Highland Village Happenings
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If you would like to receive Highland Village Happenings by email write to us at "hvhappenings@highlandvillage.info"

April 29, 2004

New Restaurants coming to Highland Village - Economic Development Heats Up Big Time in our City!

 

A proposal has been submitted that would provide a new retail office/professional, restaurant and self-storage complex in the area known as Valley Ridge Center behind United Community Bank. Another project under contract is located at the NE corner of FM407 and Briarhill Blvd, just south of Briarhill Middle School and it will include retail shops and two restaurants. It's about time we had some restaurants and retail shops near Unity Park!

 

Just approved for construction is the Highland Forest Office Park which consists of two buildings located behind the Goodyear Store and that will feature office/professional space. Dr. Robert Sikes has also been approved to build another new office and professional building on land located behind Walgreen's on FM407.

 

The 17,000 square foot Tartan Square retail complex is under construction on FM 407 near Tartan Trail, and the Rambling Oaks Assisted Living Center is also under construction near Animal Medical Center just south of Heritage Elementary School.

 

This brings the total of new Certificates of Occupancy for new commercial development and finish-out projects in our city to 31 permits in the past two years. Our city retail space now is 100% occupied with not a single empty shop in our city. What an amazing turn-around and with our recently completed and award-winning economic development plan, the future looks very promising!

 

Pilot Knoll Park Features Greyhound Event

 

Did you know that Pilot Knoll Park is part of Highland Village and that once the FM2499 extension is completed, residents will be able to walk or bike to the park over a new pedestrian bridge to be constructed over the creek to the park?

 

This Saturday, the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas will celebrate its third anniversary with "Greys at the Lake" event from noon to 4 PM at Pilot Knoll Park. The event will include an opportunity to purchase drawings and portraits, and to trim dog nails. An association obedience trainer and league representative will conduct the Canine Good Citizen Test, the first step toward having any dog certified as a therapy dog. Vendors from local pet establishments will be present and there will be a fenced-in area where the greyhounds can run.

 

Studio B Presents Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

 

 

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre featuring “Murder at the Ballet” and “Hide and Seek” is May 7 and 8th at 6:30 PM. For reservations, go to www.teencenter.info or call 972-966-ARTS(2787).  The performances will be in the Marilyn Nelson Memorial Theatre at 1 Nelson Parkway @2400 Justin Rd., Highland Village, Texas.

 

 

5K Race to Benefit Habitat for Humanity

 

 

Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church is organizing a 5K Race and One-Mile Fun Run on May 15, 2004 at Unity Park in Highland Village. The race is called “Rev up your Spirit”. 100% of the proceeds of this race will benefit Habitat for Humanity. By sponsoring this race, you will help Habitat build homes in Denton County. All sponsorships are fully deductible. For a sponsor form, visit www.highlandvillage.info and download your form. You can also visit the race website at www.tmumc.org/sports.htm or call TMUMC at 972-539-8547. Email contact is briarhill90@yahoo.com. Volunteers are needed.

 

Highland Village Election

 

 

Early voting starts this coming Wednesday from 8-5 pm at City Hall. Early voting dates and times are April 28th through May 7th from 8-5pm and on May 10th and 11th from 7-7 pm. May 15th is election day.

 

Thanks to the hard work by our city council and staff, our city is the safest city in North Texas, has the best fire and police protection anywhere, has a capital improvement plan that includes new parks and recreation facilities, a library, community center and soccer fields, has received an improved bond rating for financial excellence, has upgraded its level of citizen communication with 49 public hearings this last year and an upgraded website, has improved city staff morale and reduced city staff turnover to an unbelievable 5%, and has won a prestigious award for a recently completed economic development plan. Our incumbents deserve our appreciation and a chance to continue their leadership into our future.

 

Tune into station “WLCC” (Watrous, Lawrence, Combs and Costa) for the best reception. Vote for Mayor Bill and the 3D’s (Don, Dianne and David) for continued three-dimensional thinking. Remember that early voting has started.

 

Citizen Voice

Jim Attrell

www.highlandvillage.info

Supporting Parks, Recreation and Economic Development in Highland Village

 

 

April 25, 2004

Highland Village Election

Early voting starts this coming Wednesday from 8-5 pm at City Hall. Early voting dates and times are April 28th through May 7th from 8-5pm and on May 10th and 11th from 7-7 pm. May 15th is election day.

Thanks to the hard work by our city council and staff, our city is the safest city in North Texas, has the best fire and police protection anywhere, has a capital improvement plan that includes new parks and recreation facilities, a library, community center and soccer fields, has received an improved bond rating for financial excellence, has upgraded its level of citizen communication with 49 public hearings this last year and an upgraded website, has improved city staff morale and reduced city staff turnover to an unbelievable 5%, and has won a prestigious award for a recently completed economic development plan. Our incumbents deserve our appreciation and a chance to continue their leadership into our future.

