Classic Western "Shane" Makes its Texas Debut

 

During a time when cowboy culture is more than just a trend but a movement, one of the greatest classic Westerns of the last century – Shane – finds new life as it makes its Texas debut Jan. 31 at the Kalita Humphreys Theater (3636 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, 75204).

 Presented by Dallas Theater Center, the western drama – which runs through Feb. 16 – tells the story of Shane, a mysterious ex-gunfighter with a dangerous past who finds kinship with a family and helps protect their farm in 1889 Wyoming.

Written by acclaimed Mexican American playwright Karen Zacarias – whose heritage played into her inspiration for the play – Shane is based on the 1949 novel by Jack Schaefer that was adapted for the screen in 1953. The play gets reimagined with a new perspective that stems from Zacarias’ personal interpretation of the novel she first read as a young girl. Their story sheds light on the allure, mythos, and values of the Wild West – a chapter in history that still has many tales to tell.

"I read the book Shane when I was in elementary school; I 'd just moved here from Mexico,” said Zacarias. “The story captured my imagination immediately. I identified with the characters and their search for a future home in this vast country. This adaptation of Shane is a testament to the historically real, complicated, and diverse nature of the American West – and the roots that we all share."

Recognizing that one of three cowboys who settled the American West were men and women of color – African American, Native American, or of Mexican descent – Zacarias brings an exciting new dimension to the story. She envisioned Shane as a descendant of enslaved people with the central characters, the Starrett family, as Latino.

Shane is directed by Blake Robison (Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park), who has deep ties to the play. A long-time friend who has collaborated extensively with Zacarias, Robison not only urged her to write the play but he went on to direct the world debut.

The play’s themes include explorations of masculinity, the struggle for power and wealth, the role of violence the service of justice and the cost to the person called upon to use violence for the greater good.

Recommended for ages 11 and up, Shane contains cowboys, gun violence, and saloon showdowns. The show is 90 minutes with no intermission. After each performance, the audience will be invited to participate in “Stay Late,” a brief post-show conversation between the audience and actors from the production.

During its run, as part of its education and community outreach efforts, Dallas Theater Center will host more than 500 Dallas ISD students through its Project Discovery program, providing them with tickets, transportation, pre-show workshops and post-show talkbacks.

Tickets for Shane start at $40 and are on sale now. Free parking is available surrounding the Kalita Humphreys Theater. For details, showtimes and to purchase tickets, please go to dallastheatercenter.org.

Dallas Magnolias Deliver 300 Full Backpacks to Dallas Police Association for Homeless and Underserved Children

The Dallas Magnolias, a group of community volunteers and business leaders, conducted their first-ever back-to-school drive raising funds to purchase over 11,000 items and fill over 300 backpacks full of school supplies and more which were dropped off at the Dallas Police Association last week to benefit homeless and underserved children Pre-Kindergarten through 2^nd Grade in need at the David G. Burnet Elementary School and the Lee A. McShan Elementary School in Dallas. 

Back Row: Aaron Daffern, Early Learning Manager for Programs and Partnerships, DISD; C’Mone Wingo, a Founder and Member of the Board of Directors, Dallas Magnolias; Christina Szarzynski, Early Learning Instructional Specialist lead, DISD; Judy Castro and Monica Aguilar: Early Learning Instructional Specialists, DISD; Carla Russo, a Founder and Member of the Board of Directors, Dallas Magnolias. 

 Front Row: Founders and Members of the Board of Directors of the Dallas Magnolias: Kunthear Mam-Douglas, Empress Gilbert, Regina Bruce, Chair, Back to School; Tammany Stern.

Photo Credit: Danny Campbell 

After the presentations and remarks were made, Firehouse Movers and representatives from the Empressive Earth Gallery loaded the trucks and delivered the school supplies to DISD.

Joining the Dallas Magnolias were Regina Bruce, Founding Board Member and chair of the event; Jaime Castro, Vice President, Dallas Police Association, who partnered with the Dallas Magnolias and helped arrange the event; Cara Mendelsohn, Dallas City Council District 12 and an avid supporter of education; DISD Leadership: Aaron Daffern, Early Learning Manager for Programs and Partnerships; Jesus Camposeco, Christina Szarzynski, Latriece Spires: Early Learning Instructional Specialist leads along with Judy Castro and Monica Aguilar: Early Learning Instructional Specialists. 

Other Founding Board Members of the Dallas Magnolias also attended, including spokesperson C’Mone Wingo, Tammany Stern, Kunthear Mam-Douglas, Empress Gilbert, Tricia Sims and Carla Russo.  Several other members of the Dallas Magnolias were also present.

Front Row (from left): From DISD: Jesus Camposeco, Early Learning Instructional Specialist Lead; Monica Aguilar and Judy Castro, Early Learning Instructional Specialists; Christina Szarzynski, Early Learning Instructional Specialist Lead; Aaron Daffern, Early Learning Manager for Programs and Partnerships.

