Peak's Addition Homeowners' Association

Recently, we had a carjacking in the neighborhood during the early morning hours. This incident is a painful reminder that, while living in the urban setting brings many wonderful benefits, we also must occasionally deal with a few bad apples. No neighborhood in America is immune to criminal activity. Fortunately, the great majority of crimes, particularly property crimes, can be prevented. Keep in mind that most property crimes are crimes of opportunity. If you leave a laptop or iPod on your front car seat, then you run a risk of having it taken. Don’t create the opportunity for this crime by leaving your valuables in plain sight in your vehicle. Prevent the crime by eliminating the opportunity altogether. Similarly, don’t alert every person who walks by your trash can that you just got a new 60 inch plasma TV and surround sound system—cut the boxes up, put them at the bottom of the can, or throw them away in a dumpster. Commonsense is the first line of defense against becoming a victim.
The second line of defense is many, many pairs of watchful eyes all across the neighborhood. You, the residents of Peak’s Addition, know what goes on in the neighborhood better than anyone. Take note of suspicious activities and don’t hesitate to phone them in to 911. Law enforcement can’t be all places at all times,
but we, the residents of Peak’s Addition, can be. Finally, be extra vigilant as the weather warms up. Summertime has traditionally brought with it an increase in the activities of ne’er-dowells. Fortunately, the longer days also give us an opportunity to spend more time outside working the yard, chatting with neighbors, and just
enjoying a cold drink on the porch. Keep an eye out for your neighbors and we’ll keep Peak’s Addition a safe place.
-- Walker M. Duke

Posted by at 10:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This month we meet the owner of a special home tour house, one that is not a home but a place of business. Lisa McKnight and her law partner Keith Becker have transformed a house on Gaston into a comfortable and welcoming office for their family law clients. The lawyers had been searching the city for an old house to
serve that purpose when they lost a bid to buy the blue house on the corner of Columbia and Munger. Fate lead them to Gaston Avenue. Not only was that stretch of Gaston one of the few places in East Dallas where residential homes had been approved for commercial use, the house fit exactly what they wanted it to do. It
already had big rooms where they could hold client meetings. And although the upstairs had been cut up into individual rooms decades earlier, it worked well for attorney offices. The upstairs rooms are small, but filled with light, and an amazing amount of paperwork.
The Neo-Classical house with a prominent porch was originally built in 1909 and was owned by a man specializing in fabricating metal tiles. That may explain the intricate metal work underneath the eaves of the house. The house morphed into a boarding house, probably during the Depression or World War II, which would explain the reconfiguration upstairs. The Lisa and Keith have not altered any of the existing structure of the house, instead focusing on painting, structural and plumbing repair etc. “We pay all upgrades in cash and are taking our time; our plan is to upgrade the kitchen and baths and reconfigure the upstairs, ”said Lisa. They have decorated the interior with cheerful colors and white surfaces, and several architectural fragments
like columns. It is exciting to include an office like this on the home tour. Many historic districts are like ours in that they include a wide, busy street with extra traffic and often with larger homes. Between the size of the houses, the frequency with which they were made into multi-family housing and the noisy cars going by, they may not be very attractive as residences. Professional offices for lawyers, doctors, real estate agents and accountants often find that these houses suit their needs. The offices help the neighborhood as well. They stabilize the neighborhood and give it a good image. The business owners have every reason to maintain their properties
so that they are clean and attractive. We could do a lot worse than to have more professionals like Lisa and Keith take over the houses on Gaston Avenue for offices. Perhaps a visitor to our home tour will be inspired by how well this house serves its new purpose, and want to join us here in Peak’s Addition.

Posted by at 10:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A REALLY GREEN LAWN

It's lawn time!! US homeowners apply some 78 million pounds of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides to their lawns annually. The Audubon Society estimates that 7 million birds die each year because of exposure to lawn pesticides. Children and pets who play on the lawns and ingest these products are even more vulnerable. A new organization called Green Carpet Dallas (info@greencarpetdallas.org) is working to help us with non-chemical lawn and tree care. Check it out!

Posted by at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Location: 4603 Swiss (Evelyn Montgomery’s house)
Time: Friday, 4/23, 8:00 to 6:00, Saturday, 4/24, 8:00 to 4:00
All proceeds will go to Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park

Posted by at 9:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

City of Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) is reminding customers that time-of-day watering restrictions resume April 1. Following the conservation ordinance guidelines will avoid possible fines of $250 to $2,000 per incident. These mandatory time-of-day restrictions prohibit watering landscaping between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from April 1 through October 31 every year.

Dallas’ watering restrictions do not mean your landscaping has to suffer. Most homeowners water their landscaping too much and too often – unknowingly producing shallow root systems that struggle to survive freezing temperatures, heat and drought. By watering deeply (four to six inches) and infrequently (only when landscaping begins to show signs of stress, such as discoloration, wilting, or when footprints remain visible after begin walked on), homeowners encourage their landscapes to develop deep, healthy roots that can endure Dallas summers, winter freezes, pests and disease.

“Given our climate and Dallas’ growth, water conservation is a significant issue for our city,” said Carole Davis, DWU conservation program manager. “The time-of-day watering restrictions demonstrate Dallas’ commitment to conserving water and how seriously the City takes ensuring we have enough of this precious and vital natural resource for future generations.”

To avoid warnings, fines and a possible visit from a code inspector, DWU customers are reminded to adhere to the following guidelines:

Posted by at 9:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The only holidays in 2010 on which Dallas Sanitation crews will not pick up recycling and garbage are Friday, November 26 and Friday, December 31. During those weeks recycling and garbage should be placed out for collection on Wednesday, November 24 and Wednesday, December 29.

Posted by at 9:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Lower Greenville fire has resulted in a lot of folks losing their jobs overnight. There are several ways you can help:

From the Lakewood Advocate Backtalk Blog:

Benefit for employees of Terilli’s, Mick’s, Hurricane Grill is Sunday
Five bands are playing a benefit concert Sunday at the Doublewide for employees of Lower Greenville restaurants that were destroyed in a fire this week.

The bands are Corey Howe, STEW, Manned Missiles, Cocky Americans and Slider Pines, plus sets from DJs Sista Whitenoise and Woodtronic. The party starts at 8:30 p.m., and tickets are $7.

From the Taste of Lower Greenville Avenue website:

How to support the employees of Terilli’s, Greenville Avenue Bar & Grill, Mick’s and Hurricane Grill
Collection of information, job leads, etc – Help Lower Greenville Facebook page

Restaurant Employee Relief Fund Bank Account
A bank account has been opened to raise money for employees directly affected by the fire. Donations can be made at any local Branch Banking & Trust (BB&T) branch. The account name: Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, Account #8056613196.

The account is coordinated by the Greenville Avenue Restaurant Association, The Greenville Avenue Area Business Association, The Greenville Merchants Association, and the Historic Greenville Avenue Area Business Association. Funds will be dispersed by the owners of the businesses on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the Associations managing the account.

PayPal
Send your donation online to Relief@TasteOfGreenvilleAvenue.com

St. Patrick’s Day block party
A portion of the $8 admission to the March 13 St. Patrick’s Day block party on Lower Greenville will benefit the burned restaurants, which will sell food and drink at the party in a tent on the parking lot behind Blue Goose. Since that parking lot was used for employees in previous years, the block party organizers have decided to start the Mockingbird Station shuttle at 7 a.m. so that employees can get to work. The shuttle is free for party-goers.

Etcetera
The Greenville Avenue Area Business Association will hold two happy hours between now and St. Patrick’s Day to collect money for the fund – Friday March 5, @ The Dubliner, 5pm and Friday March 12 @ Stan’s Blue Note

Posted by at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The US Census Bureau is looking for people to fill various roles for the 2010 census. Roles pay $17.50/hour and can be part-time to 40 hours per week. Applicants must be 18 or older, have a valid ID, and must pass a 30 minute basic skills test. Available positions include:

• Census Takers
• Crew Leaders
• Crew Leader Assistants
• Recruiting Assistants
• Census Clerks

US Census jobs offer good pay, flexible hours, paid training, and the chance to work independently in your own community. For further information see www.2010censusjobs.gov or call 866.861.2010.

Posted by at 8:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We recently got to experience the rare treat of a thick blanket of snow covering our neighborhood, turning our streets into beautiful scenes out of a postcard. The snow has since melted, but there is no reason the beauty can’t linger (albeit in a nonfrozen form). So I would like to invite everyone to our first “Peak’s Pick-Up” neighborhood beautification project on Saturday, March 6th from 9:00 a.m. – noon. At 9:00 a.m. sharp, we will meet at the parking lot of East Dallas Christian Church on the corner of Worth Street and Peak Street, where supplies will be distributed and tasks will be assigned. This will be a fun time of working with your neighbors, having a good laugh, mocking the graffiti taggers’ lack of creativity, and generally beautifying the neighborhood. “Sounds interesting, but what exactly will we be doing?” you may be wondering. Generally speaking, we will be picking up trash, cleaning up graffiti, and trimming overgrown vegetation (or dead branches) in vacant or deserted areas. The specifics, however, will be up to you. In the days leading up to Peak’s Pick-Up, I invite everyone to keep your eyes open for things we can clean up, graffiti we can wipe out, and overall beautification that can be done in a few hours by a dedicated group of weekend warriors. Email your suggestions to president@peaksaddition.org.
Everyone wants a clean neighborhood, but trash doesn’t pick itself up. Here is your chance to do your part to make it happen. It’s the perfect reason to wake up a little earlier on a Saturday, head down to the Taco Joint for some breakfast, and put on your work gloves for a few hours to make Peak’s Addition a little prettier.
Walker Duke

Posted by at 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In 1967, when I was 3, my family was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Califonia, when my grandparents sent a photo of an historic event in Dallas- a record snowfall of 7 inches. My mother reminded me of that photo as we talked on the phone during the recent record snow. My children were witnessing history. They adore snow, and are becoming fine skiers. I prefer to train hard at sipping Irish coffee, but I picked them
up at school armed with boots, parkas and hats, and learned what a lot of joy a little frozen water can add to the day. We all had fun throwing snowballs, making angels and catching snowflakes on our tongues. There were dozens of us middle-aged kids playing with the same abandon as our children. I live with naturally gifted engineers. My house if filled with structures created from Legos, Tupperware, scotch tape, pillows, boxes dominoes and scraps stolen from Daddy’s shop. It was no surprise when Britney announced her plan to build an igloo on Friday. We sat on the porch debating technique, hot chocolate and Irish coffee in hand. She couldn’t cut ice blocks as the Inuit do, so she rolled snowballs. Big ones. Stacking them up, she employed her brother with packing the chinks with snow mortar. The walls grew high, but she
realized the snow was too soft to support a keystone construction for the roof, so she grabbed scrap lumber from the shop and made ceiling joists. She has lived in a
construction zone most of her life, and it shows! With the wood covered in snow, the igloo was finished. Passersby stopped to admire and take pictures. Snowball fights occurred. It was glorious. We share the sadness for both lost trees and property damage, but both scientifically and in the life of our family, this was day for the record books. Some winter when my kids are grown and far away, I will send them pictures of this happy day. We hope you had fun, too.

Posted by at 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dallas is known for technological advances, present and past, such as the local invention of the car radio and the traffic light. While these are the type of inventions that were developed independently by several people in different places, all trying to solve the same practical problem, a Dallasite created them right here, and gave us a cultural bonus as well. I am plagiarizing the work of historian Steven Butler, who spoke at the recent 11th Annual Legacies Dallas History Conference in January on “Henry ‘Dad’ Garrett: The Wizard of Dallas, Texas.” Garrett was not an inventor by trade, he worked for the city, including running the fire department, and dabble in technology to solve the city’s problems. Early automobile traffic in Dallas was complicated at every intersection. The only possible signaling system were police officers directing traffic, sometimes with a sign on a stick that they would turn to show the “stop” side or the “go” side. There was no way to coordinate their efforts from one intersection to the next, and you can imagine the delays created. Garrett thought electricity might solve the problem, and his traffic light used the color system already found on railroad signals. The first lights were controlled manually by a policeman in a tower, an improvement for him over standing in the street amid angry drivers. The introduction of a timing system eliminated the need for human observation, though one wonders how much drivers trusted those first signals not to tell everybody to go at once. Garrett found a way to provide radios with power and antennae to solve a lifethreatening problem in the fire department. When the trucks were called out from the station for one fire, there was no way to let them know if another one started someplace else. Garrett’s radio allowed firefighters and police to maintain contact, but it was broadcast radio, over open airwaves. The need for a radio station to send the information led to the cultural bonus, when Garrett
started KERA. The station broadcast fire and police calls, as well as music
and local programming, all together. It was undoubtedly an interesting station
and listeners would have known what was going on around town. It would
seem that Dallas tends toward the practical in both technology and entertainment.

Posted by at 9:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Junius Heights Historic District was selected by This Old House Magazine as the nation’s “Best Neighborhood For Families” in their annual “Best Old House Neighborhoods” contest:

Like most of Texas, the city of Dallas is obsessed with all things big. But the people of the Junius Heights neighborhood beg to differ. “This is a small-town, front-porch community,” says Bill Williams, who purchased a Craftsman here in 2003. Junius Heights is home to some of the city’s most interesting residents, including artists, reporters for The Dallas Morning News, and about half the lawyers in town. And it’s turning into a haven for families looking to eschew traditional suburban living. That’s thanks in part to Woodrow Wilson High School, “one of the best examples of an inner-city high school in the country,” according to one resident (and Newsweek magazine). The school provides a top-notch education, as well as entertainment for Junius Heights residents through its excellent theater and athletic programs.

Click here to read the full article.

Posted by at 4:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The City of Dallas will provide free storm debris collection for Dallas’ Sanitation customers affected by the record snowfall that hit North Texas on February 11 and 12. Customers who need to clear their property must place cut and stacked tree limbs at the curb. Customers do not need to call 311 to request collection. Citations for “out of cycle” brush waste will not be issued until after March 15.

Sanitation brush collection crews will work overtime and Saturdays to pick up all storm debris on customer’s property. The debris will be picked up on customers’ normal brush/bulk schedule and will likely require 4-5 weeks to complete pick-up. Customers can look up their brush collection week by going to http://www.dallascityhall.com/sanitation/sanitation.html and then clicking on “”Bulk Collection Map” and “2010 Bulk Collection Calendar”.