Tune into station “WLCC” (Watrous, Lawrence, Combs and Costa) for the best reception. Vote for Mayor Bill and the 3D’s (Don, Dianne and David) for continued three-dimensional thinking. Remember that early voting starts this Wednesday at City Hall.

Rebroadcast of Candidates Forum

A rebroadcast of the Highland Village Women’s Club Candidates Forum can be seen on channel 15 this Monday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

FM2499 Update

TXDOT officials met recently with STOP2499 leaders and made it clear that the City of Highland Village is not in a position to stop the extension of FM 2499 without the support of the other four cities in the area that support the road. "One group can't kill it," said Bill Hale, the Texas Department of Transportation's Dallas district engineer. "We've got too many other entities involved to let one group kill it. It would take the entire region to kill it.”

Any effort by our city to stop construction would likely be met with expensive lawsuits by our neighboring cities. Furthermore, the expense of changing the master, thoroughfare and parks plans developed over the last 12 years (cost of lawyers, consultants, public hearings etc) would make the cost very prohibitive and burdensome to our taxpayers. Our City Council and City Manager have done an admirable job of working with TXDOT and residents along the route to minimize any impact on our city and it is expected that (like all Texas cities that have FM roads running through them), the speed limit will be somewhere between 35 and 45 mph.

Studio B Presents Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre featuring “Murder at the Ballet” and “Hide and Seek” is May 7 and 8th at 6:30 PM. For reservations, go to www.teencenter.info or call 972-966-ARTS(2787).  The performances will be in the Marilyn Nelson Theatre at 1 Nelson Parkway @2400 Justin Rd., Highland Village, Texas.

5K Race to Benefit Habitat for Humanity

Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church is organizing a 5K Race and One-Mile Fun Run on May 15, 2004 at Unity Park in Highland Village. The race is called “Rev up your Spirit”. 100% of the proceeds of this race will benefit Habitat for Humanity. By sponsoring this race, you will help Habitat build homes in Denton County. All sponsorships are fully deductible. For a sponsor form, visit www.highlandvillage.info and download your form. You can also visit the race website at www.tmumc.org/sports.htm or call TMUMC at 972-539-8547. Email contact is briarhill90@yahoo.com. Volunteers are needed.

Neighborhood Bible Study

You’re Invited to a Neighborhood Friendship Bible Coffee @ Paula McWilliams’ home, 2525 Rosedale, Highland Shores 972-317-6085. Join us for a short and interesting study, Life’s New Beginning. Thursdays for 4 weeks, 1  hour beginning at 10AM on June 5, 2003. Study Book and Good News New Testament supplied @ $3 each.

Citizen Voice

Jim Attrell

“www.highlandvillage.info”

Supporting Parks, Recreation and Economic Development in Highland Village

January 6, 2004

Casino Night to Benefit Library Foundation

 
The annual Casino Night at Doubletree Ranch on Saturday, January 24 sponsored by Highland Shores Owners Association will benefit the Highland Village Library Foundation.  The Denim and Diamonds Casino Night 2004 tickets are $40 each or $75 per couple and provide a Texas size barbeque dinner, complimentary cocktail, and $500 in gaming chips.  A variety of casino gaming tables will be available.  For tickets drop off your check with name and address and phone number at the Community Center on Highland Shores Blvd. or mail to $1 Community Center Drive, Highland Village, TX  75077.  For  information contact Julie at 972-317-5139 or at Julie_hawkins@ccmcnet.com.  Tickets at the door will be $45 and $80. Everyone is welcome.  You do not have to be a resident of Highland Shores to attend.   Come and enjoy the fun.   Help support the Library Foundation. 
 
Valentines Day Musical Review, Dinner and Silent Auction to Benefit the Teen Center
 

The Studio B theatre group is sponsoring a fundraiser at The Teen Center in Highland Village on Saturday, February 14th.  Proceeds will help pay for items on The Teen Center and Studio B wish list. The “Valentine Review” will feature professional entertainers, Rita Powers and Mitchell Hall, appearing in a musical review. Rita and Mitch are well known in this community for their outstanding talent. This performance will include dinner and free babysitting for children over 4 years of age.  The price of the tickets is only $35 per person or $60 per couple.  This is a marvelous way to celebrate Valentine’s, enjoy dinner and top notch entertainment, and share in the community’s gratitude for the arts and family programming. This will be a very popular event, so be sure to call and make your reservations early at www.teencenter.info/reservations.htm. The evening includes a silent auction. 

