June, 2010

This calendar covers an extended period of time. Changes happen. If we are informed of changes, they will be posted here and designated Changed. But we don't always get notified so please call number listed before driving to an event. We also add events as we hear of them. Look for NEW.

Thu, Jun 3 - North Central Texas Communities Alliance (NCTCA) meets at 7 pm at Trinity Inn Suites, 2000 Beach Street at I-30, southwest corner, Fort Worth, 76103. Wilma Subra, owner of a chemistry lab and environmental consulting firm, speaks and makes it easy to understand what toxins in our community do to our health and how to shine the light back on industry to get results. Free. 

Thu, Jun 3 - North Texas chapter of Native Plant Society meets at 7 pmat Fort Worth Botanic Garden, located off University Drive west of downtown at 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard. From Interstate 30, exit north on University Drive; the Botanic Garden begins immediately on the west side of the street.  Free

Sat, Jun 5 - Fort Worth Vegetarian Society monthly dinner at Spiral Diner, 6:30 pm. 1314 W Magnolia at 6th, Fort Worth. No reservation necessary; look for FWVS sign. Event is free except for cost of your food and beverage.

Sat, Jun 5 - SPCA of Texas’ Pet Grief recovery program for those grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. Meet at 1 pm at the conference room at SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas. Free.

Sat, Jun 5 - Project WILD Workshop — Learn how to teach young people about ecology and wildlife using fun, hands-on educational activities. During the six-hour training workshop participants will sample activities and receive a curriculum and activity guide. Activities are adaptable for all grade levels, integrated with core subject curricula and aligned to the TEKS. Teachers, informal educators and youth group leaders may take the training. SBEC credit available for teachers. Held at Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 1801 N. Mill St., Suite A (www.ias.unt.edu/llela) 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.; preregistration required. To register, contact Lisa Cole at lisacole@unt.edu or (972) 219-3930

NEW Sat, Jun 5 - Dallas Water-Wise Landscape Tour. Master Gardeners are giving free 30 minute talks on Water-Wise gardening every hour on the hour from 9 am to 3 pm at three locations. Volunteers will also be assisting homeowners and helping answer questions about the plants and landscapes on the tour. Locations: White Rock Pump Station, 2900 White Rock Rd., Dallas, 75214; Les Lacs Linear Park, 3901 Beltway Dr., Addison, 75001; Kiest Park Recreation Center, 3012 S. Hampton Rd., Dallas, 75224. 214-670-3155

Sat, Jun 6 - Vegan Buffet every first Sunday at Papaya Garden, 1201 W. Airport Frwy #100, 817 684-9378, Euless on the corner of Airport Fwy (Hwy 183) and Industrial (FM157 also known as Collins in Arlington). Thai, plant-based, and all-you-can-eat buffet is served from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. There are several groups here. Larger restaurant means more room for families and other groups  Ask for Terry at the door to meet/converse with an interesting group of people. Or sit with your friends and family . Organizer: Terry Jensen 817 545-0140 or 972 251-1532. 

NEW Sun, Jun 6 - Twelve Hills Nature Center Community Celebration to celebrate the new Trailhead entrance. 12 noon to 4 pm at 817 Mary Cliff Rd, Dallas, 75208, 214-335-5974. Park on the street. Directions: From I 30,turn south onto Sylvan, right onto Kings Highway, left onto Mary Cliff. Twelve Hills is on the right. 

Mon, Jun 7 - Fort Worth Bicycling Association meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, Building #2, room 2-100. Park in lot A and enter the lower level. Look for the yellow FWBA signs. 

Mon, Jun 7- Unity Church of Dallas,   6525 Forest Ln, Dallas, presents "Choices for Sustainable Living" book discussion group, this Monday evening and every Monday evening thru July 19 at 7:00 pm. A new small group discussion course at Unity Church of Dallas explores the ways that individuals and communities can positively impact the world today and for future generations. Participants will discuss the power of consumption choices and community action to create a sustainable society. 6525 Forest Ln, Dallas. There is no fee for the class but a love offering will be taken and participants must purchase the book ($20 plus shipping). The course is limited to 12 people. To register contact Patti Pierce at pattipierce@wans.net or 972 596-7784.

NEW Tue, Jun 8 - Veg Out class taught by Steve and Cindy Hader of the Fort Worth Vegetarian Society. Learn the healthiest foods on the planet and how to incorporate them into your diet. North Richland Hills Recreation Center, North Richland Hills. Free. Call for more information 817-427-6600.

NEW Tue, Jun 8 - Pegasus Flyer's inline skating: Tuesday night City Skate. Meet at Albertson's Parking Lot, 3524 McKinney Av at Lemmon, Dallas 75204 at 7:45 pm. Skate at 8 pm sharp. This is a rain or shine event--if the weather is inclement,  there is no skating but group meets to visit, although most nights in Dallas are skateable. Skaters should be able to stop and be able to traverse various road conditions (curbs, potholes, etc). info@pegasusflyers.org. This group skates other days/nights of the week at other locations. Check with them for other dates.

