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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-03 Euless Articles DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE_LOF ` -AIAYOR CITY COUNCIL CITYATTORNEY CRIM HENNIG AICKAAIIE DE LA CRUZ RIDGW4Y(2) rUNG McDONALD COLLINS WILHITE GETCHELL -7LIBRARYADMIN LIBRARYREF ANIMAL CNTR DATE DISTRIBUTED /C l DATE OF ARTICLE Li' / Z� NEWSPAPER FWST California recall resonates In Texas By PETE ALFANO K Some local elected from her daughter,who was living STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER officials can in Oklahoma. Euless Mayor Mary Lib Saleh empathize with the plight of "My daughter's friend was a remembers getting the bad news California Gov. Gray Davis. reporter and had told her, `Did from her city manager during the you know your mother is being summer of 1994 and thinking that chances they would hear about recalled?"'Saleh said. she would try to keep her children the often-unseemly happenings At 72, Saleh has survived and parents from finding out. of small-town politics? breast cancer, lung cancer — and Most of her family lived out- Saleh's hopes were dashed a recall election barely into her side Texas, so what were the when she received a phone call first term as mayor. The recall "Do I agree [politically] But local recall elections are petition, precipitated by the with Gray Davis? No," Fowler a political reality in "general firing of a police chief, said said. "But the people in Cali- law" and "home rule" Texas that Saleh had "failed to pro- fornia had a chance to elect cities,towns and other munici- vide proper leadership." him, and they should let the palities. That's where political Saleh is among hundreds of gentleman serve his term out.I battles are often more vindic- ' politicians across the United think recalls are unnecessary tive and personal. States who can empathize with and unproductive." In Dallas, residents who California Gov. Gray Davis, If someone had mentioned blame Mayor Laura Miller for who faces a recall election Oct. the word recall before the Cal- the firing of Police Chief Ter- 7, less than a year after being ifornia brouhaha, most Ameri- rell Bolton are circulating a re-elected to a second term. cans would probably have recall petition. They have The high-profile California associated it with toys, food or three months to gather election has generated a automobiles, not politics. The approximately 73,000 signa- nationwide discussion about -Initiative and Referendum tures. the recall process and whether Institute Web site says the Tony Profitt,aide to former it is democracy in action or a rall idea:'is based on the Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock, said that frivolous abuse of the system. 'political theory that voters' one reason recalls are not part In Euless, a city of more of the political process for than 40,000,the recall was led should retain the right of con- statewide offices in Texas is by a constituent Saleh had trol over their elected offi- that until the 1970s, governors never met. The petition cials." served a two-year term. Pre- This might be the epitome vailing opinion was that they Pre- required fewer than 300 signs- of the"what have you done for would have to answer to vot- tures. me lately?"school of politics.' ers soon enough. "It was very painful, so Only 18 state constitutions One-party rule is also a fac- a chsair to me. I had not yet had have provisions for recalling James Riddles a er a a chance to show citizens my p g tor,said p rg , character and what I would be officeholders, although as political science professor at many as 30 states have such Texas Christian University. able to accomplish," Saleh said provisions at the local level. "For most of Texas' history, it recently. Federal officeholders, such as has been one-party govern- _: `'It was a farce:' the president, cannot be ment, the Democrats," he said. Although survived recalled. `And there was no incentive the recall election a 5-1 Recalls are not art of the for them to facilitate a popular ratio and is serving her 10th think you can ever erase Texas Constitution; statewide uprising against themselves." don't think year mayor, she said: se officeholders such as Gov. Riddlesperger said logic all Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David dictates that the