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APGA Service Award American Public Garden Association’s CEO Michelle Provaznik and Mary Brinegar, President Emerita of the Dallas Arboretum.

At the American Public Garden Association’s (APGA) annual conference in Dallas/Fort Worth, the organization awarded Mary Brinegar, Dallas Arboretum retired president and CEO and now president emerita, with the APGA Service Award at a dinner held at the Dallas Arboretum on June 7.

 

According to APGA, “The Service Award is reserved for an individual who has shown selfless service to the organization through work that advances the Professional Communities, service on an Association Committee, and/or the Association’s Board of Directors.”

 

American Public Garden Association’s CEO Michelle Provaznik, “The Service Award is our highest honor, and we are pleased to honor Mary with it. In the past 28 years, she has set a goal of making the Dallas Arboretum—one of the largest public gardens in the nation— a garden for all to enjoy, an educational institution and a leader in plant trials and research. With her vision, her standard of excellence and her attention to detail, she has also shared her best practices with our members to help them achieve success.”

 

Will McDaniel, Dallas Arboretum Board chair, said, “Mary is deserving of this prestigious APGA Service Award. She has dedicated her life’s work to the Dallas Arboretum, and we are one of the nation’s top botanical gardens because of her efforts. During her tenure, the garden has developed 60 percent of its property and reworked the original gardens in place. She also fulfilled the last parts of the Dallas Arboretum’s mission by adding a strong education program and trial research program.”

 

Structural additions occurring during her tenure included the buildings of the Trammell Crow Visitor Education Pavilion; the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden; A Tasteful Place complex with the Test Pavilion; the Margaret and Jay Simmons Lagoon and gardens; the Boswell Family Garden; the McCasland Sunken Garden; the Richard L. Grant Octagonal Fountain Garden; the Nancy Clements Seay Magnolia Glade; the Henry Lindsley Shadow Garden; the Jan and Richard McMillan Fountain Renovation; the Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill and the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn; the Jeanne L. Johnson Pavilion; the Tres Amigas garden; the Martha Brooks Camellia Garden; and Linda’s Pocket Garden.

 

Additionally, Brinegar helped guide renovations of the parking lots, updating of the DeGolyer House and Camp House; the renovation of major garden areas including the Lay Family Garden and Terrace; the Palmer Fern Dell; the Rose Mary Haggar Rose Garden; the Dann Talley Kincheloe Courtyard and many other smaller areas. The Dallas Arboretum secured a loan for a parking garage, bought the land for a greenhouse and then built structures on it.

 

Major exhibits were added such as the Pumpkin Festival, The 12 Days of Christmas, the Dazzling Christmas Tree and the Pauline and Austin Neuhoff Christmas Village to boost attendance. In 2012, she helped bring a Chihuly sculpture exhibit to the garden—the first time attendance reached a million visitors. The Dallas Arboretum now has year-round activities and festivals for all interests, and has been named by many national sources as a major attraction in the city.

 

The Dallas Arboretum has been recognized extensively on a national basis with listings regularly among the finest gardens in America. Additionally Architectural Digest and others have named the Dallas Arboretum as one of the leading gardens in the world.

 

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The garden is also home of the nationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. It is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA, Channel 8 is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.  Timed tickets are required and can be purchased online at www.dallasarboretum.org or by calling 214-515-6615.

 

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Friends of the Arboretum Joan Walne, Robin Norcross, Will McDaniel, Kay Fulton, Peter Dauterman

Friends of the Arboretum, the membership group that supports the Dallas Arboretum, had its annual dinner during the height of Dallas Blooms on March 29. About 250 guests attended and enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres before they enjoyed a lovely dinner with music from a classical trio. Trams gave tours throughout the garden to see Dallas Blooms: The Great Contributors, presented by Veritex Community Bank. Nine of Gary Lee Price’s life-size bronze statues are in the garden amidst the colorful spring flowers.

 

Peter Dauterman, Dallas Arboretum chair of the Caroline Rose Hunt Society Committee, welcomed everyone.

 

Dallas Arboretum Board Chair Will McDaniel thanked these special friends who provide important financial gifts and thanked Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians who generously sponsored the dinner.

 

Robin Norcross, Dallas Arboretum contributed revenue committee chair, gave a state of the garden update. She also thanked the Friends of the Arboretum Chairs, Kay Fulton and Joan Walne, and their committee members Brianna Brown, Robin Carreker, Alice Coker, Tucker Enthoven, Kama Koudelka and Venise Stuart. The Friends contributed $2.3 million to the garden with more than 400 members.

