It is time for the 2011 Miss Colleyville and Miss Teen pageant, and all are welcome to enter.  First check out the Miss Colleyville website, www.misscolleyville.org for the application and specific information needed to enter.  Very important; applications must be filled out and received by the organization by Sept. 13^th. 

Miss Teen Texas 2010 Madison Fuller

The Pageant will be held Sept. 19^th 2010 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the newly remodeled Colleyville Center.  The Miss Colleyville Scholarship Organization is a local preliminary to the Miss Teen Texas, Miss Texas, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen and Miss America Organization. These Organizations are the largest provider of scholarships for young women today.   

Miss Texas 2010 Ashley Melnick and Miss Teen Texas 2010 Madison Fuller will be on hand to perform and crown our winners. Also performing and emceeing will be Miss Texas 2009 Kristen Blair and Miss Texas 2008 Rebecca Robinson. One of the highlights of the evening will be the song Halo performed by the master of the ivories, Danny Wright, and Miss Blair. 

Miss Texas 2009 Kristen Blair

Contestants will compete in four areas of competition: Interview, Swimsuit/Physical Fitness, Talent, Evening Gown and On-Stage Question. The Colleyville Center is located at 5301 Riverwalk Dr Colleyville, Tx 76034. The Doors will open at 1:15pm and tickets will be available at the door for $20. Additional information can be found at www.misscolleyville.org or by contacting Executive Director Ed Huckfeldt at 214-208-8500 or by email info@misscolleyville.org. 

Miss Texas 2008 Rebecca Robinson

Country singer Charley Pride will headline the 20th Anniversary Celebration for Rocky Top Therapy Center. The event is set for 6:30 to 11 p.m. Oct. 9 at River Ranch, Fort Worth.

Pride, who can claim more than 35 number-one country hits, is known for such songs as “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” and “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me),” his first chart-topping hit. He has remained one of the top best-selling country artists of all-time with more than 70 million albums sold, 31 gold and 4 platinum albums. On RCA Records, Charley Pride is second in sales only to Elvis Presley.

Joining him will be country singer Dan Roberts. The entertainers will perform at Denim and Pearls Dinner Dance, a fundraiser for Rocky Top Therapy Center. (www.rockytoptherapy.org)

The Denim and Pearls Dinner Dance will conclude a day of activities for the therapeutic riding center, first established in 1990. The day will begin with The Great Trail Ride, with participants riding horses along the Trinity River in Fort Worth.

Rocky Top Therapy Center was launched 20 years ago in Keller by Vivian and Doug Newton.

Sorority recruitment, what was once known as “rush,” has been completed at some area universities.

According to the Mid-Cities Alumnae Panhellenic, the most recent rush results include the following from north Texas:

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

Alpha Chi Omega–Morgan Zobrist.

Alpha Delta Pi –Danielle Gagnon, Megan Kelly, Jordan Miller, Celine Mojica, Meredith Moore, Shelby Timothy, Erin Williams.

Gamma Phi Beta–Kimmi Hildreth, Sarah Kelly, Sarah Rogers, Nicole Yorba.

Delta Delta Delta–Kelsey Ussery.

Kappa Alpha Theta–Sarah Yeakley.

Kappa Delta–Haley Harris, Kara Miller.

Kappa Kappa Gamma–Adrian Thoma, Skyler Stone.

Phi Mu–Natalie Moore.

Pi Beta Phi–Michaela Bond, Kaitlyn Downey, Hayden Harris.

Zeta Tau Alpha–Ali Kubala, Katherine Lowe, Shelby Williams, Ashlee Tisdale.

____________________________________________

TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

Alpha Delta Pi–Heather Brannick, Alex Champagne, Caitlin Goheen,Michelle Warnock.

Alpha Chi Omega–Betsy Bethea, Paige McMullan.

Delta Delta Delta–Julia Fitzgerald.

Delta Gamma–Mackenzie Clarkson.

Gamma Phi Beta–Rebeccah Gould, Emma Schultz, Michelle Thompson.