same is true taste." Dewhurst scars. It leaves a bitter Dewhurst and Comptroller now, with Republicans con- Carole Keeton Strayhorn can trolling the legislative and Trae Fowler, a Haltom City rest easy until their terms executive branches. councilman who survived a expire. A third reason was derived close recall election in Febru- ary, said the process is emo- from the political philosophy tionally painful at any level of of the state constitution's politics. frame who after Reconstruc- tion wanted to limit central- DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGEy OF `-A MAYOR CITY COUNCIL CITYATTORNEY CRIM HENNIG MCKAMIE DE LA CRUZ RIDGWAY(2) YOUNG McDONALD COLLINS WILHITE GETCHELL LIBRARYADMIN LIBRARYREF ANIMAL CNTR 3 DATE DISTRIBUTED_L'12 1 L'1-�' DATE OF ARTICLE ��/A 7 A, -c NEWSPAPER FIVST izedg.government and concen- Gov.Wilbert(Pappy) O'Daniel trate more authority at the might not have survived his local level. first term. In addition, the means exist When he ran for governor in to remove an elected official 1938, O'Daniel advocated pen- who has committed a felony or sions and tax cuts and opposed is accused of unethical behav- sales tax initiatives, according ior.The state Constitution pro- to the Texas Historical Associa- vides the Texas House of Rep- tion. He proceeded to break all resentatives with powers of his campaign promises but was impeachment and the Senate re-elected anyway in 1940 when with the authority to remove a war clouds were gathering and statewide officeholder. he used patriotism as a cam- 1E11% �'" " A case in point: The Texas paign theme. State Historical Association O'Daniel eventually ran for { chronicles the impeachment the U.S. Senate in a special and removal from office of election in 1941, defeating a f ' Gov.James E. (Pa) Ferguson in young congressman, Lyndon 1917. Baines Johnson: He resurfaced in 1925 when "Well, I guess they got him :>_ his wife Miriam (Ma) Fergu- out of the state,"Profitt said. fM ', `` son was elected governor, In local politics, however, y' partly because she said she disgruntled voters need not would follow his advice. Most wait for a regularly scheduled Mary Lib Saleh, Trae Fowler is a Hal- Dallas residents who Texas voters apparently didn't election. mayor of Euless, tom City councilman hold Mayor Laura mind the mom-and-pop opera- The AP recently quoted a survived a recall who was the subject Miller responsible tion in Austin. national survey conducted by election in 1994. of a recall drive this for the firing of An officeholder's unpopular the International City/County She says the peti- past February.He Police Chief Terrell tion drive"was ver survived the close Bolton are circulat- decisions or lack of popularity Management Association cit- Y are not sound reasons for initi- ing 143 local recalls in 2001. Painful,so unfair to vote."I think recalls ing a recall petition. ating a recall petition, some But observers speculate that me." are unnecessary About re requ sed. and unproductive;' tures are required. say. recalls are more numerous he said. "Particularly at the state than the survey documented. level,there are too many times "It's a nasty business, an when officials have to make expensive business, and there decisions that may be difficult really are no winners when to explain in political 20-sec- you look at the whole picture," and sound bites," state Sen. former Watauga Councilman Bill Ratliff said. "But they are Don Kelly said. Kelly lost a necessary positions, and I recall election by 51 votes in , think that's the danger" of 1997, largely because he sup- recall elections. ported a controversial city If recalls were part of the manager. Texas Constitution, former "I guess you can perceive it ' DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE 3 OF 3 ` MAYOR CITYCOU.NCIL CITYATTORNEY CRIM HENNIG MCKAMIE DELACRUZ RIDGWAY(2) V UNG MCDONALD COLLINS WILHITE GETCHELL LIBRARYADMIN LIIBRARYREF ANIMAL CNTR DATE DISTRIBUTED I 0 l 3 I D3 DATE OFARTICLE J L� � 2 l L' _.