Dallas Sanitation customers may also take storm debris to the following two locations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and must show proof of residency with a driver’s license or current water bill.

Bachman Transfer Station
9500 Harry Hines Blvd.
214-670-6150

McCommas Bluff Landill
5100 Youngblood Rd.
214-670-0977

Storm debris will be chipped into mulch and will be available at no charge to customers for home use. Customers can pick up mulch at either location—just in time for spring gardening.

Posted by at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Neighbors found a dog who has been wondering in the area for a couple weeks. He does not have a chip or tags, so they are looking for a home or rescue place for him.

Approximate weight is 50 lbs. Looks like he may have been a pet at one time, however for the past week or two our neighborhood has tried to find his home, posted signs, emails, gone to vets, etc. He is skittish around men, but happy to play with other dogs. Eats from a woman’s hand after warming up to her.

Not neutered. No idea on shots and heartworm (have to assume no, given his owner did not want him). Seems healthy, not underweight. Like to play with other animals, submissive to other dogs.

If you're interested in adopting this beautiful dog, contact Kate Flume: Kate.flume@gs.com or 214-403-9194.

Posted by at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

OneDAY starts March 1 for 180,000 households in Oak Cliff, Southwest Dallas, West Dallas, Southeast Dallas, South Dallas, Pleasant Grove, East Dallas, and Northeast Dallas.

Continue reading to find out the answers to your questions about OneDAY Dallas. If you are interested in having the Sanitation Department attend an upcoming PAHA meeting to answer questions or to explain the program or how to recycle, please contact president@peaksaddition.org.

Continue reading "Confused About OneDAY? Don't Be!" »

Posted by at 9:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Peak's Addition Homeowners' Association is having a membership drive for the neighborhood. Check out the attachment and see how you can win $100!

Download Membership Drive info

Posted by at 9:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It is with great pride that I write my first "Message from the Peak's Addition Homeowners Association President."  I moved to the neighborhood in June 2007 after falling in love with a craftsman bungalow on Junius Street.  Since that time, I have gotten to experience all the wonderful aspects of Peak's Addition that begins with beautiful homes, continues with a fantastic location and great diversity, and finishes with wonderful, caring neighbors that have a deep commitment to continually improving the neighborhood.

I have inherited some extremely large shoes that I must fill.  JW Brasher, through his many years of service as PAHA President, brought tremendous leadership and helped foster many changes for the good.  You do not have to walk or drive very far at all to notice the vibrant, very recent development that has positively affected our neighborhood. From the openings of Taco Joint and Chapman's Chile Kitchen, the forthcoming Aldi grocery store, the exit of Johnny's Club Vegas, the successful protest of MZ Grocery, the rebirth of Buckner Park, and the renovations of many beautiful homes, my excitement for where we are is only matched by my excitement for what lies ahead.

The heart of any neighborhood association is its neighbors, and Peak's Addition is blessed with that asset.  You control your destiny and can make Peak's Addition as great as you are willing to work to make it.  So I am calling on the support of everyone to do their part.  In the coming months, I will be introducing projects that will hopefully have a tangible, positive impact on our day-to-day quality of life.  From graffiti wipeouts and neighborhood beautification to business promotion and crime prevention, I believe both big picture and small scale projects can all make a difference.  But they will only succeed if everyone contributes.  Based on the neighborhood's passion for involvement, I have no doubt that success is immanent.

I appreciate the trust Peak's Addition placed in me by electing me as your President, and you have my assurance that I will do my best to make a great neighborhood even better.

-- Walker M. Duke

Posted by at 5:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

President: Walker Duke

First Vice President: Janet Staring

Second Vice President: Evelyn Montgomery

Secretary: Chris Campbell

Treasurer: Robert Kam

Board Members at Large: Sara Anderson, Zelman Brounoff, Zach Madsen, Frances Ockels

Posted by at 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ECO-FRIENDLY FOOD STORAGE--A plasticky situation!!

When food is placed in a plastic container and microwaved, substances used in manufacturing the plastic may leak into the food.  In particular, fatty foods such as meats and cheeses cause a chemical called diethylhexyl adipate to leach out of the plastic.
Converting to an eco-friendly, reusable food storage container will not only reduce the amount of plastic entering the waste stream but will also keep you and your family safe from the dangers associated with microwaving plastic.. Glass, stainless steel, and ceramic containers are BPA free, dishwasher safe, and reheatable.
I still use some plastic containers for dry storage, but I have acquired a working group of Corningware cookware and storage containers for hot foods and for microwaving.  Corningware is readily available at most garage sales, antique malls, and flea markets for a pittance of new prices.

Posted by at 4:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From Ron Hardy:

I just finished putting in a new/ used floor in our den and I have app. 25 square feet of 2 3/8" face x 3/4" thick vertical grain pine flooring in shorter lengths, left over.
I'd be happy to give it away to anyone that can use it.

It matches the old flooring my house and is a little hard to find so I'd prefer to see it go to someone in our neighborhood as it might match their old floors as well.

It's not really enough to do an entire floor but might be enough to do a closet or patch an existing floor.

If interested they can contact me directly to make arrangements to pick it up.

Ron Hardy
(214) 460-7782 cell
(214) 821-1223 hm
rhemail@swbell.net

Posted by at 6:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The home of Clark Mitchell and JW Brasher at 4811 Swiss Avenue was featured in the New York Times Great Homes and Destinations section on 12/29/09. To see the article please visit http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/30/greathomesanddestinations/30gh-what.html.

Posted by at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The quarter-mile "drag strip" on Swiss Avenue between Carroll and Fitzhugh Avenues is now 50% shorter.

On December 7, city workers erected two octagonal, reflective icons of undeniable halting power at Grigsby Street.

These interruptive marvels exist due to the volunteering efforts of Zelman Brounoff, Jim Anderson, and over 100 concerned and borderline enthusiastic neighbors who favorably signed a city-issued petition.

Scientists from MIT have determined that the four square inches of sod removed to house the new sign stanchions will not accelerate current global warming concerns.

Stop by soon and experience them for yourself.

Posted by at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The membership voted the following residents as the 2010 PAHA Board of Directors:

President: Walker Duke
First Vice President: Janet Staring
Second Vice President: Evelyn Montgomery
Secretary: Chris Campbell
Treasurer: Robert Kam
Board Members at Large: Sara Anderson, Zelman Brounoff, Zach Madsen

A runoff election will occur at the next general meeting for the fourth at large position, between Frances Ockels and Justin Ashford. Details to follow.

Posted by at 9:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Barber Law Office is going up for auction on 12-15-09 - 4310 Gaston Ave.

Posted by at 8:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Britney Hardy, babysitter extraordinaire and daughter of neighborhood residents Ron and Kellie Hardy, has been chosen as a member of the All City Symphonic Band. Auditions are open to all band students in DISD middle and high schools.

Miss Hardy plays clarinet in the JL Long Symphonic Band, under the direction of Jordan Smith. She has been studying the instrument for only two and a half years. She earned 7th chair in the All City band out of 12 clarinetists chosen. Over 40 clarinetists auditioned. Miss Hardy will audition for the All Region Symphonic Band later this month.

The JL Long Symphonic Band recently performed a free concert at Woodrow Wilson High School, as part of the Dallas Modern Music Festival in conjunction with the Junius Heights Home Tour.

Britney is also a member of the JL Long Girls’ Basketball team, where she plays forward.

Posted by at 5:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The elder abuse story concerning Mary Ellen Bendtsen’s death has been rescheduled to Friday, November 6th, on ABC's 20/20. Mary Ellen’s family and neighbor friends, including Jim Anderson, were interviewed by John Quiñones for the program. Jim believes this will be the kick off to a series concerning elder abuse. He hopes neighbors will be able to watch this program that further discusses this East Dallas tragedy.

Posted by at 7:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

PAHA is taking nominations for the 2010 Board through Friday, November 20. General requirements to be a board member include a willingness to attend two meetings per month (scheduled a year in advance), an ability to work on various projects, and an interest in bettering the neighborhood. All members of PAHA are eligible to run and ideally, we’d like to have representatives from across the neighborhood. If you or someone you know is interested in serving, let us know! Nominate them at our next general meeting or send an email to postmaster@peaksaddition.org. Voting by the membership will occur at the December Holiday Party on Dec. 1st. All members who are paid in full 30 days prior are eligible to vote. Members unable to attend the event should contact postmaster@peaksaddition.org by Friday, November 27 to obtain an absentee ballot.

Current Nomination Slate

President…………………Walker Duke

1st Vice President………Janet Staring

2nd Vice President…....Chip Orr*, Jeri Arbuckle*

Secretary………..............Evelyn Montgomery

Treasurer…….............…Robert Kam

At Large....................…Zelman Brounoff, Sara Anderson, Francis Ockels, Jeri Arbuckle*, Zach Madsen*

* Pending acceptance by nominee

Posted by at 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last month, I had the distinction of being the very first person to give blood at our new satellite blood donation center for Carter Blood Care.  For years, Michael and I have given blood at Baylor Hospital, and while it was nearby, the parking was a bit sticky.  Now we simply drive down the street to Carter Blood Care at 4201 Gaston, Ste 110.   It is in the Gaston shopping strip just down from Lenny's--talk about convenience!  The new space is bright and clean, the people are friendly and the effort, nearly effortless.
Their hours are M/T/F from 9 until 5:30, Wednesdays from 11-6, Sunday from 9-4 and closed on Saturdays.  You can call to make an appointment at 214-217-5676 and remember to bring an photo id (driver's license) to your appointment.  Dracula doesn't need your blood, real people do.  It's as simple as that.

Posted by at 1:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Locally Grown Food Just a Click Away
 
After viewing the movie "Food Inc" I started looking around for safer food.  The State Fair had a reference you can use if you are looking for safer food grown in North Texas by farmers and ranchers who treat their animals humanely and the environment gently: www.eatgreendfw.com 

Posted by at 1:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

4310 Trellis Court @ Peak.

Immaculate!! Cats ok. No dogs, no smoking, no kidding. $1100 per month. 2 person maximum occupancy. $1000 deposit. Credit and background check mandatory. Landlord lives right in neighborhood. Available 10-1, 2009. On quiet dead end. Built in 1922 in Peaks Addition Historic District. Totally remodeled. Covered backyard deck, Security system. Yard care included. 8x8 storage shed. No garage. Shower only. No tub. 1200 sq. ft. Great trees. Plenty of shade. Tons of windows. Hardwoods throughout. Tile in kitchen & laundry room, wired for satellite, roof antenna & cable, rear surround sound speakers wired & included, Stained glass door and roof windows. Shaded 2 car driveway. Silestone countertops. Heavily vented and insulated attic. Central heat and air.

Call Zelman @ 214 794 1606 for more info.

Click here to view a picture of 4310 Trellis Ct.

Posted by at 9:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

All current PAHA members should plan to vote in upcoming elections for the 2010 Board of Directors. Elections will be held at the PAHA Holiday Celebration on December 1st. Those unable to attend the event should contact postmaster@peaksaddition.org by Friday, November 27 to obtain an absentee ballot.
To nominate members for an officer position, please contact postmaster@peaksaddition.org by Friday, November 20.  The slate will be posted on the website. Each nominee will be contacted for acceptance and the final slate will be distributed prior to the election.

Posted by at 2:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

• The entire MZ Grocery building is for sale. Listing agent is Henry S. Miller.
• Aldi Grocery Store is set to open early March, 2010, according to the chief contractor on site.

Posted by at 2:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

IT HAS RAINED A LOT LATELY, but fortunately for us, not as much as it did in the spring of 1908, the year of Dallas’ great flood. The normal spring rains of the south were particularly vigorous, and soon the people of Dallas were hearing alarming news about rising water and the damage it caused. The first report came from far away, Missouri, then Arkansas, but soon they were hearing about Waco, Cleburn, Stephenville, Fort Worth. It seemed as if there was scarcely a small bridge left standing in our part of the country. Streets, trains and houses were overcome. All eyes turned to the Trinity. Everyone knew the trouble it had caused in the past, and this promised to be the worst yet. It is a long river, and every day news came in about what it was doing. On April 16, it reached it was 35 feet deep in Dallas, a record high as far as their records show. Citizens gathered on the Commerce Street bridge to view the river, no longer very far below them. Some clever capitalists set up concession stands to sell food and drink to those enjoying the view. While some boats rushed to save people trapped in flooding houses, others took paying passengers on a tour of the flood. Pictures of the flood waters and submerged houses appeared daily in the papers. McKinney Avenue and Zang Blvd. became rivers.
Damage to crops, buildings and streets was heavy, but the loss of life was surprisingly low, which perhaps justified the party atmosphere. As the waters receded, they left many displaced humans and animals. One farmer near Cedar Springs reported that his son grabbed a large catfish from a puddle in their field. He said that wolves and even a bear had been coming around the farm. We not trust all that he said, however, as he also claimed that all the rabbits had escaped to the trees, and were having trouble getting back down.

Posted by at 2:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you received a lovely crepe myrtle during our tree planting effort, please don’t forget to water it!

Posted by at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

An Excerpt from The Green Life, a publication of Sierra Magazine


The Cove, at once stunning and educational, is laser-focused on a high-security cove in Taji, Japan, and uncovers the almost unbelievable truth behind the Japanese export of dolphins and dolphin products.

Far from your standard documentary, this one is action-packed, enlisting the talents of some of cinema’s most skilled people to produce what could easily be one of the year’s best, and most jaw-dropping, environmental documentaries. 

Viewers are guided through Flipper star Richard O'Barry's dedication to saving the dolphin population (which he feels he has been forever compromisde by the TV show that he was a part of) that migrates along the coast of Taiji. Using spy-like technologies and top-notch investigative reporting, O'Barry and Louie Psihoyos, the film’s director, tell the story of the capture of the dolphins, and of the lies and deception that surround the disturbing efforts unfolding in Taiji to build a market for dolphin products. 

Not only about the harm done to the shrinking population of dolphins, The Cove also reveals the dolphin trade's toxic and deadly ramifications on humans.

Whether you're an environmental activist, a fan of dolphins, or are merely nostalgic for the Flipper television series, you're sure to learn from and embrace The Cove and quite possibly be moved to take action on behalf of your fellow mammals. 


--Gary Reinecke

Posted by at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This dog was found in Munger Place has a Wyoming address & South Dakota phone # or vice versa. If you have any information, please contact Kim Segura.