 

Items donated by businesses and individuals will be presented to the audience for bids during the evening prior to the musical review.  These donations can be products or services.  The Teen Center is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization, so these items are tax deductible for the original retail value. For those businesses and individuals who would like to become regular donors, a cash pledge can help give the theatre and teen center the financial support necessary for yearly expenses and activities. Several levels of donations are available beginning at $250.  With this donation, you will receive regular recognition in the theatre programs.  Donations over $500 will include program recognition and advertising on the live screen presentations during all theatre performances.

 

The Teen Center recently was the recipient of a $1,000.00 donation by United Community Bank of Highland Village and we are most grateful for the continued support of our local businesses! 

 

Auditions for Cinderella

 

Auditions for the Studio B Spring Production Workshop of  the musical Cinderella will be held at the Marilyn Nelson Theatre at The Teen Center on Saturday Jan. 24 from 10am to Noon and on Sunday Jan. 25 from 2pm to 4pm.  Performances are March 26, 27, 28 and April 2, 3.  This is a tuition based workshop for children age 9 years and older.  Every child will be cast and will receive an important role.  The performance fee is $275.  Performance admission tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under.  For reservations go to www.teencenter.info or call 972-966-ARTS.  The theatre is located at 1 Nelson Parkway @ 2400 Justin Road North of the Bank One Building and Celebrations.

 

Highland Shores Moms Club

 

The club is looking for new Moms interested in stimulating their children by creating friendships and social skills to develop their developmental growth. Go to the website at www.hsmomsclub.com for more information.

 

Soccer Fields Coming to Town?
 
Our City Council and City Staff recently rolled out the Capital Improvement Plan for the next five years and some very exciting "new digs" are planned for our city, once economic development kicks in the needed revenue. One of those "new digs" are new lighted soccer (game) fields on the LISD property near Chinn Chapel Road on Harlington in Highland Village. This location will generate much interest in new commercial development such as new restaurants and retail shops near that area. You can read the entire CIP at the city website at http://www.highlandvillage.org/highland/finance/Town%20Meeting%20-%20Budget%2010-03_files/frame.htm. Our city does not have any facilities to support competitive soccer games for kids over 7 years of age resulting in our citizens having to travel to other cities to engage in this very popular sport.
 
 

December 29, 2003

A Senior Center coming to Highland Village?
 
The directors of The Teen Center (in conjunction with the YMCA) are developing plans for a Senior Center to start in March of 2004 at the Unity Building. Many of the features of the teen center are not utilized during the day presenting an opportunity to provide more services to our community by serving our area Senior Citizens. If you have an interest in assisting in any way, please contact Jim Sloan at 972-317-1696 or write to director@teencenter.info.
 
Community Center and Library
 
Our City Council and City Staff recently rolled out the Capital Improvement Plan for the next five years and some very exciting "new digs" are planned for our city, once economic development kicks in the needed revenue. This week we feature planned development on the city-owned property on Brazos Blvd adjacent to City Hall. This development will feature a community center, library, town lake, outdoor activity area, amphitheater, ceremonial bridge, and lots of trees. You can read about the Capital Improvement Plan at http://www.highlandvillage.org/highland/finance/Town%20Meeting%20-%20Budget%2010-03_files/frame.htm.
 
Community Theater production of Once Upon a Mattress

Studio B will produce "Once Upon a Mattress" on February 27, 28, 29 and March 5, 6 and 7th. Auditions will be held at the Unity Building on January 9th from 5-7 pm and January 10th from 2-5 pm. Ray Anderson, a Broadway veteran, will be directing the show. This is a wonderful opportunity for actors to learn from a Broadway professional. Rita Powers will be the assistant director. Actors and actresses 16 and older (especially over the age of 25) are needed. There will also be small parts for actors 11 and older. Call Studio B at 972-966-2787 or write StudioB@teencenter.info.

New Year's Eve Party for Adults to Support our Library Foundation

What are you doing New Year's Eve? The Highland Village owners of the new Celebrations Banquet Facility have pledged $1000.00 of the proceeds of their New Year's Eve Gala to benefit the Highland Village Library Foundation.  They just opened their beautiful facility in November and have asked that we help get the word out about the New Year's Eve Gala.

The party starts at 7:00 PM and will feature the Bill Tillman Band and Orchestra (formerly Blood, Sweat and Tears).  Tickets are $100 per person and include open bar, buffet dinner catered by Village Grill, Champagne toast at midnight, party favors, entertainment and dancing.  

