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Dallas
Arboretum celebrates “Flower Power”
By Linda K. Holt
Monitor Staff Writer
DALLAS–The Dallas Arboretum presents its annual Spring Festival, “Flower
Power.”
Now through April 15, more than 400,000 blooming bulbs, lush plants and
trees fill 66 acres with color and movement.
Staff and volunteers at the arboretum sport tie-die shirts to commemorate
their 60s theme. And this year’s extravaganza isn’t just for flower
enthusiasts, there’s plenty of excitement for every member of the family.
Kids can explore tree houses and petting zoos on Mommy & Me Mondays, Tiny
Tots Tuesdays and Easter weekend. There is also face painting and other
 activities
scheduled throughout the festival.
In concert 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12 is Houston Elvis, shaking his hips
and curling his lip on the Martin Rutchik Concert Lawn and Stage.
Monitor Photo/Linda K. Holt
Families enjoy a leisurely ride through the grounds on a horse-drawn hayride
at the Dallas Arboretum. This award-winning Elvis impersonator
and musician has appeared on CNN, “Entertainment Tonight” and many local
events. Picnicking is encouraged during the two-hour concert. Tickets are
$16/$7 for children and $6 for arboretum members and their children. Call
(214)515-6519 for groups of 25 or more.
Exhibits are tucked in here and there throughout the gardens and even a
nostalgic horse-drawn hayride is included. Don’t forget your picnic basket!
The fragrant hyacinths are a favorite – aroma therapy at its finest.
 Ducks
are frequent visitors at the arboretums many water features. Schools of koi
(goldfish) of all shapes and sizes cruise the ponds and squirrels are
everywhere. In the distance, pelicans glide along with the boaters on White
Rock Lake.
A trip to the Dallas Arboretum is a photographer’s delight!
Monitor Photo/Linda K. Holt
Koi in flight in the many ponds that dot the 66-acre park at the Dallas
Arboretum. The highlight of this festival is the
decorated VW Bus and VW Bug. Both are covered in hundreds
 of
flowers of vibrant hues.
Check on-line for special events going on each week at
www.dallasarboretum.org or call (214) 515-6606.
Monitor Photo/Linda K. Holt
VW bus from the 60s decked out in “Flower Power.” at the Dallas Arboretum.
The Dallas Arboretum is located at 8525 Garland Road in Dallas and general
admission is $8, seniors, $7; children 3-12 is $5, members and babies are
free. On-site parking is $5.
The Monitor thanks Ashley Marshall of the Arboretum for a guided tour of the
new exhibits. Variance approved
Council allows TxDoT office setup
By Mary Landrie
Monitor Staff Writer
SEVEN POINTS–TxDot will soon be opening a roadside office to aid
construction on State Highway 334.
Seven Points City Council members granted a variance Tuesday night to Robert
Hall of R. K. Hall Construction.
Hall requested the variance to establish an office at 321 E. Cedar Creek
Parkway, Lot 5E1. The owner of the property, Jeff Helm, approved the request
prior to the meeting.
The site will be used to house heavy equipment and road material .
Construction is scheduled to begin March 19.
Due to the complexity of the construction, traffic can expect lengthy delays
or should plan alternate routes from Seven Points to Gun Barrel City.
Mayor Gerald Taylor noted the variance will be a special exception and all
equipment and material should be vacated within nine days of project
completion.
Taylor also encouraged council members and citizens of Seven Points to vote
in favor of Proposition 1 in the May 12 election.
The measures designates part of the monies collected by the EDC to road
maintenance and repair.
In other business, council members:
• tabled a request by Kevin Dym and Richard Spence of Madison Partners L.L.C.
to extend the city’s ETJ per the Public Improvement District.
• approved Taylor’s request to gather bids for the expansion of the West End
Complex. Unofficial additions to the complex would include 600 feet of
office space, bathrooms, an extra septic system, storage facilities, and a
lobby.
• took no action on the appearance of local businesses due to the absence of
Economic Development Corporation President, Danny Hampel.
Cities host trash-offs
Monitor Staff Reports
CEDAR CREEK LAKE– Rain showers, trees budding, baby animals appearing – it
must be spring.
And with spring comes spring cleaning.
Several cities have set definite trash off dates and times to give citizens
a chance to haul off their bulky and unwanted items that don’t generally go
into the weekly trash pick up and shouldn’t be burned.
Trash-offs are generally held on city property, close to the city hall.
Seven Points residents have the first opportunity this Saturday, March 17.
Tool is planning one for the following Saturday, March 24.
Payne Springs is planning an April 13-14 clean up – its first, with
sanitation provider Nature Calls, Inc.
Gun Barrel City has set April 21 for its spring trash off, held adjacent to
the fire house. And Mabank has set aside May 17-18 for a trash-off at the
Andrew Gibbs Arena. Those within the city limits can put out bulky items for
curbside service on Saturday, May 19.
Eustace is holding a community-wide garage sale, Saturday, March 31 to help
citizens get rid of their unwanted items and pocket a little cash at the
same time. The sale will be spread over The City Square.
Citizens must bring proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or
utility bill.
Items, generally not accepted include:
• household trash,
• brush and tree limbs,
• paint,
• batteries,
• used motor oil,
• roofing materials,
• appliances with Freon®,
• tires,
• antifreeze, and
• bio or hazardous waste.
Some tire vendors, such as Wal-Mart will take old tires for a small fee.
Trash offs begin first thing in the morning at around 8 a.m. and either end
at noon or when the dumpsters have been filled.
Some cities arrange for dumpsters to be hauled off and replacements added
for refill.
Haul your bulky items early to be sure you’ll be saying “good riddance” to
unwanted items around your place.
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