Posted by at 5:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

URS Corporation is working under a professional services contract with the City of Dallas. The City has authorized this survey to update information about
the historic structures and other historic elements in this neighborhood. URS Corporation has been asked to survey the neighborhood and district as part of a comprehensive update to the City’s Historic Resources Survey done in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.
Individuals with URS Corporation will be going block by block in the neighborhood to record information about what types of buildings exist now and information about the historic past of this area. Pictures will be taken of the exterior of houses and buildings from the street or sidewalk. The timeline will follow a 30-45 day schedule beginning in mid-July. Please contact Margaret Fiskell with any questions.

Margaret A. Fiskell
Sr. Historic Preservation Planner
City of Dallas - Development Services
Long Range Planning Department
1500 Marilla Street Rm 5CN
Dallas, Texas 75201
Phone: 214 670-4151
Fax: 214 670-0728
margaret.fiskell@dallascityhall.com

Posted by at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How to Deal With Leftover Prescription Medications

Dispose of unused medications in your trash can rather than flushing them down the toilet or sink.  Sewage-treatment plants can't remove all chemicals and if in the outflow are harmful to marine life.  Male fish, for example, are becoming female because of drug contaminants (hormones) in waterways.

Follow these disposal procedures recommended by the EPA:  

• Keep medicine in its original container, scratching out the patient's name.
• Check if any drug disposal program is available locally.
• Before discarding in the trash, modify drugs to discourage consumption by adding a small amount of liquid to pills, adding salt, charcoal, or spices to liquids.
• Seal the container shut with strong tape.
Place it in a nontransparent bag. (Don't hide it in food garbage).
Discard it as close to the scheduled garbage pickup time as possible.

Posted by at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Though it may sound undesirable to us, men once competed for the job of “city scavenger” because it carried a bit of authority and a lot of opportunity for profit. The city scavenger was in charge of the precursor to our modern solid waste removal companies, and in many cities was the first organized attack on the problem of garbage removal. Previously, garbage was thrown into the street, and there it sat. This was as disgusting as you are imagining, except worse, because you forgot about the horses everyone rode, which make mess all day long until they drop dead, right in the street, as often as not. Trash removal was always aided by volunteer scavengers, both human and animal. The humans looked for anything that could be sold of used. Unburned bits of coal could warm a poor family. Rags could be sold to paper manufacturers. Children and women often helped the family by their scavenging labor. By the mid 1800s many cities decided it was the job of city government to insure clean streets. Dallas created the office of city scavenger in 1882. The scavenger was appointed by the city council, and for his term of service he was responsible for collecting all the trash and removing it to a designated dumping spot. To employ such a person was one mark of a good modern city. In 1890, the city of Kaufman, population 4,000, proudly listed among the city’s virtues, the clean streets made possible by their new scavenger.
Competition for the job could be quite fierce, with candidates appearing before the council to be elected. Aside from the obvious unpleasant aspects of the job, the scavenger had to provide his own wagons for hauling the trash, and had to post a bond with the city to insure he would properly carry out the duties of his office for two years, and he received no salary. He was held criminally liable for failures to uphold the trash ordinances. His job could be used in jokes. Where today we might suggest an acquaintance couldn’t get elected dogcatcher, city scavenger was the preferred term in 1892. What motivated the scavenger? He collected his pay from the people who wanted their trash removed, and from those who didn’t. If you harbored piles of smelly garbage, your neighbors could report that abuse to the city and you would be visited by the scavenger, with his bill in his hand.
Obviously, the fees from trash producers were important, but the real profit was in selling all the goodies careless people threw out. But even more money could flow the scavenger’s way. The scavenger was assisted in his work by other men of his own choosing. If you know anything about urban politics in the 1800s, you can guess that becoming an assistant scavenger required presenting the head scavenger with a nice bribe, or marrying his ugly sister.
The real draw of the job was that the man became a city official, approved by the city council and vested with important responsibilities, managerial duties and an office in city hall. In Dallas, the position generally went to an African-American man, at a time when they were usually excluded from most opportunities for money, power and recognition. It was not until after 1940 that Dallas decided to stop farming out the job of trash removal and hired a force to carry such activities.

Posted by at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

At one drop of water per second, how many gallons will a leaky faucet waste in a year? About 2,700 gallons per year.  A leaky toilet can be even worse, wasting as much as 7,200 gallons per year.
The world is not getting more water, but it is getting more people.  Compounding the problem, climate change and contamination  of water sources are quickly turning water into the most precious resource on the planet.
The City of Dallas Water Department has been encouraging citizens to reduce their water use by subsidizing low-flush toilets, ($90 each - two per household) setting suitable lawn sprinkling hours, encouraging the use of landscaping plants that require little water, and, of course, fixing leaky faucets!!  
What is the biggest water user in a typical household?   The lawn consumes more water than just about anything else.  A thousand-sq.ft lawn watered 15 minutes three times a week uses about 5,400 gallons per month.  Dallas has been fortunate to have received good rains this year and full reservoirs.  But now is a good time to assess our water use and change some wasteful habits.

Posted by at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

• Shawn Buterbaugh recommends Urbano Cafe, our newest neighborhood restaurant, right next to Jimmy’s Italian Food Store. Their lunch menu features Italian panini, sandwiches, salads, soups and pastas for dine-in or carry-out. At dinner they offer grilled meats and fish, risotto, pastas and appetizers.  Urbano is B.Y.O.B. so bring your favorite wine to enjoy with your meal. Urbano Cafe • 1410 C Fitzhugh • 214.823.8550 • www.urbanodallas.com
• From Zelman Brounoff: Construction for the new Aldi Grocery Store has begun in the 4200 block of Gaston, between 7-Eleven and Church's Chicken.    Work began at the beginning of June immediately following the demolition of Mr. Do Coin Laundry.  Check the Aldi website for continuing updates.  www.aldi.com
• If you received a lovely crepe myrtle during our tree planting effort, please don’t forget to water it!

Posted by at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Green Grilling - an excerpt from www.smart2begreen.com


Break out the cooking gear,

BBQ season is almost here,

Practice green grilling this year,

Try not to burn the atmosphere.

Invite the Environment to Your BBQ
In America, grilling is not merely a food preparation technique but a way of life. Unfortunately, the environment has suffered from the greenhouse gases produced by the burning of charcoal and lighter fluid. This year, fire up some eco-conscious cuisine by becoming a green griller.

Posted by at 7:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

David Coody and Lisa Stegall, 4827 Worth Recent recipients of the local tree grant project, David Coody and his wife, Lisa Stegall have enjoyed living in Peak Suburban for approximately 7 years now.  Both attorneys, the location has been perfect for their needs.  “We are very close to downtown and the court house and everything we need” said David.  David lives literally 3 blocks from his law office on Gaston which is featured in this month’s business spotlight.  When their children finished high school, the family moved here from the Highland Park area,  “I love the trees, nice feel, walk ability and architecture of the neighborhood; it doesn’t have a plastic suburban feel” said David.  In the seven years as a resident, David has seen significant changes in the neighborhood.  “More and more houses have been redone.”  When asked which changes he would like to see, David responded, More of the same.”

Posted by at 7:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

• Free Dallas Symphony concert at Exall Park: Wednesday, June 10, 2009. 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. byo-anything.  Be discreet with alcohol.
• Check out the newest neighborhood coffee shop. The Pearl Cup is located at 1900 N. Henderson Ave. Featuring their signature Pearl Latte and espresso drinks, local art, and live music.
• From Virginia McAlester: HNTB Institute is sponsoring a study that will hopefully make the new I-30 more neighborhood friendly. The study is occurring June 1-3 at The Women’s Museum at Fair Park. Currently this highway is set to expand to something like a 250 foot right of way -- demolishing buildings in Deep Ellum and all along its right of way and creating a huge gulf. HNTB is looking for ways of using a narrower right of way, interesting design, things that will link Fair Park and Deep Ellum. If ever Carroll is to become a neighborhood street again, or the crosstown couplet moved to Haskell and Washington -- it will be tied to the rebuilding of I-30. Virginia urges all to call, and to attend, even a portion, and have input into this project. For more details, download the flyer.
• Don’t forget to pay your membership dues! $50 for individuals, $75 for couples, $25 for seniors. Payment can be submitted: (1) at the June General Meeting; (2) via check to PAHA, PO Box 140805, Dallas, TX 75214-0805; (3) online at www.peaksaddition.org/mt/join.html

Posted by at 7:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

NEED A NEW GARBAGE DISPOSAL? Get a chicken or six or seven. They are allowed within the city limits. At the recent fundraiser for Buckner Park, a dozen eggs produced in Munger Place was one of the great silent auction items. I recently met a woman who raises them within the hallowed environs of the Swiss Avenue Historic District. These people are not only enjoying the freshest possible eggs, but they are reliving history. Until the middle to late 1800s, it was common for city folks to carry on country farming practices in their urban back yards. After all, residents who wanted private transportation kept horses at home, so why not other animals?
The most common urban-dwelling agricultural beasts were chickens. They don’t take up a lot of space. A 20 by 20 foot plot can house a generous fenced chicken yard and a nice house for 7 to 10 happy chickens. It is not legal to have a rooster in Dallas, and your closest neighbor could tell you one good reason why not. The other good reason is that roosters are aggressive, and armed with weapons on their legs. Without such traits we would never have invented the nasty blood sport of cock fighting.
Chickens not only produced eggs and meat for early city people, but reduced the waste created by each house. This was handy, given the general spottiness of sanitation systems. Chickens can eat anything, leftovers, potato peelings, fruit going bad. And no, they won’t notice if you feed them your leftover chicken.
If you find that unappealing, be happy we no longer allow our neighbors to keep the other popular urban agricultural animal of the 1800s, the pig. Pigs were commonly raised without the owner having to provide them any space at all. They were allowed to run free in the streets of backwaters like New York City, where they rooted for food in the garbage people tossed out of their houses. Thus, they did provide a cleaning service, but at the risk of trampling innocent citizens. Pigs are not all little and cute like Arnold Ziffle. (remember him from Green Acres?) If you want a good pork chop harvest, the pig needs to get up to 2 or 3 hundred pounds.
How can I stand to know all this stuff? I work at a museum that has farm animals, including 2 roosters who are legal within the city limits because they are on city property for educational purposes. Oh, and I am a vegetarian.

Posted by at 6:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Be sure to give your input to PAHA's submission of requested priorities for the 2010 bond package. Here's what has been gathered thus far:

• Swiss Avenue paving/curbs/gutters between Carrol and Fitzhugh
• Historic Streetlights
• Increased lighting
• Electric/utility line burial
• Curbs/sidewalks on Peak between Gaston and Worth

Posted by at 9:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Trees positioned to reduce summer sun and winter wind can reduce a household's energy use by 25 percent or more, according to "The Earth Friendly House" quiz deck on the Green Home. US Dept. of Energy Studies shows that the proper placement of just three trees can save $100 to $250 a year in energy costs (see "Landscaping for Energy Efficiency,"available at www.nd.gov).  In summer, trees can lower air temperature as much as 9 degrees F through shading and the release of water vapor through the leaves.
Trees' benefits to the greater community are equally impressive: besides providing natural beauty, they improve air quality, lessen storm runoff, and reduce the "urban heat island effect," wherein paving and dark roofs make cities hotter than natural areas.

Posted by at 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bob Rogers, Criminal Law Attorney
4711 Gaston, 214.720.0585
www.roberthrogers.com

Attorney Bob Rogers and his wife Donna have a passion for restoring older homes and have lived on Swiss Ave since 2000.  That is why it is no surprise that Bob moved his successful criminal defense practice to 4711 Gaston in 2007.  The property had been condemned and was on the demo list.  With help from Tracy Venagas, the property was transformed into its current state.  The law office is warm, inviting and comfortable.  The ceilings are high, the hard wood floors are gorgeous and it is evident that special care was taken to restore every detail with historic integrity.  As a graduate of SMU, Bob Roberts has been successfully practicing criminal law, in which he is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, since 1984.  He has also been recognized as one of Dallas’ Best Lawyers by D Magazine. Prior to purchasing Gaston, his office was located in the Oak Lawn area.  His new location has worked well for him. “I love east Dallas, I can bike to work.” He is not alone in the 3,100 square foot office space.  Steve Cooper, David Coody and Steve’s wife Jackie all share the space and also practice Criminal Law. The three attorneys have been together for many years and are all happy to have settled in East Dallas. “This location is perfect, it is close to everywhere we need to go, including the courthouses”, said David Coody who is featured in the residential profile this month. They also have room for more and currently have office space for lease.  Anyone interested can contact the number above for details.

Posted by at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

• Free Dallas Symphony concert at Exall Park: Wednesday, June 10, 2009. 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. byo-anything.  Be discreet with alcohol.
• DOWNTOWNDALLAS and Preservation Dallas present Celebrate Downtown 2009! Art and Architecture - May 9 and May 16. Full details to be published on website.
• The April PAHA Porch Party and dinner at Andrea’s was a great success! Details will be distributed via an email invitation for the next PAHA Porch Party targeted for Friday, May 15.
• Don’t forget to pay your membership dues! $50 for individuals, $75 for couples, $25 for seniors. Payment can be submitted: (1) at the May General Meeting; (2) via check to PAHA, PO Box 140805, Dallas, TX 75214-0805; (3) online at www.peaksaddition.org/mt/join.html

Posted by at 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

New Urbanism is an architectural and planning movement that wants to bring back the pleasures of city life before World War II. Its founders started by designing entire new towns, mostly in Florida, where the streets and building codes encouraged housing density and neighborly interaction. The current focus is on changing zoning in cities to bring about those same benefits.The founding architect, Andres Duany, spoke last month at SMU about “New Life for Tired Neighborhoods.” He caused a small flurry of criticism for a few negative comments, but I though he was rather complimentary, considering how far most of Dallas is from what he thinks it should be. I was most struck, however, by how many aspects of the ideal neighborhoods he wants to create are already present here in east Dallas, still hanging on from our pre-war origins. Some of these qualities he values are:

1. Walkability, which lets people form bonds with their fellow citizens. It is achieved by having sidewalks, attractive things to see, and a level of traffic that does not make the pedestrian fearful. Most parts of our neighborhoods allow us the pleasure of walking.
2. Compactness, with smaller lots for each building. Smaller lots are ecological, and he demonstrated that with proper design they offer more privacy and beauty than the sprawling acreage of suburbs. So many of our back yards are able to be an oasis of peace in the city. The small lots are easier to beautify with gardens and to take care of.
3. Diversity of economic levels, meaning people of all incomes living in one neighborhood. This is one we have, but we may not always enjoy. Duany was arguing that when suburbs build neighborhoods where all the houses cost the same, it leads to isolation and distrust of others. We know that economic diversity contributes to our crime concerns, but we also have to admit that we see more varieties of people and are more sophisticated in our views of “others” than our suburban friends.
4. Connectivity, where you live in a network and all aspects of your life connect together easily. Ideally, home, work, school and shopping are all mixed together and walkable. We are not quite there right now, but many of us enjoy short commutes downtown that don’t eat up our free time, and many help the environment by taking the bus, which is certainly an experience in diversity of economic levels. As more retail moves in, we won’t leave so often to shop, and more people might work within blocks of home, with time to pop over to the school and walk the kids home in the middle of a work day.
5. Public space that is defined and human, and feels good. The best examples are found in Italian cities, in the public squares, but also any city you have visited where rows of businesses and houses defined the edges of the streets, where lots of life was going on. Our streets feel like places, places you want to be. They are not too wide, they have trees along the edges of the pavement. Each house has a porch, and that make you feel connected to the people inside, even as you pass by. The houses are close enough and uniform enough to form a wall that defines the edge of the public world of the street, but they do that in a way that is friendly, and interesting to look at.

