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ublisher of 95 U.S. and 32 International Relocation Guides, NewMarket PServices, Inc., is proud to introduce our online version. Now you may easily access the same information you find in each one of our 127 Relocation Guides at

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Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 5 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

The NewMarket Services Information Guide is designed as a valuable resource tool for you, the newcomer to Dallas. It is our intent in producing this publication to standardize important and helpful information on your new community in a format that is most useful to you. Stores and services are listed by category in the business directory. Dallas Welcomes You!

Listings are keyed to the map of Dallas that appears on the page preceding the business directory

Important telephone numbers, packing and moving suggestions, and much, much more useful information is found throughout the Guide pages. Selected area businesses, many offering significant savings are found in the Business Directory Section, sorted by category.

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(866) 595-3792 Toll Free From everyone at NewMarket Services Welcome to Dallas!

6 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ Volume 11 [ Number 8 www.newmarketservices.com LOCAL INFORMATION

The State of Texas 8 Important Phone Numbers 11 Travel Information 12 Driver’s License/Voter Registration/Vehicle Registration 18 Weather 18 About Dallas/Fort Worth 9, 19 Dallas Neighborhoods 19 Historical Background 20 Publisher: NewMarket Services, Inc. Dining & Nighlife 22 President: Patrick Morgan Where to Stay 23 Managing Editor: Rebecca Wallace Entertainment 24, 27 Things to Do 27 Executive Editor: Jason Gerali Recommended Tours 28 Contributing Writer: Amy Tennant Dallas Sports 32 Executive VP Sales & Marketing: Robert Fischer Media 33

Regional Sales Manager: Beth Hurley MOVING Art Department: Sprague Design Smooth Transitions 35 Graphic Designer: Dean Sprague Choosing a Moving Company 35 Packing Tips 35 NewMarket On-Line: Total Web Design, Inc. Staying Organized 36 IT and Web Development: Larry Bongiovi Settling Into Your New Home 36 Research Assistant: Stephanie Cooper, Lora Price What’s All The Talk About? 39 Pre-Move Checklist 40 Circulation: Little Drummer Boy Dist., Inc. Relocating Your Pet 42 Phoenix Office: PO Box 30534 MOVING WITH CHILDREN Reinforce The Positives 43 Phoenix, AZ 85046-0534 Choosing a School 43 Phone: (602) 923-3415 Selecting Childcare 45 Fax: (602) 923-0774 Education 47 Toll Free: (866) 595-3791

Chicago Office: FITNESS & HEALTH 902 North Ashland In the Kitchen 53 Chicago, IL 60622 Physical and Mental Well Being 54 Phone: (312) 226-6288 Volunteering 57 Fax: (312) 226-6290 HOUSING Toll Free: (866) 595-3792 Making the Right Choice 59 NewMarket currently publishes Information Average Rents 61 Guides for 95 North American and 32 Choosing the Right Home 62 International Markets. To order your Home Inspection Checklist 63 NewMarket Information Guides for $3.50 each, please contact NewMarket Services Housing Options For Growing Active Adults Demographics 64 toll free at (866) 595-3792. Homecare Basics for New Homeowners 66 Security 67 In preparing this publication, every effort Home Buyer’s Glossary 68 has been made to assure the accuracy of Take Control of Your Energy Costs 70 the information contained herein, but authenticity cannot be guaranteed. Listings Who’s Who in Building 71 are subject to omission, error or change Selecting a Builder 72 without notice. Selecting a Contractor 73 Banking & Mortgage Information 74 All material in this publication is copyright protected and can only be reprinted with permission of the publisher. BUSINESS DIRECTORY Locator Map 78 Business Directory Index 79 Business Directory Listings 80

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 7 THE STATE OF TEXAS

The guard units are collectively known as the “Texas Military Forces.” The Texas Military Forces includes the Texas Army National Tulsa Santa Fe Guard and the Texas Air National Guard and the Texas State Guard, OK the state militia. The headquarters of the Texas Military Forces is at

Albuquerque Oklahoma City Camp Mabry in Austin. AR NM In 2005 Texas had a gross state product of $982.4 billion, the second highest in the U.S. after California. Gross state product per capita as of 2005 was $42,899. Texas’s growth is often attributed to the availability of jobs, the low cost of housing (housing values in Dallas/Ft. Worth LA the Dallas and Houston areas, while generally rising, have not risen El Paso TX at the astronomical rates of other cities such as San Francisco), the lack of a personal state income tax, low taxation and limited Austin Houston regulation of business, a geographic location in the center of the country, limited government (the Texas Legislature meets only once every two years), favorable climate in many areas of the state, and San Antonio vast, plentiful supplies of oil and natural gas. Texas has 4.6 billion MEXICO Corpus Christi barrels of proven crude oil reserves. As of 2006, Texas, for the first time, has more Fortune 500 Gulf of Mexico company headquarters (56) than any other state (California has 55; ironically, it was due to the move of Fluor from California to Texas). This has been attributed to both the growth in population in Texas and the rise of oil prices in 2005, which resulted in the growth in he great state of Texas encompasses 268,601 square miles, revenues of many Texas oil drilling and processing companies. making it the 2nd largest state in the union, after Alaska. As Texas is the largest international exporter among the 50 American Tof the 2000 census it was also 2nd in population with almost states, with international merchandise exports totaling $117.2 21,000,000 people. Among Texas’ largest cities are Houston, Billion in 2004. Air Cargo World rated Dallas-Fort Worth Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, and yes, Corpus Christi. International Airport as “the best air cargo airport in the world.” Austin is the capital of Texas, located just southeast of the center of Two US presidents were born in Texas, though not the ones you the state. might think. Dwight D. Eisenhower (34th) was born in Denison in Texas became the 28th state on December 29, 1845. Texas gets 1890. Eighteen years later the 36th president, Lyndon B. Johnson, its name from a Caddo Indian word meaning ‘friends.’ In contrast to was born near Johnson City. its friendly name, its nickname is the Lone Star State, bringing to mind the lonesome cowboy out on the range. However, today its people reflect its friendlier origins. They are proud of their state, and Fun Facts always happy to share it with anyone who visits. STATE BIRD: Mockingbird Bordering Texas are New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Its vast lands consist of deserts, mountains, valleys, and STATE FLOWER: Bluebonnet yes, even bodies of water! Admittedly, that water constitutes less STATE TREE: Pecan than 25% of its mass. Texas is home to the 14th highest point in the United States, Guadalupe Peak, at 8,749 feet. Its lowest point is the STATE PEPPER: Jalapeno Gulf Coast at sea level. Because of its acres of grassland it STATE INSECT: Monarch butterfly continues to be a major source for cattle, as well as crops such as cotton, sorghum, corn, and wheat. Some of the significant STATE DISH: Chili industries in Texas are petroleum (of course), natural gas, chemical STATE SONG: Texas, Our TexaS products, electric equipment, mining, and tourism. Texas is home to numerous major military installations, with STATE LARGE MAMMAL: Longhorn bases in nearly every corner of the state. All the services have STATE SMALL MAMMAL: Armadillo operational and training missions in Texas, despite the lack of a major United States Marine Corps installation. In addition to active duty forces, there are a wide variety of reserve units and guard units.

8 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide ABOUT DALLAS/FORT WORTH

RICH IN CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Dallas Dallas has a growing population of more than 1 million and ranks as the third largest city in Texas and the ninth in the United States. In addition, the city is acclaimed for its moderate cost of living, impressive diversified economy and is revered as one of the nation’s most affordable metropolitan areas to buy or rent a home. Dallas is the ultimate Texas city offering unforgettable dining and entertainment, a plethora of shopping, state-of the-art medical facilities, acclaimed educational institutions, ideal accessibility, thriving economic development and comfortable community appeal for growing families. For sport fans, Dallas has four major professional sports teams, Cowboys football, Mavericks basketball, Rangers baseball and Stars hockey in addition to two PGA annual events. Dallas is one of the largest employment centers in the U.S. for high technology and the world’s largest wholesale trade complex - the Dallas Market Center. The City of Dallas is home to nine Fortune 500 company headquarters,with fifteen located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The Dallas area is also home to more than 5,000 corporate headquarters. Dallas/Fort Worth educational institutions include University of Texas at Dallas, University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. In addition, there are approximately 79 FORT WORTH/DALLAS different independent school districts in the Dallas area,which offer learning opportunities for QUICK FACTS over 550,000 students from preschool through senior high school. Dallas/Fort Worth’s cultural climate is rich and diverse and has a vast number of cultural Zip Code Dallas: 76102 - 76180 institutions and attractions. Downtown Dallas is home to the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Zip Code FW: 75201 - 75287 Symphony Orchestra and world class shopping at the Galleria to name just a few. Fort Population: 661,850/ Worth is home to the National Stockyards and year round rodeo shows. In addition, Fort 1,208,318 Worth also has many museums and the oldest continuing Opera Company in Texas. County: Tarrant/Dallas Fort Worth’s historic downtown has Sundance Square, which covers 20 blocks Sales Tax: 8.25% of non-stop fun! The square includes fabulous shopping, dining, live theater, music, dancing and more. Median Age: 32.6/32.4 Dallas area Rapid Transit System provides public transportation around Dallas and 12 Home Median Value: $123,089/ surrounding suburbs.The system provides more than 130 local and express routes.The new $145,405 light rail system serves many commuters throughout the city and suburbs and will be Home Appreciation Rate: 5.10%/6.13% expanding out to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport by the year 2005. Home Owned: 55.23%/42.73 The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the world’s second busiest airport, serving more than 60 million passengers annually. The airport serves as a hub, connecting many Cost of Living: 100.1% cities to North America’s four largest business centers—New York, Chicago, Los Angeles Median Income: $45,134/ and Mexico City. $40,466 Fort Worth Unemployment Rate: 8.2% Fort Worth is the fifth-largest city in the state of Texas and the 19th-largest in the United States. The city is also large in geographic area as it covers almost 300 square miles and is the county seat of Tarrant County—the 18th most populous county in the country.

continued on page 19

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 9 NATIONAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION PHONE NUMBERS

National Health Organization Mental Health Simply dial plus the number below 1-800-*… National Alliance for the Mentally Illness (NAMI) 950-6264 Allergy National Down Syndrome Society 244-4444 Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AFFA) 727-8462 National Mental Health Association Resource Ctr 969-6642 Cancer Neurology American Cancer Society 227-2345 National Alzheimer’s Association 272-3900 American Institute for Cancer Research. 843-8114 Christopher Reeve’s Paralysis Foundation 225-0292 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America 955-4572 American Parkinson Disease Association 223-2732 National Cancer Institute (CIS) 422-6237 Epilepsy Foundation of America. 332-1000 Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) 754-6490 United Cerebral Palsy Associations (UCPA) 872-5827 Children’s Health Huntington’s Disease Society of America 345-4372 American SIDS Foundation 232-7437 Brain Injury Association of America Family Hotline 444-6443 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) 344-4823 National Headache Foundation 843-2256 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 223-1138 National Multiple Sclerosis Society 344-4867 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Alliance 221-7437 National Stroke Association 787-6537 National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc. 233-7393 Patient Care Spina Bifida Association of American 621-3141 Medic Alert Foundation U.S. 863-3425 or 432-5378 Infectious Diseases National Hospice Organization 658-8898 AIDS Hotline, CDC National, National STD Hotline 342-AIDS Shriner’s Hospital Referral Line 237-5055 (Spanish) 344-7432 Visiting Nurse Association of America 426-2547 (Hearing Impaired) 243-7889 Physical Disabilities Internal Medicine American Council of the Blind. 424-8666 American Diabetes Association 232-3472 American Speech/Language/Hearing Association 638-8255 American Heart Association 242-8721 or 968-1793 National Easter Seals Society 221-6827 American Kidney Association 638-8299 Woman’s Health American Lung Association 586-4872 Endometriosis Association. 992-3636 Arthritis Foundation 283-7800 Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. 221-2141 Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. 932-2423 *This is a Toll-Free Number! Lupus Foundation of America 558-0121 This is only a partial list of national health organizations. National Kidney Foundation 622-9010 Contact the National Health Information Center (NHIC) Spondylitis Association of American (SAA) 777-8189 at (800) 336-4797 for a more complete list.

NOTE: This general information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional as it relates to your specific situation.

10 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

City Area Codes() Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 Area codes for the Dallas area are 214, 972, Ft. Worth is 817. Tax Assessor – Dallas (214) 744-1000 Tax Assessor – Fort Worth (817) 884-1100 Emergencies All Emergencies 911 Realtors Directory Assistance 411 Century 21 (800) 4-HOUSES Dallas Police Dept. (non-emergencies) 311 Services/Support Groups American Red Cross (214) 871-2175 AAA (Emergency Road Service) (214) 528-7481 Animal Control/Lost Pet Hotline (214) 670-1965 Directory Assistance (800) 555-1212 Child Abuse (800) 25-ABUSE National Weather Service (214) 787-1111 Dallas County REACT (214) 969-1033 Weather Service (214) 787-1701 Dallas Fire Dept. (214) 670-4319 Park & Recreation – Dallas (214) 670-4100 Domestic Violence (800) 603-HELP Post Office – Dallas (214) 741-5508 Fort Worth Police Dept (817) 335-4222 Post Office – Fort Worth (817) 625-0700 Fort Worth Fire Dept (817) 922-3000 Public Library – Dallas (214) 670-1400 Homeless Shelter (214) 670-4504 Public Library – Fort Worth (817) 871-7701 Poison Control (800) 942-5969 Salvation Army (214) 688-4494 Rape Crisis Center (214) 590-0430 Texas Road Travel Information (800) 452-9292 YMCA Community Shelter (888) 399-2272 Time & Temperature (214) 844-4444 Youth Crisis /Runaway Hotline (888) 580-HELP Visa/Passport Information (214) 655-7691 Financial Services YMCA Metro Dallas (214) 880-9622 Automatic Teller Information Shipping & Postal Service ATM Locator (800) 248-4286 Airborne Express (800) 247-2676 MasterCrd ATM (800) 424-7787 Federal Express (800) 463-3339 VISA Plus System (800) 843-7587 UPS (800) 742-5877 Lost or Stolen Credit Cards American Express (800) 233-5432 Tourism AT&T Universal Card (800) 423-4343 Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau (214) 746-6677 Diners Club (800) 234-6377 Dallas Chamber of Commerce (214) 746-6600 Discover Card (800) 347-2683 Fort Worth Convention& Visitors Bureau. (817) 336-8791 JCB (800) 736-8111 Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. (817) 336-2491 MasterCard (800) 826-2181 Illinois Tourism (800) 226-6632 VISA (800) 336-8472 Michigan Travel Hotline (888) 784-7328 Lost or Stolen Travelers Checks Ohio Travel & Tourism (800) 282-5393 American Express (800) 221-7282 Wisconsin Tourism (800) 432-8747 Thomas Cook MasterCard (800) 223-7373 Transportation Travelers Check Customer Service (800) 645-6556 Bus Services-Schedules/Routes (214) 979-1111 VISA (800) 227-6811 Government Utilities Automobile Title & License (214) 653-7621 AT& T long distance (800) 222-0300 Child Care Group (214) 630-7911 MCI (800) 950-5555 Crime Stoppers Program (214) 760-8477 Sprint (800) 877-4646 Dept.of Human Resources (214) 827-5210 Western Union (800) 325-6000 Employment Services/Jobs (214) 871-7575 Voting Health Dept.–Dallas. (214) 819-2100 Voter Registration (214) 653-7871 Health Dept.– Fort Worth (817) 871-7341 Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-1040 Medicare-Social Security (800) 234-5772 Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 State Dept.of Public Welfare (214) 819-1800