> NERSPAPER FWST as unfair, but it's our system, "How many people are Are recall elections simply and,tl ere's no better system in laughing at California today?" the politics du jour,or a sign of the world. But it can leave you Californians don't seem to a changing political landscape? with feelings of.bitterness if mind; the state has long been The California election may you let it. considered a laboratory for provide answers. "Personally, I wouldn't like "different" political ideas. "It's not a national problem ' to see a recall on any level," Recall supporters blame Davis right now," Riddlesperger said. Kelly said. for a $38 billion budget deficit "The California circumstances Critics say recalls are often and an energy crisis, even demonstrate that there is at initiated for petty and vindic- though the same issues were least as many liabilities as live reasons. • prominent when he won re- advantages to the process." The median was the mes- election. And for now, the recall sage in 1993,when Keller May- "It's a chilling dimension to issue doesn't appear to be a or Pro Tem Pat Seifert sur- the election process," Profitt hot topic among Texas law- ' vived a recall election linked said. "Candidates spend time makers, assembled in Austin to his support for medians on for another special session. Farm Road 1709. and money getting elected,then "I hear no talk about it," The AP reported that a a sore loser or well-funded Ratliff said. smoking ban led to the recall opponent goes ahead and tries a SOURCES:Texas State Historical of four local politicians in recall before the ink is dry. .association online, Pueblo,Colo. "California is great political www-tshautexas.edu/mdexhtmI;the ' And it doesn't take much to theater,but a little embarrassing Initiative and Referendum Institute, to them,too:' �'H'u'�dativeandreferenduminstitute� get the ball rolling. Although Pete Alfano,(817)390-7985 percentages vary among cities Still, Riddlesperger says of the process,"The argument can palfano@star-telegram.com e and states, California's "do- P � �m ' over" was authorized with a be, 'It's a democracy, why recall petition signed by only shouldn't they?'" 12 percent of those who voted And it seems to work in in the most recent election. much of the world, where a ' "It's personal, and there's a motion of no confidence is a lot of passion," Fowler said. distant cousin of the recall "But you can't let it discourage Process. In England, for exam- you. You will always have a ple, the House of'Commons ' group of people that doesn't can issue a motion of no confi- care for you." dence in the prime minister, Local charters and state which would lead to his or her ' constitutions can be vague resignation or a call for new about what justifies a recall, elections. providing a wide range of But because politicians are interpretation. Theoretically, increasingly criticized for taking anyone with a bone to pick and Positions based on fickle public the money to organize a recall opinion, critics say that a trend drive can start the ball rolling. toward more recall elections "Dishonesty, stepping over will further discourage qualified ' the boundary, doing some- people from entering public life thing illegal" are valid rea- and deprive the country of good sons, Saleh said. Otherwise, leadership. ' rcalls are "the same as frivo- "It's a very dangerous road lous lawsuits. It not only We're going down," said Joanne abuses the person in office, it Green,an associate professor of puts the city or state in a bad Political science at TCU."Some ' light. policies take time, and we should allow a person to follow through on promises and pledges. ' "Ultimately, you want some kind of leadership that doesn't respond to the changing opin- ion of the public." DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE i OF MAYOR CITYCOUNCIL CITYATTORNEY CRIM HENNIG MCKAMIE DELACRUZ RIDGWAY(2) ' YOUNG McDONALD COLLINS WILHITE GETCHELL LIBRARYApDMIN LIBRARYREF ANIMAL CNTR DATE DISTRIBUTED J C' ' �' 'L''3 DATE OFARTICLE ( � '3 NEWSRAPER FWST �9 a i.: Beavers-Koontz ' Tamara Dawn Koontz and Kenneth Roland Beavers, both of Euless, were united in marriage ' September 20,2003 at 7:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Grand Prairie. Rev. Jim Brown officiated. A reception followed at ' the Texas Star Golf Course and Conference Centre in Euless where guests'enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and dancing. , The bride is the daughter of Lee and Lark Koontz of Fort Worth. The bridegroom is the son of Albert and Betty Beavers of Irving. ' Matron of honor was Terry Eason. Bridesmaids were Suzette Klie, Randie Faulkner and Laura Sims. Best man was Preston Faulkner. ' Groomsmen were Randy Beavers, Mark Gribble and Nathan Mac Dougall. Ushers were Israel Aviles and Wayne Anchikoski. ' USTRIBUTED TO: PAGE I OF MAYOR CITYCOUNCIL CITYATTORNEY CRIM HENNIG MCKAMIE DELACRUZ RIDGWAY(Z) 'YOUNG McDONALD COLLINS WILHITE GETCHELL LIBRARYADMIN LIBRARYREF ANIMAL CNTR DATE DISTRIBUTED_ I DATE OF ARTICLE %F 114 NEWSPAPER FWST 1 , 4• • K 3 AI X .