NEW Fri, Jun 11 through Sun, Jun 13 - Tour Don Ferrier's Zero Energy Casita featuring passive solar design, wind turbine, and many green features open for tours in Fort Worth from 11 am until 7 pm. 9245 Westview, Fort Worth, 76179. Free

Sat, Jun 12 - Animal Connection of Texas meeting. 10 am. Center for Community Cooperation, 2900 Live Oak Street, Dallas. 214 373-7867. Free.

NEW Sat, Jun 12 - How Foods Fight Cancer from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine's nutrition/cooking classes. Receive food samples plus recipes and information. Free but must register by calling Katherine at 817-526-4811.

Sat, Jun 12- Project WILD Workshop — Learn how to teach young people about ecology and wildlife using fun, hands-on educational activities. During the six-hour training workshop participants will sample activities and receive a curriculum and activity guide. Activities are adaptable for all grade levels, integrated with core subject curricula and aligned to the TEKS. Teachers, informal educators and youth group leaders may take the training. SBEC credit available for teachers. Held at Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 1801 N. Mill St., Suite A, Lewisville. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.; preregistration required. To register, contact Lisa Cole at lisacole@unt.edu or (972) 219-3930

NEW Sat, Jun 12 - White Rock Market, food and vendors, often music. 8 am to 1 pm. Located next to the Green Spot Market and Fuels at 702 N. Buckner Blvd at Northcliff Dr, Dallas. Free

Sat, Jun 12, - Geocaching 101 at Cedar Hilll State Park. What is Geocaching? Simple answer, a Scavenger/Treasure hunt using GPS units and coordinates to find the treasure. Sound fun, well it is the fastest growing outdoor activity in the world. Want to learn more? We will teach you. No equipment or experience needed, just bring your family or friends and learn about this great outdoor pastime! Meet at the south boat ramp under the tent. (972) 291-5940 (972) 291-3900.

Sat, Jun 12 - Kids N Nature Benthic ExplorationsRay Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit: Benthic means: relating to or characteristic of the bottom of a sea, lake, or deep river, or the animals and plants that live there. Learn about aquatic ecosystems and how to test water quality by studying benthic invertebrates. Scoop up, sort, and study aquatic insects and other pond critters with a hand lens and microscope. Group size limited. Accessible for the mobility and visually impaired. 9-11 a.m.; preregistration required (940) 637-2294.

Sat, Jun 12 - Black Vegetarian Society of Texas Vegetarian 101 class at Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 2922 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Dallas. 11:30 am -1:30 pm. Free

NEW Sat, Jun 12 - Guided Trinity River Expedition via canoe.  In addition to  seeing the beauty (and sometimes the lack of same) of the river, veteran canoe guide Charles Allen will point out American Indian sites and other historical artifacts as you paddle.  From 8:30 am until mid-afternoon. $45 payable when reservation made. Trips are rain or shine. Other details by calling 214-941-1757. Although trips may change because of local boating conditions, scheduled trip for June is the West Fork Trinity River from Mountain Creek to Sylvan, 6+ miles. 

Sat, Jun 12  - White Rock Lake Cleanup. Walk and talk while helping to pick up trash and recyclables at the Sierra Club's adopted section of White Rock Lake Park. Meet at 8:15 AM at the Love of the Lake office on the Northeast corner of Garland Rd. and Buckner Blvd. Look for a crowd of people drinking free juice and coffee. Gloves, trash bags, etc. provided. Our area includes one of the wonderful prairie restoration areas, so there are always birds and wildflowers to enjoy. Brunch afterwards. Leader: Carol Nash 214-824-0244(H) Free.

NEW Tue, Jun 15 - Pegasus Flyer's inline skating: Tuesday night City Skate. Meet at Albertson's Parking Lot, 3524 McKinney Av at Lemmon, Dallas 75204 at 7:45 pm. Skate at 8 pm sharp. This is a rain or shine event--if the weather is inclement,  there is no skating but group meets to visit, although most nights in Dallas are skateable. Skaters should be able to stop and be able to traverse various road conditions (curbs, potholes, etc). info@pegasusflyers.org. This group skates other days/nights of the week at other locations. Check with them for other dates.

Wed, Jun 16 - Denton Organic Society meeting at 7 pm. Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Av, Denton. 940-382-8551.  