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 11 TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airports Airlines - Inernational Dallas Love Field (214) 670-6080 Aer Lingus, aerlingus.ie (866) 886 8844 Three miles from downtown, Dallas Love is a central hub for Aeroflot, aeroflot.aero/eng (650) 615-9278 regional business and commuter travel; Love Field is owned & Aeromexico, AeroMexico.com (800) 237-6639 operated by the City of Dallas & is self supported through Aerolineas Argentina, aerolineas.com.ar (800) 333-0276 reasonable user fees & charges, with no cost to taxpayers. It is the Air Canada, aircanada.ca * (800) 247-2262 exclusive home of Southwest Airlines. American and Continental Air China, airchina.com (800) 986-1985 also service Dallas-Love. www.dallas-lovefield.com Air France, airfrance.com (800) 237-2747 DFW International Airport (972) 574 8888 Air India, airindia.com 3200 East Airfield Drive Air Jamaica, airjamaica.com (800) 523-5585 DFW Airport, TX 75261 Air New Zealand, airnewzealand.com (800) 262-1234 www.dfwairport.com Alitalia, alitaliausa.com (800) 223-5730 DFW International Airport is the world’s third busiest airport, Asiana, us.flyasiana.com (800) 227-9262 which is larger in physical size than the island of Manhattan in New British Airways, british-airways.com * (800) 247-9297 York City. More than 60 million passengers travel through DFW Cathay Pacific Airways, cathaypacific.com (800) 233-2742 yearly. There are five terminals with 165 aircraft boarding gates and China Airlines, china-airlines.com (800) 227-5118 nonstop service to more than 170 international and domestic China Eastern Airlines, flychinaeastern.com (800) 200-5118 destinations. Egypt Air, egyptair.com.eg (800) 334-6787 Airlines - Domestic El Al, elal.co.il (800) 223-6700 AirTran Airlines, airtran.com (800) 247-8726 Eurofly, eurofly.it (800) 477-6492 Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, alaskaair.com * (800) 252-7522 Eva Airways, evaair.com (800) 695-1188 Allegiant Air, allegiantair.com (800) 432-3810 Japan Airlines, jal.co.jp/en (800) 525-3663 American Airlines, aa.com * (800) 433-7300 KLM Airlines, klm.com (800) 374-7747 Atlantic Southeast, flyasa.com (800) 282-3424 Korean Air, koreanair.com * (800) 438-5000 Comair, comair.com (800) 221-1212 LACSA, centralamerica.com/cr/lacsa/lacsa (800) 225-2272 Continental Airlines, continental.com * (800) 525-0280 LOT Polish, lot.com (800) 223-0593 Delta Airlines, delta.com * (800) 221-1212 Lufthansa, lufthansa.com * (800) 645-3880 Frontier Airlines, frontierairlines.com * (800) 432-1359 Mexicana, mexicana.com (800) 531-7821 Midwest Airlines, midwestairlines.com * (800) 452-2022 Philippine Airlines, philippineairlines.com (800) 435-9725 Skyway Airlines, skywestairlines.com (800) 452-2022 Quantas, qantas.com (800) 227-4500 Southwest Airlines, southwest.com (800) 435-9792 Singapore Airlines, singaporeair.com (800) 742-3333 Spirit Airlines, spiritair.com * (800) 772-7117 Skyservice USA, skyserviceairlines.com (877) 485-6060 SunCountry Airlines, suncountry.com (800) 359-6786 Swiss International Airlines, swiss.com (800) 221-4750 United Airlines, ual.com * (800) 864-8331 TACA, taca.com * (800) 535-8780 US Airways, usairways.com * (800) 428-4322 USA 3000 Y Airlines, usa3000.com * (800) 872-3000 Virgin Atlantic, virgin-atlantic.com (800) 862-8621 *Airlines servicing DFW *Airlines servicing DFW

12 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airport Parking Airport Freeway = State Hwy. 83 John Carpenter Freeway = U.S.90 Terminal Parking C.F. Hawn Freeway = I-10 East • $13-16 a day Lyndon Johnson Freeway = U.S. 59 • Convenient, close-in parking Loop 12 = I-45 South • Located right next to all five DFW terminals Marvin Love Freeway = U.S. Hwy. 67 South • More than 28,000 total spaces North Central Expressway = I-75 North • DFW’s free Terminal Link van service provides transportation South Central Expressway = I-75 South between terminals Julius Schepps Freeway = I – 45 • Located just across the street from $16 per day Terminal Parking Stemmons Freeway = I – 35 is $13 per day Terminal Parking, which offers an easy walk to J. Elmer Weaver Freeway = U.S. Hwy. 67 your gate Woodall Rodgers Freeway = Spur 366 President Bush Turnpike = State Hwy. 190 Express Parking • $9 to $10/day Hotels/Motels • Pick-up/drop-off at your vehicle Best Western (800) 528-1234 Budgetel Inns (800) 428-3438 • Free bottled water and newspaper Clarion Hotels (800) 424-6423 • Shuttle van service to and from all terminals Comfort Inns (800) 424-6423 • Luggage assistance by friendly, courteous shuttle drivers Courtyard by Marriott (800) 321-2211 • Easy-to-locate Express drop-off and pick-up areas at the lower Days Inn (800) 329-7466 level of each terminal Doubletree Hotels (800) 222-8733 • Flight information available Econo Lodges (800) 446-4777 • Two convenient locations at the north and south ends of the Embassy Suites (800) 362-2779 Airport Fairmont Hotels (800) 527-4727 • 7,000 spaces Four Seasons (800) 332-3442 • Covered parking available at Express North for $10 per day Hilton Hotels (800) 445-8667 Remote Parking Holiday Inns (800) 465-4329 • $6/day Howard Johnson Motor Lodges (800) 654-2000 Hyatt Hotels (800) 233-1234 • DFW’s most economical parking option La Quinta Motor Inn (800) 531-5900 • Continuous bus service to all terminals Loews Hotels (800) 223-6397 • Luggage assistance by friendly, courteous bus drivers Marriott Hotels (800) 228-9290 • Flight information monitors Meridien Hotels (800) 543-4390 • Easy-to-locate Remote drop-off and pick-up areas at the lower Omni International (800) 843-6664 level of each terminal Quality Inns (800) 228-5151 • Two convenient locations at the north and south ends of the Radisson Hotels International (800) 333-3333 Airport Ramada Inns (800) 228-2828 • Nearly 4,800 spaces Red Roof Inns (800) 843-7663 Cruises/Resorts Ritz Carlton Hotels (800) 241-3333 Sheraton Hotels (800) 325-3535 Disney World Reservations (800) 227-1500 Stouffer Hotels (800) 468-3571 Holland America Cruises (800) 426-0327 Super 8 Motels (800) 800-8000 Princess Cruises (800) 774-6237 TraveLodge Motels (800) 578-7878 Royal Caribbean Intl. (800) 327-6700 Westin Hotels (800) 228-3000 Freeways The Dallas freeway system provides numerous well-kept east- Inter-City Transportation west and north-south corridors. Since the city is the hub of Greyhound (800) 231-2222 business in North Central Texas, many major highways intersect Amtrak (800) 872-7245 each other within the city, providing direct routes to other major Service from Dallas to numerous locations throughout the U.S. Texas cities. Some common local references in Dallas are as continued on page 16 follows:

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 13 14 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 15 TRAVEL INFORMATION

Limousine Service Shuttle Buses Alpha Omega (972) 991-8071 SuperShuttle DFW, Inc. (972) 615-3005 Henock Limo (817) 329-2001 Yellow Checker Shuttle (214) 841-1900 Valet Transportation (817) 329-2001 City Shuttle LLC (214) 760-1998

Public Transportation Taxi Cabs Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) (214) 979-1111 Alamo Cab Company (214) 688-1999 DART serves a variety of public transit services in Dallas and 12 Ambassador Cab (214) 905-1111 suburban cities with a fleet of nearly 1,000 buses and vans.The Checker Cab (972) 222-2000 growing DART Light Rail System provides fast, convenient service Cowboy Cab Company (214) 428-0202 to work, shopping and entertainment destinations along I-75. Diamond Taxi (214) 349-3333 Rental Cars Eagle Cab Company (214) 421-7788 Executive Taxi, Inc. (972) 554-1212 DFW’s two-hundred acre Rental Car Center consolidates ten Freedom Cab (214) 712-0800 rental car companies under one roof, giving customers the comfort Golden Cab Company (972) 554-1212 and convenience of one-stop shopping. Located near the south Jet Taxi Inc. (800) 538-8294 entrance of DFW Airport, Ranger Taxi Company (214) 428-0202 After collecting your baggage, follow the Rental Car signs to the Star Cab (214) 252-0055 designated pick-up area on the lower level of the terminal. From State Taxi Cab Company (214) 630-9595 there, board the Rental Car shuttle bus which serves all rental car Taxi Dallas (972) 554-1212 companies, departing every 5 minutes and reaching the Rental Car US Cab (214) 350-4600 Center, located near the south entrance of DFW Airport, in Yellow Cab Company (214) 426-6262 approximately 10 minutes. Alamo, alamo.com (800) 462-5266 Avis, avis.com (800) 331-1212 Budget, budget.com (800) 527-0700 Dollar, dollar.com (800) 800-4000 Enterprise, enterprise.com (800) 736-8222 E-Z, e-zrentacar.com (972) 574-3360 Fox/Payless, foxrentacar.com (800) 225-4369 Hertz, hertz.com (800) 654-3131 National, .nationalcar.com (800) 227-7368 Thrifty, thrifty.com (800) 367-2277

16 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 17 DRIVERS LICENSE/VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Driver’s License Vehicle Title and Registration (VTR) Headquarters www.txdps.state.tx.us rts.texasonline.state.tx.us New residents moving into Texas, who have a valid driver license (512) 465-7611 from their home state, have 30 days after entry into the state to State law requires vehicles to be registered in the Owner's Texas secure a Texas driver license. To apply for a Texas driver license, County of Residence. You must provide the Plate Number and last applicants age 18 and over with a VALID out-of-state driver license four digits of the Vehicle Identification Number. This information can will be required to: be obtained from the Registration Renewal Notice, Certificate of Title or RTS Receipt. For Owner or Vehicle Location Address • Provide proof of Identity. changes, please contact VTR headquarters at (512) 465-7611 or • Provide proof of Social Security Number. visit the Texas Department of Transportation website. • Provide proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance, if you own a vehicle. • Complete required forms available at any Texas Driver License office. • Pay the required fee. • Pass a vision exam. • If you have a VALID out-of-state license in your possession, it must be surrendered at the driver license office

VOTER REGISTRATION

To be eligible to register in Texas, you must: Secretary of State’s Office Elections Division • be a U.S. citizen (800) 252-8683 • be 18 years old (you may register at 17 years and 10 months) www.sos.state.tx.us/elections • not a convicted felon (unless a person's sentence is completed, including any probation or parole) • not declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law For more information, please read the Voter Registration in Texas pamphlet.

WEATHER

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Temp. Average Max 51.4 58.9 67.8 76.3 82.9 91.9 96.5 96.2 87.8 78.5 72 65 Temp. Average Min 32.7 36.9 45.6 54.7 62.6 70.0 74.1 73.6 66.9 58 50 42 Average Precipitation 1.83 2.18 2.77 3.50 4.88 2.98 2.31 2.21 3.39 4.27 3.79 3.45 measurements in Fahrenheit and inches

18 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide ABOUT DALLAS/FORT WORTH

Fort Worth was founded as a military camp in 1849, named after budget, has increased sharply in many parts of the country. For General William Jenkins Worth. Today, the city is portrayed as more example, in the third quarter of 2005, home values rose 11.4 old-fashioned and laid-back than its neighbor, Dallas. Known as percent in San Diego and 13.7 percent in Las Vegas, according to “Cowtown” for its rough-and-rowdy roots, Fort Worth still the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, a government celebrates its colorful Western heritage today and bills itself as division that tracks housing sale prices. Meanwhile, home prices “Where the West begins.” In more recent years, Fort Worth has increased 3.8 percent in Fort Worth. been referred to as "Funkytown" as well, mainly by urbanites. David Berson, chief economist for Fannie Mae, said housing Cattle. Railroads. Oil. These are the mental images most people prices in the Fort Worth area are unlikely to rise dramatically. He said conjure of historic Fort Worth, once an army outpost of the geography or building restrictions in more expensive parts of the American West. Today, a modern, growing, bustling Fort Worth country keep inventory from growing, forcing up prices. Housing, celebrates its colorful past while embracing a vibrant present and food, utilities, car insurance and transportation are factors in the exciting future. And while the city still nurtures its original industries, Economy.com index. it is now also known for aviation, logistics, defense, and technology. As a new resident you will find Fort Worth is home in every sense The half-million people of Fort Worth are genuinely friendly, of the word, with affordable, high-quality living; a thriving, diverse spirited and quite diverse. Fort Worth is consistently ranked among business environment; outstanding education from kindergarten the top places in the nation to work, live and do business. Why? through college; a temperate climate; popular attractions; The economy is strong and people love their jobs, but they also sophisticated fine art; community solidarity; renowned performing know when it’s time to relax, have fun and enjoy all the city has to arts; and a bustling downtown that is the pride of its citizens and a offer. model for cities across the nation. Economists point to housing prices as the biggest reason for Fort Worth’s relative affordability. The cost of housing, a large part of any

DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

Dallas is home to more than one million people, with more West End moving here every day. The ninth largest city in the United States, Formerly a warehouse district, the West End MarketPlace is Dallas is known as the Southwest’s leading business and financial known today for its entertainment offerings and unique shopping center and as the number-one visitor destination in Texas. Big venues, as well as for its street entertainers, outdoor ice-skating rink business is a big deal in this city, evident in the increasing number and vintage street lights. The upscale Hotel Adolphus, built in 1912, of companies that relocate to Dallas each year. With more shopping offers you a stay surrounded by elegance, evident in the fine lobby centers per capita than any other major city nationwide and four and luxurious guest rooms. A variety of eateries and nightclubs times more restaurants per person than New York City, Dallas is the make this district one of the liveliest places to be on Friday and place to be whether you’re doing business, shopping, eating or Saturday nights. The Palm features a Texas-style menu with a touch touring the sites. of class, while Y.O. Ranch is well known for its Tex-Mex cuisine. The Downtown Dallas West End is also an excellent place to experience Texas History— Since its inception as a small trading post in 1841, Dallas has visit Dealey Plaza, Old Red Courthouse and the Sixth Floor grown to include a vast array of hotels, shops, restaurants and other Museum. businesses, all the while speckled with historic buildings and Deep Ellum museums, too. An area at the north end of downtown, deemed the Head three blocks east of downtown and you’re at the “deep end Dallas Arts District, includes the Dallas Museum of Art and the of Elm” street, where turn-of-the-century African-American life and Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, whose center stage is culture thrived with great blues and jazz artists. Today, the district’s home to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and an array of other sassy shops, eclectic restaurants and loft apartments form the performer throughout the year. For upscale shopping, peruse the cornerstone of a unique experience. Clubs in Deep Ellum feature Plaza of the Americas, where a 15-story atrium complete with palm the most current music, from folk, blues and jazz to reggae, trees surrounds the shopping area. In the heart of downtown you’ll alternative and rock. Visit one of the oldest clubs in Deep Ellum, find the Adam’s Mark Hotel, the largest hotel in Texas, with more Club Dada, where you’ll always find a variety of music in the mix, or than 1,800 rooms, 23,000 square feet of meeting space, five Trees, which attracts locals and business travelers alike with its ballrooms, five restaurants and four lounges. cutting-edge live rock.

continued on page 20

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 19 DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

McKinney Avenue/Uptown North Dallas Heading north from downtown, you’ll find yourself atop the red If Texas is known for doing things big, then North Dallas is a prime brick streets of McKinney Avenue, which is lined with fine example, as it is home to big houses, big shopping centers and restaurants and antique shops, many housed in renovated historic some of the finest stores, boutiques and restaurants in the area. As homes. Connect to downtown via the volunteer-operated McKinney Dallas continues to grow, more residents are heading north into the Avenue Trolley, which consists of restored streetcars dating as far suburbs of Plano, Richardson and Frisco, the nation’s second back as 1906 and is dedicated to preserving the history of electric fastest-growing city. railways. You’ll discover the best of this neighborhood at La Trattoria With more square footage of shopping than Los Angeles or New Lombardi, known for exquisite Italian cuisine. The area’s four-star York, you’re likely to run out of money before you run out of places boutique-style Hotel St. Germain is tucked amidst the busy city, to shop in Texas. Visit Stonebriar Centre in Frisco, where you’ll find providing an oasis for business travelers. more than just shopping—this entertainment center also houses a Greenville Avenue 24-screen movie theater as well as an NHL-regulation-size ice- The region south of Mockingbird Lane is known as Lower skating rink. Greenville Avenue a popular with Southern Methodist University In Plano, the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a quiet respite with students that is one of the oldest entertainment districts in Dallas. native Texas trees, the perfect locale for an afternoon family picnic. As you head north of Mockingbird Lane to Upper Greenville Avenue, For antique shops and artsy places in general take a day trip to things get newer and more commercial, and you will find both Historic Downtown Plano, where you’ll find red brick streets lined casual and elegant establishments as well as cutting-edge nightlife. with antique malls, specialty gift shops, boutiques and fine eateries. Casual is the word at Daddy Jack’s Wood Grill, which features red- Irving/Las Colinas and-white checked tablecloths and serves great seafood at Whether you’re in town for one day or one week, Irving serves as affordable prices. If you’re in the mood for romance, try The Grape, an excellent location minutes from DFW International Airport, where you can always find something new, as the menu changes centrally poised between Dallas and Fort Worth. This carefree bimonthly. Multicultural restaurants abound in Greenville, as do community, named after American author Washington Irving, offers antique shops and neighborhood pubs. Liberty is alive with excellent convenient access to numerous shopping venues, restaurants and Thai food created by renowned chef Annie Wong. theaters—all the best the Dallas Metroplex has to offer. Recreation thrives at The Movie Studios at Las Colinas, home to major motion picture, television and commercial productions. Visit the Mustang Cafe for excellent Southwestern cuisine, where you will be overlooking the Mustangs of Las Colinas, nine larger-than-life bronze mustangs and the largest equestrian sculpture in the world.