 

For more information on joining the Friends of the Arboretum, visit dallasarboretum.org or contact Lauren Hudzik, Friends Manager, at 214-515-6548 or friends@dallasarboretum.org.

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Dallas Arboretum Corporate Dinner Lisa Armstrong, Will McDaniel

The Dallas Arboretum held its Corporate Dinner on March 23 with more than 200 people whose companies and businesses support the garden at a high level. Guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. Tram drivers gave tours throughout the garden to see the Japanese cherry trees and the 500,000 spring flowers—tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and more—that were in full bloom in every color palette.

 

Dallas Arboretum Board Chair Will McDaniel welcomed guests to the Southwest’s largest floral festival and thanked the Dallas Arboretum board members in attendance. Robin Norcross, Dallas Arboretum contributed revenue committee chair, gave a state of the garden update including a recent accolade from Travel+Leisure that said this “Texas Flower Festival May be the Most Beautiful Springtime Destination in the U.S.” She also thanked the major donors, committee and staff for their contributions. Then visitors enjoyed a lovely dinner with the sounds of a jazz trio. McDaniel concluded the evening with final thanks to everyone for the continued support of this Dallas gem.

 

Special thanks to the following sponsors:

ADP, alliantgroup, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.-Alpha Xi Omega Chapter, Amegy Bank, American Airlines, AT&T, Baker Triangle, Bank of America, Bank of Texas, Boston Consulting Group, CC Young Senior Living, Camelot Strategic Marketing & Media, Capital One, Caruth Protection Services, Central Market/HEB, Cigna, Comerica, Coram Deo, Curls, Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians, Dave Perry Miller, Doyle & Associates, Ecolab, ExxonMobil, Frost Bank, GFO Homes, Gopuff, Gray Reed, HKS, International Paper, Jackson Walker, JHP Architecture/Urban Design, Kessler Collins, Kimberly-Clark, Kirkland & Ellis, Lennox, Marsh McLennan Agency, McDonald’s of North Texas, Mercer, MoveStar, Oncor, Park Place Dealerships, Pegasus Bank, Phillips/May Corporation, Regional Hispanic Contractors Association, Reliant, Rexel, Rosewood Corporation, RREAF Holdings, Sammons, SHM Architects, Sidley Austin, Texas Instruments, Texas Telcom Credit Union, The Dallas Morning News Charities, The Preston of The Park Cities, UMB Bank, Veritex Community Bank, Visit Dallas, Wells Fargo Advisors , WFAA, Channel 8.

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Adrian Verdin, Sharon Van Meter

More than 1,700 people attended the sixth annual Food & Wine Festival at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden on March 23. The event, which was presented by Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians, was held during the height of Dallas Blooms.  Guests enjoyed libations and delectable delights while strolling the garden on a perfect spring evening. Chef Sharon Van Meter served as the chef chair, and Adrian Verdin was the event chair.

Special thanks to the chefs who participated:

Asian Mint – Chef Nicky Phinyawatana

Bbbop Seoul Kitchen – Chef Sandra Bussey

Beckley 1115 – Chef Luke Rogers

Beyond the Box Catering – Chef Doug Brown

Bisous Bisous – Chef Andrea Meyer

Bright Box Foods – Chef Christopher Patrick

Café Momentum – Chef Aaron Collins

Cane Rosso – Chef Josh Healy

Carbone Vino – Chef Kashawn Cruell

Chef Mollie G: Custom Catering – Chef Mollie Guerra

CocoaVina – Chef Sanne Bogart

Dallas Culinary Company – Chef Jose Iturralde

Dea – Chef Roman Murphy

Encina (VIP) – Chef Matt Balke

Garden Café – Chef Justin Wern

Home Grown Market – Chef Lucy Braddock

Humble: Simply Good Pies – Chef Sean Jett

José (VIP) – Chef Anastacia Quinones

Knife Dallas (VIP)  – Chef John Tesar

La Duni – Chef Dunia Borga

Loro Asian Smokehouse and Bar – Chef Arturo Hernandez

Meridian (VIP) – Chef Junior Borges

Monarch – Chef Eric Dreyer

Mozzarella Company + Empire Baking Company – Chefs Paula Lambert and Meaders Ozarow

Nick & Sam’s – Chef John Kleifgen

Off the Bone BBQ – Chef Dwight Harvey

Parigi – Chef  Janice Provost

Petra & the Beast – Chef Colin Younce

Profound Farms – Chef Ramsey

Sadelle’s – Chef Keith Potter

Saint Rocco’s New York Italian – Chef Jay Valley

Savor by Samir Catering – Chef Salvador Ordaz

Snap Kitchen – Chef Lorena Basteris

Sushi Rock (VIP) – Chef Mark Tungcmittrong

Taco Y Vino – Chef Jimmy Contreras

Teriyaki – Chef Joshua Bonee

Thompson Dallas – Chef Jeramie Robison

Trompo – Chef Luis Olvera

Urban Rio Cantina & Grill – Chef Salvatore Gisellu

Vestals Catering – Chef Jordan Swim

Wolfgang Puck Catering – Chef Jonathan Stirnweis

A special thanks to Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits for providing the wine along with beers by popular breweries to pair with the food including Lakewood Brewing, Oak Highlands Brewery, Texas Ale Project, and White Rock Ale House & Brewery. For a complete list, visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/food-and-wine-festival/.

Food & Wine Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians

Additional Sponsors: Rosewood Ranches Wagyu Beef, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Amegy Bank.

Dallas Blooms Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Veritex Community Bank

Additional Sponsors: CC Young, Dallas Public Tourism Improvement District, Texas Telcom Credit Union

Media Sponsors: The Dallas Morning News, WFAA, Channel 8

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The garden is also home of the nationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. It is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Daytime festival admission is $20 for adults, $16 for seniors 65 and older, $12 for children 2-12, and free for Arboretum members and children under two. Parking is $11 purchased online.  The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA, Channel 8 is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.  For more information, visit www.dallasarboretum.org.

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BHC Kickoff Jennifer Chandler, Janet Jack, Tiffaney D. Hunter, Will McDaniel, Regina Montoya

Janet Jack, Dallas Arboretum board member and Black Heritage Celebration chairperson, and Tiffaney Dale Hunter, Black Heritage Celebration host committee chair, welcomed sponsors, host committee members and influential business and community leaders to a kick-off reception for the 3rd Annual Black Heritage Celebration presented by Bank of America. The event was held at the Dallas Arboretum’s Alex Camp House on Feb. 23rd.

A significant program for the Dallas Arboretum, the Black Heritage Celebration places the spotlight on the unique talents, art, products and services from the local black community, amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Dallas Arboretum. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7.

There are many exciting activities planned for the 3rd Annual Black Heritage Celebration to include entertainment by Don Diego Band and Clover the Violinist, cooking demonstrations with Smoky John’s BBQ and a fashion show produced by Willie Johnson, which will showcase local black designers and the latest trends. This year, the Dallas Arboretum will also partner with the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce to host an Entrepreneur Showcase that will spotlight local business owners and a children’s celebration for kids of all ages. In addition, the two-day event will feature a vendor showcase with approximately 40 Black vendors selling and displaying unique products and services.

Janet Jack, Dallas Arboretum board member and Black Heritage Celebration chairperson, and Tiffaney Dale Hunter, Black Heritage Celebration host committee chair, welcomed sponsors, host committee members and influential business and community leaders to a kick-off reception for the 3rd Annual Black Heritage Celebration presented by Bank of America. The event was held at the Dallas Arboretum’s Alex Camp House on Feb. 23rd.

A significant program for the Dallas Arboretum, the Black Heritage Celebration places the spotlight on the unique talents, art, products and services from the local black community, amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Dallas Arboretum. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7.

There are many exciting activities planned for the 3rd Annual Black Heritage Celebration to include entertainment by Don Diego Band and Clover the Violinist, cooking demonstrations with Smoky John’s BBQ and a fashion show produced by Willie Johnson, which will showcase local black designers and the latest trends. This year, the Dallas Arboretum will also partner with the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce to host an Entrepreneur Showcase that will spotlight local business owners and a children’s celebration for kids of all ages. In addition, the two-day event will feature a vendor showcase with approximately 40 Black vendors selling and displaying unique products and services.

For more information and to view the complete list of weekend activities, entertainment and vendors, visit www.dallasarboretum.org/BHC.

 

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BHC Kickoff Jennifer Chandler, Janet Jack, Tiffaney D. Hunter, Will McDaniel, Regina Montoya

Janet Jack, Dallas Arboretum board member and Black Heritage Celebration chairperson, and Tiffaney Dale Hunter, Black Heritage Celebration host committee chair, welcomed sponsors, host committee members and influential business and community leaders to a kick-off reception for the 3rd Annual Black Heritage Celebration presented by Bank of America. The event was held at the Dallas Arboretum’s Alex Camp House on Feb. 23rd.