Thu, Jun 17 - Free day at Trinity River Audubon Center. Guided hikes throughout the day.  Bring your lunch, and enjoy the shady new riverbend picnic site, overlooking the Trinity River. Evening activities include night hikes, animal encounters, kids’ crafts, amphibian watch. Enjoy popcorn and a movie under the stars at 7:30: A Bug's Life. 6500 South Loop 12, Dallas, 75217.  214-398-TRAC

Thu, Jun 17 - Dallas Downriver Club monthly meeting at 7 pm, 3701 N. Buckner Blvd. (just north of IH 30 and south of John West Road) Dallas, 75228 

Sat, Jun 19 - Texas AgriLife educational program in the Pavillion classroom,  AgriLife Research and Extension Urban Solutions Center, 17360 Coit Rd, Dallas, 75252 from 9:00 - 10:30 am. These programs are open to the general public. For more information, contact Fouad Jaber at 972-952-9672 or f-Jaber@tamu.edu. This month's program: Making the Most of Heat in Vegetable Gardens, Dr. Dotty Woodson, Extension Program Specialist- Water Resources.

Sun, Jun 20 - All-vegan, all-you-can-eat buffet from 12 noon until 2 pm. Regularly $9, $1 off for Dallas Vegetarian Lunch Group and DFW Vegetarian Education Network members.. New Start Veg, (972 243-0507) 2330 Royal Lane, ste 900, Dallas 75229. Just west of I-35 on the south side of Royal. Call for info:  James Bisby 469-371-1938

Sun, Jun 20 - Dallas Trekkers group walks at White Rock Lake at 8 m. Meet at Doctors Hospital, 9330 Poppy Drive, Dallas.  972-489-3072 for more information. Small charge.

Mon, Jun 21 - Dallas Chapter of Native Plant Society meets. Social time begins at 6:30 with refreshments at the back. A speaker is scheduled at 7:30 pm. REI store, 4515 LBJ Fwy, located on the north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch, Dallas. Take the stairs to the second floor and turn left to find the meeting rooms. Free

Tue, Jun 22 - Fort Worth Organic Club meets at 7 pm. at Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, north of I-30, turn left into main entrance from University. Free.  

NEW Tue, Jun 22 - Pegasus Flyer's inline skating: Tuesday night City Skate. Meet at Albertson's Parking Lot, 3524 McKinney Av at Lemmon, Dallas 75204 at 7:45 pm. Skate at 8 pm sharp. This is a rain or shine event--if the weather is inclement,  there is no skating but group meets to visit, although most nights in Dallas are skateable. Skaters should be able to stop and be able to traverse various road conditions (curbs, potholes, etc). info@pegasusflyers.org. This group skates other days/nights of the week at other locations. Check with them for other dates.

Tues, Jun 22 - Tarrant County Interfaith Environmental Alliance meets at 7 pm at Unity Church of Fort Worth, 5051 Trail Lake Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76133

Tue, Jun 22 - Growing Up WILD Workshop — Learn how to build on young children's sense of wonder about nature and invite them to explore wildlife and the world around them. During the three-hour training workshop participants will sample activities and receive a curriculum and activity guide. Activities are designed for 3-7 year olds and are correlated to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards and the Head Start Domains. Teachers, informal educators and early childhood caregivers may take the training. Held at Cabela's, 12901 Cabela Dr. 9 a.m.-noon; preregistration required, deadline June 19, 2010. To register, email jan.hodson@tpwd.state.tx.us

Thu, Jun 24  - Arlington Organic Gardening Club Monthly Meeting. Bob Duncan Community Center Garden Room, 2800 S. Center St. in Arlington. 7 pm. Free.

Sat, June 26 - Ray Roberts Lake SP/Johnson Branch Unit — Park Ranger Program Coyotes — Did you know coyote means "barking dog"? Learn more as we discuss the myths and mysteries of this North American canid and its cousins. After the program, join us for a night walk. Come visit us and have a howling good time! Accessible for the mobility and visually impaired. 8-10 p.m. (940) 637-2294

NEW Sat, Jun 26 - White Rock Market, food only. 8 am to 1 pm. Located next to the Green Spot Market and Fuels at 702 N. Buckner Blvd at Northcliff Dr, Dallas. Free

NEW Sat, June 26 - Linens for Animals grand opening of no-kill animal sanctuary in McKinney from 11 am-5 pm. Enjoy the Dixie Rex Band, Cowboys Karaoke, and Fat Cars Online and Unique Karz. Kids have face painting and pony photos. Donation for the shelter, please. $10 adults, $5 children suggested. 5962 FM 1827, McKinney, 75454, 972 499-6631

NEW Sat, June 26 - Medication Cleanout Day in Dallas. Bring medications you no longer need in their original bottle to North Central Division Police Station, 6969 McCallum Blvd, Dallas, TX 75252 from 10 am to 2 pm. We need to stop flushing medications as they end up in our water supply. 214-670-4475

Sun, Jun 27 - Black Vegetarian Society of Texas monthly luncheon at New Start Veggie Garden, Dallas, 1:30pm, 972.243.0507, 2330 Royal Lane, ste 900, Dallas 75229. Just west of I-35 on the south side of Royal.