Kappa Alpha Theta–Natalie Blair, Jessica Nimergood.

Pi Beta Phi–Emily Baughman, Alex Gonzolez, Julia Green, Alyssa Paneri.

Sigma Kappa–Kaitlin Costello.

Zeta Tau Alpha–Krystyn Albert, Katie Hamilton, Rachel Hopper, Kathryn Juren, Amy Moan, Julia Peebles.

______________________________

ALABAMA

Alpha Delta Pi–Katie Welpott.

Alpha Gamma Delta–Jessica Crilley.

Alpha Omicron Pi–Caroline Mayberry.

Alpha Phi–Lauren Sigler.

Delta Delta Delta–Samantha Presley.

Gamma Phi Beta–Lauren Casey.

Kappa Kappa Gamma–Annette Farrell.

___________

AUBURN

Delta Zeta–Mackenzie Youngman.

 _____________________________

University of Oklahoma

Alpha Gamma Delta–Samantha Ross.
Alpha Chi Omega–Andee Bosbyshell, Kyla Dickman, Mega Siebert.
Alpha Omicron Pi–Katie Baughman, Krystina Simon.
Alpha Phi–Sarah Aldinger, Jessica Bruder.
Chi Omega–Callie Hewett, Ellery Long.
Delta Delta Delta–Bailey GeorgeEmma Hallab, Jennifer Miller
Delta Gamma–Rebecca Benfield, Courtney Graviett, Shelby Stiner.
Gamma Phi Beta–Cassidy Cope, Kristina Hopkins,  Hallee Scoggins, Brooke Strother.
Kappa Alpha Theta–Catherine Champlin, Caroline Scott.
Kappa Kappa Gamma–Paige Brandt, Mekenzie House, Danon Payne, Brooke Stuart.
Pi Beta Phi–Ashleigh Fergus, Jordan Jones, Brooklyn Miller, Claire Rexing, Sasha Stribling.

Special Olympics Texas gained $1 million earlier this month, courtesy the estate of former Dallas businessman Harry S. Fagen.

A former Dallas businessman remembered Special Olympics Texas (SOTX)  in a most memorable way.

From the estate of the late Harry S. Fagen, SOTX received its first-ever $1 million gift from a private donor.

“Special Olympics Texas is honored and humbled by the tremendous generosity of Mr. Fagen,” said Margaret Larsen, SOTX President and CEO.  “During this difficult economic climate, his gift will not only ensure that day-to-day programming for children and adults with intellectual disabilities can continue to be delivered in an exemplary manner; it will also provide for the future growth and expansion of the organization.”

The check was presented to SOTX earlier this month at the Tower Club in Thanksgiving Square.  Attorney Michael Mongelli presented the check on behalf of the estate of Harry S. Fagen to Larsen, Colby Bannister, board member and athlete; and Janet Smith, SOTX senior development director.

SOTX is a privately funded non-profit organization providing year-round sports training and athletic competition for more than 36,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities.  For more information, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org.

The bequeathed funds will be used to fund the expenses associated with the program’s growth, including adding more than 7,500 new athletes last year.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth and Arlington again have teamed up for the 11th Annual Boxing at the Ballroom Gala & Auction, set for Aug.  27  in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Worthington Hotel, Fort Worth.

 All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tarrant County. The non-profit organization aids disadvantaged youth in the area.

The event will begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and boxing at 8 p.m. The evening’s highlight will be professional boxing presented by Paulie Ayala and Paulie Ayala Productions. Also included will be fine dining, spirits, fresh rolled cigars on the terrace, special guests and auctions. Serving as master of ceremonies will be John Rhadigan from Fox Sports.

Cover woman, scholar, accomplished horsewoman, Miss Mississippi 2004 and Miss Mississippi USA 2007 titleholder are just a few of Jalin Wood’s accomplishments. And now you can add “jewelry designer” to her list.

Jalin introduced her newest venture, her jewelry line – Jalin Wood Jewelry, to the public last month at the prestigious “see and be seen” Dallas restaurant Al Biernat’s. 