� y a aF �"g o- d ;z ';�z? i;SY.��,�i ny��e :.�,%�cs.;•«'E ` ' A STAR-TELEGRAM/JEN FRIEDBERG Kituo i 1 Paul Castleberry of Carrollton,a Dallas Kite Flyers member, tries to get enough wind to get his kite flying Saturday at The Parks at Texas Star in Euless during the Kites over Euless festi- val.At left,kites soar over Euless at the festival,which was sponsored by the city's parks department.City officials say they hope to make the festival an annual event. JIM DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE OF I AIA YOR CITY COUNCIL CITYATTORNEY CRIAT HENNIG MCKAMIE DE LA CRUZ RIDGWAY(2) YOUNG McDONALD COLLINS WILHITE GETCHELL LIBRARYADVMIN LIBRARYREF ANIMAL CNTR 3 DATE DISTRIBUTED / 3 DATE OF ARTICLE NEWSRAPER Fff1`ST PROFILE Woman helps others spot signs of abuse Danielle McNeil-Keller of Harris Methodist H.E.B. hospital teaches co-workers to rec- ognize the subtle signs of family s i violence and to comfort victims. M .� c. By ELLENA F.MORRISON STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER .' Bruised faces, broken ribs and shat- tered expressions all too often accom- pany domestic violence cases. But not always. Sometimes no physical clues are present. Those are the times that ' Danielle McNeil-Keller seeks to give her co-workers and others the skills to look below the surface. ' STAR-TELEGRAM/IAN MCVEA McNeil-Keller, family violence pre- Danielle McNeil-Keller,the family violence prevention coordinator vention coordinator at Harris at Harris Methodist H.E.B. in Bedford,says,"I listen first,and I let Methodist H.E.B. hospital in Bedford, people tell me what they want to do." ' "I have a good feeling because I am giving people tools."—Danielle McNeil-Keller Danielle McNeil-Keller is that the number of reported cases at the hospital is increasing significantly as Age:29 staff members become adept at identify- Occuphon:Family violence prevention coordinator at Harris Methodist H.E.B. hos mg abuse.Before the position was created pital last year, the hospital had three reported joined the hospital staff about three Experience: Master's degree in social cases of domestic violence in six months. months ago. She offers training programs work from Our Lady of the Lake University In the last quarter,McNeil-Keller worked to staff members focused on understand- in San Antonio;also worked in the Family with 316 reported cases. ing how domestic violence affects victims Advocacy program at the Brooke Army Nurse Marsha Blackman, manager of and their co-workers. She also teaches Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San the hospital's women and children's unit, people how to better identify abuse vic- Antonio. said she learned to ask broader questions tims anft d what support to offer. after she attended several of McNeil- As ReSOU�CCS ' As art of the hospital's Domestic Vio- Keller's two-hour classes. Instead of sim- lence Education program, McNeil-Keller To get help: ply asking whether a person has been will extend the education to nonhospital ■The Women's Shelter,(817)460-5566 hurt, she asks whether the person has workers for the first time with training ■Women's Haven of Tarrant County, ever been hurt or threatened. for Euless city staff members. (817)535-6464 "It gives you these signals you can look "I have a good feeling because I am giv •Denton County Friends of the Family, for.People in situations of family violence ing people tools,"said McNeil-Keller,who, (800)572-4031 — don't have it written on their forehead," ' besides the training, also assists patients. she said."People are more willing to open "They may not use them today, but they need to be able to recognize and know up if you ask the right questions:' know the information is out there." how they can help,"said Lori De La Cruz, Sometimes,it is not about asking ques- Euless officials agreed to host the Euless spokeswoman. tions at all,McNeil-Keller said. training Oct. 8-10 because the ability to If the program