Sun, Jun 27 - Ac'cent on Total Health presents a vegetarian/vegan cooking class from 2:30-5:00 pm at 2004 N. Beach Street, Fort Worth, TX  76111 with the theme: "A Taste of Mexico" Be pleasantly surprised by how nutritious and tasty a meat-free and dairy-free meal is. For more information and to reserve your space, please call 817-675-6126 or email: lilycabansag@sbcglobal.net. Free but donation please-- only for food expense. 

Sun, Jun 27 - Dallas Organic Gardening Club Monthly Meeting. Northaven Gardens, (214) 363-5316, 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas. 2:30 pm. Free.

NEW Tue, Jun 29 - North Texas Green Council free movie night. Doors open at 6 pm; movie begins at 6:30. Dallas Center for Architecture, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Frwy, Dallas, 75201, 214 742-3242. Featured movie: Energy Crossroads. Documentary exposes the problems associated with our energy consumption. It also offers concrete solutions for those who want to educate themselves and be part of the solutions in this decisive era. The film features passionate individuals, entrepreneurs, experts and scientists at the forefront of their field bringing legitimacy and expertise to the core message. 

NEW Tue, Jun 29- Pegasus Flyer's inline skating: Tuesday night City Skate. Meet at Albertson's Parking Lot, 3524 McKinney Av at Lemmon, Dallas 75204 at 7:45 pm. Skate at 8 pm sharp. This is a rain or shine event--if the weather is inclement,  there is no skating but group meets to visit, although most nights in Dallas are skateable. Skaters should be able to stop and be able to traverse various road conditions (curbs, potholes, etc). info@pegasusflyers.org. This group skates other days/nights of the week at other locations. Check with them for other dates.

Sat, Jul 3 - Plano's Independence Day Parade is produced by the Plano Early Lions Club. Bring lawn chairs to celebrate the Fourth starting at 9 am at Park Blvd. and Independence Pkwy. Contact the Plano Early Lions Club at 972-985-8260.

Sat, Jul 3 - Addison’s Fourth of July from 5 pm to midnight is free. It includes family fun activities, spectacular fireworks, food and beverages, free movie, music. Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle Drive, Addison. 

Sat, Jul 3 - Fort Worth Vegetarian Society monthly dinner at Spiral Diner, 6:30 pm. 1314 W Magnolia at 6th, Fort Worth. No reservation necessary; look for FWVS sign. Event is free except for cost of your food and beverage.

Sat, Jul 3 - SPCA of Texas’ Pet Grief recovery program for those grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. Meet at 1 pm at the conference room at SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas. Free.

NEW Sun, July 4 - New restaurant for veg buffet at Al Wadi . Since Papaya Garden is not open for July 4 (see below), we will attend the buffet at Al Wadi, noon until 1:30, at 2712 Brown Trail, 817 282-2156, Bedford 7602. This buffet will include all the middle-eastern goodies such as hummus, baba, falafel, tabouleh, many veggies, salad. Unfortunately it also includes meat but we will ignore that. It is $12. This is a small restaurant so if you want to sit with our group. please RSVP to Terry at 817 545-0140 or 972-251-1532 and give me some idea of when you will arrive. Feel free to sit with your friends and family. Exit Hwy 121 going north. Al Wadi will be on your right (east) before your reach Harwood.

CANCEL DUE TO HOLIDAY: This is the second time Papaya Garden has canceled our lunch due to a holiday. But many of us want somewhere to eat on a holiday and come for the camaraderie as well as the food. Check back for August. We will find another restaurant, hopefully one that stays open holiday or not. Any ideas? Send them along here. Pipe Dream: Food as good as Thai Jasmine (and Papaya Garden was never nearly as good as Thai Jasmine) with the spaciousness of Papaya Garden--we did have plenty of room at Papaya.  Sun, July 4 - Vegan Buffet at Papaya Garden,

Sun, Jul 4 - Plano's All-American Fourth Fireworks event! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, 2601 Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, 9:30 pm. 972-941-7250.

Sun, Jul 4 - Bedford's 4thFEST Independence Day Celebration is a free day of family fun that starts at 12 noon and ends at 11 pm. It includes a free concert, InflataFUN Zone, a variety of island adventure family fun festival-style culinary delights and of course, a fireworks extravaganza when the sun goes down. Bedford Boys Ranch Park at 2801 Forest Ridge Rd, Bedford. There is no parking except handicapped at the Boys Ranch. Parking and shuttle service for $4 (Free for children 3 and under) will be offered at Pennington Field, 1501 Central Drive. The last shuttle TO the Boys Ranch Park will leave Pennington field at 9:30PM. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and non-alcoholic beverages but no glass containers, please.