20 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Dallas may have a shorter history than some of the nation’s older The Great Depression brought many more obstacles for the settlements, but it is likely a more colorful one than most. emerging city. More than 18,000 people became unemployed, and It began to take shape during the mid-17th and 18th centuries, the city began a work-for-food program. Due to the discovery of oil, when French and Spanish explorers moved in on the land where Dallas did not experience the severity of the Depression in the way Native Americans, mainly Comanche, had lived for generations. that many of the nation’s cities did. Many businesses continued on From the dusty prairies these people found when they arrived would as usual, regardless of the fact that banks were closing. C.M. “Dad” eventually emerge booming frontier towns. Joiner struck oil just 100 miles east of Dallas in 1930, and with that A turning point came in 1841, when a man named John Neely find came the development of the East Texas Oil Field, the largest Bryan came up with a vision to take a dusty river crossing and turn petroleum deposit in the world during this time. With Dallas already it into a thriving inland port by the name of Dallas. He left behind his beginning to thrive, the city became the center of business for the native Tennessee, laid claim to over 600 acres and built his one- nearby oil fields. Many local citizens became millionaires, and the room cabin, which stood as a beacon on that lone prairie, much like city reaped the benefits of this newly acquired affluence. a lighthouse on the ocean’s edge, calling others to a new home. Bryan’s “can do” spirit continued to spread like wildfire, and it Unfortunately, Bryan’s dream of navigating the Trinity River from infused the hearts and minds of other pioneers who were Dallas to the Gulf of Mexico for trade purposes ran aground. Nearly instrumental in bringing Dallas the Federal Reserve Bank. Soon 30 years later, in 1868, a steamboat reached Dallas from Galveston; after, the State of Texas chose Dallas as the site for the Texas however, since the voyage took more than a year, there was little Centennial Exposition, as well as the State Fair of Texas. 50 cause for celebration. And, for that matter, few people to celebrate buildings were built in Fair Park, and 10 million visitors participated with, for Bryan’s dream of a thriving settlement languished until after in the $25 million event. With the addition of the DFW International the Civil War. Airport in 1974, the city grew to exceed Bryan’s expectations. It was John Neely Bryan who first planted the seeds of Dallas’ Stepping back in history for a moment, November 22, 1963 “can do” spirit. He never gave up on his dream, and in 1872— brought a turning point in terms of both Dallas’ and the nation’s through the sheer force of his tenacious personality, along with a history. As thousands watched, President John F. Kennedy was few opportune gifts—the Texas Central Railroad diverted its tracks assassinated during a motorcade through downtown Dallas. Lee to Dallas. In 1873, the Texas Pacific Railroad arrived, and a railhead Harvey Oswald was arrested for the murder, only to be killed two was born, with the town’s population increasing to 6,000. By this days later by Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby. Dallas grieved and time, Dallas was well on its way to becoming the thriving inland port eventually moved on, but it never forgot that day. The Kennedy of Bryan’s dream. Memorial was created in 1970, and in 1989, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza opened in honor of the fallen president. The early 1900s brought tremendous growth to Dallas. First, the city became a regional banking center for North Texas cotton Meanwhile, Dallas continued to gain state and national attention, farmers, who made up one of the world’s largest inland cotton and by 1960, Dallas was home to two professional football teams. markets. Many insurance companies arrived and established their The Dallas Cowboys earned the name “America’s Team,” headquarters in Dallas, enhancing the city’s position in the financial experiencing great success and popularity. From then, the ball world. Neiman Marcus built its landmark store downtown in 1907, continued to roll: The Texas Rangers brought baseball to Dallas in bringing fashion and elegance to the growing metropolis. 1972, the Dallas Mavericks brought basketball in 1980, the Sidekicks brought indoor soccer in 1984 and the Dallas Stars Although oil was the real catalyst for Dallas’ wealth and prestige, brought professional hockey in 1993. Dallas has never had an actual working oil well in the county. However, the city’s role as the financial and technical hub for the Today, Dallas is known as the banking center of the Southwest black gold’s drilling industry paved the way for real estate and is the third-largest city in Texas. It is home to international corporations and is a well-known commercial center and is a major development, cattle, healthcare, commerce and industry to make convention city. Amidst the city’s changes, John Neely Bryan’s one- their way to Dallas. room cabin now stands in the shadow of towering buildings in the heart of downtown Dallas, and it continues to be a beacon calling At this point, city officials realized the need for a major university, entrepreneurs and adventurous spirits home. and in 1911, the Methodists voted to establish a university in Dallas. The city offered them $300,000 and 666.5 acres of land on which to build the campus, and in 1915, Southern Methodist University opened its doors. Shortly after, World War I began and Dallas became a key player in the nation’s aviation efforts. Love Field was established as an aviation training ground, and Fair Park was used as another training facility. In 1927, Dallas bought Love Field for use as a municipal airport.

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 21 DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

Dallas’ diverse population is reflected in more than 10,000 cozy, romantic. Terilli’s is popular for Italian and jazz. Finally, Cafe restaurants, four times more per capita than New York City. Dallas Izmir offers a unique dining experience on Greenville Avenue. is an ethnic melting pot offering authentic dining from around the Meanwhile, dining in Uptown runs from ultra-classy to down- world—the possibilities here are virtually endless. If variety is the home and casual. Old Warsaw (The), built in 1948, and Hotel St. spice of life, then the Dallas restaurant scene is on fire. Germain offer old-world dining elegance, while Cork specializes in Chicken-fried steak is listed on many menus as “CFS”; it’s a wines, cheeses and appetizers. Avanti offers tantalizing Italian food, Texas tradition and practically a food group of its own. Traditionally, plus a moonlight breakfast with live jazz from midnight to 4am this dish is known as a way to prepare a tough cut of beef by Thursday-Saturday. Bread Winners Bakery and Cafe is great for beating it to tenderness, batter-coating it, frying it in the same way breakfast, lunch or dinner, and Jennivine’s offers an intimate English as chicken and serving it with cream gravy made from pan setting for lunch or dinner. Rounding out the Uptown area’s drippings. Some high-class chefs prefer to make the dish with highlights are Rooster, which puts a new American twist on sirloin (though most of the time it is made with round steak) and Southern cooking, and The Dream Cafe, a place dedicated to everyone has his or her own secret recipe, each claiming it to be the delicious, wholesome, organic dishes. best. East Dallas’ Lakewood area offers La Dolce Vita, a delightful It may be hard to believe that Dallas was never really a cattle-drive restaurant specializing in new American food, while Matt’s Rancho kind of city given its plethora of steakhouses. Within the West End’s Martinez is a Dallas favorite for Tex-Mex extra ordinaire. multi-block radius lie The Butcher Shop and The Palm, both of While in the Knox/Henderson area, choose from the Highland which serve some of the most superb beef this side of the Park Pharmacy’s lunch counter for grilled cheese, Anzu for sushi, Mississippi. Numerous chain restaurants also have establishments Aqua Knox for very different seafood, Taqueria Pedritos for here, including Texas Land and Cattle, Hoffbrau, Outback and Mexican, Sipango’s for dancing and dining, Cafe Madrid for tapas Traildust, all offering traditional Texas favorites in a casual and Starbucks for coffee. atmosphere. Irving also has a lot of variety to offer, both to business travelers Some of the best upscale steakhouses are located in and families. Po Melvin’s offers Louisiana Cajun home cooking Addison/North Dallas, including Del Frisco’s, Morton’s of Chicago dishes such as Jalapeno cornbread and spicy roast beef, and Ruen and Stone Trail. Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House, located on Thai’s original recipes are mouth-wateringly good. Mustang Cafe Belt Line Road in Addison, is named for chef/owner Richard features a breathtaking view of Mustang Square in Las Colinas and Chamberlain, whose passion for fine cooking has led him to such an eclectic American grill menu, while Joe’s Coffee Shop is a locals’ prestigious culinary positions as Executive Sous Chef at the highly hangout that may have originated the “power” breakfast. Café acclaimed Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and the renowned Cipriani serves fine Italian cuisine in an elegant setting; Jinbeh Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles. The menu features various steak allows you to choose between Japanese Hibachi cooking and options as well as veal, chicken, pork and seafood entrees that are sushi; and Via Real provides upscale Tex-Mex cuisine. Finally, Cool equally well prepared. River Cafe draws crowds as much for its people-watching as it Both Deep Ellum and Greenville Avenue offer a range of eclectic does for its steak and seafood. dining options. There is something from everyone, as the enormous Local Cuisine and Foods variety of cuisines ranges from sushi to Tex-Mex and everything in Dallas and Fort Worth have been instrumental in the development between. Monica Aca y Alla adds a unique twist to Mexican food of contemporary Southwestern cuisine, which relies on indigenous and salsa dancing, while Blue Goose’s famous “swirls,” margaritas foods in the same way that California cuisine draws on the bounty and Mexican food choices draw crowds daily. Deep Ellum Cafe of that state. Although Southwestern has been diluted in recent serves new American selections, and Deep Sushi is perfect for years as chefs search for new inspiration and fast-food chains co- those with a penchant for raw fish. opt the concept, you can still find good examples of this celebration If you’d like a little entertainment while enjoying an upscale dining of all things regional such as chilies, corn and squash blossoms. atmosphere, try Sambuca Mediterranean Jazz Cafe in Deep Ellum, Tex-Mex cuisine and barbecue have deep roots here. As a which fills your tummy with Mediterranean food and soothes your Mexican territory, the earliest settlers who traveled from Mexico soul with live jazz nightly. On a lighter note, The Angry Dog provides brought their food ways with them. Somewhere after crossing the burgers, hot dogs and beer in a casual atmosphere, while Baker’s Rio Grande, the food changed into what is uniquely Texan: Tex- Ribs has delectable barbecue. Mex, with its emphasis on chili, the meat stew, and dishes such as Further running down the list of choices in the area, The Flying fajitas, thought to have developed as cowboy border fare. Both chili Saucer is a fanciful beer and bratwurst emporium; Liberty and barbecue reflect cattle’s dominance in the state’s history. Texas specializes in Oriental-style noodles with a contemporary flair and is and always has been meat country. And how about a fresh tortilla Daddy Jack’s lobster melts in your mouth. Gloria’s is a favorite for or tamale? those interested in South American cuisine, while Snuffer’s has world-class cheese fries and burgers and St Martin’s Restaurant’s

22 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

Luna’s Tortillas Inc. Frisco Farmers Market at Frisco Square Dallas FriscoFarmersMarket.com www.lunastortillas.com Located in Frisco Square, at the corner of Coleman and Frisco Founded in 1923, this is the oldest, continuously operating, Square - in front of the City Hall and Library. family-owned tortilla factory in Dallas, located at the edge of what City of Dallas Farmers Market used to be Little Mexico. It still turns out fresh corn and flour tortillas www.dallasfarmers market.org. daily as well as tamales, Mexican sweet breads (for breakfast Coppell Farmers Market coffee-dipping) and salsa. farmersmarket@ ci.coppell.tx.us. Late spring and early summer are the best times of year to buy Cowtown Farmers Market fresh from the farm fruits and vegetables. Once you bite into a State Highway 377 at Southwest Boulevard sweet, juicy Texas peach, or a locally grown tomato, ones are fleshy, Fort Worth ripe and bursting with flavor you’ll know why you took the time to 817-220-0755 go to the market. Once you taste the good stuff, you'll be hooked. Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to sellout. When season gets going, open Wednesday, too, same hours. Season closes after the first fall To be considerate a local farmer, produce must be grown within freeze. a 150-mile radius of Dallas. The produce must be fresh and never refrigerated, although leeway is given for cooling fragile crops such McKinney Farmers Market as peas and berries as soon as they come off the fields. If you can't Church at Louisiana www.mckinneyfarmersmarket.com get to a farmr’s market, Central Market does a first-class job of 214-850-0886 promoting small local and regional producers. Whole Foods Market Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April through October. also relies on some local growers. Ridgmar Farmers Market The area has a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables that creates 7601 Jacksboro Highway a colorful welcome to those who appreciate the “buy fresh, buy Fort Worth local‘ idea. Also available at many local markets are pasture fed www.ridgmarfm.com beef, pork, lamb, and the freshest eggs you’ll find. Buy pasta, seafood, cheesecake, muffins, gourmet items, and honey - all fresh!

WHERE TO STAY

From a five-star mansion to rustic rooms with longhorns hanging and Hotel St. Germain. Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion adjoins the on the walls, Dallas has something for everyone when it comes to 50-story Reunion Tower, offering convenience to cultural and accommodations. Business travelers will appreciate the variety of shopping venues, as well as the city’s business district. establishments located within walking distance of the convention The Holiday Inn Aristocrat, built in 1925, was the first hotel owned center, where convenience may outweigh price. Parking can be an by entrepreneur Conrad Hilton. issue, so think twice before choosing a hotel very far from your Central Dallas: primary destinations within the city. The Dallas/Fort Worth area If you need accommodations close to Dallas Market Center, the sprawls in all directions and new areas are constantly under world’s largest wholesale merchandise mart, several choice hotels development, offering accommodations in all areas of the city. The are available, sure to make your stay in Dallas a memorable one. main hotel clusters include Downtown Dallas, Central Dallas, Far The Embassy Suites Market Center, Holiday Inn Market Center, North Dallas, DFW International Airport and the Mid Cities. Keep in Renaissance Hotel Dallas, Best Western Market Center and the mind that, while several hotels are grand and luxurious in nature, Wyndham Garden Hotel Market Center are just a few expensive to chain hotels with moderately priced rooms are usually located moderately-priced hotels available. But if you’re looking for the nearby. cream of the Market Center crop, the Wyndham Anatole Hotel Downtown Dallas: sprawls over 45 acres in the midst of the Market District, with more Whether you’re seeking a premier location for your next business than 1,600 rooms and suites, an 82,000-square-foot fitness convention or just staying in town for tomorrow’s meeting, center and a seven-acre park with a pond, perfect for an escape downtown Dallas offers the finest accommodations within blocks of from the daily routine. Also located in Central Dallas is the Mansion the Dallas Convention Center. The largest hotel in Texas, The on Turtle Creek, which boasts of prestigious former guests, such as Adam’s Mark, contains 1,844 rooms and 23,000 square feet of Presidents Clinton, Bush, Carter and Ford, as well as numerous superb meeting space, as well as five ballrooms, five restaurants movie stars and top performing artists. and four lounges. Several other luxury options are downtown, such as The Hotel Adolphus, The Fairmont Hotel, Hotel Crescent Court, continued on page 24

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 23 WHERE TO STAY

Far North Dallas Mid-Cities Addison, Plano and Richardson also offer several excellent Embassy’s newest facility in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is hotels, designed especially with the business traveler in mind. Omni located in Grapevine, near the Grapevine Mills Mall and features a Hotel Richardson offers both convenience and luxury with unique plant-filled atrium. The Embassy Suites Outdoor World offers exceptional business and recreational amenities, including meeting one- and two-bedroom suites, living rooms with sofa beds, modem facilities, catering and a multi-lingual staff, as well as fitness center, links and kitchen areas, similar to other suite hotels. In Irving, the heated pool and sauna. Located conveniently near the Galleria Four Seasons Resort and Club sits on 400 acres of immaculately shopping mall is Crowne Plaza North Dallas. The Westin Galleria is landscaped grounds. The main building of this four-diamond AAA a premier hotel actually located within the mall, boasting a four-star and triple-star Mobil hotel offers 300 rooms and suites and, for rating by AAA. A landmark in Addison is Hotel Inter-Continental, those who prefer more private accommodations, 50 villa-style with oversized guestrooms featuring sitting areas, desks and rooms are scattered around the golf course. Also in Irving are the elaborate European-style decorations. Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas, Wilson World Hotel & Suites, DFW International Airport Wyndham Garden Las Colinas, Courtyard by Marriott Las Colinas, For business travelers who want accommodations with relaxing and Residence Inn Las Colinas. amenities, but still need to fulfill their business needs, several hotels Bed and Breakfasts are available within one mile of DFW International Airport. The If you’re looking for a quiet alternative to “hotel row,” the Marriott Hotel DFW Airport features a full business center equipped Metroplex also offers several Bed and Breakfasts, perfect for just with all the necessities, and when your work is complete, you’re free enjoying a night away from home. Amelia’s Place Bed & Breakfast, to enjoy the health club, indoor and outdoor pools, or three located on Young Street in busy downtown Dallas, offers a pleasant restaurants located on the premises. The Hilton DFW Lakes escape from the daily routine. The rooms are cleverly named (a Executive Conference Center offers a scenic lakeside setting on 40 tradition found at many bed and breakfasts) after prominent Dallas acres and boasts a four-diamond AAA rating. The hotel’s special women, with the décor reflective of each namesake’s individual amenities and recreational facilities make you feel like you’re on tastes. Courtyard on the Trail Bed & Breakfast is located on Forest vacation, while the business resource center and VIP floor offer Trail in the woods of White Rock Lake, and American Dream Bed & ease for business travelers. You can’t get any closer to the airport Breakfast, is conveniently located in North Dallas on Marsh Road, than The Hyatt Regency DFW, located inside the airport grounds, offering easy access to the Galleria, Dallas Market Center and the with two tower buildings, one on each side of International Parkway Arts District. In Fort Worth, Lockheart Gables Bed & Breakfast on and connected by covered walkways. Noisy planes make it an Locke Avenue, offers a traditional Old World-style bed and unfavorable choice for a romantic weekend, but it’s ideal for breakfast experience in an isolated neighborhood. Since 1987, business travelers because of the business communications center when it was rescued from demolition, this English mansion built in and executive conference level, as well as exceptional meeting, 1893 has been restored to its original elegance, with décor banquet and exhibit space. appropriate to the era in which it was built.