 Second Row (from front) Center: Jaime Castro, Vice President, Dallas Police Association. Second Row (far right): Regina Bruce, Chair, Back To School and a Founding Member and a Member of the Board of Directors, Dallas Magnolias.

Dallas Magnolias inspire, motivate, and support women in the workplace, home and through philanthropic causes. For more information, visit the website at www.DallasMagnolias.org Instagram @dallasmagnolias and Facebook @DallasMagnolias.

4th Annual White Rock Home Tour

The 4th Annual White Rock Home Tour featuring six mid-century modern and contemporary modern homes is on April 27 – 28, 2019, from 12 – 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance/$20 weekend of tour (children 12 and under are free). Tickets are on sale at Hexter Elementary and at every tour home. Stop by Hexter Elementary to grab lunch or a snack and for restrooms. All proceeds benefit DISD’s Hexter Elementary.

http://www.whiterockhometour.com/

Junior League of Dallas Awards 69 Dallas ISD Teachers & Educators

The Junior League of Dallas (JLD), along with presenting sponsor Texas Instruments (TI), awarded 69 Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) educators with grants of up to $2,000 each through the Grants for Innovative Teaching (GFIT) program.

Mark Ramirez, 2017-2018 GFIT Grant Recipient, Amy Coates and

Andrew Rich

This JLD Signature Project has awarded more than $1.7 million to Dallas ISD educators and is designed to encourage excellence in education by funding special projects addressing: reading and literacy enrichment; diversity; special education; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); or arts and culture enrichment across one or more grade levels. This year, $123,307 was distributed to fund deserving educators’ winning projects.

Dallas ISD Chief of Staff Pamela Lear, 2017-2018 JLD Signature Projects Vice President Taylor Morrison, 2017-2018 GFIT Grant Recipient Octavio Gutierrez and Texas Instruments Director of Sales Communications and Regional Digital Marketing Tracy Steiner

Sponsors include: Texas Instruments (presenting sponsor); MoneyGram Foundation; Agnes Cluthe Oliver Foundation; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation; Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable and Educational Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee; and W.P. & Bulah Luse Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee.

2017-2018 GFIT Public Relations Coordinator Ashley Pinchev and 2017-2018 GFIT Assistant Chair Sarah Barnes

Some of the grants selected include: Invent an Alien; Powerful City; Kids Helping Kids; and The Wall Book Study and Comic Book Project.

“Now in its 26th year, this Signature Project encourages excellence in education by providing funding for special projects that otherwise would not be possible within school budgets,” said Eleanor Luna, the 2017-2018 GFIT Chair. “The Grants For Innovative Teaching program is one of the most rewarding projects for the Junior League of Dallas because we get to follow along and see the impact that these projects have on the schools, educators and students.”

Belk and Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities Giveaway School Uniforms

Belk department stores is committed to making their local communities stronger in a number of ways, including providing educational assistance to students.

Volunteers from Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities and E Smith Realty Partners prepare their clothing station

This back-to-school season, Belk teamed up with one of their Dallas community partners, Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, to provide free school uniforms to hundreds of Dallas ISD (DISD) students. Each year, many Dallas students are required to wear uniforms, but their families may not have the funds for this purchase.

Dr. Liliana Valadez, Miguel Solis (DISD)

On Thursday, August 7 more than 400 students from Onesimo Hernandez Elementary School received these required uniform items from Belk and Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities at no cost during the giveaway event.

Student and her mom excited to receive new school uniform   

The evening was full of buzz and excitement as the school’s gym was transformed into a back-to-school pop-up shop where students were able to receive shirts, blouses, pants, skirts, belts and socks.

Pat and Emmitt Smith

Pat and Emmitt Smith spoke to students and parents about the importance of education and staying in school, and Belk associates and event volunteers assisted the students in selecting their new uniforms. Snacks were provided and a live DJ made it a high-energy night to get ready for the new school year.

Beth Tran, Leslie Boysen, Ronelle Ianace, Nina Jones (Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities)

Special guests included Senator Royce West (Texas Senator, District 23), Dr. Liliana Valadez (DISD Executive Director, Division 3) and Miguel Solis (DISD Board of Trustees President).

Emmitt Smith, Jan Clevenger, Gary Siler, Jim Rose, Salem Boohaker (Belk), Dr. Liliana Valadez, Miguel Solis (DISD)

2014 Mayor’s Summer Reading Club (June 7 - August 2)

Hey kids and parents! This summer, hop on the book bandwagon for a fun-filled journey of fables, fiction and more with the 2014 Mayor’s Summer Reading Club. The free eight-week program, which runs June 7 - August 2, encourages reading throughout the Dallas community.

 

Presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club, the Mayor’s Summer Reading Club is now a family affair, open to both children and adults.  You can sign up online at dallaslibrary.org, or at the kick-off parties held Saturday, June 7, at all branches.

