily instruction in reading and Spanish language skills. Students will also explore how
America’s diversity in music, drama, visual art, folk art, literature and media has been
influenced by historical events, people and places.

City Hall Highlights is published every month by the Marketing & Media Relations Office. Send your contributions
(and photos) to richard.hill@dallascityhall.com. Copy deadline for the April issue is March 23.
VOLUME 3 · ISSUE 3
PAGE 2

Let me talk to the City Manager

By City Manager Mary K. Suhm
I want to invite you to participate in the most unique running experience in Dallas; an event
“We expect a that highlights the recreational opportunities available to Dallas residents through the Trin-
Tulisoma,
thousand which ity River Corridor Project. I’m talking about the Trinity River Levee Run, to be held March 7
or more
at Trammell Crow Park, 3700 Sylvan Ave.
participants,
is Swahiliwith
for “we
proceeds from As race participants run a 6.2 mile (10K) natural surface loop trail on
read,” was
sponsorships top of the Trinity Levee at Trammell Crow Park, they also enjoy incredi-
startedthe
benefiting in 2003 ble natural vistas, plus a striking view of the Dallas skyline. We’re
by Commons
Trinity former Dallas pleased that the Trinity River Corridor Project Office is teaming up with
Foundation and the the Trinity Commons Foundation, Dallas Running Club and Luke’s
City Councilman Locker to host this event, now in its fifth year. We expect a thousand or
Dallas Running
Leo
Club.”
V. Chaney, more participants, with proceeds from sponsorships benefiting the Trin-
Jr., as a way of ity Commons Foundation and the Dallas Running Club.
sharing his dis- For the first time this year, the race will also cross the Continental Avenue Bridge. For fami-
trict’s distinct lies and others who don’t want to take on the 10K, there will also be a 2K Fun Run, giving
more people the chance to be a part of this unique outdoor event. As in previous years,
character while there will be a friendly competition between Dallas’ public safety forces. The 2008 champi-
also promoting a ons led by Fire Chief Eddie Burns will be challenged by Police Chief David Kunkle and
his recruits.
love for reading
among all ages. I hope you’ll join us for this fun event on the Trinity March 7. Help us continue to show resi-
dents of Dallas the recreational opportunities available to them through the many compo-
nents of the Trinity River Corridor project.

Jay Macaulay inducted into AIA College of Fellows

The AIA College of
Fellows recognizes
exemplary service
in a variety of
professional fields,
but only about two
percent of the
active profession
is recognized with
the status of
Fellowship.
Public Works and Transportation Program Manager Jay Macaulay will
be inducted into the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fel-
lows at their annual convention May 1 in San Francisco. A life-long resi-
dent of Dallas and a graduate of Texas Tech, Macaulay joined the City
of Dallas in 1971.
The AIA College of Fellows recognizes exemplary service in a variety of
professional fields, but only about two percent of the active profession is
recognized with the status of Fellowship.
The many downtown projects Macaulay has worked on include the Arts District, civic buildings
and public/private projects supporting housing and retail. The Nasher Sculpture Center is an
example of a project in which he performed more than his usual project manager duties. As
point man for the privately funded project, he helped to implement street and landscape im-
provements and coordinated the public aspects of the Center’s development.

Perfecta Gallegos elected Chair of NCTRCA Board

Assistant Director of Business Development and Procurement Services
Perfecta Gallegos has been elected Chair of the 2009 North Central
Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA) board.

The NCTRCA provides education and counseling to applicants through-

out the certification process in order to build a certified vendor pool for
member entities. In pursuing its mission, the NCTRCA offers monthly
certification workshops to assist vendors with the certification process.
The City currently accepts Disadvantaged, Minority and Women-Owned
Business Enterprises certification from the NCTRCA, DFW Minority Business Council and
the Women’s Business Council-Southwest.
 VOLUME 3 · ISSUE 3 PAGE 3

Green Dallas updates:

Solar panels reducing energy use at Trinity Audubon Center
The Trinity River Audubon Center (TRAC) is reducing energy and saving money by using renewable energy. Two solar panels
that produce approximately 3,252 kWh annually were installed in February. Using less energy means
less energy needs to be produced, which in turn, improves air quality. As a result, this project will pre-
vent 6,211 pounds of carbon emissions per year.