Celebrations is located at FM407 and Morris Road, behind the Bank One building and in front of the Unity Building. Information on tickets etc. is available at Celebrations 972-317-3170 or www.celebrations.bz.  Remember, this event will benefit the Library Foundation.  Tell your friends!  
 
Briarhill Blazers can use Award Cards at New Year's Eve Party
 
The Teen Center will host a New Year's Eve Party for Middle School Students from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Briarhill Blazers can use their Teen Center award cards for a $10.00 discount at the party. The party package is $15.00 for members of the Teen Center and $25.00 for non-members and includes Movies, DJ music, Xbox, Pool, Arcade, Ping Pong, Foosball, Air Hockey and a Food Buffet provided by the Village Grill. Space is limited so book your reservations, by calling 972-317-1696 or on our website at www.teencenter.info. Adult volunteers and YMCA staff will provide supervision at the party.
 
Pool need Service or Maintenance work?
 
Support a local business and call Rick or Barbara Fountaine at Aquatic Pool Care at 972-342-7595 if you need pool service or maintenance work.
 
Have you tried New York Pizza Bagel?
 
Located in the old Jack-in-the-Box building in the Kroger shopping center, Matt Kelly, the owner of this new Highland Village business serves up a great breakfast on a bagel, freshly brewed gourmet coffee, salads, deli sandwiches and many Italian entrees. Call 972-318-0270 for free delivery.
 
Vacation Watch
 
If you are going away this holiday season, make sure to take advantage of our Police Department Vacation Watch by calling 972-317-6551. Let's keep our #1 rating as the safest community in the DFW Metroplex!
 
Happy New Year!

 

 

December 22. 2003

Mayor Bill Lawrence announces his re-election bid
 
Bill Lawrence plans on seeking re-election to a third term as Mayor of the City of Highland Village.  He is eager to serve and continue working with Council to further the quality and growth of the community.  His primary focus will remain on improving Economic Development, Quality of Life, the Public Infrastructure & Safety, Transportation, and maintaining a balanced City budget without raising taxes.  He believes that these priorities will take on even greater importance in 2004 as we confront a still uncertain economy.

Mr. Lawrence is the incumbent Mayor of the City of Highland Village, Texas.  He was elected to the City Council in May of 1999, and was subsequently elected Mayor in May of 2000, and again in May 2002.  Mayor Lawrence is also owner and President of Dakiman Company, primarily a dispute mediation and consulting firm.  When he moved to Highland Village in 1984, the city had 5,000 residents.  The city has since grown to an estimated 14,000 today.  “D” Magazine has twice named the City as one of the top five places in which to live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex.  During the past two consecutive years, the City of Highland Village has also been named the “safest city” in north Texas.

Mayor Lawrence’s professional background includes more than 28 years of broad private industry corporate management experience and public administration with the Federal Government.  He spent twenty years in private industry as a corporate manager with the former GTE Corporation and Cummins Engine Company.  He is also a former tax attorney with the United States Internal Revenue Service and a retired Colonel in the U. S. Air Force Reserves.  He received a B.S. from Tuskegee University of Alabama in 1968, a M.S. from St. Mary’s University of San Antonio in 1976, a J.D. from Indiana University Law School at Bloomington in 1979, and the M.M. in Management from the University of Dallas in 1993.

Bill’s current and previous community service activities include service on the Highland Village Planning & Zoning Commission, serving as Chairman of the Irving Independent School District Improvement Committee, service on the Texas Education Agency’s State Textbook Review Panel, service on the Denton County precinct 2001 Redistricting Committee, service on the Denton County Advisory Board for the Wells Fargo Bank of Texas, service on the Lewisville Education Foundation Board of Directors, membership in the Lewisville Rotary Club and the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce.   Also, Bill is currently serving on the Texas Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, a position to which he was appointed by Governor Rick Perry in 2002.

Mayor Lawrence was born in Tuskegee, Alabama on December 15, 1945.  He was married in 1984 to Grace, a former GTE Vice President of Strategic and Financial Planning.  The couple has three adult children, Kimberly, David, and Antoinette, and a beloved dog, Murphy.

Rolling Hills Park
 
Our City Council and City Staff recently rolled out the Capital Improvement Plan for the next five years and some very exciting "new digs" are planned for our city, once economic development kicks in the needed revenue. One of those "new digs" is a new Neighborhood Park in Rolling Hills. This park will feature a playground, shelter pavilion, picnic units, baseball backstop, multipurpose court, inland trail connectors, hike and bike trail, nature trail, fishing pier, aerated pond, and lots of trees. Location is next to Saddle Brook Drive.
 
