Science is exact, precise and methodical. Teaching, on the other hand, is messy and sometimes completely unpredictable – and that’s exactly how Melissa Wright likes it. Wright is the owner and lead mad scientist of The Lab at Lakewood, where children are invited and encouraged to think outside the box when it comes to learning science.

“I’m not a teacher and I don’t desire to be,” said Wright, whose nametag on her lab coat reads “Mess” instead of Melissa. “I’m not a drill sergeant and someone that wants to get them in a seat and have them follow a very specific course of action. What I want to give them is a safe place to just explore in their way, and I think that hones critical thinking skills.”

The Lab, located at 5304 Junius Street, is the result of Wright’s desire to create a venue for kids that is a middle ground between the brainless fun of an arcade and the boring, strict confines of a museum. The Lab provides students with an enriching experience that promotes critical thinking to give students the freedom to learn at their own pace and also emphasizes having fun.

According to Wright, The Lab is a wholly unique facility in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. There are other science-entertainment franchises, she said, but their business model didn’t support having a facility, which is very costly. However, that’s exactly the kind of experience that Wright wanted. It isn’t exactly how science in school is taught but that might be a good thing.

Science (and education in general) in America lacks in comparison to other Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, particularly those in Asia. In the latest OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report, which compares the knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds from 70 different countries, the United States ranks 17th in science. American students, in comparison to their counterparts in Canada, are more than half a school year behind in science.

“I think science in school is reading the book, definitions, vocabulary and quizzes all week and if you’re lucky, then with the last 15 minutes of your Friday science class, you’ll do an experiment,” said Wright. “And we’re like the exact opposite. We’re going to talk for 45 seconds – ‘Here’s the activity, here’s the gist of it. Okay, you’ve seen it before, how do you want to explore it?’”

Nearly every major branch of science is explored at The Lab – biology, chemistry, physics, archeology and paleontology. The biggest attraction and fan favorite at The Lab would be the slime bar, where kids learn how to make the best slime in town. Even adults, who are usually hesitant to get involved in kid activities, get excited for the slime bar.

The Lab also plays host to a variety of creatures. Children love to play with Einstein the ferret and gawk at the tarantula and scorpion. The Lab also has live feeding demonstrations with its ball python, Da Vinci, for students who wish to watch.

“The ones that do want to watch, I think they gain a lot by it,” said Canaan Sutton, an assistant at The Lab. “We also explain to them that Da Vinci is a juvenile ball python. He’s been raised in captivity; he’s learning how to eat and do these things. So if he didn’t have this proper introduction or if he’s disturbed while eating, he could starve and die. So, I think the kids really get an idea of the sympathy that they should have for a predator-type animal.”

Wright’s dream of creating a venue for kids that was both fun and intellectually stimulating would have been a short-lived one if no other parents supported her idea. Fortunately, she said, The Lab has caught on like a wildfire and Wright has an average of six to seven birthdays lined up every weekend.

The Lab also hosts a variety of programs that usually coincide with the longer school holidays such as summer, winter and spring breaks. The programs typically reflect the season or holiday – for instance, The Lab is hosting “Columbus Day Explorer Camp” in October and “Cold Weather Chemistry” during the month of December.

The unique approach that The Lab has to teaching and learning has drawn the attention and praise of another sect of students. Children with autism are thriving at The Lab and the word has been spreading to parents of autistic children from all over the Dallas area. Wright is the first to admit she is no teacher or scientist but her methods of interacting with autistic children seem to be working.

Autism in a condition that affects a person’s ability to process, organize and put together information. This can affect a multitude of things, including the ability to communicate and learn.

“People with special needs want to do things that aren’t…museums are set up for you to move through it this way. Even if you go to IKEA, they’re herding you through in a certain way,” says Wright. “Anybody that’s special – autistic, Asperger’s, anywhere in that spectrum – those people want to go backwards through that. They want to do a cartwheel through it; they want to roll a ball through it. The Lab allows for that because I’m not dictating everything all the time.”

Wright knows how to create a fun and friendly environment for people with disabilities, thanks to her time spent with retirement communities prior to starting up The Lab. Wright was a program director, and she spent a lot of her time with aged people who were impaired.

In fact, Wright even thinks of herself as just a big kid. It isn’t unusual for her to come to work in a dress one day and then in her pajamas the next. She sometimes wears skates instead of shoes and occasionally forgoes footwear all together. She loves to buy big, expensive toys and invite kids to play with them.

When a mother and child popped into The Lab recently to take a look around, the mom told the child not to touch anything. Wright objects to this and insists that everything is fine to touch. Stuff at The Lab breaks and Wright is just fine with that.

