BUSINESS
Kathy Hodgins Blanck, neighborhood resdent and CEO of Vignon Corporation, was recognized by Entrepreneur and Women President’s Organization as one of the top 50 fastest-growing women-led companies of 2008. Vignon specializes in IT services and staffing consulting.
Harwood International announced Edward Searle as general manager of Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens, located within Harwood District. Searle joins the Marie Gabrielle team after three years as director of food and beverage for The Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas.
Attorney Jim Chester, a shareholder at Cowles & Thompson PC, has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Housing Crisis Center of Dallas. This non-profit is dedicated to preventing homelessness and stabilizing the elderly, disabled veterans.
COMMUNITY
SeniorNet of Dallas Learning center offers members a range of in-depth computer courses — learn to email friends, search the internet, send electronic greeting cards, pay your bills, shop, and more using your computer. Enjoy small classes with patient instructors, convenient parking, plus a brand new classroom and equipment. Call 214.841.2818 to save your spot.
Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law offers free one-hour tax consultations for anyone who can’t afford attorney services and is facing an IRS audit, appeal or collection process; involved in innocent spouse relief; or needing to resolve a past-due tax matter. To schedule a free consultation, call 214.768.2562 or visit smu.edu/law/taxclinic/. The school’s small business clinic also is providing free legal services to new and existing small businesses and nonprofit organizations that cannot afford to pay legal fees. For information, call 214.768.4935.
Lakewood Volunteers in Patrol (VIP) needs neighbors to join the program. While on patrol, volunteers observe and report suspicious behavior to the Dallas Police. The program is non-confrontational in nature. It requires a minimum of two hours a week tailored to each volunteer’s schedule. For information contact Roger Parks at 214.319.2924 or rogparks13@tx.rr.com.
Casa de Vida, a respite care program for caregivers of early onset Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, is offered weekly on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m at NorthPark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central Expressway. It’s strictly a social program, with no medications or health care administered. Activities include morning snacks, exercise, bingo, crafts and music. A $10 fee covers the day’s program; application required. Call Ann Anderson at 972.783.8780 or Nick Harper at 214.349.6584 to apply or for information.
The Presby Presenters Toastmasters group meets Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, 8200 Walnut Hill. The non-profit public speaking club was founded to help members overcome public speaking fears and develop and enhance their leadership skills. Newcomers are welcome. Meeting rooms and lunch plans change weekly; contact Lynda Waters at 214.288.7959 or LyndaWaters@texashealth.org for information.
EDUCATION
Stonewall Jackson third-grader Alexander Canright won first place in the DISD Math Olympiad for the categories of Northeast Learning Community and Outstanding Student.
The Woodrow Wilson High School PTA is seeking alumni donations for college scholarships. Seniors who have not received more than $5,000 from other scholarship sources will be eligible for this PTA scholarship. Anyone who would like to make a tax-deductible donation can mail it to Woodrow Wilson PTA, 100 S. Glasgow, Dallas, TX 75214. Woodrow alums are asked to write their graduation year and “PTA Scholarship Fund” on the memo line of the check. Donations can also be made online at woodrowwildcats.org. Call 214.327.0068 for more information.