succeeds, it may be "I listen first, and I let people tell me identify subtle signs of abuse is crucial, expanded to other cities,hospital officials what they want to do,"she said. especially for police and fire workers. said. Ellena F Morrison,(817)685-3888 ' "It is something all of our employees The best sign that such training works emorrison@star-telegram.com DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE _�_OF� IAYOR CITYCOUNCIL CITYATTORNEY CRIM HENNIG MCAAMIE DELA CRUZ RID G"AY(2) OUNG McDONALD COLLINS WILHITE GETCHELL LIBRARYADMIN LIBRARYREF ANIMAL CNTR DATE DISTRIBUTED &Y DATE OFARTICLE //x%� r`� NE11"SINPER FWST WORK FACES Appointments ' John Carpenter,American Airlines vice president of cor- porate affairs, has been ' appointed chairman for the North Texas Commission. . Other officers: David Russell,vice chairman; Lee ' Jackson, secretary; Margaret Jordan,treasurer; Hal Thorne, general counsel. Executive committee: Don McKneely, ' director at large (Dallas); Kenneth Barr, director at large (Fort Worth); Mary Lib Saleh, director at large(Mid-Cities; ' Bill Keffler, director at large (Suburban); Wendy Lopez, H. Dan Farell,Timothy Ward, directors at large; Ruben ' Esquivel and Dan Petty, direc- tors ex. Board members:John Avila,Jr., Mary Martin Frazior, Franklyn Jenifer,Matt ' McCormick, Mike Simpson and Charles Sorber. Send news of awards,promotions and exeative changes to Rhonda McKinney, ' Work Faces,Business News Dept.,Box 1870, Fort Worth 76101. Photographs cannot be returned. DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE I OF MAYOR CITYCOUNCIL CITYATTORNEY CRIM HENNIG MCtiAMIE DELACRUZ RIDGRAY(2) YOUNG McDONALD COLLINS lVILHITE GETCHELL LIBRARYADAIIN LIBRARYREF ANIMAL CNTR DATE DISTRIBUTED i 013 1 b DATE OFARTICLE I G 1 t Iy NEFESFAPER FWST Festival introduces Greek faith By ELLENA F.MORRISON The Mid-Cities Greek Food- STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER Fest is expected to generate EULESS — New faces keep popping up $65,000 for a Greek Orthodox church. at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist — enough of them to keep a new $1 million parish hall community member Allan McKinnon quite busy center. This weekend's FoodFest is expect- remembering names. ed to bring in$65,000 to help fund the pro- "I notice new members almost every ject. week, especially around this time of year," "Space is getting tight. Our Sunday said McKinnon, chairman of the church's school is bursting at the seams,"McKinnon annual Mid-Cities Greek FoodFest. said. "We are hoping desperately to have Members new and old are running out something built by this time next year." of space,forcing church officials to plan for Mid-Cities Greek Mid-Cities Greek FoodFest FoodFest ■ 11 a.m.to 2 p.m.and 5 to 10 p.m.Friday 183; ■ 10 a.m.to 10 p.m.Saturday ■ 11 a.m.to 4 p.m.Sunday Membership at St. John 10 Euless Blvd. a Greek Orthodox Church of tops 120 families, up from a 11t(cs St.John the Baptist,303 Cul- about 80 families five years Alexander lum Drive, Euless Ago. Officials credit the ■ Free admission and park- increase to the area's growth, 31- Ing mixed marriages and church a t.Huitt • Information:(817)283- members' children growing = 3 2291 up and adding their own fami- lies.. dance, costumes and tradi- The annual festival is , Fort- M Pdarea W tions," said the Rev. Luke Uhl, sometimes the first introduc- chancellor of the Greek tion people have to the Ortho- Orthodox Metropolis of Den- dox religion and it can bring ver, which covers 14 states in new members, church offi- ~` including Texas. "When peo- cials said. ple come to the church, they Other Orthodox churches, STAR-TELEGRAM/TIM BEDISON enjoy the people and, like any such as St. Demetrios Greek new members." other church,we are a church +Orthodox Church, are experi- This weekend in Euless,the of people." encing similar growth. The menu will include dolmas, or Inside the church, festival Fort Worth congregation, stuffed grape leaves; koura- visitors can see a cultural cenqu - which has about 200 families, biedes,which are butter cook- ter of artifacts, books and built a new church at 2020 ies with a powdered-sugar icons. People can also view a N.W. 21st St. that opened last topping; and baklava, which video about Greece and take year. Now members are rais- many consider the ultimate in tours of