A significant program for the Dallas Arboretum, the Black Heritage Celebration places the spotlight on the unique talents, art, products and services from the local black community, amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Dallas Arboretum. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7.

 

There are many exciting activities planned for the 3rd Annual Black Heritage Celebration to include entertainment by Don Diego Band and Clover the Violinist, cooking demonstrations with Smoky John’s BBQ and a fashion show produced by Willie Johnson, which will showcase local black designers and the latest trends. This year, the Dallas Arboretum will also partner with the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce to host an Entrepreneur Showcase that will spotlight local business owners and a children’s celebration for kids of all ages. In addition, the two-day event will feature a vendor showcase with approximately 40 Black vendors selling and displaying unique products and services.

Janet Jack, Dallas Arboretum board member and Black Heritage Celebration chairperson, and Tiffaney Dale Hunter, Black Heritage Celebration host committee chair, welcomed sponsors, host committee members and influential business and community leaders to a kick-off reception for the 3rd Annual Black Heritage Celebration presented by Bank of America. The event was held at the Dallas Arboretum’s Alex Camp House on Feb. 23rd.

A significant program for the Dallas Arboretum, the Black Heritage Celebration places the spotlight on the unique talents, art, products and services from the local black community, amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Dallas Arboretum. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7.

 

There are many exciting activities planned for the 3rd Annual Black Heritage Celebration to include entertainment by Don Diego Band and Clover the Violinist, cooking demonstrations with Smoky John’s BBQ and a fashion show produced by Willie Johnson, which will showcase local black designers and the latest trends. This year, the Dallas Arboretum will also partner with the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce to host an Entrepreneur Showcase that will spotlight local business owners and a children’s celebration for kids of all ages. In addition, the two-day event will feature a vendor showcase with approximately 40 Black vendors selling and displaying unique products and services.

 

For more information and to view the complete list of weekend activities, entertainment and vendors, visit www.dallasarboretum.org/BHC.

 

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Dallas Blooms

The Dallas Arboretum ushers in spring with the Southwest’s annual floral festival Dallas Blooms: Great Contributors from February 25 to April 16, 2023. Named by Southern Living as one of “The Best Places to See Stunning Spring Blooms Across the South,” Dallas Blooms, presented by Veritex Community Bank, features 500,000 spring blooming flowers from more than 120 varieties. Of that total, 350,000 are tulips, and the others are hyacinth and daffodils.

 

Back by popular demand is renowned sculptor Gary Lee Price, who returns with a new collection of Great Contributors realistic bronze statues displayed alongside the flowers, hundreds of Japanese cherry trees and thousands of azaleas. Joining the resident sculpture of William Shakespeare are eight additional statues: Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, Joan of Arc, Mother Teresa, Ruby Bridges, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. A fellow of the National Sculpture Society and recognized worldwide for his bold work lifting and celebrating the human spirit, Price makes his third appearance in the garden. On Dallas Blooms’ opening day—Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.—Price will sculpt in clay and talk about his work. This event is included with paid garden admission.

 

Dallas Arboretum Board Chairman Will McDaniel said, “Dallas Blooms is one of our most popular festivals with half a million flowers and stunning beauty at every turn. Gary Lee Price’s statues have become popular with visitors because of their life-like qualities, and I look forward to seeing the new collection. We invite you to visit with your family and friends.”

 

Dallas Blooms also features an abundance of music, food and events throughout the garden. The festival includes the return of the Cool Thursdays Concerts series. On the weekends at noon and other select dates, guests can enjoy live and piano performances in Jeanne’s Pavilion. On Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can head to the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn – the perfect place to picnic – and listen to the sounds of North Texas’ best party bands.

 

A Shakespeare Dallas appearance, a Window to the Wild bird show, garden markets and special events during holiday weekends add to the festival offerings. These include spring break (week of March 12), the 6th annual Food & Wine festival (March 23-25) and Easter weekend (April 7-9).  Mommy and Me Mondays and Tiny Tot Tuesdays return for children with plenty of fun activities. Check the website and social media for the latest schedule.

 

A Tasteful Place:

In A Tasteful Place, a 3.5-acre potager garden inspired by the movement toward growing, preparing and eating fresh, sustainable, locally-grown food, there are plenty of demonstrations. These events listed below are included with paid garden admission. 