The Audubon Center is a living learning center for the public as well as school children visiting the site
year-round. One of the goals of the Center is to educate visitors about sustainable living, of which
renewable energy is a significant part. As part of this education, visitors will be able to view the solar
panels when first entering the center and learn about the benefits of renewable energy. The solar in-
stallation project includes a display showing real time kW savings and associated emissions savings.

Additionally the consultant for the project has generously donated two educational displays on renew-
able energy. One will be used for students in the classrooms and the second will be used by Office of
Environmental of Quality staff for environmental outreach events and fairs.

The solar installation project is part of the Dallas Sustainable Skylines Initiative. Together with the EPA, NCTCOG and private
sector partners, the City of Dallas is working toward the completion of several three-year projects to reduce air emissions and
improve water and land quality.

Dallas Water Utilities is asking kids: what can you do to save water?
Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) has this question for Dallas area kids: What can you do to save water? DWU wants children in
grades 1 to 5 to answer the question by entering the 25th Annual Drinking Water Week Poster Contest. The contest theme is
“Conservation in Action: What can YOU do to save water?” Posters should include the theme title and illustrate a water con-
servation method or tip.

One Honorable Mention prize per grade level and one Grand Prize winner will be awarded. The Grand Prize artwork will be-
come Dallas’ official 2009 Drinking Water Week Poster and will be distributed throughout the City. The
Grand Prize winning student will also receive a portable DVD player. Honorable Mention winners will each
receive an iPod Shuffle.

Dallas area students in grades 6 through 8 can participate in the Third Annual Drinking Water Week T-shirt
Contest. The Grand Prize artwork will become Dallas’ official 2009 Drinking Water Week T-shirt and the
winning artist will receive an iPod Touch. Honorable mention winners will each receive an iPod shuffle.

All winning entries will be displayed at City Hall during Water Week, May 3-9. In addition, each winner will
receive a plaque, a framed certificate of their winning artwork and an invitation to be recognized before the
Dallas City Council on May 6. The teacher of the Grand Prize winner for the poster contest and T-shirt con-
test will receive a $250 voucher for school and/or art supplies. Teachers of honorable mention winners for
both contests will receive a voucher for $50.

For contest rules go to http://savedallaswater.com/index_english.htm. Entry deadline for both contests is 5 p.m. March 30. All
entries must be delivered in person to 1500 Marilla, 5AS, Attention: Derinda Stewart. For more information call (214) 243-
1174.

Hydrogen fuel cells may soon provide emergency power

Clean burning hydrogen may soon be used to provide emergency power to Samuell Grand Recreation Center.

Under an Environment Protection Agency grant, the Park and Recreation department and Equipment and Building Services will
be conducting monthly tests using hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen is a green fuel source with zero combustion emissions and
only produces heat and clean water as by-products.

“The system has been installed and now we're awaiting the hydrogen delivery to charge up the system and do the initial
checks,” said Park and Recreation IT Manager Ken Brack. Brack said plans for expanding the system to provide enough
power to run the entire center will be subject to a year of testing and the availability of larger units. Equipment and Building Ser-
vices Project Manager Paul Martin is the engineer in charge of developing the system.
 VOLUME 3 · ISSUE 3
PAGE 4

DFR saves man trapped under 18-wheeler

It was not your everyday traffic accident that Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to on the
afternoon of Jan. 30. Just before rush hour, a car driven by 19-year-old Christian
Benetiz got tangled up under an 18-wheel gravel truck
just north of Dallas.
Locked under the
rear tires of the Locked under the rear tires of the 10-ton truck, the young
10-ton truck, the man’s situation was on the brink of catastrophe. As bi-
young man’s zarre as it appeared, “it
situation was on is what we train to do,”
the brink of catas- said DF-R Battalion
trophe. Chief Stuart Grant.
Under the command of
Chief Grant and Battalion Chief Rudy Valles, DFR cut
the top off Benetiz’ car and gingerly lifted the truck off
his vehicle.

For the length of the rescue, paramedics treated him,

making sure his situation did not worsen. Throughout the ordeal they calmly assured
Benetiz that he would be OK. “It was bad,” said Valles. “But we simulate these things
all the time,” he said. “We were prepared.”
Ninety minutes after the initial call, Benetiz was on his way to Methodist Hospital.
Onlookers applauded as the seemingly impossible rescue was completed.
But for DFR, it was ‘just another day at the office.’