New Year's Eve Party for Adults to Support our Library Foundation
 
What are you doing New Year's Eve? The Highland Village owners of the new Celebrations Banquet Facility have pledged $1000.00 of the proceeds of their New Year's Eve Gala to benefit the Highland Village Library Foundation.  They just opened their beautiful facility in November and have asked that we help get the word out about the New Year's Eve Gala.

The party starts at 7:00 PM and will feature the Bill Tillman Band and Orchestra (formerly Blood, Sweat and Tears).  Tickets are $100 per person and include open bar, buffet dinner catered by Village Grill, Champagne toast at midnight, party favors, entertainment and dancing.  

Celebrations is located at FM407 and Morris Road, behind the Bank One building and in front of the Unity Building. Information on tickets etc. is available at Celebrations 972-317-3170 or www.celebrations.bz.  Remember, this event will benefit the Library Foundation.  Tell your friends!  
 
New Year's Eve Party for our Middle School Kids
 
The Teen Center will host a New Year's Eve Party for Middle School Students from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM. The party package is $15.00 for members of the Teen Center and $25.00 for non-members and includes movies, DJ music, Xbox, Pool, Arcade, Ping Pong, Foosball, Air Hockey and a Food Buffet provided by the Village Grill. Space is limited so book your reservations (starting this Sunday), by calling 972-317-1696 or on our website at www.teencenter.info.
 
The Dallas Foundation awards Grant to the Teen Center
 
The Teen Center is pleased to announce the receipt of a $3,000.00 grant from The Dallas Foundation. The grant is designated for operating support. We are very grateful to the Foundation and its donor advisors. The Teen Center is accepting year-end, tax-deductible donations. By helping our non-profit organization with your financial support, you will be benefiting our community in many ways. There are a number of needs still left to be filled at our new facility and even the smallest donation will be much appreciated and put to good use. You can also support the Teen Center by enrolling your teen as a member(which automatically gets your child a membership in the Greater Lewisville Family YMCA).
 
Vacation Watch
 
If you are going away this holiday season, make sure to take advantage of our Police Department Vacation Watch by calling 972-317-6551. Let's keep our #1 rating as the safest community in the DFW Metroplex!
 
 
Have a Merry Christmas!

December 11, 2003

Vacation Watch

If you are going away this holiday season, make sure to take advantage of our Police Department Vacation Watch by calling 972-317-6551. Let's keep our #1 rating as the safest community in the DFW Metroplex!
 
The Littlest Angel
 
It's not too late to get your tickets to this weekend's productions of The Littlest Angel playing at the Marilyn Nelson Theater in the Unity Building behind Bank One on Morris Road and FM 407. Produced by Studio B and the Teen Center, this timeless and uplifting one hour musical is an ideal holiday treat for the entire family. And after the evening performances on Friday and Saturday night, Dr. Mitch Hall will host "It's Just Christmas Songs" with music direction by Robert Austin. See the cast of the show at http://www.teencenter.info/littlest_angel.htm. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 PM. Make your reservations now at http://www.teencenter.info/reservations.htm.
 
New Year's Eve Party for our Middle School Kids
 
The Teen Center will host a New Year's Eve Party for Middle School Students from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM. The party package is $15.00 for members of the Teen Center and $25.00 for non-members and includes movies, DJ music, Xbox, Pool, Arcade, Ping Pong, Foosball, Air Hockey and a Food Buffet provided by the Village Grill. Space is limited so book your reservations (starting this Sunday), by calling 972-317-1696 or on our website at www.teencenter.info.
 
The Teen Center is also accepting year-end, tax-deductible donations. By helping our non-profit organization with your financial support, you will be benefiting our community in many ways. There are a number of needs still left to be filled at our new facility and even the smallest donation will be much appreciated and put to good use. You can also support the Teen Center by enrolling your teen as a member(which automatically gets your child a membership in the YMCA.
 
New Year's Eve Party for Adults to Support our Library Foundation
 
What are you doing New Year's Eve? The Highland Village owners of the new Celebrations Banquet Facility have pledged $1000.00 of the proceeds of their New Year's Eve Gala to benefit the Highland Village Library Foundation.  They just opened their beautiful facility in November and have asked that we help get the word out about the New Year's Eve Gala.

The party starts at 7:00 PM and will feature the Bill Tillman Band and Orchestra (formerly Blood, Sweat and Tears).  Tickets are $100 per person and include open bar, buffet dinner catered by Village Grill, Champagne toast at midnight, party favors, entertainment and dancing. 

They are located at FM407 and Morris Road, behind the Bank One building and in front of the Unity Building. Information on tickets etc. is available at Celebrations 972-317-3170 or 
www.celebrations.bz.  Remember, this event will benefit the Library Foundation.  Tell your friends!  