Posted by at 9:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

• Sgt. Dennis Craig, Officer Kelly Qualls, and Lt. Lance King provided updates
• Crime is down 20% year-to-date
• Officers on bicycles in the neighborhood have been very effective
• Patrol is paying special attention to bus stops to deter criminal activity
• A Volunteers in Patrol class is planned for late May. Stay tuned for details.
• A neighborhood cleanup is planned for the weekend of 4/18. Contact JW Brasher if you are interested in participating.
• Quarterly Crime Summit is Thursday 4/16 at Cesar Chavez Learning Center at 7 p.m.
• Kim Peters has been named the Community Outreach Director for the DPD.
• The neighborhood has received official notification from the Dallas Fire Department that Swiss Avenue is no longer declared an emergency route. Neighbors will now be able to pursue traffic calming options such as stop signs or speed bumps.
• Tree Planting effort was a success!
• Street captains are collecting input for the 2010 bond program. Talk to yours to provide input!
• Reminder for Station 3 needs. Coordinate with Sara Anderson, 214-821-3936, to provide needed items.

Posted by at 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A recent report from the Stockholm International Water Institute estimates that as much as 50 percent of our food supply is wasted, as they put it, "from field to fork." Inefficiencies in production and distribution add up to substantial losses. And wasted food, they point out, equals wasted water, as food production is "the largest human use of water." Fight food waste on your end with simple strategies:

• Plan meals so that leftovers can be transformed into the next day's meal
• Buy in bulk only if the food is unlikely to go bad over time
• Make less than you think you'll need, not more
• Clean out the fridge and cupboards regularly to avoid buying more than you need
• When all else fails, give your food back to the earth -- turn scraps into compost!!

Posted by at 8:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thank you to Bangkok City for advertising with the Peak's Edition! Check out Bangkok City at Peak and Bryan! Delicious!

Posted by at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This sidewalk replacement program is inexpensive, you are not required to pull any building permits, the city does all of the work and you pay a fraction of the cost. Plus they guarantee the work for a year!

There is a super inexpensive program you can participate in that has a waiting list of about 1 - 1 1/2 years. There is a more expedited program that costs more, where you can get the work completed in about 1 month. They are both less than half of the cost of some quotes a neighbor recently obtained from contractors.

To get in line for the program, call the phone number on the attached flyer.
Click here to download program flyer.

Posted by at 5:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Dallas Fire Rescue Department Hazardous Materials Team has recently been relocated to Station 3, located just east of downtown Dallas near Baylor Medical Center.

Click here to read more about Station 3 and how you can help with some outstanding needs for their building and firefighters.

Posted by at 4:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A neighbor in the 4800 block of Junius has lost her dog. Ella has a chip but is not wearing a collar. If anyone finds her, please contact Lori at 214-926-3957. Her email is Lori.g.smith@gmail.com.

The lost dog is black and white, she is ten pounds, and she answers to Ella, or Ella-Bella. She was last seen around Junius and Fitzhugh at about 12 noon on the 2nd of March.

Posted by at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our Crepe Myrtle/parkway planting initiative got unanimous approval at the February 12, 2009 task force meeting.
All should go well with the approval process from The Landmark Commission, so look for the planting of nearly 30 trees to take place in March along Junius, Worth and Sycamore streets.  
There will be an assortment of red, pink, purple and white varieties planted.  If your parkway has been selected to receive free trees, please do your part by keeping them watered this summer.  
Thank you to those neighbors who agreed to be a part of this project.  Also thanks to Elizabeth Nelson, who volunteered her time with the planting initiative.

Posted by at 5:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Distilled vinegar is one of the most useful and cheapest cleanup product you can find anywhere. I find it is easy to use, inexpensive, and it doesn't pollute!  Here are a few of its many uses for cleaning: 

1. Toilet Bowl - Pour in undiluted white distilled vinegar and let stand for 5 minutes; then scrub. 
2. Bathtub - Wipe down bathtub with vinegar and soda to removed film buildup.  Rinse clean. 
3. Grease - Filmy dirt and greasy residue can be removed from stove and refrigerator by wiping with vinegar. 
4. Chrome -  To polish chrome and stainless steel, moisten a cloth with vinegar and wipe clean. 
5. Coffee Maker - To remove stale coffee residue, fill the reservoir with vinegar and run through a brewing cycle.  When cycle is finished, run two cycles of water to rinse. 
6. Glassware - 1/2 cup of vinegar added to rinse water ill remove soap film from glassware and make it shine.  **Probably not in dishwasher. 
7. Ants - Ant invasions can be deterred by washing countertops, cabinets and floors with distilled vinegar.   Can also be used to control fire ant colonies. 
8. Grass or Weeds - Kill unwanted grass on sidewalks and driveways by pouring on vinegar. 

Posted by at 5:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by at 5:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A LITTLE BIT OF EUROPE IN DALLAS was the legacy of the failed utopian colony of La Reunion. Last month we saw the colonists arrive full of hope, only to find that they lacked the skills to succeed as an agricultural community. What these immigrants did have were a multitude of talents in crafts and the fine arts. While the colony struggled to survive prior to the Civil War, the people carried on successful trade with Dallas, their neighbor to the east. One result was a surprising number of Dallas feet ensconced in wooden shoes made by the colonists. As the colony fell apart, some people returned to Europe. Their leader, Victor Considerant, went to San Antonio to try a new colony in a wetter environment. Of those who stayed, most moved to Dallas, several snatching up good land downtown. Despite their past failure and local suspicion of foreigners, many became leading citizens. One, Henry Boll, was elected city treasurer. The Frichot brothers of France built a brick factory at Bryan and Harwood, which was an isolated spot out in the country in 1869. Bricks were handmade using forms imported from their home country. Some of those bricks may still be lurking in the ground beneath our homes. La Reunion also has the honor of giving Dallas Jean Monduel, who could make tolerable wine from local wild grapes, and opened Dallas’ first brewery.
The La Reunionist who went the furthest in local politics was Benjamin Lang, who changed his name to Long and was twice mayor of Dallas. His greatest effect on our neighborhood was his visit in 1870 to his homeland, Switzerland. There he convinced 55 of his countrymen to return with him to Dallas, a city that seems to have had amazing appeal for Europeans in the 1800s. Long added to our collection of skilled and talented citizens. This group did not come seeking a socialist utopia, but a place where their skills could bring profit. They bought land, built fine homes and handcrafted their own furniture. The carpenters became contractors and brought elaborate woodwork to Dallas homes. They formed a glee club, a band, and a benevolent society. Most importantly, their colony, in the area of the current Wilson District, gave its name to the little street running past, so that some of us can enjoy an address on the euphonious and historic Swiss Avenue.

Posted by at 5:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thanks to Sara Anderson for passing along this important safety information for your pets. Please pass along to neighbors and friends. The below information regarding a product called Cocoa Mulch has been validated and provided by www.snopes.com.

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called ' Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

Posted by at 3:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

2008 was a very busy year for Peak’s Addition. We have several milestone accomplishments that we hope will continue to enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood.

• Worked to strengthen our relationships with other neighborhood associations. This was primarily achieved through Old EDAN ‘The Old East Dallas Association of Neighborhoods’. This organization, which we were instrumental in starting in 2004, works together on zoning and development issue that impact our neighborhoods and surrounding areas. Old EDAN is a cooperative coalition made up of Junius Heights, Munger Place, Swiss Avenue and Peak’s Addition.
• Participated in development of Buckner Park Master Plan. The design committee worked alongside the City Parks Department and the Old EDAN neighborhoods to finalize the new master plan. This was done so that we could set up the Friends of Buckner Park, a 501c-3 non-profit organization. Through this organization we will start the process of fundraising and courting prospective corporate sponsors of the park. The FOBP board is made up of volunteers from all 4 historic districts who are working to develop Buckner Park into one of the city’s premier parks and as a central gathering spot for all 4 neighborhoods. We are planning future events to be held in the park that all our neighbors are welcome to attend. We welcome volunteers to help on this signature project.
• Won zoning case, to deny MZ Grocery’s requested renewal of its alcohol sales permits. This was a major win for the neighborhood. This grocery is directly across from Zaragosa Elementary School and there have been numerous issues regarding safety and quality of life that we felt had to be addressed. The main people to thank for this achievement are Walker Duke (who acted as our legal counsel) Elizabeth Nelson (who directed this from the start and did critical research and documentation, Adam McGough (City Prosecutor), Pauline Medrano, our City Council member, who took time to speak on our behalf at the hearing although she had a prior commitment to be at the dedication of an Elementary School being named after her father, Francisco F. "Pancho" Medrano. I am sure that her father would be proud to know that she was busy serving her constituents and helping to make one of her neighborhoods better.

Continue reading "Happy New Year, Neighbors" »

Posted by at 10:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

• Don’t forget to pay your membership dues! $50 for individuals, $75 for couples, $25 for seniors. Payment can be submitted:
  1. At the February General Meeting
  2. Via check to PAHA, PO Box 140805, Dallas, TX 75214-0805
  3. Online at www.peaksaddition.org/mt/join.html
• If you received a flyer regarding the neighborhood tree planting, please respond! Contact Zelman Brounoff, 214 827 3997 or zelman@brounoff.com for more information.
• The new Whole Foods Market on Gaston at Abrams will be opening soon, shortly after they close the Greeville Avenue store in mid-March.
• Office Depot on Gaston is closing mid-February.

Posted by at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Looking for a job? Are you or someone you know looking to fill a position? Help out each other with this new section of the Peak’s Edition!

• Family portraits, events, parties, corporate public relations, weddings, Bar/Bhat Mitzvahs, head-shots, etc.
  Zelman Brounoff, www.brounoff.com, 214.827.3997
• Seeking a job.  My background includes Interior Design and Real Estate. Mary Millican, marymillican@sbcglobal.net.

Posted by at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dallas has a socially conservative image, but it was once the site of young socialist utopia. In 1855, two hundred Europeans arrived in Dallas with plans to explore a better way of living, close to the land, sharing in hard work and in what they produced. They were followers of a French philosopher, Charles Fourier, who believed people should live cooperatively in large buildings combining residences and production centers. He also though people who had the worst jobs, like cleaning out the stables, should be paid the most, and live in the penthouses. A misguided follower named Victor Considérant thought Texas would be a perfect place for a socialist society. He also thought the rocky land located where interstate 30 intersects Westmoreland would be good for farming, but he was wrong. In later years, the land would prove useful for the manufacture of concrete. That poor soil couldn’t have fed a commune even if Considérant had brought 200 farmers, but he didn’t. He brought 200 skilled craftsmen, artisans, musicians and most useful of all, poets. The residents of the colony they called La Réunion did build nice buildings and planned a possibly successful business, a brick factory, but they could not get food to grow, so they could not achieve the simple life of isolated interdependence they came here searching for. Add in the fact that Considérant was in charge of the colony and was a terrible manager, and the community was doomed. It immediately went downhill and by 1860, at only five years old, it was over. The people of La Réunion abandoned their dream and dispersed. Next time, we will see where some of them went. Hint-it is close to home, and while some of these people were French, some were Swiss.

Posted by at 9:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Looking for a job? Have a role you're looking to fill?

Share this information with your Peak's Addition neighbors. Perhaps this will help you generate some leads and help a neighbor!

Submit information to newsletter@peaksaddition.org and your information will be published in the next issue of the Peak's Edition.

Posted by at 8:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Do you have a neighbor with news to share? Have a question to ask of your neighbors? Want to advertise in the next Peak's Edition?

We need people to write stuff for the Peak's Addition newsletter & website! Send content to newsletter@peaksaddition.org.

We're also looking for contributors for our regular columns on a rotational basis. Interview questionnaires have been developed to get you started! You don't have to be a great writer - our team will edit for you!

News for the February issue of the Peak's Edition should be submitted by Saturday, January 17th, to newsletter@peaksaddition.org.

Posted by at 8:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's time to renew or begin your PAHA membership! Annual dues are $50 for an individual, $75 for a family, or $25 for seniors. (For information on the dues amount, click here.) Options for payment:

• Bring check to January 6th meeting payable to Peak's Addition Homeowners' Association
• Mail check to PAHA, P.O. Box 140805, Dallas, 75214-0805
• Pay online via Paypal right now in our Online Store. You can pay by credit card and need not have a paypal account to take advantage of this option.

Membership benefits include:

• Voting rights for association resolutions and local issues impacting the neighborhood
• Monthly Newsletter
• Supports Monthly Meetings
• Supports the Website
• Social Activities (i.e. Holiday Party, Wine Social, etc )

Posted by at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Membership voted in the annual board of directors election in addition to two resolutions at the December General Meeting.