For those of who are not familiar with Al Bernat’s restaurant, it is frequented by celebrities such as Julio Iglesias, Gwyneth Paltrow and her husband Chris Martin, Angie Harmon and her husband Jason Sehorn, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Guests at this event were treated to many of Al Biernat’s Executive Chef Michael Weinstein best treats and wines, making it a perfect venue to launch a fabulous new jewelry line!

 “She certainly had all the pretty people here tonight” said Dallas society columnist Sally Blanton.

Although Wood may be new to the accessory world, she has appeared in major fashion magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Glamour, Seventeen, InStyle and the cover of Women’s Wear Daily.  Her many travels across the globe gave her the opportunity to collect gems for her jewelry which has been called “artful and thoughtful” creations which maintain their universal appeal by focusing on quality materials and functionality. With the keen understanding that “no one wants to meet themselves on the street,” her desire for original designs with limited distribution evolve the semi-precious creations into “precious” jewelry for women who want to blend high-style with a strong sense of individuality.

Graduating summa cum laude from Mississippi College with a degree in chemistry, Miss Wood obtained a master’s degree in health at The University of Mississippi as a chancellor’s list scholar.   Although, she has spent time speaking to chemists from around the world, presenting her HIV research in Atlanta, Memphis, and New Orleans conventions,  Wood spends much of her time mentoring and is an advocate for empowering young people to make good choices. 

To see more of Miss Wood’s designs visit her website at www.jalinwood.com

Ron Whittington

One-time Dallas resident and former Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)spokesman Ron (R.P.) Whittington will  sign copies of his novel Second Strike, a fictional account of a terrorist attack planned in the months after 9/11, from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4 at Hector’s on Henderson at 2929 N. Henderson Ave.

The author will donate a portion of the proceeds from book sales to the Wounded Warriors Project, a national, nonpartisan organization that supports severely injured service members.

 “I still have a lot of friends in Dallas, and I still love and miss Texas, so I’m looking forward to doing a book signing there,” said Whittington, who lived in Dallas, Plano and Allen, TX for 10 years. 

In Second Strike, the life of businessman Parker Glynn is dramatically affected by the attack on the Twin Towers. But unlike most Americans, Glynn is offered an opportunity to avenge the death of his family as he uncovers a terror plot in the months after 9/11.

 “The main character has Texas roots as well,” Whittington said. “Glynn grew up in Duncanville and attended Southern Methodist University, so Dallas certainly made an impact on my writing.”

Whittington started his career as a journalist with CNN Radio and the Dallas-Fort Worth Business Journal before going into the public relations profession in 1984. He worked as media coordinator with the Dallas Chamber of Commerce before joining DART, where he served as media spokesman from 1984 until 1992.  He served as Olympic Information Officer with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transportation Authority (MARTA) from 1994 to 1996.  He now resides in Florida.

For information about The Wounded Warrior Project, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Second Strike is currently available for sale on-line at www.secondstrikethenovel.com and www.amazon.com, or by phone at 904-563-0402.

Fifteen women who will be honored at SafeHaven’s 18^thLegacy of Women Awards luncheon, set for Oct. 29 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. 

The women selected represent diverse aspects of the arts, business, education, health and human services, and volunteerism. This year’s format was changed to include an honoree in each category from three geographic areas: northeast Tarrant County, greater Fort Worth and greater Arlington. 

The 15 chosen will be recognized at the October luncheon where Darren McGrady, former chef to Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth will serve as keynote speaker. The event serves as a fundraiser for SafeHaven of Tarrant County, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending family violence. SafeHaven of Tarrant County operates two emergency shelters that can accommodate 174 women and children in Tarrant County.

The 2010 honorees and their categories include:

Arts

Arlington: LeeAnn Chenoweth-Lawson, president, producer and violinist for Timeless concerts

Fort Worth: Rebecca Low, owner and sculptor at Rebecca Low Sculptural Metal Gallery and Studio.