the church. People ing money to build and install Greek pastry can buy a $2 raffle ticket for a pews, the Rev. Michael Entertainers will include chance to win several items, Stearns said. the Dallas band To Kefi, among them a seven-night "There had been a need for which will perform at the Fri- Greek island cruise for two some time," said Stearns, day night kick-off dinner and valued at$4,000,plus a$2,000 adding that his church will on Saturday night. And shop- airfare credit. A children's host its own food festival Nov pers can find Greek jewelry, center will offer face-painting, 14-16."We turned the old loca- icons, trinkets and casual a bounce house, a cakewalk tion into the St. Demetrios clothing. and crafts. Hispanic Orthodox Mission, "The festivals showcase the Ellena F.Morrison,(817)685-3888 which also is bringing in many ethnic and regional foods and , emorrison@star-telegram.com DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE J OF MAYOR CITYCOUNCIL CITYATTORNEY CRIM HENNIG MCKAMIE DELACRUZ RIDGWAY 'YOUNG McDONALD COLLINS WILHITE GETCHELL LIBRARYADMIN LIBRARYREF ANIMAL CNTR DATE DISTRIBUTED1.O J 3 O 3 DATE OF ARTICLE I O 3 3 NEWSPAPER Sl!\eS c ' Pies s Rmicochetexpandming in Euless locatmion BY SARAH McCLELLAN who can't have fuel delivered to job sites ' Fort Worth Business Press for one reason or another," said Patti Trainer, vice president of sales. "Now ueled by her first post-college job we can capture those gallons used in ' in Texaco's marketing depart- company cars." ment, Kelly Roberts went on her Roberts said she wanted to expand the own and started Ricochet Fuel company's services because it was miss- Distributors, Inc. in 1988. ing out on a segment of the market. The company has grown from a one- "We decided to be more inclusive room operation to a business recognized and get more customers," Roberts said. as one of the top 100 fastest-growing, "Now we can offer a facility for them to ' privately-held companies in the area by come to us.It makes us a one-source fuel the Cox School of Business at Southern supplier." Methodist University. This is not the only effort Roberts has ' "I had a little office with no windows taken to keep customers content with and I started with one sale at a time," Ricochet. She said she takes precautions Roberts said. to preclude problems involving price Roberts learned about the fuel busi- increases and vulnerability of fuel sup- ' ness "from different angles," she said, at ply because of issues overseas, such as Texaco and then at a local retailer, the situation in Iraq. Superior Fuels. "I dealt with people like "We maintain adequate lines of credit ' me, wholesalers and retailers" over and above what we need so we have Now the company is growing again. It a cushion for fluctuation in the market," will be moving into a 6,000-square-foot she said. "We try to communicate with building in Euless to house its six our customers about what's going on employees and equipment, complete with the market so they're not shocked. with commercial gas pumps to serve We have to worry about supply and clients who don't need their fuel deliv- demand when things are volatile over- ' ered. seas. It can shrink supply and you have "We had requests from companies to work harder for the gallons you do DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE (P\ OF� MAYOR CITYCOUNCIL CITYATTORNEY CRIM HENNIG MCKAMIE DELA CRUZ RID GWAY YOUNG McDONALD COLLINS IVILHITE GETCHELL LIBRARYADMIN LIBRARYREF ANIMAL CNTR ' DATE DISTRIBUTED D -3 0 3 DATE OFARTICLE I O 13 -(-1 0 3 NEwvAPER sineSs f u / Kelly Roberts, left, president of Ricochet fuel Distributors, Inc., and Patti Trainer, right, vice president of sales, check out the site of the company's future headquarters in Euless. get. If we anticipate a shortage, we try to Top Ten Best Places to Work in the area make the customer aware so we can sup- and as one of the Top 50 largest women- ply them on a"keep full" basis and they owned firms in Texas.The company also don't run out and have trouble filling received the TXU Gold Star Supplier of up" the Year in 2000. Ricochet has been recognized in the Dallas Business Journal as one of the Contact McClellan at smcclellan@bizpress.net. DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE I OF� ,MAYOR CITYCOUNCIL CITYATTORNEY CRIM HENNIG MCKAMIE DELACRUZ RIDGWAY YOUNG McDONALD COLLINS WILHITE GETCHELL LIBRARY ADMIN LIBRARY REF ANIMAL CNTR DATE DISTRIB UTED 1� 3 3 DATE OF ARTICLE 3 NEWSPAPE LS ' r'ess s` Airport at 30 -Sept 22 t On September 22,1973,DFW International ` Airport was dedicated.On the 30th anniver- sary.DFW re-dedicated the Airport and closely followed the exact program.Former ' House Speaker Jim Wright,who spoke at the original ceremony,spoke,along with DFW CEO Jeff Fegan and DFW board chairman Max Wells. Fe aWnght, Mike Moncrief and Jeff Max Wells, Dan Petty and Wes Wise g PHOTOS BY JON P UZHL aTion Nancy Birdwell, Jimmie Kitchens, Sara Glenn Porterfield and Jeff Fegan Jim Wright, Robert T. Martin, John Dorsey, Bet4iWobbs and Connie Gifford ' Stevenson and Bob Bolen DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE / OF I MAYOR CITY COUNCIL CITYATTORNEY CRIM HENNIG MChAMIE DE LA CRUZ RID GIVAY(2) YOUNG McDONALD COLLINS WILHITE GETCHELL LIBRARYADMIN LIBRARYREF ANIMAL CNTR DATE DISTRIBUTED O D 3 DATE OFARTICLE �'�� NEIIISAAPER FWST Mid-Cities Greek FoodFest Friday-Sunday St.John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church 303 Cullum Drive Euless 3 Free admission and parking (817) 283-2291 Gree weekend FoodFest celebrates a rich culture with even richer dishes By TERRY LEE GOODRICH The menu will include dolmas, or stuffed young as 5 — will perform throughout the STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER grape leaves;kourabiedes, which are butter event, says teacher/choreographer Lea reek food, a vicarious trip to cookies with a powdered-sugar topping; Poletes of Euless. Greece and —for the brave— and baklava,which many consider the ulti- "After some shows, we invite people to dances around.tables or even mate in Greek pastry. come up and dance with the dancers,"she onstage are among the ingredients for the There will be gyros (spiced lamb and says. "Dancers show them how. People have annual Mid-Cities Greek FoodFest this week- bcef in pita bread and topped with yogurt a Lot of fun —and it's a lot of fun to end. Isauce); beef/eggplant/potato/cream sauce watch." "The movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding casseroles; spinach and cheese pies; and Shoppers can find Greek casual clothing, created a lot of interest Last year,"says myriad delicacies' organizers say. jewelry, icons and trinkets, Manos says. Allan McKinnon, festival chairman. "It At the taverna, festgoers also may pur- Inside the church, festgoers can visit a cul- made people much more aware of Greek chase Greek wines or beers. tural center of artifacts, books and icons. culture.A lot of people now know what The cooking isn't all women's work, People also can view a video about Greece Lamb is." church member Toni Nicholas of Arlington and take church tours. About 4,000 people attended Last year's says. For a $2 raffle ticket, merrymakers have festival, event publicist Debbie Manos says. "On the days of the festival,the spinach a chance at several items,among them a The goal is to raise money to build a pies, chicken, shish kebab—the men do seven-night Greek Island cruise for two vat- new church to house the 120-family con- that,"she says. "It's all tiring, but it's a ued at$4,000, plus a $2,000 airfare credit. gregation.The current church is"pretty happy time." A children's center will offer face-painting, much outgrown," McKinnon says. Entertainers include the Dallas band To a bounce house, a cakewalk and crafts. Money also will go to ministries,includ- Kefi, performing at the Friday night kick-off Festival hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5- ing one that aids cancer patients. dinner and Saturday night, Manos says. 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m.Saturday; Famished festgoers have dozens of "There will be pretty much something 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. options for feasting —all homemade, : every.hour,"she adds. Terry Lee Goodrich,(817)685-3812 organizers say. About 50 dancers of all ages—some as terry@star-telegram.com DISTRIBUTED TO: PAGE I OF 1 'MAYOR CITYCOUNCIL CITYATTORNEY CRIM HENNIG MCKAMIE DELA CRUZ RID GWAY YOUNG McDONALD COLLINS WILHITE GETCHELL LIBRARYADMIN LIBRARYREF ANI AL CNTR DATE DISTRIBUTED D 3 ��3 DATE OF ARTICLE_ (� O 3 NEHISIPAPE 1 T�1 COIC1�` J. D. Power and Associates study finds Choice 1 Domes improves in customer