1. The membership voted the following residents as the 2009 PAHA Board of Directors:
   
   • President: JW Brasher
   • First Vice President: Janet Staring
   • Second Vice President: Lisa McKnight
   • Secretary: Evelyn Montgomery
   • Treasurer: Courtney Buterbaugh
   • Board Members at Large: Sara Anderson, Zelman Brounoff, Walker Duke, Zach Madsen

2. The membership approved a measure to increase membership dues for the 2009 year. Funds are needed to cover increased costs of Association activities (such as distribution of paper newsletter to all neighborhood homes a required minimum of 4 times per year) and to support new activities. New activities include the establishment of a 501(C)3 tax exempt entity for the association, so that future donors to our fundraisers can fully deduct contributions.
   Membership dues, per year:
   • $50—Individual membership, one vote
   • $75—Family membership, two votes
   • $25—Seniors (65 and up), one or two votes
3. The membership approved the allotment of funds from the Association treasury to purchase and plant trees along the streets of the neighborhood.

Posted by at 5:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From Zelman Brounoff: 60 watt compact fluorescent light bulbs on sale for $0.99 at Lakewood Hardware through 11-30-08!

Lakewood Hardware
6420 Gaston Ave
Dallas, TX 75214
(214) 821-5680

Posted by at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

According to the government's Energy Star  website, "If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an energy star  compact fluorescent qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars."

• CFLs use about 75% less than standard incandescent bulbs
• Save about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb's lifetime
• Produce about 75% less heat
• Last 10 times longer

Posted by at 5:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

All current PAHA members should plan to vote in upcoming elections for the 2009 Board of Directors. Elections will be held at the PAHA Holiday Celebration on December 2nd. Those unable to attend the event should contact postmaster@peaksaddition.org by Friday, November 28 to obtain an absentee ballot.
To nominate members for an officer position, please contact postmaster@peaksaddition.org by Friday, November 21.  The current slate can be found on the website and is still pending acceptance. The final slate will be distributed prior to the election.

Posted by at 5:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Looking at their pictures, you would never see how much Sarah Palin resembles Theodore Roosevelt, without the mustache.

Continue reading "Those Crazy Republican VP Candidates by Evelyn Montgomery" »

Posted by at 5:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Since last Thursday, 10/16, Mabel has been missing from her home in Munger Place. Please see below for a photo of Mabel. She is about 35 lbs. Very friendly & would come to you if you call her. Please keep an eye out for her. They believe that she was picked up by someone so if you see her please make note of a description of the person, where you saw them, license plate number, home address and anything else and contact Suzanne Wagner at Suzanne_Bily@ufpc.com or 214-317-9942.

Posted by at 5:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Neighbors JW Brasher and Clark Mitchell, owners of Swiss Avenue Homes, were recently featured in the Dallas Morning News. The article focused on the resurgence of using period architecture in newly built homes as well as the community focus of neighborhoods like Peak's Addition.

Click here to read the article.

Posted by at 8:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The last day to register to vote in Texas is Monday, October 6. For more information about Texas voter registration, click here.

Posted by at 8:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Unlike a fine pair of dress shoes, which hold out the promise of being well-cared for and re-soled, the athletic shoe is inherently disposable. Can it really be curtains for these stalwart old friends?  Must they go off and haunt the landfill?

Athletic shoes present real obstacles to recycling because, like tennis balls, they are usually made of composite materials and this really complicates any contemplation of a new life.

Fortunately, Nike has really stepped up to the plate on this one.  For years now they have been running the innovative Reuse-A-Shoe program.  Old athletic shoes of any brand can be dropped off at collection points or sent directly to Nike in Oregon.  The donated shoes are ground up to make soft surfaces for tracks, playgrounds, tennis courts, etc. In Dallas Luke's Locker at 3607 Oak Lawn (214-528-1290) can accept small quantities, 10 pairs or less.

Or send directly to Nike:
Nike Recycling Center
c/o Reuse-A-Shoe
26755 SW 95th Ave
Wilsonville, OR  97070

And tennis balls?  You might donate used tennis balls to local animal shelters;  the dogs need something to do while they are penned up.

Posted by at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A local group wants to change the name of Ross Avenue to Cesar Chavez Boulevard. Read more and get involved at www.saveross.com.

Posted by at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Do you have a neighbor with news to share? Have a question to ask of your neighbors? Want to advertise in the next Peak's Edition?

We need people to write stuff for the Peak's Addition newsletter & website! Send content to newsletter@peaksaddition.org.

We're also looking for contributors for our regular columns on a rotational basis. Interview questionnaires have been developed to get you started! You don't have to be a great writer - our team will edit for you!

News for the October issue of the Peak's Edition should be submitted by Saturday, September 20th, to newsletter@peaksaddition.org.

Posted by at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Johnny's Club Vegas on Gaston at Peak has closed its doors.

Posted by at 8:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

An east Dallas resident recently diagnosed with West Nile virus was the first person in the city recorded to have contracted the disease this season. Several cases of the mosquito-borne virus have been recorded in suburban areas.

City officials plan to target poison-spraying trucks in the area of the infection. The trucks will spray north of R.L Thornton Freeway between Carroll Avenue and Beacon
Street and south of Swiss Avenue beginning at 10 p.m. Tuesday into early Wednesday.

People should avoid the spray and take precautions against mosquito bites, officials warned.

Posted by at 8:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

August applications for "Certificate of Appropriateness" (CA):

• 4715 Swiss Avenue - 8', 70% open iron gate located at rear 50% of property
• 4717 Worth Street - painted brick (not previously painted), new exterior lights, fence, windows, backyard patio, rear fence, gate, awning
• 4802 Gaston - exterior renovations and addition

September CA applications need to be in the hands of Mark Doty, our city representative (1500 Marilla St., 5CN Dallas, Texas 75201 or fax him at 214.670.0728) by Thursday, October 2nd.

Posted by at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In 2006, according to Consumer Reports, Americans spent $16.7 billion on organic foods, often fruits and vegetables.  Because "organic" can mean "pricey," it pays to focus on buying organic versions of produce most likely to harbor pesticide residues.  The following list of foods qualify for  "going organic".

The worst fruit offenders apt to have high levels of  pesticide residue are: cranberries, nectarines, peaches, strawberries, pears, apples, cherries, and cantaloupe.

There is less need to buy organic bananas, citrus fruits, onions, and pineapples, whose skins or outer leaves aren't eaten.

In vegetables the worst offenders are :  green beans, sweet bell peppers, celery, cucumbers, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and lettuce.

The Department of Agriculture says that food labeled organic must be produced without most conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones, genetic engineering, or irradiation.

One proven way to "clean up" pesticide residues is with a vinegar wash:  one part white distilled vinegar to three parts water. Keep a spray bottle handy to remove residues from fruits and vegetables.  This method is proven to be more effective than expensive commerical washes.

Posted by at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Finding room for all those eager students has been an ongoing struggle for our area. In 1884, the city of East Dallas had to house 390 students. The East Dallas Public School was located in a privately owned building. Unfortunately, the school year of 1885 had barely begun when that building burned down in early October. East Dallas leaders expected it to take a week to locate a suitable replacement building. The following year, the city, which the Dallas Morning News referred to as “that plucky burg,” had $15,000 available for school construction. The plucky citizens were divided on the issue of how the money should be spent. Two schools would reduce travel distances for children living on the edge of town, so that bad weather would not force them to stay home. But a single centrally located school would be more cost efficient, and could be constructed of brick for a permanent building. Among other considerations, constructing two sets of outhouses would be quite expensive! A lot was purchased at the corner of Gaston and College for $3,500, for the construction of a single brick two-story school. The cornerstone was in place by January 1887.

Annexation by Dallas brought our neighborhood into the Dallas school system, where space was still at a premium. By the turn of the twentieth century the crowding of Dallas schools was “near the danger point,” warned the Morning News in a rousing article that featured a photo of the students of East Dallas School, “more than half a thousand” of them. Two years of building additions and portable buildings ensued. These expansions were almost ready as the start of school approached in September, 1903, but were already not enough. We are still waiting for Dallas to catch up.

Posted by at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Taco Joint at 911 N. Peak is open and Zelman Brounoff thinks it's good.

http://thetacojoint.com/default.aspx

Posted by at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lulu is a two year old, well-behaved stray. She is believed to be a pitt bull / blue heeler mix. She has a very good disposition and does not get along well with cats. Pass this on if you know anyone who might be interested. All inquiries can go to leeharveys@yahoo.com.

Posted by at 10:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A neighbor is missing two very large and friendly Old English Sheep dogs. They are black and white and are easily identified as they are very unusual. Please look for them and pass this message along to other neighbors. Any neighbors with information should call 214-649-8149.

Posted by at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

These might be tough times for those seeking a home loan, but be glad you didn’t have to try to borrow money to buy your east Dallas house back when the Peaks Addition neighborhood was new. Your credit isn’t good enough, you don’t have enough of a down payment, and the terms would have sent you running in fear.

Continue reading "Mortgage Crisis by Evelyn Montgomery" »

Posted by at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In June, the Dallas City Council significantly tightened rules on animal ownership under new regulations. The ordinance will require that most animals be spayed or neutered, limit how many pets residents can have, and restrict how long dogs can be tied up. Here’s a look at the new rules at a glance:

Continue reading "City Council Passes New Ordinance, Contributed by Councilmember Pauline Medrano, District 2" »

Posted by at 5:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Preservation Dallas is pleased to present the 2008 season of the Summer Preservation Institute! This series of professional adult education classes offers insight into local preservation topics, history and architecture.

All sessions are located at the Wilson Carriage House, behind 2922 Swiss Avenue, unless otherwise stated. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Carriage House, between Swiss Avenue and Floyd Street.

For more information about this or other Preservation Dallas programs, phone 214.821.3290.

Continue reading "Preservation Dallas Summer Preservation Institute" »

Posted by at 3:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Driving Less?
Driving is, of course, still with us and likely to be for some time inspite of the skyrocketing gas prices.  The important thing is not to stop driving but to drive smart and drive less.  Some experts suggest that propertly inflated tires can increase gas mileage by three percent -- which may not sound like much but over the course of a year this can mean hundreds of dollars of  savings in gas costs and hundreds of pounds of carbon dioxide NOT sent up into the ozone.  The other main part of driving smart is to plan trips and combine errands.
Another way to drive less is to do online shopping;  it is a very energy efficient way to move and store goods. It is estimated that e-commerce warehouses use as little as 1/16 the energy demanded by a retail store.  And due to economies of scale even next-day air-shipping is pretty efficient compared to the cost of dragging the car out to the mall and back.  That hulking UPS or FedEx truck lumbering down the street is more envronmentally-friendly than you probably imagined/
So watch the driving and keep a good pair of walking shoes handy.

Posted by at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Immigrants might have been promised streets paved with gold, but where the bois d’arc tree grows, the streets were paved with wood. this French term, “wood of the bow,” would not be understood by a Parisian in its Texas pronunciation, bodark. Its other names include Osage orange, horse apple, palo de arco and, among scientists, Maclurs Pomifera. While the tree now grows in many parts of the U.S., it was once found in a few areas native for it, including our section of the banks of the Trinity river. Pioneer Texans found many uses for it.

Continue reading "Bois D’Arc by Evelyn Montgomery" »

Posted by at 1:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

• Sergeant Craig will be setting up a 'speed buggy' in the 4800 block of Swiss, which will display the speed being traveled to to passing motorists, to help control speed.
• At the request of a neighbor, the City of Dallas assessed the intersection of Swiss and Grigsby to determine whether it fit the criteria for a four-way stop. The possibility was denied, but PAHA neighbors are following up with the city for further discussion.

Posted by at 1:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Don't forget recycling pick up day is this Thursday, June 19.

Need more information on recycling? Click here.

Posted by at 5:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A neighbor in the 5000 block of Victor found a lhasa apsa male dog; he is white with a brownish face wearing a red collar but no tag. My neighbor has him inside but had to go to work. He will be home at 5 but did not want to leave this dog running loose.

Posted by at 1:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Bridge provides a dynamic entry point for homeless persons to access multiple services in one centralized site in the south downtown Dallas area.

Opened in May 2008, the Bridge is a multi-purpose facility based on a unique Public-Private Partnership dedicated to serving homeless men, women and children, with the primary focus being the chronically homeless. Funds for the land purchase and building construction were generated through a $23.8 million City Bond Program passed in 2005.

The Bridge's service model will be "state-of-the-art" and based on three years of research to observe and learn from "best practices" around the nation.

Click here for more information.

Posted by at 6:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lots of folks will be looking into the purchase of a new television set this year in anticipation of the switch from analog to digital-only broadcasting come next February.  How green can your screen be?

Continue reading "The Green Line - a new column by Sharon Mielke" »

Posted by at 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

During the years when Prohibition reigned (1920-1933), East Dallas supported more than its share of dealers. Hooch, or giggle water, was widely available throughout the nation, produced in gin mills, carried by rum runners and served in speakeasies, making it easy to get splificated. Our neighborhood attracted all elements of this business. East Dallasites were arrested with as little as a gallon of contraband. Sycamore Street hosted a mixing plant, making reproductions of high-end brands, and police confiscated 10 gallon barrels of their creations.

Continue reading "We Always Had a Drug Problem by Evelyn Montgomery" »

Posted by at 9:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Smokey John's BBQ is opening soon on Gaston Avenue at Washington.

Check it out and send us your reviews!

Posted by at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Corinthian Bed and Breakfast at 4125 Junius is not just a beautiful house, but a witness to many of the changes in our neighborhood.

Continue reading "A Full House by Evelyn Montgomery" »

Posted by at 3:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

February applications for CAs (Certificate of Appropriateness):

Continue reading "Task Force Update by Renee Manes" »

Posted by at 3:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

• 2 Joe Jackson tickets available for sale. Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at the Paladium, 8:00 p.m. Non smoking. 1st row , 2nd elevated section. No one in front of you.  $55 each. Interested parties may contact Zelman Brounoff at 214.827.3997 or zelman@brounoff.com.
• There is a red lawn mower and two gas weed-eaters by our fence on the north side. They may have been stolen and deposited there. Please check your garages and tool sheds for missing items. -- Rick Leggio
• Don’t forget to pay your 2008 dues! For your convenience, you may submit your payment by mail or online via Paypal.

Posted by at 3:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Officer Victor Lozada, who was a 20+ year veteran of the Dallas Police Department, died as a result of injuries sustained when his motorcycle struck a pillar on the Houston Street viaduct.