ENTERTAINMENT

There is more to Dallas than just big business, fine dining and collections and have previously featured works by Picasso, O’Keefe fashionable shopping. The city’s museums cover areas of interest and Degas. The Meadows Museum, located on the campus of ranging from art, history and nature to science, technology and Southern Methodist University, has one of the world’s finest religion. Its zoo, parks, lakes, gardens and trails offer a direct collections of Spanish art outside of Madrid. The Biblical Arts Center contrast to the steel, glass and concrete that make up such a large features an enormous mural depicting 200 biblical characters, an part of the city. Dallas is committed to preserving its precious natural impressive light and sound show, early Christian-era architecture characteristics. Whether you are a sports spectator or an active and art galleries. participant, you can enjoy everything from football, hockey, Dallas has several venues that will fascinate animal enthusiasts, baseball, basketball, soccer and rugby to golf, tennis, cycling, including the Dallas Zoo, with its more than 2,000 animals from running, skating and horseback riding. Live theater, music, dance various locales around the world, and the Dallas World Aquarium & and comedy performances take place nightly in both large and Zoological Gardens, which is located in the West End. Privately small venues. owned by Daryl Richardson, a man who wanted simply to share his The Dallas Museum of Art’s permanent collections span from love of watching marine life, this aquarium features a 20,000-gallon ancient to contemporary periods and include works from Europe, tunnel tank, where you can view marine life from far and wide. Africa and Asia. The galleries boast an impressive array of modern Several huge tanks and 80,000 gallons of salt water house sharks, art, too. Traveling exhibits frequently complement the permanent jellyfish and stingrays, while hundreds of reef fish occupy coral reef

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(Road) 110, km 9.2 | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico 2400 Yale Blvd. S.E. | Albuquerque, NM 87106 P: 714-522-7360 | www.hotelbuenaparkanaheim.com P: 787-890-2016 | www.hotellacima.com P: 505-242-7022 | www.hotelalbuquerqueairport.com 800-842-4242 t WWW.INNSUITES.COM ENTERTAINMENT ecosystems. Two unique exhibits to look for at the aquarium are the fishing, sailing, picnicking and playgrounds. Both runners and bikers Australian Great Barrier Reef display and the tropical rainforest, a enjoy the picturesque nine-plus-mile trail that winds around the huge, glass-enclosed monstrosity. lake. Nature enthusiasts love to explore the Dallas Nature Center’s If you’re interested in experiencing a little Texas history, visit the 640-acre wilderness and prairie preserve, with its more than seven Old Red Courthouse, built in Romanesque Revival style out of miles of hiking trails. The visitor center provides details about its Pecos red sandstone and Texas red granite around 1890. It’s now extensive nature programs. Old City Park in Downtown is a full- the historic seat for the Dallas County government and one of scale replica of a late 19th/early 20th-century Victorian-style village Dallas’ oldest remaining buildings. Dealey Plaza was named after situated on 13 beautifully landscaped acres. The Dallas Arboretum the founder of the Dallas Morning News, George Dealey, but it’s & Botanical Garden showcases breathtaking horticultural designs better known as the location where President John F. Kennedy was with blooming gardens, massive trees and lush lawns that overlook assassinated in 1963. Dallas also boasts one of the finest turn-of- White Rock Lake. the-century neighborhoods in the Southwest, the Swiss Avenue Theater is alive and well in Dallas’ diverse arts world. The Majestic Historic District. Located two miles northeast of Downtown Dallas, Theater in downtown Dallas is a restored 1920s-era theater that this 22-block area is now listed in the National Register of Historic offers concerts, plays and comedy acts year round. Theatre Three Places. The site, with its 200 carefully restored and preserved and the Dallas Theater Center are excellent venues for the many homes, was originally named by a Swiss immigrant and genres of plays that entertain theater lovers regularly. The Morton H. demonstrates both English Tudor and Mediterranean architectural Meyerson Symphony Center is renowned for both its architectural styles beauty and its outstanding acoustics, which complement the The Dallas area has several facilities designed especially for the talents of orchestras, symphonies and other performers who utilize young at heart—regardless of age—which have something to offer the center’s Eugene McDermott Concert Hall. Lest we forget, families whether they live in the city or are just visiting. The Science Dallas’ many entertainment districts offer live music of every Place is a fascinating, hands-on display of feats of science that imaginable type. Numerous clubs offer nightly performances with delights children young and old. Kids will utilize their senses of something for everyone, from country and rock-n-roll to blues, jazz touch, sight, smell and hearing at the museum’s hundreds of and grunge. hands-on exhibits. In Arlington, you can visit the Legends of the The city also offers professional rodeos, horse racing and car Game Baseball Museum, whose Children’s Learning Center hosts racing for those seeking a more rugged type of entertainment. Golf interactive exhibits that teach how baseball relates to other aspects courses and tennis courts are also scattered throughout the town, of life. There is even a special learning and play place for children and true to the city’s roots, you can still find places to horseback younger than five, called the Dugout. Several theaters just for ride in Dallas. children can also be found throughout the Metroplex. Casa Manana Finally, since Dallas is home to six professional sports teams—the in Fort Worth, the Creative Arts Theatre and School in Arlington and Dallas Cowboys football team, Texas Rangers baseball team, Dallas the Dallas Puppet Theater in Valley View Mall. In addition, The Dallas Mavericks basketball team, the Dallas Stars hockey team, Dallas Children’s Theater offer plays especially for youngsters year round. Burn outdoor soccer team and the Dallas Sidekicks indoor soccer Nature lovers are never far away from nature itself in Dallas. White team—there is always a sporting event here to enjoy. Rock Lake, located in East Dallas, is a park-like haven offering

26 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide THINGS TO DO

Free Family Fun Fort Worth Botanic Gardens www.fwbg.org Many new opportunities come your way with the move to the area. With the expenses of relocating it’s nice to know there are The Gardens invites families to adorn its birds' Christmas tree many activities for your family to participate in that cost nothing. It’s and enjoy music and other entertainment for free. also a great opportunity to meet other families living in the area. Rainy day, download one of the many children’s activities Andrew Brown Community Park East available on the website for some great ideas. Coppell Fort Worth's Sundance Square www.ci.coppell.tx.us www.sundancesquare.com The park has been called “the Disneyland of outdoor play Free movies in the Chisholm Trail parking lot, located at 4th and spaces”, nestled within the 148 acres of the park is a veritable Main Street in downtown Fort Worth. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. imagination plantation that can entertain the hyperactive souls of Special holiday events include Christmas tree lighting, Parade of children of all ages. Lights and the Jingle Bell Run. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Founder's Plaza Carrollton DFW International Airport www.basspro-shops.com www.dfwairport.com A giant aquarium, boats to climb on, tents to test, giant stuffed Little kids who like airplanes, trucks, and other big stuff will truly catfish pillows, fishing equipment no one even knew existed, a be thrilled to spend an hour watching the jets come and go from driving and putting range. this busy airport. Fair Park Dallas Frisco Square www.fairpark.org www.friscosquare.com Spring - Frisco Square transforms into an outdoor gallery during Various family events throughout the year: Arts in the Square. The Festival will take place March 6-7, 2010, Fair Park Fourth (July) is free and open to the public and will featuring the Arts and Texas-style fun. Activities for children of all feature a state-of-the-art national class fireworks program, which ages and live entertainment. Don't miss this opportunity to explore ranks in the top 20 fireworks shows in the country held on the your creative talents. Fourth of July. The day provides fun for the entire family and will Summer - Movies are free and refreshments will be available for include a patriotic program, free admission to all the museums, purchase. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. musical performances, games and plenty of Fourth of July food favorites. Winter - The largest choreographed holiday lights and music display in Texas is combined with family-oriented activities to The free Fair Park Holiday celebration on Dec 6 features live produce a signature destination event. Christmas in the Square is music, a tree lighting ceremony, free admission to the Fair Park centered on the family. museums, and a children's area. Northeast Mall, Hickory Creek, and Ridgmar Mall While strolling through the park, be sure to check out the newly www.simon.com renovated “Bellagio-style” Esplanade Fountain. Rave theatres show G-rated and PG-rated kids' films for free in the summer. Also check out the Kidgits, the lovable cartoon characters with a club just for kids. Meet them at fun and educational mall events year round.

Museums and Cultural Attractions (214) 428-5555 Museum of Science & History John F. Kennedy Memorial 1501 Montgomery St. Dallas Museum of Art (817) 255-9300 1717 N. Harwood Main St. at Market & Commerce Dallas Zoo (214) 922-1200 Dallas, TX 75202 (214) 747-6660 650 S. R. L. Thornton Frwy The Sixth Floor Amon Carter Museum Dallas, TX 75203 Dealey Plaza- downtown (214) 670-5656 (214) 747-6660 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. (817) 738-1933 Belo Mansion Dallas Museum of Natural History Modern Art Museum 2101 Ross Ave. Fair Park (214) 220-0239 (214) 670-8457 1309 Montgomery St. (817) 738-9215 The Dallas Brewery The Science Place 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. 703 McKinney Ave. Fair Park (214) 954-0099 (817) 332-8451 continued on page 28

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 27 THINGS TO DO

Cedar Hill State Park Grapevine Mills International Museum of Cultures 1570 W. FM 1382 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy. (972) 709-2406 (972) 2913900 (972) 724-4900 The Galleria Fair Park Will Rogers Memorial Center LBJ at Dallas Pkwy. North Parry at Second (817) 871-8150 (972) 702-7100 (214) 670-8400 Lone Star Racing Park Thistle Hill West End Marketplace 1000 Lone Star Pkwy. (817) 336-1212 Market at Munger Grand Prairie Dallas World Aquarium (214) 748-4801 (972) 263-RACE (214) 670-8451 Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Traders Village Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden 1800 E.Lamar Blvd. 2602 Mayfield Rd. (214) 327-8263 Arlington Grand Prairie (817) 265-3356 (972) 647-2331 Old Tige’s Station (214) 821-1500 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Botanic Garden 2301 Flora (817) 871-7689 National Museum of Communications (214) 692-0203 Sundance Square (972) 556-1234 Majestic Theatre Throckmorton & Calhoun The Cattleman’s Museum 1925 Elm Fort Worth (817) 332-7064 (817) 390-8711 (214) 880-0137 Six Flags Over Texas Billy Bob’s Texas Meadows Museum Interstate 30 at State Hwy. 360 2520 Rodeo Plaza (214) 768-2516 Arlington Fort Worth (817) 530-6000 Fort Worth Stockyards (817) 624-7117 1115 N.E.23rd Street Sid Richardson Collection of Western Art (817) 624-4741 Log Cabin Village (817) 332-6554 2100 Log Cabin Village Lane Water Gardens Fort Worth Zoo Fort Worth Commerce & 15th St. 1989 Colonial Pkwy. (817) 926-5881 (817) 871-7000 Fort Worth (817) 871-7699 Age of Steam Railroad Museum Fort Worth Opera (214) 428-0101 Ft. Worth Zoo 3505 W. Lancaster (817) 871-7050 Bath House Cultural Center (817) 731-0200 (214) 670-8749 Fort Worth Symphony Hall of State Museum 4401 Trail Lake Dr. (972) 421-4500 (817) 921-2676

RECOMMENDED TOURS

Various tours, both guided and unguided, are in place for you to Courthouse, built from red pecos sandstone and Arkansas blue explore the architecture, historic sites, nature and other unique granite. areas of interest in and around Dallas. Grey Line Tours and Next, head west for a trip through time with the vintage Longhorn Tours are excellent places to start, but if you’re more streetlights, horse-drawn surreys and cart vendors that line the interested in touring the city at your own pace, the tours below will streets of West End Marketplace, home to shops, restaurants and give you a sampling of what Dallas has to offer. a movie theater. After that, peruse the historic homes of the Swiss Experience Dallas Avenue Historic District and get a taste of Dallas’ residential lifestyle If your sightseeing time is limited, Downtown Dallas offers several during the city’s early years. The Dallas Museum of Art offers an historical and cultural venues within an 8- to 10-city-block radius. inviting tour of this 22-block neighborhood on cassette, perfect for Start with the Sixth Floor Museum, located in the Texas School touring the area either by car or foot. Book Depository, where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot and Museums Galore at Fair Park killed President Kennedy. Then visit the John F. Kennedy Memorial History and science abound at Fair Park, where you could easily and Dealey Plaza, where the horrible event actually took place. For spend an entire day with the whole family. Built in 1936 to house the a glimpse at turn-of-the-century Dallas history, visit Old Red Texas Centennial celebration of independence from Mexico, the

28 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide RECOMMENDED TOURS park encompasses 227 acres and includes an inviting array of Family Fun museums. Start with the African American Museum, where you’ll Need to keep the whole family entertained for the day? Get up find a variety of exhibits featuring one of the largest African- close and personal with sharks, stingrays and hundreds of reef fish American folk art anthologies available. The Science Place utilizes in the 80,000-plus gallons of saltwater at the Dallas World the solar system, honey bees, dinosaurs and sound waves to teach Aquarium, which features living coral reef ecosystems from various children about their complex senses; meanwhile, the museum’s oceans around the world. Or, visit your favorite wildlife at the world- planetarium and IMAX theater are must sees, portraying larger- class Dallas Zoo. The 85-acre park features the Exxon Endangered than-life true adventures that are sure to captivate young minds. Tiger Habitat, the Kimberly-Clark Chimpanzee Forest and the Wilds History buffs will love the Dallas Museum of Natural History, of Africa, which allows animals to roam freely in their natural habitats founded in 1936 and featuring numerous exhibits of rocks and while humans observe from the Monorail Safari ride. minerals and extinct wildlife, as well as the first mounted dinosaur in You don’t have to travel Hollywood to tour an active movie studio. Texas. Ongoing exhibits include Prehistoric Texas, a paleontology Simply drive 30 minutes west of Dallas and visit the Movie Studios lab, a wildlife diorama and Lagoon Nature Walk. After touring these at Las Colinas, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibits, stroll over to the Age of Steam Railroad Museum to view “magic of movies.” The interactive special-effects show captivates freight and passenger cars from years gone by. Massive audiences, and the extensive collection of movie memorabilia locomotives, as well as rare and unique pieces from numerous delights guests’ sensibilities. Well-known movies such as Robocop, American railroad cars, articulately portray the nation’s Silkwood, Leap of Faith and JFK were all filmed here. Noteworthy transportation heritage. memorabilia includes Dorothy’s dress from the Wizard of Oz and the A Sense of Art in Dallas costumes worn by the Von Trapp family in the classic The Sound of For a day of deep thoughts, head to the Dallas Arts District, Music. another walking tour opportunity bounded by Ross Avenue, Routh Sports fans will marvel at Texas Stadium, home to the five-time Street and St. Paul Street. The Dallas Museum of Art is known as world champion Dallas Cowboys. The venue’s tours will give you an the mainstay of this district, housing renowned collections of both insider’s view of every facet of the stadium; you’ll enter the stadium impressionist and contemporary paintings. Located across the through the players’ tunnel and have a chance to stand in the center street is the Trammel and Margaret Crow Asian Art Museum, which of the field as you imagine your field goal kick soaring through the includes more than 300 paintings, sculptures and architectural goalpost and winning the game. You’ll also get to peek into a luxury items from the personal collection of real estate czar Trammel Crow suite and into the Dallas Cowboys’ locker room. and his wife. While some artifacts in the collection are less than 400 Public Expanses years old, the most noteworthy objects date back as far as 3,500 With more shopping per capita than Los Angeles or New York B.C. City, it’s no wonder that Dallas features two highly successful mega- After touring these museums, stop for lunch at Plaza of the malls. Stonebriar Centre opened in August 2000 to record-breaking Americas, an upscale shopping center featuring more than 40 sales. Located in the north of Dallas in Frisco, this 1.6-million- restaurants, shops and services. Then wander over to the Morton square-foot entertainment complex is anchored by Nordstom’s, H. Meyerson Symphony Center; a glimpse at the beautiful Foley’s, JCPenney and Sears; it features 180 shops, a 24-screen architecture surrounding the Lay Family Organ is worth the trip in movie theater and an ice-skating rink. If you’re staying near DFW itself. It’s one of the largest mechanical-action organs ever built for International Airport, visit Grapevine Mills, which boasts 200 brand- a concert hall, spanning the entire height of the concert chamber at name manufacturer and retail outlet stores, such as Gap Outlet, Off the back of the stage. Public tours of the center begin at 1pm on 5th-Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Mikasa Factory Store and Burlington Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Coat Factory. The entertainment complex also features an arcade and unique restaurants such as the Rainforest Café and Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill.

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30 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide A casino that defies Endless energy. convention. Yours.