  • Daily: Samples of the vegetable of the month
    • Mondays: Dallas College Cooks Demonstrations at 11 a.m.
    • Tuesdays: Tasteful Tuesdays Floral Demonstrations at 11 a.m. and Chef Isabel Snetsinger at 1 p.m. with a cooking demonstration
    • Wednesdays: Chef-Tastic Cooking Demonstrations at 11 a.m. (check the website)
    • Thursdays: Daily Harvest demonstration at 11 a.m. See how to harvest the season's ripest produce and ask gardening questions.
    • Fridays: Learn to Grow Fridays with Master Gardeners, the Dallas Arboretum Horticultural Staff and local experts at 11 a.m.

There are also paid workshops and cooking classes of all kinds for child and parent/caregiver, couples and individuals. For the latest, visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/visitor-information/gardens-and-pavilions/a-tasteful-place/

 

Mary Brinegar, Dallas Arboretum president and CEO, added, “There is something for everyone at Dallas Blooms especially the grandeur of the garden's collection of 3,000 azaleas that bloom along with the Japanese cherry trees, ushering in spring with vibrant color everywhere.”

 

Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden:

Reopened for the spring, the nationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden features 17 indoor/outdoor galleries, 150 interactive science games and daily events and activities of themed adventures throughout the Dallas Blooms festival. The Children’s Adventure Garden is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For a full list of upcoming events and activities, visit www.dallasarboretum.org/childrensadventuregarden.

 

Tickets/Information:

Tickets, which range from $12 to $20, are required and can be purchased online at www.dallasarboretum.org or by calling 214-515-6615. Parking is $11 purchased online or $15 at the gate. For the latest information, visit www.dallasarboretum.org/blooms.

 

Special Day Discounts:

Discounts include BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free) on Wednesdays (except for March 15) and CC Young Senior Living Thursdays (those who are 65 years and older receive discounted admission and 20% off in the Gift Store).

 

Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Veritex Community Bank

Additional Sponsors: CC Young, Dallas Public Tourism Improvement District, Texas Telcom Credit Union

Media Sponsors: The Dallas Morning News, WFAA, Channel 8

 

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The garden is also home of the nationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. It is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Daytime festival admission is $20 for adults, $16 for seniors 65 and older, $12 for children 2-12, and free for Arboretum members and children under two. Parking is $11 purchased online.  The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA, Channel 8 is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.  For more information, visit www.dallasarboretum.org.

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Dallas Arboretum Kwanzaa Dinner Linda Todd, Janet Jack, Indy B, Adella Fremstad-Nolden

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden held a Kwanzaa dinner on December 1st where attendees heard about the holiday and toured the historic DeGolyer House. New this year at Holiday at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, is a brand new exhibit in the DeGolyer House called The Artistry of Faith & Culture that features the three world holidays celebrated during the season—Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa—along with Diwali celebrated in the fall. The exhibit runs now through Dec. 31 and is part of the seasonal celebration.

Mary Brinegar, president and CEO of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, welcomed everyone including elected officials and board members.

“This collaborative community-sourced exhibit showcases these diverse cultural traditions throughout the house. Special thanks to the community partners that helped with this special exhibit: Interfaith Council of The Thanks-Giving Foundation, DFW Indian Cultural Society, Texas Jewish Arts Association, thinkIndia Foundation and Pan African Connection & Friends.”

Harrison Blair, president and CEO of the Dallas Black Chamber and Park Board Member, District 4, told about  Kwanzaa. “The celebration includes these seven principles with the first word in Swahili:

  • Umoja (Unity) To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
  • Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
  • Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
  • Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
  • Nia (Purpose)
  • Kuumba (Creativity)
  • Imani (Faith).”

Janet Jack, Dallas Arboretum board member and Black Heritage Celebration chair, wrapped up the program by inviting people to enjoy the DeGolyer House’s unique exhibit and wished everyone a happy holiday.

Holiday at the Arboretum:

Holiday at the Arboretum also includes The Christmas Village, The 12 Days of Christmas and the 50-foot-tall Dazzling Musical Tree. These three large-scale outdoor displays are perfectly designed for the 66-acre garden and are open to the public both in the daytime and evening.

Tickets, which range from $10-$35, are required for entry for the garden, so guests are encouraged to reserve preferred dates early. For more information, visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/holiday-at-the-arboretum/

In addition to Reliant as the presenting sponsor, other sponsors include Pegasus Bank, Kirkland & Ellis, Movestar, Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, GFF Architects, Century Glass.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. The garden is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Festival daytime admission is $20 for adults, $16 for seniors 65 and older, and $12 for children 2-12, and free for Arboretum members and children under two. On-site parking is $11. Evening tickets range from $10-$35.  The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum. The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum. 