Anyone wanting to donate to Sr. Cpl. Lozada's family can do so by contacting Mrs. Maureen Johns below:

Henry Lozada Memorial Fund
City Credit Union
Attn: Maureen Johns
Phone 214.319.3052

Posted by at 9:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our own Zach Madsen occupies a house at the corner of Worth and Prairie that has been home for many people over the years.
The house was built in 1915. It must have begun life as an upper-middle-class home because in 1918 a man named Sam B. Ward, of that address, is reported as entering the armed forces for World War I. Mr. Ward was listed in the newspaper in the section for Negro enlistments. The neighborhood was not at the time open for residence by African-Americans as renters. It is likely he or his parents were servants at the house, living in quarters in the back. In 1919 the house was sold for $5,800, at the high end of home values.

Continue reading "The Adventures of Zach’s House by Evelyn Montgomery" »

Posted by at 4:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On December 9th, the White Rock Marathon made its annual pass through Peak’s Addition. Once again, neighbors Jarrod and Allison Bassman and Daniel and Alex Watters generously hosted a party in front of their homes.

Runners were greeted by the invigorating sounds of three bands: the Cat Daddies, Shig Shag, and Squirrel Attack. Neighbors diligently cheered on the runners while enjoying the great music and breakfast refreshments. This event was truly fun for the whole family! Some runners encouraged personal cheers by printing their names on their shirts so encouragement shouted by strangers could be made more meaningful!

Nathan Galbreath and Arthur Cirillo, both PAHA members, ran the marathon. If you have not experienced the neighborhood ‘Run the Rock’ party, make plans to join us next year. This is a great way to meet the neighbors and enjoy a beautiful day!

Posted by at 4:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Join now! PAHA has exciting things planned for 2008! Please renew by February 5th - if you’re unable to pay at the General Meeting, please submit your payment by mail or online via Paypal.

Posted by at 3:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mark your calendars! Support our neighbor historic district by attending their home tour on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4.

More information will be available about the tour soon on the Munger Place website.

Posted by at 10:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dues are $25/year per person. Options for payment:

• Bring check to February 5th meeting payable to Peak's Addition Homeowners' Association
• Mail check to PAHA, P.O. Box 140805, Dallas, 75214-0805
• Pay online via Paypal online right now. You can pay by credit card and need not have a paypal account to take advantage of this option.

Posted by at 9:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Found white Boxer estimated to be around 1&1/2 years old. He weighs about 60 lbs and is neutered. He was found two weeks ago running near the intersection of Lakeshore/Abrams or Richmond/Greenville. He is being boarded at the vet but cannot stay during the busy holidays so his owners need to be found or he might end up at the shelter. Anyone with information can contact 214-728-7449 or michelle-mitch@sbcglobal.net.

Posted by at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

City of Dallas residents can recycle their Christmas tree at any of the following Christmas tree recycling locations Monday – Sunday between December 26 and January 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and pick up free mulch at the McCommas Bluff Landfill or Bachman Transfer Station after January 1.

You do not have to recycle your tree in order to get free mulch. Mulch is available on a first come, self serve basis, so bring your shovel and containers! When recycling Christmas trees, remove all tinsel, ornaments, lights, nails and tree stands before dropping off at the following locations.

Christmas Tree Recycling Locations Dec. 26-Jan. 11

• Northwest (Bachman) Transfer Station, 9500 Harry Hines Blvd. Also a FREE mulch location Jan. 2 - 11.


• Southwest (Oak Cliff) Transfer Station, 4610 S. Westmoreland Rd


• McCommas Bluff Landfill, 5100 Youngblood Rd. Also a FREE mulch location Jan. 2 - 11.


• Fair Oaks Transfer Station, 7677 Fair Oaks Ave


• Flag Pole Hill, Buckner Blvd @ Northwest Hwy

Posted by at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

All current PAHA members should plan to vote in upcoming elections for the 2008 Board of Directors. Elections will be held at the PAHA Holiday Celebration on December 4th. Those unable to attend the event should contact postmaster@peaksaddition.org by Friday, November 30 to obtain an absentee ballot.

The current slate is listed below and is still pending acceptance. The final slate will be distributed prior to the election.

President
JW Brasher

First Vice President
Janet Staring

Second Vice President
Elizabeth Nelson

Secretary
Evelyn Montgomery

Treasurer
Courtney Buterbaugh

At Large (4 will be selected)
Sara Anderson
Zelman Brounoff
Walker Duke
Zach Madsen
Sharon Mielke

Posted by at 8:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

HOME TOURS AND MORE HOME TOURS now make up the regular spring “home tour season,” as the Dallas Morning News has been known to call it. This was not always so, at least not for tours of renovated historic homes. Such tours accompany the movement back to older neighborhoods with decaying old houses, and are usually instituted to help pay the massive cost of saving neighborhoods. For those of us who were not here when the movement to save the houses of East Dallas began in the 1970s, a look back at the early home tours may give us a feel for those exciting times.

Continue reading "A History of Home Tours - By Evelyn Montgomery" »

Posted by at 6:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

PAHA is taking nominations for the 2008 Board through the November general meeting. General requirements to be a board member include a willingness to attend two meetings per month (scheduled a year in advance), an ability to work on various projects, and an interest in bettering the neighborhood. All members of PAHA are eligible to run and ideally, we’d like to have representatives from across the neighborhood. If you or someone you know is interested in serving, let us know! Nominate them at our next general meeting or send an email to postmaster@peaksaddition.org.

Posted by at 6:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Read more about the Mystery Shopper program and the new City Store.

Continue reading "Council Corner - Contributed by Pauline Medrano" »

Posted by at 5:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Dallas Citizens Fire Academy offers insight into the daily lives of firefighters. The inaugural class received 9 three-hour classes taught by various members of the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department plus one 8 hour class on the last day of the series learning about methods used by the Urban Search and Rescue Team (US&R), thus giving one a greater appreciation for the firefighters and their responsibilities.

In the classroom various important topics in fire science are taught. These are abbreviated versions of those taught to the firefighter recruits. They cover topics such as hydrology, types of fires, hazardous materials, and problems associated with different building structures. In addition, “hands-on” experience is obtained in areas such as wearing the weighty firefighter bunker gear, handling a fire hose, climbing the ladder of a ladder truck, entering a smoke-filled building, and putting out a fire while experiencing the incredible heat from that fire. It is truly an eye-opening experience.

A new session of the Dallas Citizen’s Fire Academy is about to begin. The time commitment is one hour per week for 10 weeks.
Apply now!!! Deadline Oct 6th
Contact Cynthia McGruder 214-670-0231

For more information:
Dallas City Hall website
Dallas Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association

Posted by at 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

PAHA is taking nominations for the 2008 Board through the November general meeting. General requirements to be a board member include a willingness to attend two meetings per month (scheduled a year in advance), an ability to work on various projects, and an interest in bettering the neighborhood. All members of PAHA are eligible to run and ideally, we’d like to have representatives from across the neighborhood. If you or someone you know is interested in serving, let us know! Nominate them at our next general meeting or send an email to postmaster@peaksaddition.org.

Posted by at 8:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In 1893 everybody in East Dallas was talking about the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, a world’s fair. Why did this event matter so much to people way down in Texas?

Continue reading "The 1893 Fair By Evelyn Montgomery" »

Posted by at 8:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Save the date! Support our neighbor historic district!

11.11.07
Volunteers needed - contact tepham@sbcglobal.net

Posted by at 6:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From Steve Bourn:
Monday, September 10, 9:00 am. The guest quarters at 4527 1/2 and 4529 Worth Street has flooded again as a direct result of the dam created by the school and adjact parking lot located in Buckner Park. Surface rain water that used to have washed downstream over the park is now blocked by the above mentioned construction. My distraught tenant, that is now moving out, said that the water started filling up the street and backed up into his apartment.

The good news is that the master plan for Buckner Park includes correcting this engineering design flaw.

View image #2
View image #3
View image #4

Posted by at 6:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

As we finalize our plans for the design of Buckner Park, discussing what elements we want to include in it, I would like to offer some ideas drawn from the history of our neighborhood. History should be a useful study, and I find some excellent ideas for amenities in a successful East Dallas park from the 1880s. Shady View Park was located on San Jacinto on a site that became the old St. Paul’s Hospital, at the end of the streetcar line running from downtown Dallas. It drew people from all over the area. What features did it possess that made it so popular?

Continue reading "A Park in our Past By Evelyn Montgomery" »

Posted by at 9:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Dallas Homeowners’ League is sponsoring its 10th Annual Neighborhood Leadership Boot Camp on Saturday, August 25 from 8:30 to 12:30 at City Hall. Jim Diers, author of Neighbor Power and a nationally recognized leader in neighborhood programs, will be the keynote speaker and Dallas City Mayor Tom Leppert will also be speaking. This workshop is a great opportunity for neighbors to learn about strategies to organize themselves, plan projects, and make their voices heard to City Hall. Peak’s Addition would love to have several members attend so that we can cover all of the informative breakout sessions. The cost is $10 and interested neighbors can register online or email postmaster@peaksaddition.org for more information.

Continue reading "Dallas Homeowners' League Boot Camp on August 25" »

Posted by at 6:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The City of Dallas is hosting a quarterly Recycling Round Up on Saturday, August 18 from 11 am to 5 pm. Residents can bring items that are not normally available for the bimonthly recycling pick up (tires, electronic items, scrap metal, etc) to various locations around the city to help stop unnecessary items from filling up our landfills. For a list of locations or for more information, visit the City’s website (www.dallascityhall.com) or call the Sanitation Services Department at 214.670.4475.

Download PDF file for more information.

Posted by at 7:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Neighbors in Peak's Addition are searching for their lost cat. Rocky is a male grey/black tabby cat. His left ear is clipped, he has a scar on his right ear, and no collar.
If you see this cat, please call 214.690.9625.

Posted by at 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The City of East Dallas: If you live within the boundaries of our Homeowners’ Association and your house was built before 1890, your house was not born a citizen of Dallas.

Continue reading "The City of East Dallas by Evelyn Montgomery" »

Posted by at 6:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Submit questions to ask@peaksaddition.org to be answered by neighbors in the know!

1. Why has Julian’s closed?
Devoted Julian’s fans are trying to find out why this great neighborhood find suddenly closed its doors in early July. Stay tuned for answers and hopefully a reopen date!
2. What happened at the carwash on Gaston at Fitzhugh on Saturday, July 28th?
Officer Keith Allen, our ICP officer, will be at the August 7th general meeting - show up to find out more.
3. Is there an update on MZ Grocery on Worth?
A hearing regarding the protest of MZ Grocery’s TABC license is scheduled for September 12th at 10:30 a.m. Details will be published in the next issue and on the website.

The Peak’s Edition cannot guarantee that every questions submitted will be answered or published.

Posted by at 6:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by PAHA member Zelman Brounoff:

Lumber and trim wood for sale. Left over from home remodel.

Some #117 novelty siding (smaller pieces both old and new) primed cove & bed moulding, 1x8 and 1x6's. Lots of other random lumber. $0.25 per foot. Cheap! Call Zelman at 214.827.3997 for more info. It goes in the dumpster soon.

Posted by at 4:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recycling dates have been added to the PAHA Calendar. The calendar can always be found on the left hand navigation under Resources.

Also see FAQs for recycling.

Posted by at 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Peak's Suburban Addition Historic District landmark marker has been beautifully landscaped by PAHA member J.R. Villarreal. Check out the marker and beautiful summer plantings at the northwest corner of Swiss & Moreland.

Posted by at 7:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Neighbors in Munger Place have lost their dog, a white akita / husky mix named Sadie. If you have seen this dog, please contact Brandon & Amanda Castille at 214.497.8893.

Posted by at 4:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Peak’s Addition is excited to be growing. Each year, we’re getting more and more members, making us stronger and more effective. We're now at 90 members, the most in recent history. Come join us if you haven’t already! Click this link for more information about membership.

Posted by at 7:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Give Graffiti the Brush! There’s nothing worse than neighbors coming together to beautify their community only to be slapped in the face with random graffiti spray painted on street signs, buildings or fences.  There is no such thing as a graffiti artist – they are criminals. According to the Dallas Police Department, it is a common misperception that most graffiti is done by gangs when in fact gangs are responsible for less than 10% of graffiti nationwide and locally.  Despite who is responsible for the graffiti, the negative result to the community is the same. When graffiti is allowed to take over a neighborhood it triggers other crimes.  Tackling this problem is fundamental to creating safe, sustainable and prosperous communities.  That’s why it’s important to remove graffiti quickly.

Continue reading "Council Member’s Corner -- Contributed by Pauline Medrano" »

Posted by at 6:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last month I gave you a Don’t and there’s another big Don’t I need to address, but later. Let’s talk about Do’s now because there are lots of things you can do effectively.

Continue reading "Loving Your historic House - Energy Improvements - Installation 2 -- By Norman Alston" »

Posted by at 6:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The sleeping porch pops up at least once in every historic home tour, not as a porch but as an enclosed and finished room that once was a sleeping porch. The room’s former purpose is always mentioned, followed by a reference to the desirability of sleeping outside in the Texas summer. With the spring tour season over and our own home tour coming in the fall, it’s a good time to see how much more there is to the idea of the sleeping porch.

Continue reading "Legend of the Sleeping Porch -- By Evelyn Montgomery" »

Posted by at 6:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Planning for this year's Home Tour, benefiting Buckner Park, is about to kick off, and the 2007 Home Tour Sponsorship Kit is now available! If you know of a business that may be interested in sponsoring our biggest event of the year, please download and take a Sponsorship Kit to them. Email hometour@peaksaddition.org to find out about more opportunities to get involved with planning of this important event.

Additional information will be posted to the PAHA 2007 Home Tour Website.

Posted by at 6:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Neighbors in Munger Place have lost their dog, who clawed a hole in the back fence and escaped earlier today. She is a white akita / husky mix and answers to the name Sadie. She also has a slight limp in her back leg, is thin & starting to molt. She's a very friendly dog.

She has a blue collar with blue ID tags including our phone number. However, the owners are concerned that they may be missing since they have had no calls today (they estimate she's been missing since late Monday June 4th).

If you find this dog, please contact Brandon & Amanda Castille at 214-370-9399 (home) or 214-497-8893 (cell).

UPDATE: June 5, 2:00 p.m.: Sadie has been found! Thanks to everyone for your concern and suggestions to help our neighbors!

Posted by at 9:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The following graphic represents a draft of the Buckner Park Master Plan. This draft is intended to provide a starting point for input and feedback from all neighborhood residents!