“What I’ve figured out just through doing this now for a year and a half is that this really is just me and my playroom and my toys,” says Wright. “I want to share. It’s that simple. When a kid walks in, I say, ‘Play with my toys! I don’t need them. I can’t possibly play with them all today. So come in and play with my toys.’”

The Lab at Lakewood isn’t successful because of a perfect formula. It’s because The Lab is willing to teach in different ways that students enjoy their visits so much. There are only three rules that Wright enforces: be safe, play nice and be safe. Otherwise, students are free to do as Wright has done and “Get Their Geek On”. It’s the perfect environment for students to experiment and figure out what learning method works best for them.

“All of these kids that are being called special needs… sometimes it’s just their brain works a different way,” she said. “We’re a friendly place for them to do that – to think differently and think openly and think critically.”

The Lab wasn’t always located in Lakewood. The Lab originated in Lake Highlands before Wright packed up for Junius Street. And after completing her first full year in Lakewood, she has big plans for 2012. According to Wright, she is hoping to expand to a second location before the year is up. If the hundreds of satisfied parents and happy children are any indication, The Lab will thrive wherever it goes.

“Seeing their [the kids] faces light up and seeing that look in their eye as they say, ‘Hey, I discovered that on my own,’” said Sutton. “You can show a kid anything that you want from here and you can try and teach them and drill it into their heads but really just seeing them discover it on their own – that’s my favorite experience I’ve had here so far.”

Many of the students that regularly attend The Lab would likely agree with him.

If you’re like many women, you’re probably so busy working, running errands, cleaning the house, and taking care of your family that you sometimes don’t make time for yourself. Relaxing with a cup of tea, unwinding with a good book, or going to a movie with a friend are all ways you can do something for yourself. You also can take care of yourself by having your annual screening mammogram.

During spring break would be a good time to schedule your annual screening mammogram before going to the lake for a few days or heading out for a fun family mini-vacation. Screening mammograms don’t take much time and only need to be done once a year for women over the age of 40, as recommended by the American Cancer Society.

At Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake, women over the age of 40 can schedule their own screening mammogram without a referral from their primary care physician. The hospital is a Certified Softer Mammogram Provider that uses the MammoPad^®, a soft foam cushion that decreases overall discomfort and is designed to provide a softer, more comfortable mammogram. Convenient evening and weekend hours are available for appointments by calling 214-324-6220.

To learn more about screening mammograms and other recommended health exams, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake is offering a free Women’s Health Tests & Screenings slideguide. This handy pocket guide also describes symptoms and treatments for a variety of conditions, and lists the latest American Cancer Society guidelines. Call 866-764-3627 for your free copy today.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

MammoPad is a registered trademark of Hologic, Inc.

Homeowners Rachel and Mike Thomason purchased their 1920’s 1,500 square-foot bungalow fully aware that it had not been updated in at least 80 years. It was “an absolute wreck,” Rachel Thomason said.

The Thomasons wanted to keep the original charm of the home, while also enlarging the kitchen and opening up some other spaces. The couple wanted to add a master suite, complete with a second bathroom, as well as finish out the home with modern comforts and conveniences.

The home also needed to brought up to city building code and have its foundation repaired—no small task.

To tackle the remodel project, the Thomasons hired CB Construction. Owner Chris Black in turn, brought in Dallas architect William S. Briggs and interior designer Tiffany McKenzie to form the design team on the project.

Original blueprints found in the walls of the home guided the construction project, which lasted more than a year from the initial meeting with the Thomasons. Especially helpful were blueprint details of the original design and layout of shelving in the home.

Once CB Construction’s framing team finished installing the framing and walls of the home, the crew installed a new shower and built-in cabinetry.

The home’s original wood floors were turned into sub-flooring and covered with pine flooring salvaged from other Dallas-area homes. Reclaimed two-panel doors were used for the home’s doorways, and float glass windows, some original to the home, were added.

In keeping with the original style of the home, black and white mosaic floor tiles were laid throughout the bathroom and shower area. Other new items that retained the home’s classic design included reproduction light fixtures, push button light switches, mortised doorknobs, a large, white farmhouse kitchen sink, classic faucets with “hot” and “cold” labels and a black stove range with chrome trim.

“Reuse, replicate and conceal.”  These were the three keys to success in the remodel of the 1920’s Dallas bungalow by CB Construction.

The final result: A classic bungalow-style home built on a solid foundation, complete with modern conveniences and upgrades, that retained the home’s original charm and character—clearly a home enjoyed and appreciated.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email me.