Dallas Fire joins Heart Association’s Red Dress event

“We were pleased to join forces with the American Heart Association (AHA) for a
campaign that will bring positive attention to a national health issue like this,” said
Dallas Fire Chief Eddie Burns of National Wear Red Day Feb.6. National Wear
It’s a shock to a lot Red Day is aimed at raising awareness and money to battle heart disease, the
of women, but number one killer of women in America.
heart disease kills
“It’s a shock to a lot of women, but heart disease kills more
more women in women in this country than breast cancer,” said Kelly At-
this country than wood of the American Heart Association. “And while heredity
breast cancer,” plays a major role, there are things we can all do to make our
said Kelly Atwood hearts healthier.” That includes not smoking, eating a health-
of the American ier diet and watching your diet. You should also know your
Heart Association. cholesterol numbers and your blood pressure and get regular
exercise.
Lt. Cynthia Bustillos
wore her red ribbon. And heart disease is an even more serious health issue for
Hispanic and African-American women, and the Heart Asso-
ciation says women in these groups have less awareness of the danger than white
women. The situation is improving, as recent surveys, which show that among all
groups of women there is a growing understanding of heart disease and how to pre-
vent it.
“We are proud to be associated with a cause that brings more attention and aware-
ness to a disease that can hit all families,” said Chief Burns.
 VOLUME 3 · ISSUE 3
PAGE 5

Former President Bush joins City recycling team for green event
Former President and new Dallas resident George Bush is now up-to-date on what is Too Good to Throw Away, thanks to mem-
bers of the City’s recycling team.

The former president, accompanied by Secret Service agents stopped by Elliott’s Hardware,
where Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) Grease Abatement
and Dallas Sanitation Services recycling programs were
educating residents about safe disposal of cooking oil
and grease and waste diversion. After purchasing a few
items, he visited with recycling team members, even
autographing a cooking grease disposal bag.

“It was an honor to meet a former President,” said Dallas

Water Utilities employee Ivan Flores, (at left) after snapping a photo with the former
Chief Executive. “Now I have my own personal part of history.” DWU employee Anthony
Ashford (at right) noted how observant the former President was when he pointed out
that the camera shutter was not open. Bush politely waited for the correction and quipped, “Don’t
mess it up Dallas Man!”

Sanitation/Recycling employees Minerva Benavidez and Elena Duran (at left) also talked with
former President Bush.

If our former President has time to go green, shouldn’t you?

Learn more about frying oil recycling and grease disposal at www.ceasethegrease.org and find
out when your recycling pick up days are at www.dallascityhall.com/sanitation/sanitation.html or
call 311 for assistance.

Fresh new faces now appearing on Dallas City Channel 16

Some fresh new faces are showing up on Dallas City Channel 16; faces you will want to keep an eye on. They are students at
the Art Institute of Dallas who are getting their feet wet in front of and behind the camera. Thanks to the City’s partnership with
the school, these talented young people not only get class credit for the production Talkback Dallas, they also get to show-
case their work for an audience outside the classroom.

The stories you see are all conceptualized, produced, shot and edited by the students whose assignment is not to only to cre-
ate an entertaining television program, but also to feature the best of what our City has to offer.

Advanced students are often looking for projects to include in their portfolios for graduation, so if you are looking for a young,
creative and insightful eye to help with a department event or project, e-mail Terri Dean in Marketing and Media Relations at
terri.dean@dallascityhall.com. The newest installment of Talkback Dallas premieres this month.

Spring is coming, and so is stormy weather

Recent severe weather is a reminder that the spring storm season will soon be upon us. Here are a couple of suggestions to
help you prepare for stormy weather.

First, buy a NOAA Weather Radio for your home. These radios can be purchased at most elec-
tronics stores or online for $30 to $70 depending on features. It is recommended that you get a
radio with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology. This will provide you with
weather watches and warnings within a certain geographic area. Although outdoor warning si-
rens are intended to warn people outdoors, a NOAA Weather Radio will alert you about weather
events while you’re indoors. This piece of emergency equipment is as important as smoke
alarms for homes, businesses and schools.