Take the opportunity to provide your input at the Picnic in the Park on June 10th!

View image

Posted by at 8:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just 10 minutes south of downtown Dallas is Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, a non-profit wildlife rescue organization that nurses animals back to health to be released back into the wild. If they cannot be released, Rogers will keep them and raise them, or possibly find another home for them at a zoo or elsewhere.

Continue reading "Ever wonder what to do if you find an injured wild animal or a baby bird that can't fly???" »

Posted by at 6:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We now have an online store where you can purchase items such as PAHA annual memberships, t-shirts, sign toppers, and event tickets. Check it out by clicking Online Store in the resources section on the left hand side.

A huge thank you goes out to PAHA member Zelman Brounoff for photographing our items for sale.

Posted by at 6:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

What was your house doing during World War II? I am a Peak’s Addition resident researching east Dallas houses that were converted to multi-family residences during World War II. These conversions were done to provide housing for war workers and were encouraged by the federal government. I am interested in the physical changes made in the houses at the time, and the challenges they presented as the houses have been restored. I am also interested in hearing about the experiences of people who lived in the houses during the war conversions. I hope to present a paper of this subject at the Ninth Annual Dallas History Conference on January 26, 2008.
If you have any information to share, contact: Evelyn Montgomery, emontgomery@dallasheritagevillage.org, 214.413.3670.

June is American Rivers Month. Talk to PAHA kayaking expert Nathan Galbreath about his hobby!

Posted by at 6:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Residents urged to get involved in the “Be a Better Planet” Greenest City Challenge

Continue reading "Your votes are needed to help Dallas become the greenest city in America!" »

Posted by at 6:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Early voting in Dallas and surrounding areas has started for the May 12 election. The link below includes dates and locations in Dallas County. You can vote at any location during the early vote period.

Reverchon Park Rec Center is open for this election and polling locations will be open this weekend. Additional locations and time/date information is located at:
http://www.dalcoelections.org/may122007/EARLYVOTINGlocations.htm

Posted by at 12:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Participate in the National Association of Letter Carriers 15th Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on May 12th. Fill a study bag with nonperishable foods and leave it next to your mailslot for collection.

May is National Bike Month. Talk to PAHA bicycling enthusiasts Zelman Brounoff and Robert Kam about their hobby!

Posted by at 9:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is intended to prepare neighborhood groups to respond and assist their families or neighbors in the event of an emergency or disaster in their community. Neighborhood Watch or other organized groups are encouraged to take the Community Emergency Response Team training. The coordinator for the Dallas CERT program is Emergency Management Specialist Tahira Ali. More information on CERT is available at: https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert

Posted by at 8:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A male rottweiler was found on a porch on Parkmont Street, the night of April 7. He is about 2-3 years old, very affectionate, obedient and non-aggressive. He has been well-cared far and he was somebody’s pet.

If you are looking for your rottweiler, please call 214-828-0232.

Posted by at 8:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am writing to ask for your help on one of the most important issues facing Dallas in a generation: the Trinity River Project.

Continue reading "TrinityVote - Your Help is Needed by Angela Hunt" »

Posted by at 8:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

PLEASE contact your State Representative and OPPOSE these bills.

Continue reading "Preservation Alert - House Bills 1732 & 1736 Update" »

Posted by at 8:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Calling all neighbors! You know you're just looking for the right spot to plug in.

Continue reading "Calling All Neighbors! by Mary Beth Galbreath and Courtney Buterbaugh" »

Posted by at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The City of Dallas is taking registration from homeowners who want a free roll cart to use for recycling. These roll carts will replace the blue bags and will make recycling even more convenient. They will only be delivered to homeowners who request one, so sign up now to make sure you receive one. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Learn more and register at: http://www.dallascityhall.com/html/recycling.html

Posted by at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A new shop called Casa Colonial recently opened at Peak and Bryan! Rita Banos, a member of PAHA, along with her sister Sara Vazquez, create island-inspired linens and bedding. The sisters’ Cuban-inspired Havana 1515 line is sold nationwide at specialty stores and Neiman Marcus. The new Casa Colonial line takes its cue from Caribbean style.
Casa Colonial, 1322 Peak Street, 214.941.8700; Store Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a. m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment.

--by Courtney Buterbaugh

Posted by at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dallas Mayorial Candidate
Gary Griffith
will be at
La Popular Tamales
Corner of Munger and Columbia
Monday, March 19th
6 PM to 8:30 PM
for a meet and great.

Please stop by if you can.
for directions visit
www.lapopulartamales.com

Posted by at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Forward momentum continues with the design and implementation of the new and improved Buckner Park master plan.....

Continue reading "Buckner Park Update By Elizabeth Nelson" »

Posted by at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

During the last general meeting, members discussed the idea of creating of a new role that could manage and coordinate the goals and initiatives of the larger HA at the block and street level. 

Continue reading "Neighborhood Synergy: Block Coordinator Proposal by Brent Duncan" »

Posted by at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Peak's Addition is the place to be! Come be a part of the inner workings! Do any of the jobs mentioned below fit your skills or schedule? Let us know--

Continue reading "Volunteer March by Mary Beth Galbreath" »

Posted by at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Renaissance: a renewal of life, vigor, interest, etc.; rebirth; revival.

Continue reading "Opinion Corner by Clark Mitchell" »

Posted by at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

February Certificate of Appropriateness (CA) applications

Continue reading "Task Force Update" »

Posted by at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A meeting on January 30 gathered public input to proposed changes to the Landmark Commission Rules of Procedure. One proposed change of note is the elimination of the neighborhood task forces as they currently exist, with the Landmark Commission able to create these teams as they see appropriate. Many neighbors feel the Task Force is important because they are our liaison to the Landmark Commission and they offer help on Certificates of Appropriateness prior to their being presented to the Landmark Commission. At the next PAHA General Meeting, a discussion and vote will be held to establish the Association’s stance on this matter.

Posted by at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Do you have web design skills (HTML, Photoshop, Designer, etc) ? I'm looking for a volunteer to help create a new visual design for the PAHA website. If you're interested, please send an email to webmaster@peaksaddition.org

Thanks

Posted by at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pledging to begin work on some neighborhood projects that have been talked about for a number of years, a very energetic and positive Board of Directors met in January to set goals for the year.

Continue reading "PAHA Sets New Course - Exciting Project To Begin by JW Brasher" »

Posted by at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The organization is growing and we need your help.

Continue reading "Volunteers Needed!" »

Posted by at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On December 10th, the White Rock Marathon made its annual pass through Peak’s Addition. Once again, neighbors Jarrod and Allison Bassman and Daniel and Alex Watters generously hosted a party in front of their homes.

Continue reading "Run the Rock 2007" »

Posted by at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Continue reading "Opinion Corner by Ron Schulz" »

Posted by at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

December and January Certificate of Appropriateness (CA) Applications:

Continue reading "Task Force Update" »

Posted by at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Have you always wanted an easy way to tell the City exactly what you think about their service. Well now you can, please read message below and if you can sign up.

Continue reading "City's Mystery Shopper Program" »

Posted by at 9:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Check out what really happened at the PAHA White Rock Marathon party on Swiss. Click Here to View Comic

Posted by at 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dues are $25/year per person. We are planning to publish a PAHA Membership Directory, so please renew your membership on time in order to be included! Options for payment:

Bring check to January meeting payable to Peak's Addition Homeowners' Association

Mail check to PAHA, P.O. Box 140805, Dallas, 75214-0805

Pay online via Paypal online right now. You can pay by credit card and need not have a paypal account to take advantage of this option.

Posted by at 9:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

PAHA has worked hard in a series of successes in recent years. Most recently, neighborhood representatives from Peak’s Addition, along with those from Munger Place, Swiss Avenue, and Junius Heights worked side by side with Baylor Hospital to come up with new zoning for the Baylor Campus. In the end, the neighborhood coalition and Baylor received the City’s approval and praise for coming together on such an important zoning case and working together to come up with an agreed upon solution.

Efforts such as this take not only time and dedication of our neighborhood participants, but funding for expenses such as consulting and legal fees. Efforts on the horizon include very exciting potential development of Buckner Park. For such an exciting improvement to our neighborhood, PAHA could provide manpower and funding contribution. Please consider supporting PAHA's efforts with a financial contribution, no matter how small.

You can donate by clicking the 'Make a Donation' button (left under Membership) on this website or mail your check to : PAHA, PO Box ox 140805, Dallas, TX 75214.

Posted by at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The home of Sara & Jim Anderson

Continue reading "Halloween in the ‘hood" »

Posted by at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nominations are still open!
President……………………JW Brasher
1st Vice President………Brent Duncan
2nd Vice President…Elizabeth Nelson
Secretary………Mary Beth Galbreath
Treasurer………Courtney Buterbaugh
At Large…Laura Ainsworth, Sara Anderson,
Jean Lamberty
Contact postmaster@peaksaddition.org
or a current board member with additional nominations.

Posted by at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wondering how to get involved in PAHA? Your help is needed for the success of this association!

Home tour chair(s) - 4-6 hours per week
Home tour committee - 2-3 hours per week
Newsletter delivery - 1 hour per month
Newsletter article contribution - 1-2 hours per month
New Member Committee - 1 hour per month or as needed

Posted by at 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It seems like yesterday we were starting out 2006 with much expectation for upcoming events and for closing out some ongoing projects. I was honored you re-elected me as President and thank you for your hard work throughout the year.

Continue reading "2006 In Review" »

Posted by at 9:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Texas Trees Foundation has discounted trees available for our membership and neighbors to order for our parkways and front yards. Sorry, these trees are not available for backyard planting. If you are interested in ordering trees to be planted or to plant yourself, contact Elizabeth Nelson to place your order. All orders must go through the Homeowner’s Association to receive the discounted price. We will place one large order on the 15th of November, and checks must be submitted prior to the order being placed.

Continue reading "Discount Trees Available Now! " »

Posted by at 9:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

At the October Homeowners’ Association meeting, Family Gateway representatives came to present to the membership and other concerned neighbors their plans for expansion and renovation of their facilities at 4712 Gaston Avenue.

Continue reading "Family Gateway Update" »

Posted by at 9:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

October Certificate of Appropriateness (CA) Applications: 

Continue reading "Task Force Update" »

Posted by at 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Zaragoza School PTA is having a winter festival on December 1st to raise funds to help with programs for the kids -- uniforms, playground equipment, school supplies, and the like. If you’d like to help with the carnival or donate something like a raffle prize, contact Sandy Graham segraham@p450bm3.net).
-- Sandy Graham

The Parks Commission will present ideas for major improvements at Buckner Park at the PAHA January general meeting on January 9th. Please attend to find out how you can get involved in this exciting project!
-- Elizabeth Nelson

Posted by at 9:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Wednesday, September 20, representatives from Family Gateway presented to the PAHA Board their plans for renovation and expansion of their facilities at 4712 Gaston Avenue. The proposed expansion would cover approximately one-third of the south side of Gaston Avenue between Carroll and Fitzhugh.
Family Gateway is a nonprofit organization that provides transitional housing and education to recently homeless families. It has been on Gaston Avenue since 1990. The group’s current facility has 25 apartments that are transitional housing and eight units that are permanent housing for their clients who have graduated from the one year transitional housing program.
Family Gateway’s vision for their facility is to add affordable, permanent housing as well as to update their transitional housing. To do this, they are looking at buying the properties at 4700, 4704, and 4708 Gaston (Mr. Gilbert’s house that burned, the vacant lot, and the yellow house). They envision housing offices and classrooms in the yellow house and then, after demolishing the burned house at 4700 Gaston, building a new apartment complex that spans that lot as well as the vacant lot. Then, they would demolish their existing structure at 4712 Gaston and rebuild it, possibly looking to connect both buildings behind and/or to the yellow house. Recognizing that they are in a historic neighborhood, they plan to attempt to make the apartments look “period” and to create a façade that mimics other properties on the street yet all the while maximizing space and giving them as many units as they can (for them, ideally up to 75 total units).
Family Gateway has pressing time constraints and so plans to submit plans for conceptual approval to the Neighborhood Task Force on October 6 and to the Landmark Commission in early November. After some research by concerned neighbors, it appears that Family Gateway’s plans may not be allowed within the Planned Development and applicable zoning. Family Gateway will present its plans to the entire neighborhood at the monthly Homeowners' Association meeting this Tuesday, October 3, at 7 pm at East Dallas Christian Church. Anyone with questions or concerns about this expansion is encouraged to attend the meeting to speak with representatives from Family Gateway.

Posted by at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

4602 Reiger, also known as “The Mary W. Shiels home” is currently for sale pre-foreclosure. You’ve probably noticed the 2-story Fushia Victorian on the corner of Reiger and Colson.

Continue reading "Opinion Corner: 4602 Reiger By Elizabeth Nelson" »

Posted by at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cool weather, sunny blue skies, what more could one ask for this time of year…a fabulous Garden Tour in Old East Dallas, of course!  Five lovely gardens in the Old East Dallas area are on tour on Saturday October 7th from 10 until 4.  

The tour includes the grounds of a Swiss Avenue estate complete with an outdoor kitchen garden and mini-orchard, a Lakewood “three-lot” garden surrounded by a bounty of native and adapted native plants, an extensive absolutely stunning display of color and finally, texture in a gigantic garden off Henderson, and a charming postage-stamp garden just a little bit off the beaten path. Tickets ($10 includes all five gardens) are purchased at the first “Master Gardener” award-winning garden at 4528 Rusk which is between Fitzhugh and Carroll just four blocks west of Deere (the street just south of Capitol).  Proceeds will benefit the Dallas County Master Gardener Association. -- Renee Manes

Tan Peak's Suburban Addition Historic District T-shirts of ALL sizes are available for $10. Orders can be delivered right to your door! Neighbors may also pick up t-shirts to sell. Contact Elizabeth Nelson at 214-823-7474 or buffynelson@hotmail.com. -- Elizabeth Nelson

Peak’s Addition Homeowners’ Association is undertaking an effort to replace missing historic district sign toppers throughout the neighborhood. If you know of an intersection that is missing its historic district designation sign, please contact Courtney Buterbaugh at 214.967.5060 or postmaster@peaksaddition.org. -- C. Buterbaugh

Join the Old East Dallas Graffiti Paint-Out on October 14, 9 a.m. till 12 p.m. Meet at the East Dallas Storefront, 4545 Bryan St. For more information, contact Lisa Fullerton at 214.670.5647 or lisa.fullerton@dallascityhall.com. --Sandy Graham

Posted by at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

September Certificate of Appropriateness (CA) Applications:
4821 Worth Street — add railing to porch, paint
4711 Gaston Avenue — exterior site improvements, new driveway/parking
1015 N. Carroll Avenue — new fence/gate
4818 Junius Street — new fence/gate installed without a CA
1003 Moreland — new gate
Corner of Sycamore and Carroll — conceptual review of two new single family homes
If you will notice the last item on our agenda this month includes a “conceptual review”.   In these cases, usually only utilized for new structures, an applicant will bring forth a very basic idea to the task force to see if the direction is compatible with the historic district.  In this particular case, the applicant showed us several pictures of homes and wanted to know which style he should pursue.  We picked two styles out of the three presented and explained why the one example was not acceptable.  This applicant will now go to his architect and draw up detailed plans and hopefully, in the future, will present his detailed CA application to the task force.  Obviously, this “conceptual review” eliminates an enormous amount of time devoted to part of a project that more than likely would not be accepted by any of the deciding bodies (PSAHD Task Force, City Staff, Landmark Commission).
Can you believe it was just about a dozen years ago, in March 1995, when the neighborhood created the Peak’s Suburban Addition Historic District and, WOW, look at how far we’ve come!