5711 Mercedes Avenue
Dallas, Texas  75206
214-827-3747

http://www.chrisblackconstruction.com

The 4 Yellow Foundation announces its next step in the fight against cancer: Dress 4 Yellow. Set for April 5^th at the historic Adolphus Hotel, Dress 4 Yellow will raise funds for LIVESTRONG and Cook Children’s Cancer Center by hosting a high-profile fashion show, luncheon and silent auction. After raising more than $850,000 for LIVESTRONG via grassroots fundraising efforts over the last two years, the nonprofit organization is taking a fashion-forward approach to fighting cancer.

Dress 4 Yellow, presented by Park Place Motorcars Dallas, will kick off with a luncheon and presentation by LIVESTRONG founder and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, followed by a runway show featuring designs by more than 20 of the world’s top designers. Each designer will produce a custom-made yellow piece or select a yellow design from archived collections. Confirmed designers include Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi, Carmen Marc Valvo, Catherine Malandrino, Thakoon, Christian Siriano, Zang Toi, Cole Haan, Nike, Oakley, Ruffian, Abi Ferrin, Sachin + Babi, Elie Tahari, David Meister, Rachel Roy, Chadwick Bell, Lela Rose and more. The show will be produced by Bret McKinney, who has been part of the Stanley Korshak team since 2000, and has been the driving force behind the store’s fantastic visual displays, as well as the producer of Texas Ballet Theater, DIFFA/Dallas and Fresh Faces of Fashion.

Several of the looks will be offered for purchase during a live auction immediately following the show. The remaining designs and other high-value items will be up for grabs during the “Yellow Brick Road” silent auction. Hollywood royalty and local celebrities will donate their favorite yellow accessories to be included in the auction.  During the event, $100 “Pot of Gold” Chance Drawing tickets can be purchased for an opportunity to win experiences with Tory Burch and Bobbi Brown in New York, TOMS custom shoes in Los Angeles or a VIP shopping trip at Neiman Marcus in Dallas.

“Dress 4 Yellow is designed to inspire and empower those affected by cancer,” Lance Armstrong says. “Through dollars raised, we will increase awareness, provide critical navigation services, fund research and survivorship programs and work to end the stigma of cancer around the globe.”

Individual tickets can be purchased for $250 and tables of 10 are available for $2,000. Those who wish to contribute more to the cause are encouraged to purchase sponsorships ranging in value from $5,000 to $50,000. Advantages to becoming a sponsor include admission to an exclusive preview party and VIP reception, recognition on marketing materials, and VIP seating during the luncheon and fashion show.

Dress 4 Yellow will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 5^th, 2012. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visitwww.dress4yellow.com.

Press Release Courtesy of Dress 4 Yellow.

At the Kotsanis Institute, we understand that it is difficult to lose weight, especially if you have health issues.

We are offering a FREE one hour Energy Workshop, where our Certified Nutritionist Diane DeMore will present an overview of our weight loss program, including nutrition and supplement advice.

If you are suffering From Chronic Pain, Indigestion, Depression, Obesity, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Menopausal Symptoms, Sleep/Insomnia Issues, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Fatigue, and/or low energy, our program may be exactly what you are looking for. 

We encourage you to come and see if our program is for you.  Improving your lifestyle will not only help you lose weight but ultimately many of your health problems improve. 

Please join us at our Energy Workshop.  Our Certified Nutritionist, Diane DeMore will assess your body's needs to help you function at your best - without the use of stimulant drugs.  The body needs a balance of diet, exercise, and nutrients in order to be productive, let us help you find your balance.

The workshop is open to those suffering from any other conditions. At the Kotsanis Institute we are here to help you every step of the way.

WHEN:  Thursday, February 9
WHERE:  Kotsanis Institute - 2260 Pool Road, Grapevine, TX  76051

TIME:  6:00PM
RSVP:  Please call Diane DeMore at 817.481.6342 to reserve a seat.

2260 Pool Road
Grapevine, TX 76051
817.380.4992

http://kotsanisinstitute.com | info@kotsanisinstitute.com

Dr. Constantine A. Kotsanis MD complements traditional medicine with functional medicine and nutrition to optimize health, wellness, and the anti-aging process.  

Dr. Kotsanis specialties include Insulin Potentiation Targeted Low Dose Therapy (IPTLDSM) in the treatment of Cancer, Comprehensive Cancer Care & AfterCare, Autism, Hormone Imbalances, Allergies, Digestive Disorders, Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Disorders.

Located in Grapevine, Texas - close to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)