Winnetka Heights Neighborhood Association

Annual Meeting Set for June 12

Lee Ruiz (President) — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:32:50 +0000

The Winnetka Heights Neighborhood Association (WHNA) will hold its annual general membership meeting on Tuesday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Turner House, 401 N. Rosemont.

Among the agenda items will be the election of the association’s officers forthe 2012-2013 year.

The executive committee of the association is also recommending certain revisions to the assocation’s bylaws. The revisions will be voted on at the annual meeting. To see the revised bylaws, marked to show changes, click here: WHNA Bylaws (2012 Revisions) MARKED 3-19-12

Here is a summary of the proposed changes:

1. Changes all references to the managing group of officers and committee chairs from the “Executive Committee” to the “Board of Directors”. The change makes the bylaws consistent with common usage.

2. Creates an Assistant-Treasurer position that may be appointed by the Board. The Assistant Treasurer may be delegated certain of the Treasurer’s duties as may be needed or helpful to the Treasurer. The bylaws currently refer to the check signing authority of an Assistant Treasurer but do not have any provision on how that position is filled. So, the main purpose of this amendment is to clean up that discrepancy and gives the association some flexibility for having checks issued when the Treasurer is not available.

3. Changes the name of the Secretary position to “Secretary-Historian”. This position has always had historian duties. The name change emphasizes that function.

4. Expands on the role of the Community Planning and Development Chair (including new responsibility for our relationship with the OOCCL), the Crime Watch Chair (including specific reference to NOCUPP), and the Membership Chair (requiring periodic reporting on the important function of delivering new member packets).

2012-2013 WHNA Officer Nominations

Chris White (Communications Chair) — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:09:58 +0000

The Nominations Committee has selected the following candidates to run for office for the 2012-2013 term. Be sure to cast your vote at the Annual Membership Meeting on June 12. In accordance with the bylaws, nominations will also be taken from the floor.

President: Eliseo Ruiz
Vice President: Jeff Fahrenholz
Secretary: Marijane Michael
Treasurer: Jeff Kaczmarczyk

Night In The Heights 2012

Lee Ruiz (President) — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:37:37 +0000

Queen Elizabeth (Troy Lonion) arrives at UK House

There were mojitos, gaming tables and classic cars. There were island men and Tahitian punch in a Polynesian setting. There was a procession through Winnetka Heights led by a bagpiper, ending with a sing-along and the arrival of Queen Elizabeth in a Rolls Royce Phantom. Night In The Heights 2012 had it all! Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors and sponsors, the WHNA was easily able to meet its goal of raising $5000 for the restoration of Turner House.

MJ Cardenas and Kathy McGee Albright at Cuba House

The night began in Cuba, where Michele Colbert transformed her backyard into 1959 Havana, complete with vintage automobiles from the era, casino tables, mojitos, Cuban sandwiches and fried plantains. The setting was the perfect way to start the evening.

From Cuba, nearly 150 guests and volunteers walked to Tahiti, at the home of Michael and Teri Merrick. They were greeted by neighbors Chris Walters and Mike Walker, wearing little more than grass skirts! After receiving a lei and enjoying the tropical punch, chicken skewers, shrimp, and banana pudding, guests relaxed poolside in a beautiful Polynesian setting.

Mike Walker and Chris Walters at Tahiti House

Then came the walk to the United Kingdom. But, this was no ordinary walk. An authentic Scottish bagpiper led the procession of guests, adorned with neon glow sticks, through the streets of Winnetka Heights, accompanied by the flashing lights of our NOCUPP officer. It was quite a sight as neighbors came out on their porches to watch the parade.

When the group arrived at the home of Lee Ruiz and Chris Barker, they were greeted with Pimm’s Cups and a sing-along to traditional British songs. The highlight of the sing-along was the arrival of Queen Elizabeth (neighbor Troy Lonion) who sprinkled the crowed with diamonds as she was serenaded with God Save The Queen.

The night continued in the backyard, where a London-esque nightclub, complete with high-tech lights, video projections and a disco ball provided the background for the guests who danced into the night.

Congratulations to Rob Romano whose tireless efforts again produced one of the neighborhood’s most successful events.

Here is a link to the pictures taken by the photographer at the UK House. The password to the site is mpangilinan2012. Please enjoy remembering the night as you look through the gallery. We ask that you pay $5 if you download one picture or $10 for downloading as many pictures as you want. Fifty percent of all the proceeds will go the WHNA’s fundraising efforts for Turner House, the other fifty percent will go towards the photographer’s expenses. To keep things easy, we are offering these pictures to you on the “honor system”. Thanks to photographer Michael Pangilinan.