satisfaction among Dallas/Fort Worth-Area Builders Steve Wall, President and CEO of homes in the market in 2002 to be ' (Arlington, Texas)Choice Homes Choice Homes, one of the top 20 included in the study. The new continues to deliver strong cus- builders in the United States ac- homes are located in Collin,Dallas, tomer satisfaction according to cording to Builder Magazine's cur- Denton and Tarrant Counties. ' rankings just released by J. D. rent rankings based on U. S. More detailed information on Power and Associates,whose 2003 closings. each region is available at the J.D. study noted that the 16-year-old "Each year, Choice makes cus- Powers and Associates corporate Arlington-based home builder im- tomer satisfaction one of the com- Web site www.jdpa.com or at the J. ' proved its customer satisfaction pany's top goals,and we survey our D. Power Consumer Center rating in the Dallas/Fort Worthcustomers to make sure we're meet- www.jdpower.com. homebuilding market during 2002. ing expectations," he said. "The J. Headquartered in Westlake Vil- The J. D. Power and Associates D. Power and Associates rankings lage,Calif.,J.D.Power and Associ- ' 2003 New-Home Builder Customer are another way for us to assess our ates is a global marketing Satisfaction StudySM, which sur- team's performance." information services firm operating veyed individuals who purchased The study, now in its seventh in key business sectors including ' homes from area builders who con- year, was conducted in 21 of the market research, forecasting, con- structed a minimum of 150 new largest homebuilding markets in sulting,training and customer sat- homes is 2002,was released today. the United States and includes re- isfaction. The firm's quality and Choice Homes closed 2711 DFW- sponses from more than 71,312 satisfaction measurements are area homes in 2002. buyers of newly built single-family based on responses from millions of Fierce competition in the home- homes.Homeowners provided feed- consumers annually. building industry—fueled by con- back after living in their homes Since its emergence into the tinuing low interest rates and a from four to 18 months,on average. homebuilding marketplace in 1987, ' vigorous real estate market—has According to the study, with the Choice Homes,Inc.has established contributed to a significant in- housing market continuing its ro- itself as one of the largest builders crease in customer satisfaction bust nature across the United in Dallas/Fort Worth and was re- with builders, according to J. D. States and interest rates maintain- cently ranked 20th in the nation. t Power and Associates. ing historic low levels,competition From one community in 1987 to The study finds that overall cus- in the homebuilding industry is more than 150 in 2003,over 25,000 tomer satisfaction has increased keen. The amount of attention homeowners currently live in ' over 2002 in the face of heightened homebuilders pay to overall cus- Choice homes throughout Dal- awareness and visibility of cus- tomer satisfaction can be a main las/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, tomer satisfaction performance. differentiator for consumers, J.'D. Amarillo, San Antonio, and The robust home-building market Power and Associates said. Galveston,Texas,and Atlanta and ' has resulted in about 1.2 million The study's index scores are made Macon, Georgia. Choice Homes new housing starts annually since up of nine factors that drive overall continues to grow rapidly, always 1998. customer satisfaction with a emphasizing value and homebuyer "With improved scores overall for builder. The most important fac- satisfaction. Choice's current prod- the Metroplex—satisfaction is up tors include builder's customer uct line contains over 200 different 14 percent for the DFW market— service,home readiness(the timely floor plans and a myriad of options. we are not only proud to have con- completion of the home), the sales Headquarters are in Arlington, tinued to meet our own high staff, and quality of workmanship Texas, with additional regional of- customer satisfaction standards and materials. fices in Houston,San Antonio,and but honored to be part of an indus- Dallas/Fort Worth=area builders Atlanta. Choice Homes is on the try that is also raising the bar,"said must have closed 150 or more web at www.choicehomes.com.