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The Dallas Cowboys The Texas Rangers Texas Stadium Ameriquest Field in Arlington 2401 E. Airport Freeway 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington (972) 438-7676 Main, (972) 579-5000 Tickets (817) 273-5098 Main, (817) 273-5100 Tickets www.dallascowboys.com The Rangers have provided area baseball fans with plenty of The Cowboys have long been known as “America’s Team.” The exciting action ever since the team arrived in Arlington in 1972. Cowboys, who play their home games at Irving’s Texas Stadium, Never before have the Rangers made such a constant push for the continue to lead the nation in merchandise sales, helping the team American League playoffs. The Rangers won the American League remain the most valuable Professional franchise in all of sports. West Championship in 1996. Playing in their spectacular new Dallas is the only NFL team to appear in as many as eight Super home, The Rangers have become one of the premier teams in Bowls, & their future looks as bright as their past has been. baseball. The Dallas Mavericks The Dallas Sidekicks American Airlines Center American Airlines Center 777 Sports Street 777 Sports Street (214) 670-1395 Events, (214) 939-2800 Tickets (214) 670-1395 Events, (214) 939-2800 Tickets www.nba.com/mavericks The Sidekicks have the reputation for being the most exciting The Mavericks 25th anniversary season proved to be another team in the Major Indoor Soccer League each year. The Sidekicks, successful one. They finished with a record of 58-24, second best who play their home games at American Airlines Center, regularly in franchise history. The team made their fifth straight appearance in challenge for the league title. the NBA Playoffs and their 11th overall, tying the longest streak of The Mesquite Championship Rodeo consecutive playoff appearances in franchise history. Avery Resistol Arena Johnson, the coach of the Dallas Mavericks was named the NBA 1818 Rodeo Dr., Mesquite (972) 285-8777 Coach of the Year in April of 2006. The Dallas Stars This professional rodeo provides some of the best action in the American Airlines Center area since 1958 and is open each April through September. Events 777 Sports Street include bull and bronco riding, steer wrestling, women’s barrel (214) 670-1395 Events, (214) GO STARS Tickets racing and youngsters’ calf scrambles. Catch all the excitement in Texas’ only National Hockey Team, has participated in the the ultra modern, indoor facility every Friday & Saturday, 8-10 p.m. playoffs two of the three years they have played in Dallas. The fast- paced excitement of Stars hockey has thrilled Dallas fans, which have regularly packed the American Airlines Center for games. The “Ice of Texas” appears to be here to stay.

32 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide MEDIA

FM Radio AM Radio Television Adult Contemporary Oldies/Big Band 04 FOX 102.9 KDMX 730 KKDA 05 NBC 97.9 KBFB 1190 KLUV 08 ABC 103.7 KVIL 570 KPYK 97.1 KEGL 1220 KZEE 09 CW 106.1 KHKS Religious 12 QVC 104.5 KKDA 660 KSKY 11 CBS Religious/Talk 770 KPBC 14 WGN 90.9 KCBI 540 KDFT 52 Telemundo 88.3 KJCR 1040 KGGR 22 Univision 94.1 KLTY 970 KHVN 27 Independent 91.7 KVTT Country 94.9 KWR Talk 1420 KPAR 39 Independent 90.1 KERA Talk 1140 KJSA 58 Trinity Broadcasting 89.3 KNON 1400 KGVL 49 Home Shopping Classical/Jazz 1390 KBEC 88.9 KETR 1120 KCLE 88.1 KNTU 107.5 KOAL Children’s 101.1 WPR 620 AAM Country/Bluegrass 1360 KAHZ 103.3 KEMM News/Talk/Sports 105.3 KYNG 820 WBAP 93.5 KIKT 1080 KRLD 98.3 KBOC 1310 KTCK 99.5 KPLX 570 KLIF 96.3 KSCS 1150 KDM 95.9 KYXS 950 KDSX Alternative Mexican/Spanish 93.3 KKZN 1480 KDXX 88.7 KTCU 1270 KESS 94.5 KDGE 1440 KINF Oldies 1540 KTNO 102.1 KTXQ 1600 KRVA 105.7 KRNB 870 KFJZ 100.3 KRBV 88.9 KETR 98.7 KLUV 88.5 KEOM 95.3 KHYI 92.5 KZPS Tejano/Mexican 99.1 KICK 106.9 KZDF 107.1 KZDL

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 33 34 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide MOVING

SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Choosing a Moving Company Have at least three movers come to your home and give estimates. Be sure to ask whether the estimates are binding, non-binding or guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount. Obtain each company’s assigned Motor Carrier number and call the USDOT at (202) 358-7000 to determine if they are registered and have the proper insurance on file. Ask your prospective moving company for a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. Relocation to Your New Town If you’re one of the 40 million Americans planning to move this year, you need a strategy. Starting early and staying organized is the key to a painless move. In general, follow the pre- move checklists provided. These lists will help you track the myriad of details needed to facilitate your move. If you are selling your present home and/or buying a new one, refer to the home inspection checklist, choosing a morgage, and the mortgage glossary. If you are planning to rent in your new city, read the article on rental tips. And, if you are undecided, we hope the article entitled “Buying vs. Renting” will help you assess the pros and cons of each. Whatever decisions you face based on your particular circumstances, stay positive, calm and organized. And, don’t forget to make some time just for yourself. It will probably save you a lot of time in the long run! Packing Tips • Sort your belongings. If you don’t use an item, dispose of it. • Label boxes indicating what they contain and in which room they should be placed. • Drain gas and oil from power tools so they will not leak; dispose of all volatile or corrosive chemicals. • After cleaning out the refrigerator and/or freezer, place pieces of charcoal in them to prevent mildew. • Pack important records in easily accessible place. Include medical, dental, school, insurance, credit card and tax records. • Use strong, clean containers with lids secured with twine or tape. • Put no more than 50 pounds in each container. • Place heavy items towards the bottom of the containers; lighter items on top. • Protect all finished surfaces from scratching by wrapping them in paper. • Use plenty of cushioning such as shredded or crumpled paper to protect belongings in boxes. Remember that newspaper ink can rub off and stain items packed with it. • Pack items tightly to avoid shifting during move. • Fragile items, like china, should be packed in reinforced boxes or in special boxes with compartments. • Individually wrap and cushion electrical appliances. • Make sure liquids and foodstuffs are placed in carefully sealed containers.Wrap and pack kitchenware tightly to prevent damage. continued on page 36

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 35 SMOOTH TRANSITION

• Chests and dressers should not be overloaded since glued where these boxes go. This way, movers will be directed to the furniture joints could collapse. correct rooms if you’re not available to tell them where to put • Unusually shaped or valuable items should be crated or moved each box. by you and not the movers. Easily crushed items should be • Make a detailed floor plan for where you want things to go in your individually boxed and cushioned. new home. Photocopy it so you can tack up copies in every room • You should not remove home fixtures such as window treatment for the movers. hardware, towel racks and electrical fixtures. Unless your sales • Take snapshots of wall units and shelves, so you know how agreement specifically states otherwise, such items are usually things were arranged on them. considered legally part of your residence.Let the moving Settling Into Your New Home company pack furniture, mirrors and artwork to prevent damage. • Start by making the beds. Bedding tends to be bulky and Stay Organized eliminating lots of boxes quickly and easily will be encouraging. Here are some basic tips to help make moving less traumatic: • Unpack and organize children’s belonging’s next. Young children • Pack an “Immediate Box” or an overnight suitcase with the will quickly become restless without familiar things. Remember to necessities you’ll be needing right away. Don’t forget to include position storage hooks and shelves that children will be using medicines and a first aid kit, toilet paper, tissue, and paper within their reach. towels. • Next, tackle the kitchen. This job will go much faster if each box • Pack an “Immediate Kitchen” box including trash bags, the has been specifically labeled as to its contents. Simply labeling coffee pot or tea kettle, toaster, plastic silverware, paper plates, “Kitchen” doesn’t help you prioritize which box to unpack first. styrofoam cups and some non-perishable snacks, such as • Stay positive. Getting settled into your new home can seem crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit. This way, there will be some overwhelming unless you look at it as a series of small projects. instant sustenance while you get organized. • Congratulate yourself! You accomplished a lot today! • Affix colored labels to the moving boxes according to destination. Put the same-color labels or signs on the door of the rooms

36 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide 12/31/11. 38 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide WHAT’S ALL THE TALK ABOUT. YOU PACK, THEY DRIVE MOVING?

Moving Decisions Save Time and Money Are you faced with an upcoming job relocation? With so many The “you pack, they drive” moving alternative saves you the options for moving your household items, it can be a difficult trouble of driving an unfamiliar vehicle as well as the stress and decision to determine which service best fits your moving needs. difficulty during a long-distance drive. Since the estimates provided Also, with a limited relocation budget from your employer to cover for this service are based on volume (space) and not weight, you will your moving costs, finding a service that complements your avoid unexpected higher moving costs and hidden fees associated pocketbook is important as well. While hiring a professional moving with other full-service moving companies. Unlike a rental truck, the company may be time-saving, the cost for full-service moving could normal moving expenses such as fuel, taxes, tolls, and unexpected be several thousand dollars. A recent trend in the moving industry costs such as flat tires and engine blowouts are covered by the is the do-it-yourself moving option. Most people associate do-it- service provider. yourself with the truck rental option; however, the “you pack, they Loading Service Options drive” moving alternative is becoming increasingly popular. The cost savings of using the “you pack, they drive” service New Moving Alternative largely result from packing and loading your trailer. Some customers With this type of service, you are expected to pack and load your may not have the physical ability or manpower to pack and load items in an adequately-sized commercial trailer. You are given up to their own trailer. This problem is relatively easy to solve—simply two business days to pack and load your goods. The cost of the check with one of the packing and loading companies suggested move is controlled by the customer because this service allows you by the “you pack, they drive” service provider. You can locate to pay for only the spaced used in the trailer. Once you have packing and loading assistance in both your origin and destination completed the packing and loading process, the trailer is picked up cities. By combining the “you pack, they drive” service with local by the local dispatch office. The trailer is then transported by a loading and unloading assistance, you can save money versus professional driver to your destination. You will receive an estimated using a full-service moving company. arrival time for delivery of your goods and will also have the ability to The Choice is Yours track your goods during the transit of your move. Upon arrival at During your search for the best moving option for your upcoming your new home, the trailer is delivered at the appointed time and job relocation, consider the “you pack, they drive” moving option you will unpack and unload your goods. The local dispatch office and know that you are in control of every aspect of your move. You will then come and remove the empty trailer. will not only save time and money, you will experience less stress and headache during an already stressful part of your life.

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 39 PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Month Before Two Weeks Before

 Take Inventory. Decide what to keep and what to get rid of.  Notify Phone Company: Your new local phone company should be notified of your move no sooner than 30 business  Reserve a rental truck or select a moving company. Look for days prior to move, and no later than 5 business days before rental trucks and moving companies in local brochures, yellow moving. The service representative will run a quick credit check pages, or through your rental agent/ real estate broker. and assign you a new telephone number.  Make a moving file for important documents, such as family  Notify Utilities: The electric and gas service companies should medical and dental records, school records, legal documents be contacted at least two weeks before your move. The old and titles, banking and financial statements, stock and bond service will need your move out date and you should request certificates, tax returns, birth certificates and insurance the return of any deposits at this time. The new service will documents. Include all receipts – many expenses are tax need your move in date to determine when service will be deductible. turned on or transferred to your name. You can inquire if they  Make any car rental, airline or hotel arrangements. have a billing plan to balance out of season differences by paying a set amount each month. If moving into an apartment,  Gather moving supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap and check with the property manager to see if service was left on paper for wrapping. before you call the utility companies. Write down the emergency numbers to call in event of a problem or outage.  Post Office: A week before you move, you should stop by your local post office to fill out a change of address cards.  Banks: (checking accounts, investments, etc.): Before you Correspondence cards are also available to send to various move to your new city, make sure all existing accounts in your companies such as credit card companies, magazine old bank are closed. Find a new bank to fill your personal publishers and any other organizations that should be needs and open accounts, order checks and obtain direct informed of your move. The mail will be forwarded to your new deposit forms if applicable. home for a full year. After a year, the mail will be returned to the sender with your new address stamped on it. You can get an  Find a new doctor and dentist and have your family’s medical official change form at the local post office or on the Internet at records transferred to them. www.usps.gov/movernet.  Refill any prescription medications which must be taken  Credit Card Companies: Immediately notify all your credit card regularly and arrange to have those prescriptions transferred to companies of your move. Keeping an individual file on each your new city. one makes this process much easier. We suggest using the  Arrange to register your children in their new school(s). Contact correspondence cards offered at the post office in addition to their current school(s) to have their records forwarded. requesting in writing that they send you a letter of confirmation. It is also recommended to make a follow up call.

 Purchase Insurance: If you are moving from out of state and are insured by a fairly large company, they will most likely have an office in the city you are moving to. If you need to find a new company, it is important to get homeowners insurance at least one month before the move. Those moving to an apartment need to contact the insurance company two weeks before the move. If you have large amounts of jewelry and/or furs coats it’s important to contact the agency as soon as possible since you will be needing additional coverage.

 Remember to request the return of any security deposits.

40 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Week Before Moving Day

 Confirm any travel plans or reservations.  Early on moving day, reserve a large place for the moving truck to park. Mark off an area with cones or chairs. If you need to  Finish packing and make sure all boxes are clearly labeled. obtain parking permission from your apartment complex  Subscribe to the local newspaper and visit the Chamber of manager or the city, do so in advance. Commerce in your new city for additional community  Before work starts, walk through the house with the movers information. and describe the loading order. Show them items you intend to  Change of Address Notification: You will need to notify the transport yourself. You should have these items grouped in an Postal Service that you are moving. It is now possible to do so area prior to the movers arriving. Remain on site to answer the without visiting the post office. Go to website listed above. For movers’ questions and to provide special instructions. the fee of $1.00 you may fill out the address change  Walk through your home and make sure that everything was information online and receive an email confirmation. Or you loaded. Make sure you have the keys to your new home. may choose to print the form and mail it to your local post office. US Postal Service, www.usps.com  Remember that professional movers expect to be paid in full before your goods are unloaded. Check for damage, as items  Notify IRS: You will also need to notify the IRS that you have are unloaded and report any problems right away. moved. This will ensure you receive your IRS refund and/or any other correspondence. To change your address with the IRS,  Unless the company’s policy prohibits the acceptance of complete a Form 8822 (PDF), Address Change Request. This gratuities, it is customary to tip each mover. $20 is a good is available on the IRS website. IRS, www.irs.gov amount; you may want to tip more or less based on the service you received.

 If you are moving yourself and getting help from friends, make One Day Before sure you create a task list. Be sure to have everything packed before your help arrives. It is natural for people to work in pairs,  Pick up your rental truck or confirm your move with the moving but you should consider each person’s physical ability and company. health status. Plan to provide beverages and food for your volunteers. Load the truck according to the directions your  Make sure you and your movers have the directions to your truck rental agency gave you, and make sure that you new home. Plan your travel so that you will be there to greet understand how to operate and drive the rental truck before them and unlock your home. Have a backup plan in case one you leave the agency. of you gets delayed.

 Obtain the driver’s cell phone number and give him/her yours so you can stay in touch in case one of you is delayed.

 Ask what form of payment the movers will accept (check, money order, certified check, travelers checks) and make necessary arrangements.