Northeast Tarrant County:  DeeAnn Blair, executive producer at Artisan Center Theater.

 Business

Arlington: Taylor Gray, owner of The Shoppes at Brownstone Village.

Fort Worth: Shirlee Gandy, owner at RPM Commercial.

Northeast Tarrant County: Susan Clark, owner of Sweet Memories Cakes and Catering.

Education

Mansfield: Dee Lemser, retired teacher at Mansfield ISD.

Fort Worth: Mary Cinatl, director of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth

Northeast Tarrant County: Janice Kane, executive director of the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Education Foundation.

Health & Human Services

Arlington: Donna Bertram, vice president and chief nursing officer at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital.

Fort Worth: Susan Sward-Comunelli, president of the board and medical director of Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas.

Northeast Tarrant County: State Rep. Vicki Truitt, District 98.

Volunteerism

Arlington: Cristy Duke, volunteer for Junior League of Arlington, the Boys and Girls Club, The Oakridge School and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Fort Worth: Gail Landreth, volunteer for Historic Fort Worth, Inc., Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Jewel Charity and The Junior League of Fort Worth.

Northeast Tarrant County: Shirley Schollmeyer, volunteer for the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, The City of Colleyville, Colleyville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Colleyville Women’s Club and  the Colleyville Garden Club.

For more information, visit the website at www.safehaventc.org or call 817 535-6462.

From start to finish, the current production of “Dreamgirls” playing in Dallas is a dream of a show.

The sets, the singing, the dancing are all stellar in this show playing through July 18 at The Music Hall at Fair Park as a part of Dallas Summer Musical’s 70th anniversary year. The story, set in the early days of Motown, is told in an upbeat and entertaining way, largely due to the excellent cast.

Leading the way as Effie is Moya Angela, who has the pipes to pull off the show-stopping “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” With a performance like hers, the standing ovation came before intermission. Pushing hard to steal the show is the hilarious Chester Gregory as James “Thunder” Early, a comic mix of James Brown and Little Richard.

But this isn’t a musical that just showcases its stars. The chorus is filled with talented performers, whose tight harmonies and skillful dancing fill the stage with energy. The costumes are dazzling beautiful, and the imaginative sets have given this revival an updated look.

With a combo of great costumes, cool sets and talented dancing, the  production numbers are truly a treat. “Steppin’ to the Bad Side” was a stand-out, but other numbers are a treat for the audience, too.

The original Broadway production of “Dreamgirls” opened in 1981 and went on to win six Tony Awards. The current show debuted at Harlem’s Apollo theater last fall before it began touring. 

Touring companies can sometimes disappoint, but make no mistake–this is not one of “those” shows. ”Dreamgirls” is one of the highlights in Dallas Summer Musical’s lineup, and it’s no time to be napping and miss this show.

For ticket information, see www.dallassummermusicals.org.

Miss Texas, Ashley Melnick

Ashley Melnick, a 21-year-old Texas Christian University student, claimed the title of Miss Texas 2010 by singing “Circle of Life” at the Miss Texas Scholarship Pageant, held earlier this month at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Competing as Miss Fort Worth, Melnick was crowned at Texas Hall on the UTA campus. In Miss Texas pageant preliminary competitions, Melnick won both talent and swimsuit awards. She will be the Lone Star State’s representative at the legendary Miss America Pageant.

The new Miss Texas was named during a week of special activities marking the pageant’s 75th celebration. Dozens of former Miss Texas titleholders performed on stage, and were joined by Phyllis George and Shirley Cothran Barret, two Texans who went on to win the Miss America title.

Named first runner-up was Jordan Johannsen, Miss Irving. Others in the top five were DaNae Couch, Miss Frisco; Kendall Morris, Miss White Settlement; and Cristie Kibler, Miss Arlington.

Also crowned was a new Miss Teen Texas. She is 15-year-old Madison Fuller, who represented Frisco.

For more information, check www.misstexas.org.

Miss Teen Texas, Madison Fuller