Sunday, May 28, 2023

Art in the Square is…Art, Music and Cashless!

The Southlake Women’s Club is thrilled to announce Methodist Southlake Medical Center as its presenting sponsor for its 23rd annual nationally ranked, award-winning Art in the Square held April 28-30 at Southlake Town Square. Gather with family and friends for a fun-filled weekend of art, music, good food, refreshing spirits, and children’s activities. New this year, food and beverage purchases are NOW CASHLESS.

Southlake Women’s Club showcases the incredible artwork of 200 juried renowned, emerging, and high school artists. Visit “Arts Alive,” Apex Arts League photo op stop for snapshots. Tour the Youth Art tent to view the exceptional artwork of the high school students of Northeast Tarrant County.

The Methodist Southlake Medical Center Main Stage hosts free entertainment throughout the weekend. Friday night, April 28, at 8:30 pm, the “Manhattan” dance band entertains the crowd with music from the sixties to the present. Come wearing your boots and Stetsons on Saturday, April 29, at 8:30 pm. Canaan Smith of Nashville will bring that country sound to the stage performing “Love You Like That” and other favorites.

Local entertainment from schools, performing art studios, dance groups, and more will perform on the Texas Health Hospital Southlake Gazebo Stage. Sit back, relax, and enjoy our community stars’ jazz, contemporary, classic, instrumental, and vocal talents.

Children’s activities in Kid’s Korner and The Zone are always engaging and fun for families. In Kids Korner, sponsored by Cook Children’s, options are face painting, creating butterfly wings, pinwheels, or canvas art. The Zone’s activities make laughable fun with bouncing, climbing, and jumping. New this year is a 9-hole putt-putt course, carnival games, and more!

Save the dates, April 28-30, for a fun-filled weekend. The Southlake Women’s Club gives the DFW community a family-friendly experience while raising funds for charities that benefit women, children, and families in Northeast Tarrant County. www.artinthesquare.com

 

Submitted by: Sherri Whitt, Marketing/Publicity – Sjwswc1@aol.com

OBA Alerts Starting March 27

The City of Southlake is finishing the month of March off strong with several mobility and construction improvement projects set to take place over the next few weeks.

If you’re a driver who regularly travels through these areas with ongoing construction, it’s important to remain vigilant and take extra precautions on the road.

Here’s the list and project details:

Drainage Improvements on San Saba Drive, March 27

Contractors will be on-site to install a storm line for the San Saba Drive Drainage Improvements Project on Monday, March 27, weather permitting. The closure will be conducted at the culvert crossing. Plans to detour traffic through Mission Drive to the Mission Hills neighborhood are set to occur. This project is expected to last approximately four to five weeks. Commuters should expect some traffic delays.

Asphalt Repair on Brumlow Avenue, March 27

The Public Works Streets Division will be on-site at the 1400 block of Brumlow Avenue starting Monday, March 27, through Tuesday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Traffic control procedures will take place throughout the project. One lane of traffic will remain open at all times.

Concrete Repair at the intersection of Lakeside Court and Westmont Drive, April 4- 7

Traffic improvements at the Lakeside Court and Westmont Drive intersection are set to occur on Tuesday, April 4, through Friday, April 7, weather permitting.

Contractors will be on-site to repair concrete at the intersection to make it easier for vehicles to transition into the turning lanes. One lane of traffic will remain open during the project.

Director Chris Tribble and Parks Manager Mike Reasoner Take Over Minute with the Mayor

This week on Minute with the Mayor, get the low down on our newest beautification project for the Bicentennial Park playground!

Director of Community Services Chris Tribble and Parks Manager Mike Reasoner gave a rundown of the project, including timelines and details of what is to come.

Director Tribble mentioned that a section of the playground at Bicentennial Park will soon be replaced with artificial turf. This area has already been poured with concrete to accommodate any winter weather we may experience.

The artificial turf will allow our youngest Southlakers to play safely regardless of weather conditions. “The playground is heavily used, and with the foot traffic we’ve had to maintain, it’s just a muddy pit down here,” said Reasoner.

The project should not cause closures to the surrounding areas of the park, but there is a chance that the playground may close when the installation nears the sidewalk.

Reasoner mentioned cones, barricades, and caution tape would be used to keep safety in mind for residents. In addition to the turf installation, shade structures and planter beds will be added to the playground. A seating wall by the small slide has already been completed.

Stay tuned for updates on this project as we move forward in 2023! To watch the full episode of Minute with the Mayor, click below.

Support a Local Nonprofit Through North Texas Giving Day

Start the season of giving a bit early this year on North Texas Giving Day!

Founded in 2009, North Texas Giving Day is an online event organized by the Communities Foundation of Texas. Donors can contribute to this 18-hour event regardless of their physical ability or volunteer status.

More than 3,000 nonprofits will participate in North Texas Giving Day. Organizers describe it as “the largest community-wide giving event in the nation,” encouraging nonprofits to get involved.

Since its start, North Texas Giving Day has raised more than $441 million for nonprofits.