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 41 RELOCATING YOUR PET

Your coffee is finally brewing after what seemed like an endless traveling with a dog or cat, have in your possession a rabies search through the boxes left by the moving company. The disk vaccination certificate that was signed by a veterinarian. jockey on the radio reads the weather forecast and you learn that it Pet Parks is 70 degrees outside with an expected high of 75. Welcome to your Fair Park new city, but at least your company gave you a nice raise for Dallas relocating. www.fairpark.org Just as you start thinking that everything is proceeding smoothly During the Dog Bowl, canines (of all sizes) and their human and that your new city really does have a lot to offer, you realize companions (of all sizes) get to run, catch and tackle on one of the Prince, your four-year old Great Dane, isn’t acting right. Now what? most historic sports fields in America ... just as the Dallas Cowboys Is he really sick? Homesick? What's worse is that you don’t know once did. With entertainment, activities, and exhibits designed for where the closest veterinarian is located and, of course, he or she both man and beast, the Friends of Fair Park’s Dog Bowl is a whole can't be as good as Dr. Morris…and Prince just loved Dr. Morris. other… um, breed of event. Farfetched? Not really. Pets are probably most overlooked when Fort Woof it comes to relocating. Most people just expect their pets to wake Ft. Worth up completely adapted to their new surroundings as if nothing www.fortwoof.org changed. Although this is true for many pets, just as many find Provides two large fenced areas for dogs to roam, one for dogs relocating to be traumatic. Furthermore, most people wait until their 40 pounds and more and a separate area for dogs weighing less pet is ill before finding a new veterinarian. than 40 pounds. Each area has picnic tables (no food of any type in the park, please) and park benches for humans, a watering station What should you do then for your pet when relocating? Actually for both humans and dogs. And be sure to check out the annual the place to begin is in your hometown before you move. Speak to Barktoberfest! your own veterinarian and tell him/her where you are moving and ask his/her advice. In most cases, this alone will be sufficient to find The Deep Ellum Dog Park Dallas out what is necessary to prepare your pet for transition. Further, www.deepellumdogpark.com people will be surprised how often their veterinarian can As people move into the downtown area, they are bringing along recommend someone in the area where they are moving. Whether all their valuable belongings, and of course, dogs. There were few or not this person will actually become your new veterinarian is not places for residents to walk their dogs on downtown streets, and as important as the peace of mind that the recommendation is from even few places for them to exercise and play rough. A safe and someone you trust. pet-friendly urban oasis for dogs and their owners - lots of grass, Finally, don’t wait until your pet is ill before looking for a lots of space, and lots of parking. veterinarian. This is an extremely emotional time and nothing can be Unleashed Indoor Dog Park more traumatic than having to find a veterinarian in the midst of a Dallas crisis. It is obvious, then, that you should find a new veterinarian www.unleasheddogparks.com before that first crisis occurs so that when the need arises, you will A one-of-a-kind facility with indoor and outdoor off-leash play be prepared. parks for dogs and their owners, shopping, dining and dog How do you go about finding a new veterinarian in a new city? services. Situated on 6.5 wooded acres just four miles from Location is an important factor, as many pets don’t travel well and, downtown Dallas, Unleashed IDP is a state-of-the-art 50,000 in the case of emergency, distance may be a factor in receiving square foot facility with spacious play parks for dogs and their timely treatment. owners created of a special K-9 turf that stays clean and green year After making a list of local veterinary clinics, take the time to go round. There’s also a pet supply center, café, grooming, daycare visit them. Talk to the staff. Ask about office hours, fees, whether and lounge areas overlooking all the action. appointments are required, and what services are available. Also, White Rock Dog Park ask if it is possible to talk to the doctor so that you can introduce www.whiterockdogpark.com yourself and at least have a first impression to help you make your The best place to see pets run wild is at the Off-Leash Dog Park. choice. Although the park is on city-property, it was paid for with numerous Finally, ask your neighbors which veterinarians they take their private and corporate donations including a $25,000 grant from the pets to and why. Then, of course, it’s your decision, but at least you Muenster Milling Company, a dog food manufacturer. Today, the have gathered some information on which to base your decision. Dallas Dog Park improvements are entirely due to volunteer time and donations. If you'd like to help out, volunteer! A great way to Pet Vaccine Requirements and Protocols make new friends for you and your pet. The state of Texas requires that dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and on a 1-year or 3-year basis thereafter depending on the vaccine used. Additionally, when

42 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide MOVING WITH CHILDREN

REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

Get family members focused on and involved in the process of moving. Hold a family meeting to discuss why, where, when and how the family will move. Encourage everyone to ask questions and express feelings. If possible, drive the family to see the new home and take a tour of the new neighborhood schools, shops and parks. Take photos or videotape the new house and neighborhood. Make lists for each older child of things to do to prepare for the move and assign them a special task or two. For example, they can read and inform other family members about the area history, landmarks, special events and amusements. Help children prepare for the move by having them assist with packing. Let them pack a box of special clothes, toys or books they would like readily accessible at their new home. Let each family member help plan how to set up his or her bedroom. Have them help select paint or wallpaper. Let them share ideas how to arrange the furniture. When the move takes place, set up the children’s rooms first. Choosing A School One of the most satisfying experiences a family can have is finding a school that fits its needs. That school will “feel right” because its administrators, teachers, and parents are part of a strong community that shares the family’s educational values. Children are eager to go there because the school program stimulates their curiosity and provides them with outlets for their interests. Parents will be pleased because their involvement in their children's education will be welcomed and encouraged. In order to find the best school for your child, you should begin by observing your child’s learning habits. Even as preschoolers, children begin to develop different approaches to learning. These inclinations provide strong clues about what kind of school would serve them best. In her book Your Child's First School, educational consultant Diana Townsend- Butterworth offers these suggestions of things to watch for in determining your child's orientation to learning: • What does your child enjoy doing? • What excites your child and arouses his or her curiosity? • What seems to be frustrating? • Does your child thrive in a structured environment or seem to prefer one that offers more freedom? • Is your child quiet or rambunctious? • Does he or she prefer to work on projects alone or with other children? • Does he or she have any special interests or abilities? Make a list of answers to these questions as well as taking note of any other characteristics you notice about your child. As you read more about individual schools, and when you visit the ones that interest you, you will be better able to choose a school that suits your child.

continued on page 44

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 43 REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

For high school, parents often choose a new school for their Public Schools children. This is frequently because their current school goes only Several public school districts serve the city of Sacramento. through eight grade. As you look for a high school, consider your Sacramento City Unified School District serves most of child's learning style as well as his or her interests when deciding Sacramento. Other parts are served by the Natomas Unified School upon a school. Also keep in mind your own family goals, which may District, San Juan Unified School District, Grant Joint Union High involve preparing for college, in making this important choice. School District, Rio Londia Elementary School District, North What about family expectations? In order to provide a good Sacramento Elementary School District, Del Paso Elementary match, a child’s school must also meet a family’s needs. Here again, School District, and Robla Elementary School District you may want to prepare a list of expectations and use it as a guide Dallas Independent School District (972) 925-3700 in the search for the best school for your child: 3700 Ross Avenue • What goal do you have for your child’s long-term education? Is Dallas, TX 75204-5491 college preparation a priority? www.dallasisd.org • How important to you is parental involvement in school activities? The DISD is the 12th largest school district in the nation. Our • Do you expect the school to have a role in developing a child’s mission is to prepare all students to graduate with the knowledge character by encouraging respect for adults and peers as well as and skills to become productive and responsible citizens. others in society, including the disadvantaged? The DISD’s commitment to student success and a progressive • How important is it to you that you have a strong relationship and learning environment is reflected in a challenging core curriculum share a philosophy with other parents at the school? and special programs, such as career education, character education, Advanced Placement, talented and gifted, science and • How interested are you in providing a home setting that gives engineering, fine arts, and multilingual and multicultural enrichment. your child time for homework? Fort Worth Independent School District • How important to you is a before-school and after-school 100 North University Drive program? Fort Worth, TX 76107-1360 Before beginning a search for a school, parents should reflect on www.fortworthisd.org these questions, and their expectations for schools. Parents who From their founding in 1882, the public schools were operated by choose schools wisely are pleased after their children enroll the Fort Worth city government. In 1925, however, the Texas because the family and the school work in harmony with a common Legislature removed the city's authority and created the Fort Worth set of expectations for the youngsters. Admissions directors at Independent School District, as we know it today, to manage and schools will gladly connect you with parents of current students so operate the schools. The Fort Worth Independent School District is you can make an informed choice for your child. controlled locally through a Board of Education Trustees elected by Most schools believe parents should have a strong role in their voters within each district. Eight Trustees serve as single-member children’s education. Being involved in a child’s education district representatives. The President is elected at-large. All of the strengthens the whole family and sends a message to children that Trustees serve four-year terms without pay education is an important part of their lives. Schools know that the Most of Fort Worth is served by Fort Worth Independent School way in which parents choose to become active in their children’s District. Other school districts that serve portions of Fort Worth schools varies greatly. They provide many different opportunities for include: parental involvement. Most schools have strong parent associations Azle Independent School District that organize social events, help coordinate volunteer activitied, and Birdville Independent School District provide an organizes means of communication between parents Burleson Independent School District and school. Castleberry Independent School District Each of these encounters strengthens the life of the schools and Crowley Independent School District creates a community of committed adults supporting the goals of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District the schools and the students. This feeling of community, with adults Everman Independent School District and students working together for a common purpose, is one of the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District distinguishing strengths of a good schools. Keller Independent School District When you’re new to a community, locating a person or program Kennedale Independent School District to provide child care for you is not the easiest of tasks. Due to Lake Worth Independent School District expanding demand, just finding an opening can be difficult. Masonic Home Independent School District (Masonic Home and Pinpointing a place that is not too far or too expensive and, most School of Texas) importantly, a provider whom you trust, may take days or weeks of Northwest Independent School District persistent phoning and visits. White Settlement Independent School District

44 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

When you’re new to a community, locating a person or program Before/After School Programs to provide child care for you is not the easiest of tasks. Due to These programs give children additional time and opportunity to expanding demand, just finding an opening may be difficult. engage in hands-on enrichment activities in reading, science, math, Pinpointing a place that is not too far or too expensive and, most art, drama, and specific “safety” topics that include conflict importantly, a provider whom you trust, may take days or weeks of resolution and drug abuse. Most programs offer homework persistent phoning and visits. assistance and some offer tutoring. Most also provide supervised As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is physical activity and healthy snacks, or even dinner. School age safe and happy in a child care environment that is fun, educational, programs are often provided through local schools, child care and nurturing. You will need to consider many questions. But you centers, churches, or youth-oriented community organizations. are not alone — an increasing number of parents rely on quality Quality features include opportunities for children to make individual child care so that they may work. About 70% of parents place their and group choices about activities, opportunity to improve young children in some type of daily care. Knowing in advance that academic skills, spaces for children to relax and rest, well this is not an overnight process makes it a bit less overwhelming. supervised spaces where they can be active, nutritious snacks, and parental involvement. Types of Child Care You might like the home-like feel of a family child care home, or maybe you want your child to have opportunity to socialize with peers in a larger child care center. You might be looking for after school care for your child, a summer camp experience or a program that can accommodate his or her special needs. It will help you in your search to learn more about each type of child care setting. In home Some parents may prefer the one-on-one contact an in-home care provider can offer, especially for an infant. The International Nanny Association (INA) recommends that you interview any prospective hire at least twice and that you conduct a criminal background check, which is usually done by most placement agencies. One key to good child care is whether the caregiver can adapt to the needs of each child and family. Not all children of the same age are at the same level of development; each child has unique character traits. A good caregiver understands these personal and developmental differences and creates a program to meet each child’s needs. Center-Based Care The most popular type because there are so many options for children of all ages. You take your child to a place that is organized and staffed specifically to care for a group or groups of children. Some types include day care centers, preschool programs, before/after school programs. Day Care Center If you’re considering a day care center or another group setting, you should spend some time observing the center and talking to Choosing Child Care parents with children in the center. You should also expect that your In addition to the forms of child care, you want to take into child will be assigned to the same caregiver to promote a sense of account the following factors: security and consistency. Inquire about the rate of staff resignations; low staff turnover minimizes the need for young children to • Age and personality of your child. repeatedly adjust to new caregivers. • Child care needs of all the children in your family. Preschool Programs • Location of your workplace, home and child care facility. Preschool programs are offered through Head Start, child care • Hours you need child care. centers or local public and private schools. They can be offered as • What you can afford. a half-day program for three or four days a week or they can be part continued on page 46 of a full day program at a child care center.

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 45 SELECTING CHILD CARE

When you begin your search, start with the telephone. Plan to Some children like to carry a reminder of home when they go to spend a few minutes with each call. Describe your needs and ask child care. A family photograph or small toy can be helpful. Talking about the program, staff, location, other children in care, and what to your child about child care and the caregiver is helpful. Being is included in the cost. Make an appointment and visit the center, prepared makes any new experience easier for children. There also school or home, and plan on spending at least an hour at each are storybooks about child care that you and your child can read place. Visit once to observe the children in care and at another time together. (Check with your local library, another great outing for a outside of regular structured hours to spend time with provider or parent and child) director. After a child has been in child care, a sudden change in In any group center, health, safety, and hygiene must be given caregivers may be upsetting. This can happen even if the new priority in all settings. All children and staff members should have caregiver is kind and competent. If you are concerned about your current immunizations; staff should have clear criminal background child's feelings, you may want to arrange a meeting with the checks. The facility must be child-proof and all staff members caregiver or ask your pediatrician for advice. Parents need to help should wear disposable gloves when changing diapers. Toys should the caregivers and the child deal with any changes in the child's be disinfected on a regular basis and frequent hand washing should routine at home or child care. High-quality child care helps children be promoted among the staff and children to minimize the spread grow in every way and promotes their physical, social and mental of infection. development. It offers support to working parents. Your pediatrician wants your child to grow and develop with enjoyment in a setting Preparing Your Child for Child Care that supports you as a parent. Most young infants, up to seven months, adapt to caring adults In the final analysis, locating a child care provider with whom you and seldom have problems adjusting to good child care. Older are confident is well worth the searching. Why? Your child benefits infants may be upset when left with strangers. They may feel greatly from such an arrangement, meeting and interacting with separation anxiety, which is a normal part of development for some other children and adults. The child learns and grows from children. They will need extra time and your support to “get to experience, often times a major step in establishing independence know” the caregiver. Some children show changes in behavior and becoming his or her “own person.” And you feel more at ease when they start child care. Toddlers may cry, pout, refuse to go to leaving them. or act angry in other ways. Preschoolers may regress and behave For more information you may want to visit the following website: like a younger child. They may be more wakeful at night. This American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org behavior usually goes away after a few days or weeks in high-quality child care, just be sure to monitor. You may help your child adjust to a new child care arrangement. Arrange a visit with in-home caregivers while you are at home or when you need child care for a short time. Visit the center or family child care home that you have chosen with your child before beginning care. Show your child that you like and trust the caregiver.

46 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 47 HIGHER EDUCATION - WHERE TO GO?

A List to Consider When Making Decisions About College Campus and Residential Life Admissions experts from Baruch College, a senior college in the 7. What’s new at school? It’s been several months since you and City University of New York, offer some tips to help parents cope your child did all that college research. Go back on the colleges’ with the stress of guiding their child through that all-important websites and see what’s up! Schools may be offering new question: Where should I go to college? programs, hosting unique events on campus, renovating facilities, or announcing new faculty appointments— any of Academics which could affect your child’s decision. 1. Remember why your child is going to college in the first place. Now is the time for your child to reflect on what she truly wants. 8. Finding the right fit. Every school has a personality; you don’t Compare her preferences and ambitions to the resources that want to spend thousands of dollars on one that clashes with each school offers. Consider each school’s academics, study your child’s. Visit the campus again—or for the first time if you abroad programs, student life, extracurricular activities, career haven’t been yet! Encourage your child to attend an accepted services, internship programs, etc., and ask how it will further student reception; sit in on a class; go to a sporting event; and your child’s educational and career goals. Reassure your child talk to current students—without you hovering in the that it’s okay to be uncertain about her career ambitions but, if background! Students will speak candidly to each other about she is, a college with flexible academic programs and multiple real-life college issues like the social scene, academic options is probably a good bet. pressures, and drinking on campus— all things your child should be aware of in advance. 2. What happens to people who graduate from this school? Look into what most of the graduates of the schools your child likes 9. Safety first. Let’s face it: sending your child off to college is scary wind up doing. If your child is interested in the fine arts, and the enough without worrying about crime. Take note of a school’s majority of students at a particular school end up working in the location and ask college officials about security: Is there a 24- financial industry, it should give you both pause. hour security team? What kind of campus alert systems are in place? What are the crime statistics for the area? What security 3. The downside of high school success. Sometimes, even a top- precautions exist in the residence halls? While you’re asking performing high school student is surprised by the rigorous questions, explore the college’s mental health and counseling demands of college courses and professors. Even if your child services—college can be stressful for kids as well as parents. was accepted at the school of his dreams, he needs to understand that he’s starting all over once he gets to college; his Coping sterling SAT score won’t matter if he skips class or studying. 10. Breathe deeply and stay calm. Make clear to your child that you Have an honest conversation with your child about the level of are available to talk things through, weigh the pros and cons, ask commitment required at the schools he likes and make sure he’s questions, and visit campuses with her but that, ultimately, the prepared for it. It’s (Almost) All About the Money decision about where to go to college must be her’s. It’s hard to hand over the keys to her future, but when you watch her receive 4. Factor college tuition into family budgeting. Try plugging the her diploma, you’ll realize it was well worth it. estimated cost of attendance (tuition, room and board, books, transportation, student fees) for each school at which your child is accepted into your family’s budget. This will provide you with a better long-term financial plan. And don’t forget about graduate school, if that is in your child’s plans; it’ll be upon you both before you know it. 5. Explore all avenues of financing. Don’t count solely on the college’s financial aid award for help. Learn about scholarships being offered by local businesses, community organizations, and employers; your family could qualify for additional aid monies. 6. Get to know your school’s financial aid team. Most financial aid departments offer free workshops on how to plan for the cost of attending college. Take advantage of such sessions, and don’t be bashful; ask as many questions as occur to you. Now is the best time to consider all your options.

48 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide PAYING FOR SCHOOL

FAFSA www.fafsa.gov Need-Based FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form Need-based financial aid is awarded on the basis of the financial that must be filled out annually by university to determine their need of the student. The amount of need based aid is generally eligibility for federal financial aid (including grants, loans, and work- based off the criteria on the FAFSA. study programs). In addition, most states and schools use Loans information from the FAFSA to award non-federal aid. While included in the term “financial aid” Higher Education Loans differ from scholarships and grants in that they must be paid back. The FAFSA consists of numerous questions regarding the They come in several varieties in the United States student’s finances, as well as those of his or her family; these are entered into a formula that determines the Expected Family • Federal Student Loans made to students directly: No payments Contribution. The amount of the EFC can vary widely, depending on until after graduation, but amounts are quite limited a number of factors; for example, one such factor is whether a • Federal Student Loans made to parents: Much higher limit, but student has siblings in college at the time. payments start immediately The best place to look for help before you start filling out your • Private Student Loans made to students or parents: Higher limits FAFSA is at your school's financial aid office. and no payments until after graduation. Other Sources FAFSA only scratches the surface of the money available to Getting Your MBA Part-time students for school. There are many state and private scholarships Getting your MBA may be imperative to you and your career. out there. The easiest way to find listings of what scholarships that More than 40% of all graduate students are working adults, so it is you may qualify for is by going to a scholarship database online and possible to balance the rest of your life with your desire to continue doing a search. Some handy sites for this are: your education. Lunch-money.com You’ll generally spend three to four hours a week with the Finaid.org instructor in a 3-credit class. It’s generally recommended that you Fastweb.com spend about 8 additional hours a week studying and preparing for Collegeboard.com the next classroom session, so 12-15 hrs a week total. It’s not recommended that you participate in any website that So where are you going to find an extra 15 hrs a week? It helps asks you to pay a fee to search for a scholarship; there are many to journal how you do spend your time during the week, and then wonderful free sites available. list priorities. Lower priority items, like watching TV, may take up more time than you realize, and can be shelved so you can continue Types of Financial Aid your education. Financial aid may be classified into two types based on the Re-prioritizing your time is the most crucial step in ensuring you’ll criteria through which the financial aid is awarded: merit-based or have success on your path to your degree. Make sure you discuss need-based. your goals with your boss, friends, and family, so they know what to Merit-Based expect as you add this major commitment to your life. Merit-scholarships are typically awarded for outstanding academic achievements, although some merit scholarships can also be awarded for special talents, leadership potential and other personal characteristics. Merit scholarships are sometimes awarded without regard for the financial need of the applicant. Athletic scholarships are a form of merit aid that takes athletic talent into account.