 

Highland Village Happenings - October 13, 2002

 

 

Skate Park

The City Parks Board will meet on Monday, October 21 at City Hall to discuss a potential location for a new skate park. Residents and local businesses have pledged $5,650.00 towards the cost and the Parks Foundation has offered to receive pledges so that all donations may be tax deductible. In addition, local architect Ron Stewart has volunteered to provide free design services. The Skate Park Committee will meet sometime after the Parks Board Meeting to discuss the next step in the process. At this time, it is felt that the skate park might be best placed beside the current tennis courts at Unity Park that are used for inline hockey. The skate park would likely be a fee-based park with half-pipes, skate jumps and other features common in skate parks. We are very grateful to Police Chief Ed O’Bara for his support. Please mark your calendars if you have an interest in the skate park and come to the Parks Board meeting on Oct 21, 2002 .

 

Performing Arts

To be successful, a drama program must have lighting, sound, audience participation, professional instruction, a stage, dressing rooms, production volunteers and a home for our youth to congregate at will. With the closing of the Academy, we lost the lighting, sound, dressing rooms, and our home. One at a time, our youth and their parents are choosing to go to more professional settings than what we can now offer (some taking their kids to Dallas Theatres) and this has resulted in a decline from over 50 participants in our first summer production to just 3 registered so far, for the Littlest Angel. We hope to secure a home for fine arts in the near future and ask our patrons and participants to please continue your support.

 

Littlest Angel Fall Production – URGENT! Need more Kids and Adults to participate!

Have fun! Be creative!  Put a little drama in your life!  Interviews for the production of the Littlest Angel are being held. Directed by Pamela Putnam Whittaker. Call 972-724-3524 for more information. Learn all about putting together a professional performance.  Work with a director, music director, and choreographer.  Learn how to create a character, participate in a creative group, design costumes and sets, and meet new friends.

Performance dates:  December 6, 7, 8 & 13, 14, 15. Rehearsals on Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. $295 Workshop fee. 10% discount to students currently enrolled in classes. Produced through Highland Village Parks and Recreation 972-317-7430. ASK ABOUT ACTING CLASSES FOR STUDENTS AGES 4 TO 18 Under the Supervision of Pamela Putnam Whittaker. Enroll at Highland Village City Hall , 1000 Highland Village Rd. For more information call 972-724-3524.

 

Library

Local citizen Lois Farness has worked hard for years to bring a library to our city and recently received the support of our City Council. A new 501(c)3 non-profit organization is in the process of formation. More news to follow as this develops.

 

Unity Park Expansion Update by Charles Turner of the Parks Foundation

As with anything connected with the government, this is taking more time than any of us imagined. And the delay is more on the part of the Parks Foundation than caused by the City. We elected to negotiate with potential purchasers of the other parts of the property at the same time we are coming to terms with the City. This has had the effect of dragging out the process. The appraisals are being done, the survey is in progress, and various necessary legal processes are in progress. Basically it is just taking more time than we anticipated.

I am still very optimistic the deal will be completed, at this time however, we are working hard to complete those few stubborn details. As for the auction, the property owner is still in a hurry to complete the transaction; however he has been patient with us as long as we are showing progress. Charles Turner, Parks Foundation.

 

Men’s Bible Study

An Invitation to all Highland Village Men: In these turbulent times, many of us are seeking more purpose and direction in our lives.  We feel the best place to look for answers is in the Bible.  To help, we would like to make a structured Bible study program available to all Highland Village men.

 

Beginning on November 5th, we will be offering a monthly Bible study breakfast at The Village Grill from 7:30 to 8:30 AM . (This is not to be confused with, or to conflict with the recently started
HV Community Breakfast, which we support.)

 

Our purpose is three-fold:

1.  To offer a stand-alone, monthly Bible study.
2.  To provided an opportunity for the men of
Highland Village to gather in
fellowship.
3.  For those who are interested in starting and/or participating in smaller
weekly Bible study groups we will offer guidance and curriculum.

 

The primary facilitator for our breakfasts will be Rob Budd, with assistance provided by Dennis Pappenfus.  Both are Highland Village residents with extensive experience in Bible teaching.

 

Please RSVP and/or forward comments to "JimSloan@attbi.com" or call (972) 318-1003.

 

Friendship Bible Coffees for Women

 

Take time for yourself, make new friends, find new direction for living, enrich your spiritual life, be encouraged, and strengthen family. All this and more in a small, informal group setting using an easy to read Bible and study guide. For studies available, location information or other questions, please contact Jody Curran at 972-317-4995.