The giving season began early for the Southlake Chamber of Commerce. The organization previewed the North Texas Giving Day event during its August luncheon. A drawing for $1,000 was held for 17 local nonprofit organizations that spoke about their missions. John Fletcher of Fletcher Consulting Public Relations donated the $1,000 giveaway award.

Nonprofits in attendance included:

  • Swim 4 Elise Foundation
  • Southlake Kiwanis
  • Carroll Education Foundation
  • Catholic Charities Diocese of Ft. Worth, Inc.
  • Southlake Lions Club
  • Me Squared Cancer Foundation
  • Call a Ride Southlake
  • Kids Matter International
  • Metroport Meals on Wheels Inc.
  • I Can Still Shine Program
  • GRACE
  • Southlake Rotary Club – District 5790
  • Miracle League Southlake
  • Kelly Sawyer Ministries
  • TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) One Love
  • American Legion Post 114
  • XO Marriage

GRACE was presented with the $1,000 grand prize from a random drawing.

For more information about North Texas Giving Day, how to contribute to your community, or to donate, visit the North Texas Giving Day website.

Meet Bora Sulollari, One of the Shining Stars of the City Manager’s Office!

The City of Southlake places incredible importance on internships. Throughout the numerous departments, there are many opportunities to explore the City and make a difference. Many times, those interns find their place and stay within the walls of Town Hall.

As Bora Sulollari walked in for her first day as an intern at the City of Southlake, she was greeted with big smiles and new experiences.

“I felt so welcomed from the first moment I stepped into the building,” said Sulollari. “My time as an intern was so important to me, not only because of the valuable things I got to learn and experience but also because of the amazing people I got the chance to work with daily.”

Sulollari began her journey as a Management Intern. After obtaining her Master’s in Public Administration, she worked her way up to a full-time role as a City Manager’s Office Management Assistant. In her role, she assists the CMO with various budgetary, research, strategic management functions, and much more. “I’m forever grateful for all the various insightful projects I have gotten the chance to collaborate on,” she mentioned.

At the City of Southlake, our interns’ talents span many departments and topics. Several other full-time employees got their start just like Bora Sulollari and they continue to service the City through their dedication and commitment to excellence.

The Southlake Mobility Team Encourages Drivers to Buckle Up

Enhancing Southlake’s mobility landscape is just one of the many roles the Southlake Mobility Team plays in the success of building a better transportation system that both pedestrians and commuters can enjoy.

For everyone to benefit and enjoy the community around us, we want to encourage everyone to fasten your seat belts before you hit the road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts save more than 13,000 lives every year.

Buckling up helps secure you inside of your vehicle and acts as a defense mechanism against aggressive, impaired and distracted drivers.

Below is a list of seat belt guidelines by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that can help you stay safe.

  1. Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from you neck.
  2. Adjust the lap belt across your hips below your stomach.
  3. Never put the seat belt behind your back or under an arm.

 

Southlake Assistant City Manager Heading to Boerne, TX

After 18 years of service, Southlake Assistant City Manager Ben Thatcher is leaving to become the City Manager of Boerne, Texas.

Thatcher was honored at the June 2, 2020, City Council meeting for his years of service. In her presentation to the Council, Southlake City Manager Shana Yelverton called Thatcher “a tremendous asset to the City” and that he had worked “…tirelessly to serve our organization and the community.”

Thatcher was hired as a City Manager’s Office intern in June 2002 as he was pursuing his Master of Public Administration at the University of North Texas. After a short stay in Denton, he was hired as Southlake’s Assistant to the City Manager in November of 2004, and then promoted to Assistant City Manager in July of 2007.

During his time with the City, Thatcher has tackled numerous projects, including the establishment of financial benchmarks, and the formation of the City’s strategic management system. But it’s his work with the community and City employees where he has made his most significant impact.

With expressions like Mentor, Thoughtful, and Gracious, Yelverton used the words of Ben’s colleagues to describe a man who has not only invested in Southlake as a City but its residents and City employees.

Following Yelverton’s comments, the City Council offered their congratulations to Thatcher and his family. Mayor Laura Hill noted, “We think the world of you, we think the world of the kind of man that you are, we think the world of your family, and I’m grateful that you (his family) lent him to us.”

Thatcher’s last day with the City is June 15.

Tim Slifka receives the Purchasing Presidential Award of Merit

City of Southlake’s Purchasing Manager, Tim Slifka, was recently presented with the Presidential Award of Merit by the Texas Public Purchasing Association (TxPPA).

The Presidential Award of Merit recognizes a member whose level of contribution to the organization has been significant and noteworthy. In the 12 years that Tim has served as our City’s purchasing manager, this would be his second time to receive this award. The Texas Public Purchasing Association (TxPPA) is a professional association that represents over 500 purchasing professionals from across the state of Texas, including State, County, Municipal, Special Districts, and Independent School District employees tasked with purchasing duties for their represented organization.

TxPPA representatives noted that Tim’s support of the association as Treasurer and as a volunteer, his integrity and his professionalism were all standout qualities.

Southlake’s Chief Financial Officer, Sharen Jackson concurred, stating, “As the City of Southlake’s purchasing manager Tim has prioritized competency and efficiency.”