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 49 50 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Community Colleges Nearly 3 million students are believed to be taking online classes Community colleges exist for two major purposes. The first is to at institutions of higher education in the United States this year. That serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses number has been growing about 25% a year recently. Now, virtually for transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Four out of 10 college- all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of bound high-school graduates start their college education this way. private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes. By contrast, The second function of community colleges is to prepare only about half of private, nonprofit schools offer them. students for the job market by offering entry-level career training as Online schools offer everything from Associate’s degrees to well as courses for adult students who want to upgrade their skills Doctoral programs with available emphases in everything from for the workplace. They often offer programs that are not available Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. Some at four-year schools, like fashion design. programs require students to attend some campus classes or Liberal Arts Colleges orientations, but many are delivered completely online. Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and connection, but are now a serious option for the busy professional. focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small Public vs. Private and personal attention is available. Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state Online Learning residents. They get most of their money from the state or local Recent years have witnessed the rise of online degree programs, government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and to allow the busy professional a chance to work at their own pace other private sources. Private colleges are usually smaller and can from the comfort of their home on the path to getting a degree. The offer more personalized attention and often more prestige. costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes— Universities and financial aid is equally available—while the cost to the institution Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more can be much less. majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional There are online universities ranging from legitimate distance size and some classes may taught by graduate students. learning systems to fly-by-night degree-mills. It’s important to Upper Division research a particular institution before deciding to enroll in their Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate system. Generally, brick-and-mortar schools that also offer online study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor’s classes are the safest, though there are plenty of fully accredited degree. Students then generally transfer to an upper-division online universities out there. college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a second year of study at a four-year college.

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Certificate or Diploma Combined Bachelor’s/Graduate Degree (or Joint Degree) These non-degree offerings generally lead to employment in an Complete a bachelor's degree and a master’s or first-professional occupational field. For example, to enter fields such as computer degree in less than the usual amount of time. In most programs, science or teaching, you may first have to get a certificate or students apply to the graduate program during their first three years diploma. of undergraduate study, and begin the graduate program in their Associate Degree fourth year of college. Successful completion results in awarding of You receive an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) both bachelor’s and graduate degrees. These are sometimes degree after completing two years of study similar to the first two referred to as “4 +1” programs. years of a four-year college. After earning an AA or an AS, you may Masters Degree transfer to a four-year college to complete the requirements for a These signify more specialized training in a particular field. They bachelor's degree. The associate of applied science (AAS) degree are competed after the bachelor’s degree, usually over the course is awarded on completion of technological or vocation programs of of 2 years for the full time student. study. Doctorates Bachelor’s or Baccalaureate Degree These generally signify some significant research in the field, and Complete a four- or five-year, full-time program of study (or its are an upper level degree. part-time equivalent) at a college. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) are the most common.

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 51 52 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide FITNESS AND HEALTH

IN THE KITCHEN

received this recipe in an email from one of my co-workers. Well actually since he will be reading this, I’d better be more precise. He’s my boss! But it’s a summer Friday Iafternoon, so we’re a little relaxed. Anyway, in spite of it being a Friday afternoon, it inspired me to write this article. The avocado (Persea Americana) is a tree native to Mexico. The oldest evidence of avocado use was found in a cave located in Coxcatlán, Puebla, Mexico, that dates to around 10,000 BC. About 95% of United States avocado production – is located in Southern California. Fallbrook, California, claims the title of “Avocado Capital of the World”, I've been there and it's amazing to see all those rows of trees filled with ripe avocados! The Hass avocado is today the most common. It produces fruit year-round and accounts for 80% of cultivated avocados in the world. Hass avocados have ovate fruit with a dark green or black, rough, pebbled skin. All Hass avocado trees are descended from a single “mother tree” raised by a mail carrier named Rudolph Hass, of La Habra Heights, California. Hass patented the productive tree in 1935. Spinks is another type you may be familiar with. Mostly grown in Florida, the fruit is larger Please visit our website, www.NewMarketServices for more recipes. www.NewMarketServices Please visit our website, and rounder, with a smooth, medium-green skin, and a less-fatty, firmer and fibrous flesh. Because it has less oil it often isn’t as flavorful. A fun project is to grow your own plant indoors. This is done by removing the pit from a ripe, unrefrigerated avocado. Poke the pit with three or four tooth picks, about one third of the way up. Place the pit in a jar with tepid water. In four to six weeks, it should split and out should come roots and a sprout. (If there is no change by this time discard and try again.) Once the stem has grown a few inches, it is placed in a pot with soil. It should be watered every few days. Avocados have been known to grow large, so be ready to repot the plant several times. Enough about avocados. A small warning about the recipe. If you have been reading my recipes you will notice this one digresses from my normal format. I try to be very precise with my ingredients and directions, leaving nothing to chance. Patrick allows for you to be creative. Tonight Patrick, in Chicago, and I, in Scottsdale will be comparing our creations. I hope you enjoy yours.

Patrick’s Authentic Irish Guacamole*

Ingredients Directions 4-6 ripe avocados, depending on how Cut, spoon out avocado into a bowl. Mash many you people you are serving. them up, we decided we both prefer left About 1/2 or so of a medium to large chunky but you may prefer creamy. white onion, depending on how much Dice onion, jalapeños, add to avocado you like Chop up the cilantro fine – few stems won’t Couple nice tomatoes – plum if you hurt, add Chop tomatoes into small squares, want, depending on what you prefer. add salt and olive oil. 2 jalapenos Cut and squeeze limes into mix Bunch of cilantro Mix all and enjoy with good tortilla chips & 2 limes some hot sauce on the side!!!! Sea Salt *It’s green, therefore Irish. therefore green, *It’s Tablespoon or so of olive oil

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 53 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Health Club • Does the club offer instruction in a sport or activity that you might Your move is filled with many new challenges. If your life style want to learn (tennis, squash, swimming, etc.)? includes working out a priority • Does the club offer a variety of leagues? If you want to compete will be to find a club that meets your needs. Or a new move may - is the club affiliated to the right leagues, and does it have teams bring the perfect time to implement those healthy lifestyle changes of the right standard for your competencies? that were on your New Year’s Resolution list for the past several • Does the club offer a variety of high-quality weight equipment? It years. should include free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, and Begin your search before you move. Ask your current club for machine weights, you really need both to get a proper workout. recommendations or perhaps they even have reciprocity with a club • Does the club offer a sufficient number and variety of programs in your new location. If you belong to a national chain, chances are for you to achieve other goals (stress management, weight good that you will be able to transfer your membership. management, smoking cessation, social activities, etc.)? However if you do find yourself looking for a new club, use this • Are there long lines at the equipment, or crowded aerobics check list to help you find the place that will work best for you. classes, at the time that you would be using the club? When visiting a club use your own observations and question the • What are the real costs? Make sure you understand all rates, staff and current members. Be sure your new club will be able to charges and fees because these can vary widely, and many clubs meet your fitness, social, and safety needs. require contracts ranging from a few weeks to a year or more. Be • Is the club clean and well maintained, especially the locker rooms sure you're entitled to use all facilities, such as pools and spas at and the shower areas? no extra charge. • Are staff members friendly and helpful? Make sure there is always • Is child care available if you need it? someone available to answer your questions, to show you a new • Is there adequate parking available if you need it? exercise, or how to use a piece of equipment. One way to find out whether a club is right for you is to try it out • Does the location for work for you? It's best to select a club that's for a few days. Some clubs offer a special guest pass for near where you live or work. prospective members. But even if you have to pay for a week to try • Do fitness staff members have appropriate educational it out, it’s better to spend the money than to make a long-term backgrounds and/or certification from nationally recognized commitment to a club that doesn’t work out. Try the club during the certifying agencies? hours you will normally be using it. It will give you a realistic idea of • Are new members provided with a club orientation and what the club environment while you are there. instruction on how to use equipment? It’s important to read health club contracts carefully. Don’t • What age group do you see while visiting? If you are in your 50’s, assume the club offers classes such as aerobics as part of the do you really want to work out with a group in their 20’s (and vice membership. While some do, others charge extra. If the health club versa)? Be sure to visit club at the time you will be normally using requires a long-term commitment, find out whether you’ll be able to the facilities. get a refund if you need to cancel your membership due to a job • Does the club have the cardiovascular resistance equipment you transfer, an injury or if you simply find that the club isn't working for want and need to achieve your fitness goals? you. • Does the club offer sufficient number and variety of programs for It’s a fact that of every three people who join a health club, only you to achieve your fitness goals (aerobic, racquet sports, one will work out there 100 days a year. Find a club that you are basketball, etc.)? If classes or group activities help to motivate comfortable with and you will greatly increase your chances of you and the health club doesn’t offer the classes you need, being the one of three people that are there more than 100 days a sticking with your exercise program won't be realistic. year. NewMarket Services wishes you good health.

54 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Coping With Change where to go to make new friends can bring feelings of isolation and Did you know that your body and mind sense change as stress? loneliness. Whether you change the place you live or where you work, it all Creatures of Habit adds up to stress. The more changes that come at one time, the Psychologically, most of us are creatures of habit and quickly more stress you experience. develop repetitive patterns that make us feel comfortable and Self-Image secure. Ever notice that most people find the same seat or section Your attitudes towards change often depend on your self image of the commuter train or bus? Drivers usually take the same route and expectations of how difficult it may be. Your self image is the every day. We do this in order to reduce stress. inner vision of who you are. It is the basis of your every thought, The sameness of established behavior develops a sense of word and action. Moving, with the many changes it entails, offers an control over ourselves and surroundings. By seeking repetitive excellent opportunity to modify and/or improve your self image habits, we save our energy for new events that are either through the risks of taking positive action. unpredictable or uncontrollable. When change removes the Some people welcome change as a challenge or an exciting new sameness from our lives, we attempt to relieve the tension experience. Others may resent the inconvenience and extra effort produced by uncertainty and newness. We look for ways to develop they need to make to re-establish a comfortable routine. Still others other familiar patterns. feel overwhelmed by the unknown and are not sure where to go or to whom to turn. Often, stress causes old issues, defeats or concerns to resurface. Perhaps new worries and fears form unexpectedly, or you feel tired and fatigued most of the time. Decision making abilities are affected, and you seem to be having less fun and enjoyment. These are all telltale signs of stress brought on by change. When signs of stress affect you, it may be a time of emotional transition, indicating old behavior patterns are not as effective as they once were. This is often a good time for self-reflection-to look at what you like in yourself and what you do not like. Stress When you relocate to a new city, all categories of your life are changed. Along with the obvious changes listed above, moving to a new community requires finding new sources for familiar services. Finding a new hairdresser, barber, drugstore, food market, doctor, lawyer, cleaner and shoemaker are all necessary. You not only have to locate these services, but you need to determine if you are satisfied with the quality of the services provided. Forming a comfortable working relationship with the service provider adds more stress to the change itself. Management of Change Perhaps your whole lifestyle changes if you are moving from a smaller or larger community. With long-distance moves, you will To manage change effectively, several simple steps will help you have to make new friends and develop a different emotional support adjust to the newness and extra effort needed to establish different system. When these changes are not made through your own patterns in your life. choices, but are the decisions of a boss or someone in your family, • Organize your time so you can finish the tasks you have planned. then the stress is even greater. Children have to make changes • Have realistic expectations. Do not plan to complete everything because of their parents. They need special help and understanding within the first few weeks. getting settled in school and making new friends. Often, they will • List your priorities and finish each one before you go on to the have difficulties as they adjust to the new surroundings. next. Changes produce stress not only within yourself, but also with • Provide your body with recreational time and time to relax. the people with whom you are close. It may cause you to react • Trust your first impressions; they are most often right. differently from your usual behavior. If you are in a relationship or marriage, you may find more tension developing, with less patience Periods of change can offer you an opportunity for growth within or tolerance of the other person. If you live alone, not knowing yourself. Professional consultation may be useful during this period.

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 55 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Primary Care Provider Guidelines to Narrow Your Choices One of the most important decisions that you will make in your • Insurance – With the risings costs of health care, be sure your relocation process is choosing a Primary Care Provider for you and insurance will be accepted. your family. Don’t put off the decision until you get sick. Your PCP • Professional credentials - any provider you consider should have will be responsible for approximately 90% of your health care. The graduated from an accredited medical school, and be sure relationship you develop with this health professional can be the key they’re board certified. to keeping illness at bay, and it is your best connection into the rest • Professional affiliations - Your provider should be affiliated with a of the medical system. Your PCP can help you seek appropriate large, well-equipped hospital, either as a staff member or as an consultations with specialists if or when the medical problem is attending physician, a title that carries with it admitting privileges. beyond the realm of his expertise. • Practice arrangements - You may choose a solo practitioner or a A generation ago, people relied on General Practitioners (GPs) for group practice, in which two or more doctors in the same all their medical needs, from treating colds, and backaches to specialty or different specialties share the same office. setting broken arms and delivering babies. The competent GP • Location and office hours - If these aren’t convenient, you may knew the medical histories of every member of a patient's family have a difficult time making an appointment. because he treated them all. Today, Primary Care Providers are bringing this tradition back with the addition of providing preventive Make a Consultation Visit and Consider the Following health measures. More emphasis is now placed on preventive • Office is clean and the staff is courteous and helpful. medicine. You are now responsible for the health of you and your • You are seen by the doctor within a reasonable time of your family by making informed decisions, improving your diet and appointment or you are given a good explanation for any delay. exercising. A primary care provider (PCP) is a general practitioner • You are not rushed through the visit. The provider listens to you, who sees people of all ages for common medical problems. Your does not interrupt you and encourages you to voice your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time, so it is important concerns about your health. to select someone with whom you will work well. You will want to • The doctor is well-informed about preventive health measures, choose someone that emphasizes wellness and self-care by giving such as nutrition, exercise and the widely recommended use of you the information needed to make healthy lifestyle choices and screening tests. He should be quick to inform you of healthy health care decisions. lifestyle choices. Below are some guidelines to help you make your decision. • You’re comfortable talking to the doctor and the doctor explains Begin by Gathering Some Choices. things so that you can understand. • Before you move ask your current health care provider for a Most importantly, don’t put off the decision until you get sick. If a referral. You can also ask other doctors you respect and see health care problem arises, and you have not yet chosen a provider, regularly. it is usually best to seek non-emergency care from an “urgent care • If you belong to a managed care plan, find out what doctors are center” rather than a hospital emergency room. This will often save affiliated with it. you time and money. However recent years, many emergency • Ask friends, relatives or business associates. Referrals from rooms have expanded their services to include reasonably priced people you know are usually based on trust and confidence in the urgent care within the emergency room itself or an adjoining area— provider. to find out, call the hospital first. • Hospitals usually offer a referral service that can provide you with the names of staff doctors who meet certain criteria you may be seeking, however they will not vouch for the quality of care.

