The bulldozers and cranes are present. The blueprints are on the table. The Metropolitan YWCA, 4621 Ross, is undergoing a facelift.

And YWCA CEO Sharon King hopes the renovation will attract new members and bring more community residents through its doors.

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King says most people don’t know what the YWCA has to offer and often are surprised by the full-range of athletic, educational and social services it provides.

“We are one of the major social service providers in the East Dallas community,” King says. “I encourage local residents to participate and also look beyond the traditional activities for other needs.”

“Individuals who take the time to come in and see us and look around always leave saying: I didn’t know the YWCA did that.”

Aside form an indoor swimming pool and fully outfitted recreation center, the YWCA also houses a credit union, legal clinic, job bank and thrift shop. In addition, the YWCA offers child care, an assortment of counseling services and educational programs.

“We do a lot of teaching,” King says. “The YWCA responds to community requests for information on issues. We keep interest lists, and we respond to needs.”

The cornerstone of the current renovation will add an outdoor playground and community meeting place, as well as shaded structures in trees.

As the largest local branch of the YWCA with more than 2,000 members, the Metropolitan YWCA – which has been at its current location for 20 years – will celebrate its 90th birthday early next year.

Although aimed at improving the lives of women, the YWCA welcomes male members.

“A strong community needs a strong YWCA,” King says. “There is something here for everyone. It’s one-stop shopping.”

For more information, call 214-826-9922.
News & Notes

Safety Fair Scheduled May 31: The Dallas Police Department Northeast Operations Division and Northeast Organized Neighbors will sponsor Safety Fair ’97 on May 31 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The fair will take place at the Northeast Police Station, 9915 E. Northwest Highway. Displays and demonstrations include McGruff, DPD helicopter, Careflite helicopter, mobile storefront, police motorcycles and squad cars, fire trucks and ambulance, the Fire House and bike patrols. There will be free popcorn and soda and free children’s immunizations (immunizations records needed). For information, call 214-670-4762, 214-670-7747 or 214-606-5099.

A Walk on the Wild Side: The Dallas Arboretum, 8617 Garland, announces its summer public program, “A Walk on the Wild Side,” which is scheduled June 7-September 1. The premise of the program is to take visitors on a tour of the world with representative floral displays. A sign post totem at the garden entrance will direct visitors to each of the seven continents. An interactive educational discovery station wil demonstrate how the native animals of each continent use their senses to survive.

The Arboretum is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. “Cool Thursdays” begin June 12, featuring extended hours until 9 p.m. and live music. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $3 for children 6-12. Admission is free for children under 6 and Arboretum members. On-site parking is $2. For information, call 214-327-4901.

East Dallas YMCA Joins Tom Thumb Program: East Dallas YMCA Executive Director Nora Tomlin recently announced that the YMCA is now part of the Tom Thumb good neighbor program. Tom Thumb will give rewards to the branch when individuals make purchases at the store using a Tom Thumb Reward Card.

Bar Association Celebrates Four Years of LegalLine: The Dallas Bar Association-sponsored LegalLine celebrates its fourth year of operation this month. LegalLine offers free legal advice on the second and third Wednesdays of each month from 5-9 p.m. The Dallas Bar Association is a professional, voluntary organization of more than 7,400 area attorneys. For information, call the LegalLine at 214-969-7066.