Second, take a few minutes and put together a disaster supply kit. A list of what you should put
in your kit, as well as other important emergency preparedness information can be found at the North Central Texas Regional
Public Information Web site: www.KnoWhat2do.com.
 PAGE 6
VOLUME 3 · ISSUE 3

It’s all happening at a Cultural Center near you

City of Dallas Cultural Centers provide a wide range of community-based and culturally diverse artistic programs. Attend an
event at a cultural center near you.

Bath House Cultural Center

March 14 through April 18: Art of the Everyday, Natura Fragilis, and Through Her Lens.
Art of the Everyday, co-hosted by UT Dallas, features artists who transform everyday objects through photographic framing
and sculptural construction. Natura Fragilis explores the interwoven
connection between the fragility of the natural environment and the
vulnerability of the human spirit. Through Her Lens: Emerging Female
Photographers features the work of photographers in the graduate pro-
gram at Texas Woman’s University. For more information call (214)
670-8749. Free.

March 11 through 28: A Bench in the Sun, a comedy presented by

One Thirty Productions. Two grumpy old men enjoy their lives in a re-
tirement community and pass the days on their bench in the sun. Life
becomes a bit more interesting when an attractive actress moves in on their bench. Show-
time 1:30 pm. Tickets $10-16. For more information call (214) 670-8749.

Ice House Cultural Center

March 10 through April 3: Journey. In honor of Women’s History Month, the Ice House Cultural Center celebrates the tal-
ent of four female artists on a journey of their personal experiences through an eclectic collection of artworks. The free exhi-
bition includes artists Nancy Bass, Magi Calhoun, Sandra A. Moreno and Pam Stern. Call (214) 670-7524 for more informa-
tion.

Latino Cultural Center

March 26 through April 25: Dichos: Words to Live, Love, and Laugh By in Latin America
Truck and bus drivers across Latin America delight in inscribing dichos - sayings or amusing
expressions - on their vehicles. Hand painted in an endless variety of graphic styles and colors,
dichos address subjects ranging from religion and love to puns and earthy humor. The exhibition
draws from the private collection of Grant La Farge of Santa Fe, New Mexico. For more informa-
tion call (214) 670-3320. Free.

March 26: National Sor Juana Festival Kick-Off Celebration. The LCC joins the National Sor
Juana Festival in honor of the illustrious Mexican writer Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz. The LCC
and The National Museum of Mexican Art will host a Kick-Off Celebration for the debut of the
Sor Juana Festival in the Dallas area. For more information call (214) 670-3320. 6 p.m., free.

South Dallas Cultural Center

March 13, 14, 20, 21, 8 p.m. 2009 Black Women’s Film Festival. Paying homage to the women of the NAACP, this festival
begins with a film honoring Ida B. Wells, one of the original charter members of the NAACP, cele-
brating its 100th anniversary. Co-sponsored by Black Cinematheque Dallas. Tickets are $5 per
screening and can be purchased at the door. A special free event for teens, “Introducing First Lady
Michelle Obama” is set for at 1 p.m. March 14. For more information call 671-0727.

March 21: Artist’s Talk. Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi will discuss her award-winning quilts on display in
the Arthello Beck Gallery. This exhibition is a part of Quilt Mania, a citywide collaborative project
involving 17 other cultural institutions. Mazloomi is a noted artist who was recently invited by the
Smithsonian Institution to curate an exhibition of quilts for the inauguration of President Barack
Obama. Free, 5 p.m. For more information call 671-0727.

For a list of cultural center locations and other information go to www.dallasculture.org and click
on “cultural centers.”
 VOLUME 3 · ISSUE 3
PAGE 7

Paws to Consider
By Kent Robertson
Dallas Animal Services Director

Did you know that although all animals are considered property
under current U.S. laws, most people have moved far beyond
“Our pets require a sig- that way of thinking? These days, animals are more likely to be
The
nificant volun-
amount of time, treated as companions, coworkers and family members.
moneyteers,
and energy,
who how-
ever those of us who Based on calculations from the American Veterinary Medical As-
“float”
establish around
a close bond sociation, it is estimated there are 254,760 cats (not including
with our feral cats) and 239,510 dogs in the city of Dallas.
the airport that
pet know
animals offer that rarest The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc.
are calleduncon-
of commodities: (APPMA) estimates there are 73 million cats, 68 million dogs, 165 million fish, 19 million birds
ditional love,”
Love said Ani-
Help- and 19 million small animals owned as pets in the United States.
mal Services Director
ers.
Kent Robertson. The APPMA also provided the following demographics of pet caregivers:

• Families with children between the ages of 5 and 17 are the most likely to have pets;
people least likely to have pets are singles and the elderly.