Posted by at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This year’s National Night Out on Tuesday August 1st was a big success, in spite of the heat!! Neighbors from Peak’s Addition HA and Munger Place HD pitched in to make the event a fun one for the approximately 150 people who were there. ..

Continue reading "National Night Out 2006 a Great Success! by Sandy Graham" »

Posted by at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Seltzers live on Worth street and have two daughters (they have lived in the neighborhood for more than 20 years). Their youngest daughter, Sarah, just graduated from Ursuline and received a scholarship for soccer at Bucknell. Sarah has long been a soccer star in Dallas. In addition to starting for the championship Ursuline team, she plays for the much-sought-after Texans Girls 88. That team won the National Championship held in Des Moines, Iowa just two weeks ago. This was a great accomplishment as it was the first time a team from Dallas has won this prestigious honor! An interesting note is that Sarah actually got to meet one of her future Bucknell teammates after the championship game who happened to be playing for the opposing team.
The Seltzers’ oldest daughter, Callie, has also been distinguished with honors. She graduated from Ursuline four years ago, and is currently entering her senior year at Ohio Wesleyan where she has attended on a full academic scholarship.
 Congratulations to the Seltzer family!! Don't be afraid to stop by and say 'hi" to Barbara and Richard Seltzer as they are now "empty-nesters!"

Posted by at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Saturday mornings (and some other mornings as well) the Cambodian and Laotian gardeners at the East Dallas Community and Market Garden (1416 N. Fitzhugh, behind Jimmy’s) sell their produce to the public. This garden is one of six run by the Gardeners In Community Development (GICD). The mission of the garden is to provide hard working, needy families thousands of pounds of vegetables and herbs and to be a place of community and family growth. The gardeners who work the garden say that it is good for them because it allows them to carry on traditional farming skills, to teach their children about “real” Asian life, and to experience the peaceful, healing, and spiritual aspects of community gardening. It is also a way for them to earn a bit of money.
The gardeners, most of whom speak limited English, enjoy growing water spinach, bitter melon, wax gourd, long beans, taro stem, ivy leaf gourd vine tips, cucumbers, green onions, and a wide variety of herbs.  They sell these vegetables to cover the necessary utilities, tools, and seeds for their gardens. A plot in the garden costs $30/year which pays for water and electricity. The land is now owned by the Communities Foundation. The garden serves about 20 low income, senior households. These gardeners sell their produce to more than 100 frequent buyers.
First opened on September 10, 1988, this garden came about as a broad community effort to create plots where Asian and other refuge families would be able to plant and harvest vegetables for themselves. We are fortunate to live in such a diverse neighborhood and to have fresh grown produce available to us so close to our homes. You can find more information on Gardeners In Community Development at 972.231.3565 or at www.gardendallas.org. And, of course, you can pop in the East Dallas Community Garden, buy some delicious produce, and experience for yourself this neighborhood gem!

By Mary Beth Galbreath

Posted by at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Peak’s Suburban Addition Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness or “CA” applications for August:
(Next month’s applications due to Mark Doty, our city representative, by Thursday September 7th)
 
4320 Gaston Avenue—demolition of contributing building
4406 Sycamore Street—enclose existing garage, started without a CA
4612 Swiss Avenue—new accessory building
4818 Junius Street—new wood fence and gate without CA approval
4500 Live Oak Street—exterior renovation of existing non-contributing retail facility
 
And why are we reviewing 4500 Live Oak?  The address is a bit misleading.  Live Oak is not in our historic district, but much of this building (the old Minyards) sits on Sycamore, which is in the district. 
 
The phrase “without a CA” refers to action called in either to Mark Doty or to code enforcement which was performed without getting the necessary approval from Landmark Commission.  If Landmark does not approve the work, then the property owner is required to “undo” the work.  Obviously, one is much better off receiving CA approval prior to proposed work rather than afterward which risks both time and money!

Posted by at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Since March 2005 the neighborhood representatives from Peak’s Addition, along with those from Munger Place, Swiss Avenue, and Junius Heights have been working side by side with Baylor Hospital to come up with new zoning for the Baylor Campus.

Continue reading "An Agreeable Solution, The Baylor Planned Development District BY JW BRASHER" »

Posted by at 9:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We want your feedback about newsletter delivery. It is a substantial cost to the association and requires many volunteer hours for delivery. Tell us what you think.

Posted by at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

April and May brought good times and fine wine to the PAHA neighbors. First, on April 20, a hearty group gathered at a neighborhood favorite: Times Ten Cellars. The affordable and delicious wines set the perfect stage for celebrating the arrival of spring floods in the neighborhood. Then, on May 19, a boisterous crowd assembled along Swiss Avenue for a raucous wine crawl. The initially sober PAHA sommeliers began with French bubbly, and Muscadet whites at the castille de Buterbaughs. The spread of breads and cheeses was memorable. Next, it was on to the Bassmans’ for Languedoc liquids and heavy appetizers. By that time, the heat of the day had transformed into cool breezes and inebrious fellowship. Finally, the pilgrims spilled over into La Maison del President, where Bordeauxs and scrumptious chocolate desserts rounded out the evening. Those that remember it claim the wine crawl was among the best PAHA social events this May. But have no fear, another memorable gathering is just around the corner.
On Thursday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m. there will be a nondenominational neighborhood gathering on the patio of the Old Monk: 2847 N. Henderson Ave. (Central Expressway and Henderson). Come sample some of the Monk’s exotic brews and don’t forget to bring your appetite (and your neighbors). There will be dining aplenty within walking distance. Hope to see you there!

Wine List
Carousel Brut Sparkling Wine
Muscadet Petit M 2004
Val Joanis 2000
Circus Shiraz 2003
Arnozan, Reserve des Chartrons 2003
Chateau Monplaisir 2003

Posted by at 2:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pilates Squared is a health and fitness studio that combines massage, yoga, pilates, and ballroom dance. They are located in a great space just minutes from Peak’s Addition at 3122 Swiss Avenue.
They offer several Pilates classes each week and ballroom dancing classes three nights a week. On Fridays they offer a social dance party from 8-9:30 p.m. For advanced students, the studio offers private sessions.

Posted by at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Certificate of Appropriateness (CA) applications for May:
4522 Reiger – replace deteriorated tile on steps and repair steps
4508 Reiger – construction of new fence
4607 Gaston – replace roof shingles and add dormer
1003 Moreland – new fence
 
We welcome Mark Doty, the new City Staff representative for our PSAHD Task Force.  Margaret Fiskell is still part of the team, but is working on another historic preservation project for the time being.  Remember to have your CA applications for June to Mark (214.671.9260) by Thursday June 1st!

Posted by at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mac Users Only: This Dashboard Widget automatically pulls articles from www.peaksaddition.org. It's a great way to stay current on neighborhood news. If you currently use it, download this update.

Continue reading "Updated: PAHA Dashboard Widget !" »

Posted by at 9:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The second annual Peak’s Addition Picnic and Historic Home Tour was a great success

Continue reading "Peak’s Addition Historic Home Tour a Success!" »

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A welcoming reminder to new folks in Peak's Suburban Addition Historic District (PSAHD)...if you are planning to work on or change virtually anything on the exterior of your property, you must make sure it meets the historic requirements set forth by the PSAHD criteria which in turn is based on the Secretary of the Interior Standards. ...

Continue reading "Task Force Update" »

Posted by at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As of April 3, 2006, Kathleen Davis, Director of Code Compliance, realigned the Code Districts to:
1.) Balance the workload and provide a quicker response;
2.) Reduce the number of census tracks per inspector and assign contiguous census tracks to an inspector;
3.) Combine Premise/Zoning and Structural Units to one inspector rather than splitting up duties among several inspectors for one location.
A map of the Census Tracks in our area has been posted to the website, showing the corresponding inspectors and managers. Robert Curry is now both our Premise and Zoning Inspector, with Nana Owusu as our Operations Manager. Also included are a few of the adjacent areas in Old East Dallas.

Continue reading "Update on Code Compliance" »

Posted by at 10:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There is a change in policy about how reports of burglaries are being processed. For the last year or so, if someone was a victim of a burglary, the complainant would call in the report, but a police officer would not visit the site. This has been changed. Now, the offense reports of burglaries will be done by a police officer in person. The quarterly report on crime statistics will be included in the next newsletter.

Posted by at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On March 2, 2006, Pauline Medrano (District 2) and Angela Hunt (District 14) co-hosted the Dallas On the Move presentation at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Continue reading "Dallas on the Move" »

Posted by at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On March 23, a merry crowd of neighbors gathered at The Tipperary Inn for a St. Patty's-inspired PAHA social. The Tipp was happy to provide all the pints we could consume, and we were happy to consume all the pints The Tipp could provide. A good time was had by all.

Continue reading "Social Corner" »

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On March 23, a merry crowd of neighbors gathered at The Tipperary Inn for a St. Patty's-inspired PAHOA social.

Continue reading "Neighborhood Social" »

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The Peak’s Addition Homeowners’ Association wants your input on our priorities. We are surveying members, neighbors, residents, and local business owners to ask you what you want us to focus on. Your input and response to these questions is necessary for our neighborhood to be successful.

Click Here to take Survey

Posted by at 9:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

You know it is Spring because the daffodils are dancing in the breeze and the paint is peeling off the novelty siding!

Continue reading "Task Force Update" »

Posted by at 9:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On January 13th, 2006, residents from Peak’s Addition joined other East Dallas neighbors for a mixer at the Sons of Hermann Hall in Deep Ellum.

Continue reading "January Multi-Neighborhood Mixer" »

Posted by at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Back in the ‘90s, Peak’s Suburban Addition Historic District was created to maintain the historic structures that still exist here, allow appropriate restoration of decaying structures, and encourage infill construction to enhance the neighborhood’s architectural significance.

Continue reading "Historic District Expansion Update" »

Posted by at 9:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Peak’s Addition will host a picnic and historic home tour on Sunday, April 9th to raise money for neighborhood improvement projects and to publicize and promote Old East Dallas. Last year was a success and with your participation, this year will be an even bigger success!

Continue reading "2006 Historic Home Tour and Picnic " »

Posted by at 9:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Attention Mac Users (We have a few), I've created a Dashboard Widget to give you the latest neighborhood news, meeting information right on your desktop.

Continue reading "Mac Dashboard Widget Now Available" »

Posted by at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The new Home Tour website is now available ( hometour.peaksadditon.org ). The site contains all the details about this years event. You can even purchase your tickets now via PayPal! We still need volunteers!!! Please send an email to hometour@peaksaddition.org if you are interested.

Posted by at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CA (Certificate of Appropriateness) applications for January:

Continue reading "Task Force Update" »

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The PAHA 2005 Holiday Party was a great success. It was held Tuesday, December 6th, at the home of JW Brasher and Clark Mitchell.

Continue reading "Holiday Party" »

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On September 12, the Old East Dallas neighborhoods met at Grace United Methodist Church to discuss the growing graffiti problems in our area.

Continue reading "Neighborhood Graffiti" »

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At the monthly Homeowners’ Meeting on Tuesday, October 4, the Peak’s Addition HA held a reception to honor and to thank all sponsors of the Sesquicentennial Home Tour and Picnic.

Continue reading "Home Tour Sponsor Thank You Reception" »

Posted by at 7:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In early Spring 2005, East Dallas neighbors learned that Baylor University Medical Center planned to request a rezoning for all their properties under one Planned Development District (PDD). Robert Reeves and Kristi Sherrill-Hoyl, representatives from Baylor, explained that the motivation ....

Continue reading "Baylor Update" »

Posted by at 1:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Peak’s Suburban Addition Sesquicentennial Home Tour and Picnic, held April 3, turned out to be a huge success due to the hard work of tons of volunteers and our sponsors and friends.

Continue reading "Thank You" »

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The Mill Creek Homeowners' Association Sesquicentennial committee is giving away $50.

Continue reading "Win $50 for selling the most tickets!" »

Posted by at 6:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Sesquicentennial Birthday Picnic and Home Tour are right around the corner! We need volunteers for ALL PARTS of the day. Please contact Elizabeth Nelson at 214.823.7474 if you'd like to help out!

Continue reading "Worker Bees Needed!" »

Posted by at 6:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Due to the fact that we have let our Homeowners' Association state registration lapse, another community in Texas has taken the name Mill Creek Homeowners' Association. Thus, we are unable to register with the State as Mill Creek HOA. As a result of this fact and the fact that Mill Creek did not even run through our neighborhood, the Board has suggested that we officially change the name of our HOA.

Continue reading "New Mill Creek Name?" »

Posted by at 4:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

We attended the quarterly Crime Watch meeting hosted by the Central Division Police Department on Thursday evening. By the way, this was the BEST crime watch meeting to date! Mill Creek attendance was fair, so hopefully we'll see more of you at the next meeting.

Continue reading "Tip from the Crime Watch Meeting" »

Posted by at 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

J.W. Brasher ---Lee and I just returned from the City Council meeting and the Peak Academy expansion request was approved with all council members in favor except for Bill Blaydes.

Continue reading "Peak Academy Proposal -Passed" »

Posted by at 6:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)