To view the pictures: http://photobucket.com/guestlogin?albumUrl=http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af231/mpangilinan/Turner%20House/

Password: mpangilinan2012

To pay for one picture ($5): https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=4MPL5SBDJG35Y

To pay for unlimited pictures: ($10): https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=G4F6QSPJCVDX2

If you have any pictures that you would like included in our gallery of the event, please forward them to whadmin@winnetkaheights.org.

The WHNA would like to thank the following for helping make Night In The Heights 2012 a success:

Sylvan Thirty
Rick Gantley
Dallas Light & Sound

Night In The Heights 2012 Committee Members:

Rob Romano, Chair
Carol Hagler
Sandi Adams
Jeff Jones
Chris White
Chris Walters
Cindy McCord
Candace Bossay
Teresa Norton
Holli Murray
Emily Kaczmarczyk
Crystal Gonzalez

Night in the Heights Premium Spirits Basket Donors:

Tequila – Rob Romano
Grey Goose Vodka – Sandi Adams
Grey Goose Vodka – Glen Jones
Bourbon – Meredith Stegall and Janet Barter
Specialty Liqueur – Anne Hagan
Rum – Joy and Kirk Kirksey
Gin – Julie Ervin and Connor Grass
Gin – Scott Chase, Turner House
Scotch – Emily Ruth and Chris Cannon
Schnapps – Marijane Michaels
Patron Coffee Liqueur – Barbara Ann Roy and Pierre Lessard

Premium Wine Basket Donors:

Russ Aikman
Sandi Adams
Phillip Granderson
Glen Jones
Steve and Candace Bossay -2 bottles
Alexa and Trey Taylor
Kimberlea Roe
Barbara Ann Roy and Pierre Lessard
Marijane Michaels

Turner House Salon Series presents “Looking Back to See Ahead”

Chris White (Communications Chair) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:43:02 +0000

If you’re looking for something fun to do this week, check out the Turner House Spring 2012 Salon Series.

This Thursday, April 26, Dallas based landscape architect and urban planner Kevin Sloan will present “Looking Back to See Ahead,” a global and local perspective on historical issues that compelled the modern world to change. The presentation will conclude with simple and practical things homeowners in Oak Cliff can do that are beautiful, useful and productive.

Tickets are only $20 for non-members and $15 for students and Oak Cliff Society of Fine Arts members. Buy tickets.

Let’s help keep Winnetka Heights a safe place to live!

whna — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:48:49 +0000

The North Oak Cliff United Police Patrol (NOCUPP) is a non-profit neighborhood organization dedicated to improving public safety in our area. NOCUPP officers patrol the streets and alleyways of Winnetka Heights, investigate suspicious persons and vehicles, and quickly respond to crimes in progress. Almost 500 arrests have been made since the program began in 2007. Download a complete list of stats (PDF).

Membership is only $1 per day, payable either in a six-month or full-year subscription. As a member, you will receive many benefits including vacation watch, direct access to officers via the NOCUPP mobile phone, alarm response and more! Download FAQs (PDF)

Subscribe today. Or if you’re already a member, be sure to renew your subscription before it expires! Remember, the number of patrol hours depends on the number of people who participate. More participants means more hours of coverage.

Maute Home Wins Preservation Dallas Award

Lee Ruiz (President) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:29:21 +0000

Congratualtions to Cindy Maute. Cindy and Francesco Costa will receive the Craftsmanship Award for a plaster restoration at the Preservation Dallas Achievement Awards to be presented on May 16 at The Majestic Theater. Cindy was honored for the work done at the home she shares with her husband Paul and their family on North Montclair in Winnetka Heights.

Other winners from Oak Cliff:

• The Dallas Area Rapid Transitpolice headquarters (the former Monroe Shops maintenance building) on South Corinth Road.

• Gloria’s Restaurant (formerly Fire Station #15) at Bishop and Davis.

• Renovation of four cottages on Eighth Street and Bishop Avenue owned by Dave Spence.

And the Adamson High School Alumni Association, along with Oak Cliff resident and Dallas school trustee Eric Cowan, will receive the group’s Stewardship Award for efforts to preserve the historic school.

Night In The Heights Passports SOLD OUT – Party Set for April 28

Lee Ruiz (President) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:54:49 +0000

Passports for Night In The Heights 2012 are SOLD OUT! Night In The Heights is a progressive cocktail party held each year in Winnetka Heights. Each year, three neighbors open their homes to a celebration of the food and drink of three different countries. Your passport gains you entry to each country. Night In The Heights 2012 will be held on Saturday, April 28.

Winnetka Heights is honored to dedicate Night in The Heights 2012 to the Turner House Centennial Celebration. The funds raised from Night in The Heights will be used kick off the building restoration campaign.