Young club members can win weekly incentive prizes – from free books and fun foods to zoo, circus and baseball tickets – simply by reporting what they read in person at any Dallas Public Library or online at dallaslibrary.org. Grand-prize drawings will be held for kids and adults who faithfully log reading hours for at least six of the eight weeks. Three of the weekly prizes will include a new book for Reading Club participants up to 18 years of age. All readers may report any reading material including books, e-books, audiobooks and magazines.

 

"All students experience some degree of learning loss during vacation months, but one of the best ways to prevent that from happening is to keep kids reading throughout the summer,” Mayor Rawlings said. “The Mayor’s Summer Reading Club makes reading exciting and gives children a way to earn terrific prizes. Getting parents and adults to read is also important because children model the behavior of the adults in their lives.”

 

Weekly incentive prizes include tickets and gift certificates to Auntie Anne’s Pretzels; Benihana Restaurant; Chipotle Mexican Grill; Dallas Children’s Theater; Dallas Zoo; FC Dallas; Mesquite Rodeo; Nasher Sculpture Center; Legoland; Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus; SMU (tickets to the Meadows Museum and a soccer game plus a drawstring bag); and the Texas Rangers.

Grand prizes include tickets, passes and gift certificates for area attractions and restaurants such as the Al Biernat's Restaurant; AMC NorthPark 15; American Airlines Center; ASI Gymnastics; Bahama Beach; Billy Bob's Texas; Brinker International; Casa Manana Theatre; Celebration Restaurant, Catering and Market; Chuy's Restaurant; Creative Arts Center of Dallas; Dallas Arboretum; Dallas Film Society; Dallas Marriot City Center; Dallas Museum of Art; Dallas Summer Musicals; Dallas Zoo; Fort Worth Zoo; Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation (for AT&T Stadium tour); HP; James Avery Jewelry; Jumpstreet; Ken's Man's Shop; Learning Express; LOOK Cinemas; Maggiano's Little Italy- NorthPark; Magic Time Machine; Medieval Times; Mesquite Arena; Neiman Marcus NorthPark; Perot Museum of Nature and Science; Place at Perry’s; Plano Symphony Orchestra; Pocket Sandwich Theatre; Richardson Bike Mart; SeaWorld San Antonio; Six Flags Over Texas; Speedzone Dallas; State Fair of Texas; Terilli’s Restaurant & Bar; Texas Motor Speedway; The Aaron Family Jewish Community Center of Dallas; The Dallas Opera; The Fairmont Dallas; The First Tee of Dallas; Theatre Three; Tootsies; and the YMCA.

For more than 40 years, the Dallas Public Library’s summer reading program has encouraged more than 250,000 children to read. The Mayor’s Summer Reading Club is a collaborative effort between the City of Dallas Mayor’s Office, the Dallas Public Library, Dallas ISD and dozens of community sponsors and donors.

Big Thought Big Day Kick-off Party Held March 1st at The Warehouse

Hosted by Husch Blackwell, the Big Thought Big Day Kick-off Party was held Saturday, March 1, 2014, at The Warehouse. Guests enjoyed a preview of the new gallery collection, Room by Room: Monographic Presentations from the Faulconer and Rachofsky Collections, now on display for public viewing. Valet was provided by Mary Kay.

Big Day event co-chairs Nikki and Crayton Webb (of Mary Kay)

 The Big Thought Big Day is not one, but actually two days of big fun (and learning!). On April 26-27, Big Thought’s Big Day will provide more than 2,000 Dallas ISD students enrolled in the Thriving Minds After-School program and their family members free tickets to enjoy the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Big Day is presented by Dallas nonprofit Big Thought, which supports after-school creative and arts education programming for elementary- and middle-school students across Dallas.

Carolyn Anderson, Alfreda Norman, Irene Hosford (of sponsoring company Husch Blackwell), Anita Tarar and Jason Railsback

The event honorary co-chair family is the Marilyn and Leo Corrigan, Jr. Family. Event planning co-chairs are Jennifer and Scott Chandler, Kate and Matthew Flume, Christa and Ketric Sanford, and Nikki and Crayton Webb.

Scott McKenzie and Buff LaGrange

 

Mayor's Passport to Health Family FunFest

Families from across the greater Dallas area are invited

to join Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and Mrs. Laura Leppert

for a day of fun, fitness and good health at the

Mayor’s Passport to Health Family FunFest

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

on the grassy field of Dallas’ historic Cotton Bowl at Fair Park.

Free admission. Concessions available for purchase.

Parking is $10 or ride DART's Green Line.

Enjoy these free family-friendly activities:

• health and dental screenings for families
• obstacle course
• art and movement exercises
• face painting
• games & energizing entertainment
• one-mile fun walk
• live music & dance floor
• healthy food giveaways
• cooking demos
• nutrition education sessions
• and more!

Founded in 2008 by Mayor Leppert and his wife Laura, the mission of Passport to Health is to reduce the effects of diabetes in the Dallas community through education, awareness, prevention and proper care management.

Contact: Nancy Webb - 469-916-9821 / nwebb@bigthought.org