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Great Contributors Award Ben Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Marilyn Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Laura Bush (Great Contributor Award honoree), Jim Ryan (DABS board chairman)

On November 15, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s annual Great Contributors Award dinner honored two remarkable Texas women —Laura Bush and The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison.

 

The Great Contributors Award is bestowed on individuals whose contributions have made an important positive impact on the state, country and world as the Dallas Arboretum works to contribute to Dallas recognition from throughout the world. Funds raised help the Dallas Arboretum fund the 100,000 school-age children who attend field trips; underwrite 25,000 tickets to provide access to the garden to those unable to pay; and provide upkeep for the 66-acre garden to remain ‘best in class.’

 

Jim Ryan, Dallas Arboretum board chairman, welcomed 200 guests. “We want to thank all of you here tonight – for your support, sponsorship and friendship to the Dallas Arboretum. It’s my pleasure to introduce our event honorary co-chairs, Marilyn and Ben Weber, who will introduce this year’s Great Contributors honorees when our program begins.

 

Tom Gilcrest sang the invocation with two Texas favorite songs—"Deep in the Heart of Texas” and “God Bless America.”

Ben Weber introduced Laura Bush. “One of the most beloved and admired First Ladies of Texas and of the United States, Laura Bush continues to bring dignity and honor to our state and our country. A champion of key issues in the fields of education, health care and women's rights, Mrs. Bush remains committed to issues of global concern through her work at the George W. Bush Institute. As a lifelong conservationist, Mrs. Bush has visited more than 30 national parks and historic sites, spotlighting our country's national treasures and natural wonders. She is passionate about prairie restoration, native plantings and saving our migrating birds. Mrs. Bush is the proud founder of Texan by Nature, which brings conservation and business together to protect our state's people, plants and prosperity. I now introduce to you, former First Lady but first in our hearts, Laura Bush.”

 

Laura Bush remarked, “I am thrilled to be here to accept the Dallas Arboretum’s Great Contributor Award because, as I’m sure many of you know, I am an outdoor enthusiast. 

Well, the reason I agreed to accept this award tonight is so I could come on stage to recognize the true greatest contributor in the room – and that’s Mary Brinegar. Mary brought her passion for education to the Arboretum, furthering the nonprofit’s mission to build and maintain a public garden that promotes the art, enjoyment and knowledge of horticulture, while providing opportunities for education and research...so join me in giving a heartfelt thanks to the Dallas Arboretum’s Greatest Contributor, my friend, Mary Brinegar.”

 

Marilyn Weber introduced Kay Bailey Hutchison and Rena Pederson who moderated the discussion. “The Dallas Arboretum is pleased to bestow its Great Contributor Award to The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison. Her lifetime of service to our nation has been extraordinary. For 20 years, she served the State of Texas as a U.S. Senator, and for more than three years, she served as the United States Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). She has written three books, and continues to serve on many prestigious local, national and international boards. Recognizing her lifetime of service, the Dallas City Council named the city's Convention Center after her. Her alma mater, the University of Texas, proudly houses The Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for Energy, Law and Business. Their emphasis is on providing opportunities for business and law students to learn more about the energy industry. Sharing her unique insight on activities in our country and the international issues facing America, she will be interviewed by Rena Pederson.”

 

Weber continued. “Rena has been a trailblazer for women in journalist in Texas and Texas Monthly named her as one of the most powerful women in the state. The author of four books, she served on the Pulitzer Prize Board for nine years and received national recognition as Vice President and Editorial Page Editor at The Dallas Morning News for 16 years.”

 

Pederson asked Hutchison questions about the world affairs, particularly Poland, NATO, Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan and more. Hutchison had a front seat to many of these developments in her role and shared the history of these situations. The riveting conversation kept the audience engaged.

 

Following the conversation, Marilyn Weber said, “Kay, thanking you for your many contributions that have brought positive change and strength in leadership to our country. The Dallas Arboretum is honored to present you with our Great Contributors Award with our heartfelt appreciation.”

 

Jim Ryan closed the evening. “Thank you for attending tonight to honor these great women. And thanks to each of you as you are also our Great Contributors and have continued to believe the dream of what we offer to our guests.”