• The more people in a family, the less emotionally attached they are to their pets.

• Cat caregivers report less attachment to their cats than dog caregivers do to their dogs.

• Women report more attachment to pets than do men.

Households with yearly incomes under $30,000 report more emotional attachment to pets
that do households with incomes over $50,000. Similarly, college graduates report less at-
tachment to pets than do people with less education. Dog caregivers spend an average of
$196 annually in veterinary expenses; cat caregivers spend $104 annually.

Another survey by the APPMA determined how caregivers acquired their cats and dogs.
They found that about 74 percent of dogs were acquired from sources that typically required
some forethought and planning, such as a breeder, an animal shelter, or a pet store. Inter-
estingly, only 38 percent of cats were acquired with forethought. Instead, most people re-
ceived their cats from friends or relatives or took in strays on a whim. This may explain why
the City of Dallas receives over 36,000 lost or unwanted animals every year.

Did you know that the
City of Dallas offers
free spay/neuter ser-
vices to qualifying resi-
dents? To find out
more, call (214) 670-
8246.
Our pets require a significant amount of time, money and energy, however those of us who
establish a close bond with our pet know that animals offer that rarest of commodities: un-
conditional love. Pets don’t care what we look like, how much money we make or mistakes
we have made. Whether we have had a bad day on the job, our pets greet us affectionately
and hang on our every word when we walk through the door. Did you know that based on a
survey, the top reasons people give for having pets is for the pleasure of having the pet (79
percent), to give love to (67 percent), to cheer home (64 percent), to receive love from (63
percent).
Our pets provide love and companionship, a listening ear, cuddles, and hugs. Yes, I remem-
ber when a youngster when I was upset with my folks laying out the whole problem to my
buddy “Missy”. Our pets bring laughter and play into our lives and research has been back-
ing up those beliefs and proving companion animals can benefit people in tangible ways.

If you are interested in a new animal friend, please call our adoption line at (214) 671-0249,
go to www.dallasanimalservices.org or stop by our beautiful new shelter at 1818 N. West-
moreland.
 VOLUME 3 · ISSUE 3 PAGE 8

Samuell Farm Outdoor Learning Center offers fun for everyone

Old McDonald isn’t the only one with a farm. Dallas Park and Recreation Department owns and operates Samuell Farm Out-
door Learning Center in Mesquite, providing year-round recreational and educational
experiences in a rustic environment.

“Groups are welcome to visit for the day or plan over-

night camping events,” said Farm Manager Steve
Worden. Worden said some of the more popular pro-
grams are Basic Family Camping 101, being devel-
oped in cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America.
“Camping 101 provides hands on experience to peo-
ple who have never camped but want to take advan-
tage of everything the great outdoors offers,” he said.

Fishing is also a popular activity. In February the

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department stocked the farm’s ponds with rainbow trout. “This was a great event for those new to
the sport of fishing as well as for those veterans that want to try something new,” Worden said.

Other activities at the farm include developing a butterfly garden and a vegetable garden following guidelines and recom-
mendations of the Texas Agrilife Master Gardener program; basic camping classes; fishing lessons; outdoor cooking classes
and nature studies.

For more information about Samuell Farm day camps and overnight adventures call (214) 670-4100.

Girls-only sleepover held at South Dallas Recreation Center

More than 30 girls participated in a fun night of life skills development, health and hygiene information, awareness and preven-
tion education, sports and exercise, breakout sessions, and other activities at the South
Dallas Recreation Center.

Town View High School student Desiree’ Daniels joined the City of Dallas Youth De-
velopment Program and Juanita Craft Recreation Center recently to lead the Girls-Only
Sleepover for girls 13 to 18 years old. A senior in the Talented and Gifted program at
Town View, Daniels organized the sleepover after talking with other girls about their
experiences at school and in her community.

“I am excited to have an excellent group of intelligent young women came together to

discuss important issues such as HIV/AIDS, which affect all races and communities,”
she said.