Additionally, the City of Southlake was recognized by the National Procurement Institute for seven consecutive years of excellence in public procurement, an accomplishment championed by Tim. The annual award recognizes organizations that have obtained a high score based on criteria designed to measure innovation, professionalism, productivity, e-procurement and leadership attributes of the procurement organization. The awards are illustrative of Southlake’s financial success.

Carroll Sets Record at Odyssey of the Mind State Finals

It was a great day of creative solutions for Carroll’s 18 “Odyssey of the Mind” teams on Saturday in Waller, Texas at the State Finals Tournament.

A record 15 teams medaled and 10 teams are advancing to “Odyssey of the Mind” World Finals in May.

To advance to Worlds, the top teams from across the State of Texas competed and only the top two teams in each Problem and Division compete at World Finals, held on the campus of Michigan State niversity May 24-28. Congratulations to all our Southlake Carroll OM teams, you’ve impressed and inspired your coaches and community.

Below are the Carroll teams who placed in the top three, earning medals at the state finals tournament.

Problem / Division / School / Achievement Coach/Coaches Team Members
Vehicular Problem

Division 1

DURHAM Int.

SECOND PLACE

WORLD FINALISTS

Diane Pierce Ogle Grant Ogle

Jope Iluyomade

Andrew Balson

Julia Dietrich

Madison Petty

Vanessa Vazhappilly

Cody Williams

Vehicular Problem

Division 2

CARROLL MID SCH.

THIRD PLACE

Anne Vanderbush Lindsay Vanderbush

Abigail Balson

Lillian Cooper

Avani Koganti

Tin Lau

Blayne Williams

Neha Boyapati

Vehicular Problem

Division 3

Southlake Carroll HS

THIRD PLACE

 

Heather King Miranda King

Akshaya Hemanth

Marissa Vazhappilly

Rachel Clements

Ella Driskill

Sophie Dietrich

Lauren Hendler

 

 

Technical Problem

Division 1

Rockenbaugh Elem

SECOND PLACE

WORLD FINALISTS

Suman Gohel Khushi Gohel

Dhruv Gohel

Swati Shankar

Noemie Houtekei

Sanjana Senthil

Praneel Veerabathina

Technical Problem

Division 2

Eubanks Int

FIRST PLACE

WORLD FINALISTS

Geetha Panchapakesan

Crystal Johnson

Ashwin Iyer

Grace Johnson

Allison Chang

William Ward

Nicolas Veit

Ben Fleming

Alfred Hale

Technical Problem

Division 2

Durham Int

SECOND PLACE

WORLD FINALISTS

Tonja Walker

Sarah Stoklas

Jackson Walker

John Stoklas

Ryan Adamson

Samhith Dharani

Connor MacLean

Graham Davidson

Ethan Phan

Technical Problem

Division 3

SC Senior High

FIRST PLACE

WORLD FINALISTS

 

Inna Dietrich Alexis Dietrich

Venezia Guzman

James Stewart

Akash Hemanth

Trevor King

Cara Connelly

Ethan Connelly

Classics Problem

Division 2

Carroll Middle

FIRST PLACE

WORLD FINALISTS

Diana DiCesare

Shelli Nickel

Kiera DiCesare

Sydney Nickel

Heloise Hoffmann

Tanner Hunt

Emma Johnson

Lizzie Garcia

Diya Panjabi

Classics Problem

Division 3

Southlake Carroll HS

FIRST PLACE

WORLD FINALISTS

Keith Buckley

 

Reilly Buckley

Katie Moore

Kayla Grosskopf

Catie Pratt

Kayin Jones

Eric Lovenburg

Cole Ragsdale

 

 

Structure Problem

Division 1

Carroll Elem

FIRST PLACE

WORLD FINALISTS

 

Saroja Mummini Sonia Naidu

Alisha Naidu

Ethan Menezes

Eva Menezes

Tonio Castillo

Joel Hansen

Juliet Scot

Structure Problem

Division 2

Durham Int.

THIRD PLACE

Tanuja Reddy Vivek Reddy

Pierce Ogle

Jackson Dockal

Samad Rizvi

Andrew Chen

Vansh Shah

Azlaan Shafi

Drama Problem

Division 1

Carroll Elem

SECOND PLACE (TIE)

WORLD FINALISTS

Niraj Mehta Jaiden Mehta

Harrison Moore

Dylan Mehta

Ayden Patel

Kennedy Nguyen

Adam Forst

Kenneth Warren Fambro, III

Drama Problem

Division 1

Rockenbaugh Elem

SECOND PLACE (TIE)

WORLD FINALISTS

Peter Kao Livi Kao

Kate Fancher

Abbie Fordyce

Chloe Criswell

Ava Burke

Riley Govek

Maria Mazey

Drama Problem

Division 2

Eubanks Int.

THIRD PLACE

Anne Bean Catt Gill

Elizabeth Fong

Amelia Chand

Trey King

Katie Chon

Matthew Fisher

Nahita Kamireddy

Drama Problem

Division 3

Southlake Carroll HS

THIRD PLACE

Kathy Marshall Zack Marshall

Jake Marshall

Chloe Moore

Sarah Wassef

Sarah Chapin

Olivia Hooper

Logan Mikolasik