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Hispanic Heritage Celebration photo credit: Dallas Arboretum

To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden celebrates its fifth annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, September 10th and 11th. Highlights include its signature Quinceañera Fashion Show, live musical performances from Havana NRG and Selena tribute band, Bidi Bidi Banda, cooking demonstrations, food and vendors. Presented by Bank of America, the Hispanic Heritage Celebration is included for all paid garden guests. Advanced online ticket reservations are required.*

The festival starts on Saturday, September 10th at 10 a.m. inside Rosine Hall with the much anticipated Quinceañera Fashion Show. Select participants showcase their beautiful and colorful quinceañera dresses and share their favorite traditions and future plans. Guest emcees are Adriana López, producer and host at Telemundo 39, and The Honorable Pauline Medrano, Dallas County treasurer. Following the show, the young women parade through the garden alongside music played by Mariachi Rosas Divinas, North Texas’ first all-female mariachi ensemble, allowing even more guests to see their dresses.

Dallas City Officials and other distinguished guests are scheduled to attend the Quinceañera Fashion Show and welcome participants, their families and garden visitors.

Mario Quintanilla, Dallas Arboretum board member and Hispanic Heritage Celebration chair, said, “The Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Dallas Arboretum has grown in popularity these past few years, and we are excited to celebrate this event’s fifth year with plenty of fun for the family.”

Throughout the garden, the Dallas Arboretum has planned activities celebrating Hispanic culture and traditions including vendors, dance and musical performances, and cooking demonstrations.

Highlighting the diversity of Hispanic cuisine, these cooking demonstrations feature the expertise of four distinguished chefs, including Mexican American dishes from Chef Sara Carlock of Amor y Queso, Puerto Rican influences from Chef Isabel Snetsinger of the Dallas Arboretum and Gil’s Elegant Catering, Colombian cooking by Chef Dunia Borga of La Duni, and exquisite Dominican flavors courtesy of Chef Miriam Jiménez of Miriam’s Cocina Latina.

Saturday, Sept. 10

10 a.m. – Celebration of Quinceañera Fashion Show (Rosine Hall)

11:15 a.m. – Quinceañera Parade led by Mariachi Rosas Divinas (Paseo & A Tasteful Place)

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Vendor market (Entry Plaza)
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Girl Scouts make and take crafts (near Pecan Grove)

11 a.m.-12 p.m. Colombian cooking demonstration by Chef Dunia Borga of  La Duni Baking Studio, (A Tasteful Place)

12 p.m.-2 p.m. – Rodrigo Garcia’s piano performance (Jeanne’s Pavilion)

1-2 p.m. Mexican American dishes from Chef Sara Carlock of Amor y Queso (A Tasteful Place)

2:30 p.m.–4 p.m. Havana NRG! (Rosine Hall)

4 p.m.-5 p.m. – Flamenca Rumbas and We Sevillanas dance performance (Jeanne’s Pavilion)

 

Sunday, Sept. 11

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Vendor market (Entry Plaza)
10 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Peruvian Consulate Performance (Jeanne’s Pavilion)
11 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Puerto Rican influences from Chef Isabel Snetsinger of the Dallas Arboretum and Gil’s Elegant Catering (A Tasteful Place)

12 p.m.-2 p.m. Henry Muñoz’s piano performance (Jeanne’s Pavilion)

1-2 p.m. Dominican cooking demonstration courtesy of Chef Miriam Jiménez of Miriam’s Cocina Latina (A Tasteful Place)

2-4 p.m. Bidi Bidi Banda, a Selena tribute band, performance (Rosine Hall)

Schedule is subject to change. Check the website and Dallas Arboretum’s social media for the latest information.

Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden:

Thanks to a generous donation from the Kelley Family, admission to the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden is complimentary for the weekend of Sept. 10th- 11th with a paid garden ticket. This garden has many activities for children and families including the opening day of the #IfThenSheCan - The Exhibit.

From September 10 to December 31, 2022, the Dallas Arboretum presents 50 of the 3D-printed orange life-size statues from #IfThenSheCan - The Exhibit, the largest collection of statues ever assembled together, installed throughout the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. An array of in-person and virtual programs, an exhibit scavenger hunt activity, and sponsored school group visits throughout the fall brings to life inspirational stories of women in STEM who are shaping a better world. The exhibit has traveled to and from the National Mall and Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. and on the TODAY Show. Some highlighted Hispanic figures include Greetchen Díaz-Muñoz, Ph.D. (microbiologist/educator), Myria Perez (paleontologist/fossil preparator) and Roselin Rosario-Meléndez, Ph.D. (polymer/formulation chemist).

Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
L'Oréal USA Chemist Roselin Rosario-Meléndez, Ph.D., If/Then Ambassador:

Plantastic Natural Lip Balm Lab and Meet & Greet

Additional activities throughout this garden include the Walne Family Discovery Lab: Marvelous Maize (Exploration Center) 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Did you know that maize, or corn, was grown in ancient Mexico? This lab investigates viscosity using a corn product commonly found in the food people eat.  

Sept. 10-11 Hispanic Heritage Weekend, 10 a.m.-2.p.m. (Exploration Center Plaza)

Explore fruits and vegetables from Central and South America. Create your own traditional Mexican folk art papel picado. Learn about the important contributions that Latino scientists are working on to solve many of the world’s problems.

Those interested in applying to be a vendor can visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/hispanic-heritage-celebration/ or contact Jaci Ingram at jingram@dallasarboretum.org or 214.515.6605. Space is limited.

Special thanks to the Honorary Council Members:**

City of Dallas:

The Honorable Eric Johnson, Mayor, City of Dallas

The Honorable Chad West, Mayor Councilmember, District 1

The Honorable Jesse Moreno, Councilmember, District 2

The Honorable Casey Thomas, II Councilmember, District 3

The Honorable Carolyn King Arnold, Mayor Pro Tem, District 4

The Honorable Adam Bazaldua, Councilmember, District 7

The Honorable Tennell Atkins, Council Member District 8

The Honorable Paula Blackmon, Council Member, District 9

The Honorable Adam McGough, Councilmember, District 10

The Honorable Jaynie Schultz, Councilmember, District 11

The Honorable Cara Mendelsohn, Council Member, District 12

The Honorable Gay Donnell Willis, Council Member, District 13

The Honorable Paul Ridley, Councilmember, District 14

The Honorable Delia Jasso, Former Dallas City Council Member

Max Sanchez, Council Liaison

Dallas County:

The Honorable Clay Jenkins, Dallas County Judge

The Honorable Dr. Theresa M. Daniel, Dallas County Commissioner, District 1

The Honorable J.J. Koch, Dallas County Commissioner, District 2

The Honorable Dr. Elba Garcia, Dallas County Commissioner, District 4

The Honorable Pauline Medrano, Dallas County Treasurer

The Honorable Juan Jasso, Justice of the Peace

State of Texas:

The Honorable Kelly Hancock, Texas State Senator

The Honorable Nathan Johnson, Texas State Senator

The Honorable Rhetta Bowers, Texas State Representative

The Honorable Julie Johnson, Texas State Representative

The Honorable Terry Meza, Texas State Representative

The Honorable Victoria Neave-Criado, Texas State Representative

The Honorable Carl O. Sherman, Sr., Texas State Representative

Dallas Park and Recreation Board Members:

Estanislao Huerta, Council District 1

Fonya Mondell, Council District 2

Harrison Blair, Council District 4

Priscilla Rice, Council District 5

Timothy Dickey, Council District 6

Daniel Wood, Vice President, Council District 7

Bo Slaughter, Council District 8

Maria Hasbany, Council District 9

Robb Stewart, Council District 10

Jeff Kitner, Council District 11

Lane Conner, Council District 12

Calvert Collins-Bratton, Council District 13

Rudy Karimi, Council District 14

Arun Agarwal, Council District 15, President

Business and Dignitaries:

Consul General De Mexico Mr. Francisco de la Torre

Consulado General del Peru in Dallas Liliana Trelles

For more information on the Hispanic Heritage Celebration, including the latest list of Honorary Council members https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/hispanic-heritage-celebration/

A special thanks to the following sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Bank of America

Silver: ExxonMobil

Bronze: American Airlines

Friend: Frost Bank, McDonald’s of North Texas

Supporter: Silva, Mejia & Delgado; Lira Bravo Law

Patron: Dallas College, Regional Hispanic Contractors Association, Azteca-Omega Group, Jaime Ramon

Media sponsor: TELEMUNDO 39 and NBC 5.

**As of print date. Check the website for the latest list.

In addition to Hispanic Heritage Committee Chair Mario Quintanilla, additional members planning the celebration include Megan Ames, Rafael Luna, Regina Montoya and Mary Silva.

Tickets:*

Thanks to a generous donation from the Kelley Family, admission to the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden is complimentary for the weekend of Sept 10th- 11th with a paid garden ticket. General garden admission is $10 for adults, seniors 65 and older and children 2-12. Admission is free for Arboretum members and children under two. Parking is $11. 

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA, Channel 8 is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.  The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum. For more information, visit www.dallasarboretum.org.