The night includes a dazzling raffle for a bevy of incredible items including dinner for four with wine pairings at The Mansion at Turtle Creek PLUS a two-room, one-night stay at the hotel; four VIP tickets to The Kessler Theater with a $50 food and beverage tab for any upcoming show; a wine basket and more!

We have celebrated Italy, Germany, France, Spain, India, Ireland, Lebanon, Thailand, Jamaica, Portugal, Japan, Sweden, USA, Argentina and Mexico in past years.

This year, the party begins in Cuba, a paradise island locked in time. Many things on the island have changed over time, but much remains as though time stands still. Come enjoy a night in Havana, circa 1959. Vintage cars, casinos, the mambo and the delicious cuisine!

From Cuba, the party will travel en masse to Tahiti, the jewel of French Polynesia and the South Seas. Enjoy a brief respite from the rigors of daily life, tropical drink in hand, as the island breeze gently carries the sounds of paradise to you. Soon enough you will be saying, “Aita pe’ape’a!”

The night ends in the United Kingdom, where we will tip our hats to Queen Elizabeth in the year of her Diamond Jubilee and take a trip through the fog to the ‘80s and ‘90s London club scene. Come sip some Pimm’s, sing along to Rule Britannia and dance the night away!

Click here to buy Raffle Tickets through PayPal:

http://winnetkaheights.org/about/its-time-for-the-2012-edition-of-night-in-the-heights-april-28th/

or email whpresident@winnetkaheights.org for other payment options.

FREE Irrigation System Check-ups for Dallas Water Utilities Customers

Lee Ruiz (President) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:17:20 +0000

If you live in the City of Dallas, Dallas Water Utilities is conducting FREE automatic irrigation system check-ups. Poor irrigation scheduling—watering too often and for too long—is the primary source of water waste associated with landscape irrigation. You may be using a lot more water than your lawn needs and if you are a Dallas Water Utilities customer, you can have a FREE irrigation system check-up by a certified landscape irrigation specialist. These check-ups have saved other customers hundreds of dollars per year on their water bill. These check-ups can help improve the efficiency of your existing irrigation system by identifying: programming errors, leaks in the system, broken or misaligned equipment, problems with pressure (too high or too low), and coverage problems. The city’s Irrigation Specialists will also make recommendations such as: programming suggestions, turf water requirements, possible equipment upgrades, and repair and maintenance tips. Click below for more formation or to schedule your automatic sprinkler system check-up or call (214) 670-3155.

http://savedallaswater.com/rebates-and-incentives/irrigation-check-ups/

Save For a Rainy Day By Making a Rain Barrel

Lee Ruiz (President) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:28:43 +0000

Dallas Water Utilities will host a rain barrel making class taught by Water Resources Extension Program Specialist Dotty Woodson. Participants will learn how to build a 55-gallon rain barrel and discuss how to install an efficient irrigation system.

Cost for the class, which is open to Dallas Water Utilities customers only is $50 for each barrel (covers cost of rain barrel and materials)

Note: Rain barrels are 24 inches in diameter and 36 inches tall. Please bring a vehicle large enough to haul your rain barrel(s) home.

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday May 10

Where: Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Whitehurst Atrium, 17360 Coit Road.

To register for the class visit: http://dallas.tamu.edu/courses/may-10,-2012-making-a-rain-barrel-class-%28dallas-water-utilities-customers-only%29

Racoon Problems Reported

Lee Ruiz (President) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:59:18 +0000

The Kessler neighborhoods have reported a concern about the wild raccoon population in their neighborhoods, which are just North of Winnetka Heights. Several neighbors have reported seeing raccoons wandering the streets in daylight hours (something they do not do naturally), and that they are acting strangely, showing no fear of nearby humans, loosing their balance as they walk, etc. One neighbor reports that the city is aware of a distemper problem, and this may well be the explanation. We are told that racoon distemperis not normally a threat to humans, but can spread to dogs. It is generally recognized by Dallas Animal Services that raccoons, though great “looking” animals, are notable disease carriers, including hydrophobia. Interestingly, opossums, their ugly distant cousins, are positive neighbors (sometimes making a mess, but always on the hunt for snakes and other small varmints). All that being said, don’t look to this bulletin for authoritative statements on animal diseases, but do be vigilant. If you see raccoons acting strangely, don’t approach it, call Animal Control (dial 311). If you want to learn more about raccoon distemper, it’s easily researched on-line through Google, et al. Perhaps even atwww.dallascityhall.com<http://www.dallascityhall.com> <http://www.dallascityhall.com/> under “animal control.”