For more information about other youth development and leadership programs through the Park Department, call (214) 243-
1569.

Family contributes thousands of volunteer hours to community

It’s not unusual for families to celebrate special occasions and holidays with each other, share leisure time as a group and in
the case of the Fulps family - volunteer together. It’s a tradition for the Seagoville family. Each year the family, led by father
Ricky Sr., contributes thousands of hours to assisting staff at Kleberg Rylie Recreation Center. Fulps has been volunteering
at Kleberg Rylie for more than 10 years, helping with the baseball team.

Rickey Sr. is joined by his wife, his twin sons, Ricky Jr. and James, and Ricky Jr.’s wife Melissa; his daughter, April and fi-
ancé Joe, April’s two children always come out to help with the project. Collectively, the Fulps family donates 72,000 volun-
teer hours annually.

Although the family volunteers for numerous events and programs year round at the center, their most memorable effort is
the annual haunted house and Halloween carnival they stage for the community. The family’s scariest moments began when
Ricky started volunteering at Dr. Bloodz, an area haunted house. The entire Fulps family builds the haunted house and
makes the machines that add special effects to create visitors’ scariest moments.

“The Fulps family rose to the challenge and set an example for any family interested in helping out their community,” said
Park Department Volunteer Manager Connie Roberson. ‘’No project is too small; just getting involved will create more op-
portunities to serve your community. Volunteering as a family will cultivate a bond between one another that is unique to that
of serving others,” she said.
 VOLUME 3 · ISSUE 3 PAGE 9

SNAPSHOTS!
Orienteering Association hosts Great Trinity Forest Adventure Hike

About 82 people participated in the North Texas Orienteering Association’s Adventure Hike in the Great Trinity Forest. The
4.2 mile course was a wintry challenge for people ages 8 to grandparents. The hike was on the new trail built this summer in
Rochester Park by Groundworks Dallas and the Student Conservation Association. ROTC students from Skyline and Arling-
ton High Schools were among the hikers who participated.

Dallas Library employees stepping their way to better health

Dallas Public Library employees are stepping their way better health. “Ten Thousand Steps to Health” began Jan. 1, the brainchild of
Library Director Laurie Evans as way to promote physical activity and boost mo-
rale among library staff. The Library pays for pedometers and a monthly prize is
awarded to Division or Branch with the most accumulated steps. Monthly tips on
the best ways to “walk it out” are also sent to employees. For information on how
to start a similar program in your department contact Christina Kenebrew at
(214) 670 7840 or email Christina.kenebrew@dallascityhall.com.

The January winners were Pleasant Grove Branch Library, with 1,944,000 steps.
Participants are from left, Mark Pratt, Cheryl Paulk, LaVorris Trimble, Mauri-
cio Flores, Benita Bocanegra and Shevonia Grace.

Employee is City’s first female Registered Professional Land Surveyor

Public Works & Transportation employee Ilona Rossato has received the designation of Registered Profes-
sional Land Surveyor from the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying, the first female City employee
to achieve this honor. Rossato received a Master’s Degree from the Budapest University of Technology and
Economics in 2002, and joined the City of Dallas in 2005. As a surveyor for the City, she is responsible for
research and property set-up and preparation of legal descriptions, maps and accompanying legal descrip-
tions, council alignment maps, plats, and other survey documents.

A Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) is the same level of accomplishment as a Professional
Engineer. The RPLS designation confers the authority to sign and seal the surveys and documents prepared by the Land Sur-
veyor, hence being responsible for the facts represented in them.

Environmental Health Services’ Michelle Vermillion enjoys being Big Sister

Environmental Health Services WIC Program employee Michelle Vermillion volunteered
for the Big Brother Big Sister Program approximately six months ago, and was soon
matched with a beautiful and smart 16-year-old junior at Samuell High School.

“My little’s name is Brenda and her dream is to become a nurse,” Vermillion said. “We
talk about school issues, home life, plans for the future, college and other interests she
may have. Activities we’ve done so far include putting together a school scrapbook, giv-
ing her a personality test to help reveal her career strengths, taking pictures and reading
the same book over Christmas break. Currently we’re researching colleges at the school
library.”

To learn how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister contact Mandy Klem at (214) 288-
3551 or e-mail mklem@bbbstx.org.