 

Boy Scouts

Upcoming Events - Next Saturday (Oct 19) Score-O Sid Richardson, Oct 28 Pack Meeting - Theme: Animals. Hope everybody's having fun selling popcorn! Contact Cub Master Robert Gershenfeld (click here)

 

Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts are once again invited to participate in Make a Difference Day, Saturday, October 26, 2002 .  As in the past, troops can join with others spending one Saturday “making a difference” in their communities and in the lives of others by participating in a community service project.

 

This year, many Make A Difference Day volunteers will be doing their projects in honor of someone lost on September 11 as part of the Unity in the Spirit of America Initiative.  This may be a wonderful point of entry if your members have been looking for ways to work within their communities to commemorate the anniversary of this national tragedy.

 

In-Line Hockey

Games start Saturday, October 19 in the morning at Unity Park . See the hockey website at http://www.highlandvillage.info/inline_hockey.htm for more information. Games are open to the public and are played on the tennis courts at Unity Park .

 

Adult Volleyball

More players are needed! We have four adult teams that play Wednesday evenings at Briarhill Middle School . No experience is needed and this is a co-ed league requiring at least three women on the floor during the games. If you can play, please contact Sue Randles at RandlesL@aol.com. See our website for photos at http://www.highlandvillage.info/volleyball.htm. This is great fun!

 

Festival of Trees

Do you have time to volunteer in a very worthwhile cause benefiting Christian Community Action? Call Kristy Sawyer at 940-391-3710. Go to our website at http://www.highlandvillage.info/community_service.htm for more information.

 

Promise House

For teens and families of Teens who are having problems. Go to our website at ” http://www.highlandvillage.info/community_service.htm” for more information.

 

Teen Center

A group of concerned parents are working very hard to bring a community teen center to our city and they need your help! If you have an interest in teen programs, please contact us at teens@highlandvillage.info and let us place you on our list of supporters.

 

Student Advisory Board

United Community Bank sponsors a student advisory board on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm starting Tuesday, October 15th. Topics are banking basics, operations of a bank, school loans, financing a car, credit cards, and investments. Contact Lucrecia Boyd at 972-317-9935 or at lboyd@unitedcommunity.com.

 

Soccer Fields

Our City Council and Parks Board voted to turn Victoria Park into a neighborhood park at such time as the practice soccer fields currently located there can be replaced elsewhere in our city. Tentatively, this will happen next summer. Our city is desperately short of game fields (we only have four small fields, for age six and under) but we are also short on the money needed to build new fields. There is land in our city that can be developed into more practice fields, which are also needed, but the main need is for game fields with lighting, restrooms and parking. Unfortunately, most of the land that is available is not suitable for the addition of lighting, restrooms and parking and so it can only be practice fields.

Our City is looking at Copperas Branch Park as a potential location for a new soccer complex but that location also has its challenges. It will be necessary to remove a forest of trees which will not be very desirable and the State will turn the access road to Copperas into one-way going South in the next few years which will make access to the fields very difficult (we will need to drive across the lake bridge, turn around and come back). The other option that is being explored is a joint agreement with LISD on land that LISD owns on the west side of our city. More to follow.

 

Woman’s Club

The Highland Village Women’s Club donates time and money to worthwhile causes in order to improve community life. The Club is selling poinsettias as its annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the sale are donated within the City of Highland Village. You can order your plants by contacting Cathy Kennan at cathy@hvglass.com or contact Jonie Thompson at 972-317-0263. Orders must be placed by November 14, 2002 .

 

Unity Tree

Do you ever wonder why the fourth ball field at Unity Park is so much smaller than the other three fields? Well that is because there is a very special tree in the field that is protected by our City. On November 8, 1994 , Governor Ann Richards declared this tree to be one of the oldest and largest Native Pecan trees in our city with a circumference of 14’9”. That tree is called Unity Tree and is the official mascot of our Parks System.

 

Local Candidates Running For Congress

Highland Village will be represented in the next House of Representatives as the two candidates are both from Highland Village . Dr. Michael Burgess, the Republican candidate is challenged by Paul Le Bon, the Democratic candidate. See the website for Dr. Michael Burgess at http://www.doctorinthehouse.info and for Paul Le Bon at http://www.lebon4us.com.

 

Councilman Fred Busche speaks in favor of the upcoming Denton County Transportation Authority Election Issue

I am taking this opportunity to give you all some facts that I would hope that you would pass on to your neighbors before the November 5 election.  As you no doubt have read, in 2001, the Texas Legislature passed legislation which allows for the creation of coordinated county transportation authorities in counties that surround counties with populations of 1,000,000 persons or more.   Denton County is one of these counties which is eligible to take advantage of this legislation.   In October 2001, the Denton County Commissioners Court started the process to form the Denton County Transportation Authority.  A 12-person Interim Executive Committee was appointed, composed of a geographical cross-section of business and community leaders from Denton County .  Over the last several months, the Interim Executive Committee has worked to formulate a transportation service plan to serve the County over the next 25 years.  Prior to adopting this plan in June, representatives of the Interim Executive Committee met with city officials of each city in Denton County and attended city council meetings to answer questions and receive input regarding the plan.  Over the last 3-4 months, members of the Interim Executive Committee have attended over 100 meetings in an effort to put forth a service plan that reflects the desires of the county and the county’s transportation needs.

The goals of the Transportation Authority and the Interim Executive Committee are basically four-fold:  Improve transportation for the County and the region, maintain and improve the County’s quality of life, contribute to the improvement of the County’s air quality, and promote economic development in the County.

In the November 5 general election,
Denton County voters will have the opportunity to consider authorizing the creation of the Denton County Transportation Authority.  If created, the Authority will then refine the service plan and propose a finance plan to reflect voting results.  While the major beneficiaries of the service plan will initially be the eastern part of Denton County , realization of the 4 goals of the Authority will have long-term benefits for the rest of the County.  Studies have shown and businesses relocating to the area have confirmed that a viable transportation system is a major factor considered by businesses when they are considering establishing or relocating parts of their businesses to Denton County .  A viable rapid transit system will improve our quality of life and promote economic development in our community, thereby increasing property values.

The service plan proposed by the Interim Executive Committee, when implemented, will be funded only out of future, voter-approved sales tax revenues and ridership revenues, and not out of new ad valorem taxes set by the Authority.  This is not what the vote on November 5th authorizes.   At the proper time after the Transportation Authority is formed as a result of a positive vote on November 5th, the Authority will come back to the citizens to ask for funding for transportation.  In other words, those persons who use the transportation system and purchase taxable goods and services in the County will pay for rapid transit in the County.  Funding will not be based upon property values and the levying of taxes thereon.  The members of the Interim Executive Committee have worked tirelessly to develop a plan that reflects the wishes of the County and serves the needs of the County on a long-term basis.  Let me stress again that voting in favor of the establishment of the Denton County Transportation Authority on November 5 is not a vote approving a sales tax to support development of the transportation system.  That question will be put before the voters at a subsequent election.  This plan, if implemented, will serve the needs of
Denton County over the next 25 years.  I believe it is a good plan and one that will attain the Transportation Authority’s 4 goals.  I personally encourage you to vote in favor of the creation of the Denton County Transportation Authority on November 5. Fred Busche, Highland Village City Councilman. Write to Fred at fbusche@highlandvillage.org.

 

Free Websites

We offer free websites to community service organizations at www.highlandvillage.info. Please send us a note to jim@highlandvillage.info if you have a need and have material that you would like to post.

 

 

Cost of Recreation

Our City spends about $60,000.00 per year on administration costs (personnel, printing, postage etc) for our recreation programs. City sponsored events such as Highland Village Days and the Balloon Festival cost about $78,000.00 and produce about $62,000.00 in revenue. The actual recreation programs (drama, inline hockey, volleyball, baseball etc) cost about $84,000.00 but generate $95,000.00 in revenue (a profit). Total net expenditures are therefore about $65,000.00 per year. Divide this out over 4,000 homes in our city and the cost per household is just $1.35 per month!  Our City Recreation Dept has the capacity and the experience to handle more revenue producing programs to help offset costs while improving the quality of life in our city.

 

Parks Advisory Board News

A big “thank you” to Scott Richardson, Ryan Gaddy and David Kay for their contributions to our city during their terms on the Parks Advisory Board. We also welcome the new members, Emily Rohne, Ben Casey and Carol Longacre.

 

What is Citizen Voice?

Citizen Voice is a citizen political action committee formed to support all efforts to improve the quality of life in our city, to support our City Staff, Boards and City Council, and to provide a voice for our citizens to these organizations. It is our goal to connect our citizens electronically by email so that information of interest can be provided immediately and regularly.

 

Our database of email addresses grows daily with your continued support. Please share this message with your friends and invite them to submit their name, street address and email address to jim@highlandvillage.info. Also, if you have a concern about our city that you wish to share, please send us a note. Our website address is http://www.highlandvillage.info.

 

If you have a community service group that is not included here and would like to see it included in future issues, please contact us at jim@highlandvillage.info.

 

More detailed news is available at www.hv-ic.com. (The Village Connection)

 

 

 

Send mail to jim@highlandvillage.info with questions or comments.
Copyright © 2002 Citizen Voice
Last modified: May 16, 2004

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