56 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide VOLUNTEERING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

One of the best ways to become involved in your new community Many people are reminded of their wish to volunteer during is through volunteering. The benefits of volunteering are many, for holiday seasons, but this is when organizations might have an everyone involved. Ask your employer for advice. Many companies excess of help. If you want to volunteer during the holiday, give employees paid time off to volunteer and will often publicize remember to contact the organization in advance. Otherwise, time their employees’ community service. According to the research your work for the lean season. group Independent Sector, the U.S. volunteer sector is equivalent to Volunteering is fun, leads to learning new skills, meeting 9 million full-time workers. Whether you have an hour or a weekend, interesting people, making new friends, sharing your talents, and if you want to help kids or the environment, there are great keeping in touch with the community in which you live. Whether it is organizations that will excite your particular interest, broaden your important to you to solve a community problem, advance a worthy horizons and fit into your time schedule. cause or to develop as a person, volunteering offers many benefits Don’t forget to include your family. If your children are school age in appreciation for the gift of your time and expertise. chances are there are many opportunities to volunteer at their Once you have chosen an area of interest, how should you go school, or even in their classroom. That is a great way to meet other about involving yourself? See what the Web can do for you. 1-(800) parents with children the same age. Clean up a neighborhood park Volunteer.org, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & with your children. Spend a morning at a homeless shelter with your Volunteer Center National Network provides listings of local and children. You’ll find that volunteering is not only a fun family-bonding virtual volunteering as well as contact information for Volunteer experience but a great way to teach children the importance of Centers across the nation. Open the classified section of your local giving back to the community. paper. Check out the bulletin boards in your office. Or just start How you get involved with your community depends on your calling the local agencies you're interested in. interests, skills and time. Choose something that fits well in to your One of the best ways to make these contacts is to walk right into schedule and makes you excited about working together to help the organization—a library, a shelter, training facility, or a political make a difference. Every person has that capability. Each of us can office—and find out who organizes volunteers. You can tell a lot by right a wrong, fill a plate, visit a shut-in or clean up a park, and that meeting the volunteer coordinator and any volunteers who happen does make the world a better place. to be on duty. While you won’t earn a paycheck for volunteering, There are several things to consider when choosing in what to you will earn valuable experience, a sense of accomplishment, and involve yourself. First of all be selective, think about what matters to the satisfaction that only comes from personally making the world a you, and where you wish to spend your time. If you have certain better place to live. social issues that you feel passionate about, it’s a great place to put your energy. You may have particular skills that will steer you toward a certain organization. Are you willing to explore new opportunities? Volunteering can teach you valuable new skills that you may use in other parts of your life. "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give." - Winston Churchill

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 57 58 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide HOUSING

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Rent or Buy? The decision to rent or buy in your new location is dependent upon many considerations unique to your personal situation. Some of the potential factors involve the tax implications, down payment, other investment vehicles, the length of time you are anticipating being in your new location and whether or not your current home has sold. If you decide to buy, should you purchase an existing home or build a new one? Again, many factors have to be considered. Will an existing home need a lot of repair or remodeling to bring it to your standards? What about the difference in the cost of operation and maintenance between new and an existing structure? How should you finance a renovation? Which home will appreciate faster? Will it be difficult to get a construction loan? Is it better to rent for a while to become familiar with neighborhoods in your new city? What about capital gains tax if you don’t close in time? We suggest you seek the advice of a certified financial planner and a realtor to thoroughly clarify your options. These choices can become quite complex. Some Advantages to Renting Whether you’re in your first apartment or a longtime resident, there are many advantages you are afforded by choosing apartment living. Mobility: You enjoy the freedom to move, to accept that better job, to take the vacation you’ve dreamed of. No maintenance: Just relax and delight in the grounds and facilities maintenance technicians keeps attractive for you. Flexibility: You have the ability to increase or decrease your living space without the burden of sales pitches, closing costs, interest rates or the high cost of maintaining a home and property. Location: The choice is yours! Recreation: Chances are, you’ve chosen an apartment community with a swimming pool, tennis court, weight room or sauna. Apartments have the equipment and people to maintain them, which is no small task for the homeowner. No waiting: If you’re like most apartment residents, moving into your apartment was easy and fast. You settled into your new home without lengthy paperwork, a loan approval period or a large financial investment. Your Current Residence As you prepare to move, a big decision may include whether to sell or rent your current property. Ask yourself the following questions as you make this decision. You may also want to ask advice from a real estate agent.

continued on page 60

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 59 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Market Inspect kitchen appliances. Check the stove to see if all burners Is it a seller’s market? Signs include low interest rates and work. Does the range have a hood with a fan? Is the oven self- shortage of homes for sale. How long have similar homes been on cleaning? Is the stove gas or electric? If it is gas, you may have an the market and how long are you willing to let your home be on the extra monthly charge for cooking gas. This would also be true if you market? Or is it a good rental market and do rental units have tenant had a gas clothes dryer in your unit. Check out the waiting lists? Is your property in a trendy area? Desirable areas refrigerator/freezer for storage space. Is there enough counter and typically garner higher rents and seldom have vacancies. cabinet space? Don’t forget to keep an eye out for bugs, especially Financial in a high-rise building. Is this property good for rental income? Can you charge more for Inspect the central air conditioning and heating systems. Ask rent than you pay for mortgage, taxes and upkeep? How will selling other tenants if there is enough heat in the winter. It can be costly if affect your federal and state tax situation? Furthermore, if your you have to buy or rent window air conditioning units. property does not sell quickly, can you afford to keep the home Is there enough storage space? Do you have enough closets for vacant while it’s on the market? If not, do you feel you will be able clothes, linens and general items. Are there built-in shelves and to find a renter on a short-term basis? Are you likely to want to move bookcases for books and DVDs? Do you also get a storage space back into the home some day? that is not adjacent to the unit? Rental Tips Does the building have special amenities such as a swimming Apartment experts say that some detective work is needed to pool, game room, barbecue area, and exercise room or tennis conduct a search that finds the most livable rental residence for the courts? Keep in mind that recreational amenities generally will money. After you have weeded out a good apartment complex from increase your rent. You should consider what features you will really many rent signs and/or listings, scanned the neighborhood you like use. for the best rental possibilities, you will be ready to scrutinize each How is the noise level in the complex? Have neighbors been property and landlord for shortcomings. It is easy for a prospective playing music louder than you prefer? Are you located by a major tenant to gather quick clues about the general care, maintenance of airport, freeway or train tracks? the building, and cleanliness of the area overall. Try to talk to the Do you need an apartment that takes pets? If not, do you want tenant who is vacating the apartment you are planning to rent. He to live in an area that does? Do tenants appear to be cleaning up or she can tell you a great deal about the pluses and minuses of after their pets? What is the management policy for pet size and living there. Here are some tips for inspecting the inside of the maintenance? apartment: Rental experts suggest that tenants should tour several Is it clean? Carpet should be cleaned and walls/ceilings should apartment complexes before placing a deposit on a unit. The be freshly painted. Does the apartment have a bad odor? It could minimum deposit to hold a unit is usually $100. Prospective renters be a tip that the prior tenant had a pet or cooked spicy foods. still need to fill out an application and pay an application fee. This Check room sizes with a floor plan. Make sure the furniture that will hold your unit while your employment, credit and rental histories you will be moving will fit. Is the bedroom near the bathroom? Does are being checked out. This process usually takes 7 to 10 days to the dining room adjoin the kitchen? complete.

60 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide AVERAGE RENTS

One of the major attractions of the Dallas/Fort Worth destination is the diversity of the neighborhoods available within the city and surrounding suburbs. Whether a newcomer wishes to live in the center of all the action or in the serenity of the quiet, open countryside, the Dallas/Fort Worth area has neighborhoods to meet every requirement.

In town Dallas $1,061.00 Denton $606.00

South Dallas $532.00 Lewisville $738.00

Oak Cliff $542.00 West Plano $829.00

Dunc / DeSoto/CH / Lancaster $640.00 East Plano $671.00

Grand Prairie $608.00 Allen / McKinney $736.00

East Irving $530.00 North Ellis County. $598.00

Oak Lawn / Park Citites $711.00 South Fort Worth $479.00

Far Northwest Dallas $617.00 Southwest Fort Worth $619.00

Carrollton / FB / Addison. $725.00 Ridglea / Ridgmar. $521.00

Near North Dallas $762.00 Western Hills $465.00

East Dallas $654.00 In Town / Cultural District $771.00

Highlands $600.00 North Fort Worth. $777.00

Richardson $861.00 Woodhaven $528.00

Garland $604.00 Centreport $591.00

Mesquite $622.00 North Arlington $602.00

Southwest Dallas $560.00 South Arlington $611.00

Far East Dallas $546.00 Southwest Tarrant County $563.00

East University-Vickery $655.00 Northwest Tarrant County $542.00

Northwest Dallas $544.00 Northeast Tarrant County $718.00

West Irving $634.00 Haltom City/Richland Hills $588.00

North Dallas $713.00 Hurst / Euless / Bedford $626.00

Far Northwest Dallas $596.00 Dallas Area Average $682.00

Far North Dallas $708.00 Ft. Worth Area Average: $601.00

Las Colinas/Valley Ranch $862.00 Dallas / Ft. Worth Area Average $660.00

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 61 CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME

Making a final decision and determining which house to make an Property Taxes offer on shouldn’t be taken lightly. The decision should be made Property taxes may vary from one neighborhood to another. This rationally and not guided by emotion. You most likely won’t have the can sometimes affect whether you view a community as a desirable luxury of taking your time on deciding which house you’d like to place to live. Higher property taxes often mean newer and more pursue. However, since it is such a major decision you would like to modern schools, well-maintained roads, and bountiful community base it on factual information. Some broad categories to consider services. are: Schools Appreciation If you have school-aged children and plan to send them to public Ask your real estate agent to retrieve sales of homes in the school, you definitely want to consider the reputation of the neighborhood over the past few years. If one neighborhood shows neighborhood school. If you plan on sending your child to a private an annual average 8 percent increase and another is skyrocketing school, how long is the commute? You will likely spend a lot of time at 15 percent, you may have your decision made. driving your child not only during the school day but for extra- Crime curricular events outside the daily school schedule. Which ever Go to the local police or sheriff department and ask about crime school you decide, you can usually find general district information in your specific neighborhood. You might find theft or vandalism to and state standardized test results online. Always plan a visit to the be more prevalent in one area than another. Also please visit the school and receive the information first-hand from school website, www.familywatchdog.us. When you visit this site you can administrators. You should also talk to teachers and parents. enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as the Sellers’ Situations small icon of a house and red, blue, green, dots surrounding your If you don’t know already, ask your real estate agent how long the entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a house has been on the market. Usually the longer a house has been person will appear with an address and the description of the crime listed, the better chance the seller will accept an offer lower than he or she had committed. asking price. Conversely, if the house has been on the market for Drawbacks just a couple days, the sellers will probably wait for a better offer if Rarely will you be lucky enough to find a perfect place. Think you offer less than the listed price. Your real estate agent might also about the cons associated with each house and determine to be able to dig up additional information about the sellers, like why correct them or how much of a negative impact each will have. they’re selling. If it’s a job-related move or a divorce, the sellers likely The House want to move as quickly as possible, meaning you have a better Make a list of the amenities and attributes you want your house shot at them accepting a lower price. to have. Be specific. Prioritize that list. Then, rate how each house Style and Substance measures up to each need on your list. The SUBSTANCE are things that cannot be changed such as the Neighborhoods location, view, size of lot, noise in the area, school district, and floor If you have kids or pets and being close to a park is important, plan. The STYLE represents easily changed surface finishes like you’ll want to consider that. How close are shopping, restaurants, carpet, wallpaper, color, and window coverings. Buy the house with churches, and other services? Are the streets maintained? How do good SUBSTANCE, because the STYLE can always be changed to your prospective neighbors keep up their property? How long will match your tastes. your commute to work be?

62 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Finding faults in a home doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t Interior buy it. But it will help you to know the type of repair costs that The kitchen and baths are the most expensive rooms to should be anticipated, and sellers often will make adjustments in renovate, so check their condition carefully. A newly-painted interior their asking price on the basis of problems discovered in an may look nice, but it could be hiding something. inspection. Plumbing Inspectors look for the following: Turn on the bathroom sink faucet and shower and then flush the Brick and Concrete toilet. When the toilet starts to refill, does the water pressure Check pavement, driveways and horizontal brick surfaces for diminish? Fill sinks and tub with three inches of water. Do they drain cracks. Is there damage from freezing? What is the condition of the properly? Do faucets leak? Lift up the carpeting. Are there any signs mortar between the bricks? Is any pavement buckling from of flooding or decay? spreading underground tree roots? Roof Electrical Are shingles curling and lifting? Find out how old the roof is, and Open the door on the fuse box or circuit-breaker panel. Is the you will have a pretty good idea of when you will have to replace it. electrical service adequate? The average house should have 100- Termites and Carpenter Ants amp service. Is it wired for 220 volts, which is necessary for electric Look for evidence of termites and carpenter ants on basement dryers and ranges? wood framing. Is there saw dust like wood or paper debris? Can Exterior you find evidence of termite tubes or tunnels? Termites live in earth, Is the house well maintained? Does the roof sag? Are the exterior so make sure that there are no places where earth is closer than six walls out of line? What is the condition of the paint, especially on the inches to wood. Like termites, carpenter ants like wood and wood south and west sides, where sun exposure is greatest? Is there products. adequate drainage away from the house? Water Damage Heating & Cooling Look in the basement for signs of leakage. This could be a result How old is the heating/cooling system? Has it been maintained? of poor drainage around the house. Water damage also is caused Ask to see the owner’s cooling bills for the previous year. This will by seepage through porous basement walls and condensation, give you an idea of its energy efficiency. which frequently is caused by inadequate ventilation. Basement Insulation walls painted a dark color may be an effort to disguise a past Check the attic and crawl space. Is the insulation adequate and problem. Beware of chalky white water stains on foundation walls complete? Has it been properly installed? Does the insulation or partitions; stains on wood and drywall; delamination of paneling obstruct the air vents, preventing the house from “breathing” and and lifting or buckling floor tiles; or a damp, mildew odor. possibly causing wood rot? Does the home have storm windows? Windows and Doors Has the glazing putty dried and shrunk, allowing water and air seepage? Is the wood decayed? Are the window and door frames caulked and weather-stripped?

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 63 HOUSING OPTIONS FOR GROWING ACTIVE ADULT DEMOGRAPHIC

According to the Administration on Aging, there are nearly 52.4 once they've retired from their jobs. You have more freedom than million people age 60 or older in the United States. By 2030, one in those of us still tied to the world of employment. So should senior every five Americans will be age 60 or older. Individuals who are 85 citizens buy or rent a home or stay where you are currently living and over are the fastest growing group of seniors, with their after retirement? numbers expected to more than triple from 5.4 million to 19 million When comparing renting and owning a home in your retirement between 2008 and 2050. The demographic profile of America’s years, maintenance and renovations need to be taken into older adults will also be more diverse in the years to come. These consideration. You must be able to keep up your home if you want trends will produce challenges as well as great opportunities to to continue living in retirement safely and comfortably. As for renting, harness the talents and energies of older Americans. many renters receive reassurance and security because they are not the one in charge of making or paying for needed repairs and renovations. One downside to renting a home or apartment is cost increase. Your rent can increase at just about any point in time. In most states, unless your lease states otherwise, rent can be increased with 30 days notice. Even so, most leases are only for one year, meaning your landlord can then raise your rent. In fact, your rent may be raised to any amount that they want, even an amount that you cannot afford. A fixed mortgage is just that and you will always know the amount of your mortgage payments. Another factor to consider is your current lifestyle, and the lifestyle you intend to lead in the future. When deciding whether to rent or buy your home, it's important to remember that the sky is the limit. You might want to travel after retirement, seeing the world on your retirement funds, and a mortgage would only serve to strap you to a particular place. You may not be able to spend winters in the Caribbean if the mortgage payments on your new home are too high. The senior housing trend started with senior apartments where Developers and home builders are now listening to those residents were monitored on a daily basis and had access to numbers. Innovative designs and careful consideration of the needs emergency services. That was just the beginning of a now extensive of active adults are now being studied to construct communities list of developments that cater to senior citizens. Many senior that include many services needed by active adults. Retirement communities include access to pools, gyms and clubhouses and villages now come complete with clubhouses for socialization, meal are age restricted. The newest developments enable seniors to own deliveries and transportation options to just name a few. Seniors will a private residence, maintain their independent lifestyles while now have to do their homework to find out which development is having many services available to them when the needs arise. right for them. Before you make a decision about where to live in retirement you need to consider many factors—the daily lifestyle you want; proximity of children, grandchildren, or other relatives and friends; the type of climate you enjoy; and your health or medical needs. Ideally you should consider these personal and lifestyle factors first. Then you need to face reality. What can you afford? As usual, when it comes to financial issues, the Internal Revenue Service enters the picture. The tax impact can be crucial when you’re analyzing the pros and cons of where and how to live. (You may access tax information for this state in another part of the guide.) Once past this process, you will need to think about renting vs. owning. Senior citizens are in a unique position

64 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide HOUSING OPTIONS FOR GROWING ACTIVE ADULT DEMOGRAPHIC

For many a desirable solution is retirement communities. Called “active adult” or “age- restricted” communities, these developments are especially common in suburban cities and towns where land is more available. The residents often can choose among a few different home styles. There are normally recreational benefits, such as a swimming pool, tennis, golf and a social hall. Some of these 55-plus communities are apartment buildings, condominiums or townhouses. Since an independent living facility is one in which you may live in your own apartment while enjoying more social interaction, you can come and go as you please. This gives you the opportunity to still live like you would have at your previous house, going on vacations or visiting family as you please. At the same time, same general area as their housing needs change over time. There independent living facilities have security services that create a safe is normally the cost of buying a unit in the community as well as community and place to live so there's never a reason to feel like monthly fees that increase as you require higher levels of care. You your personal belongings will not be secure while you're away. may want to consider a CCRC if you’d like to stay in the same Many retired adults choose to move to an independent living facility general facility regardless of your care needs. It also can mean because they no longer desire to take care of that big house that spouses can still be very close to one another even if one requires once housed their larger family. All that space is no longer a higher level of care, a big plus. necessary. In addition to downscaling, many independent living A relatively new concept is the Village Solution. The Village facilities offer cleaning and dining services, on top of landscaping. Solution enables active seniors to remain in their own homes It’ll give you the opportunity to really take advantage of your free without having to rely on family and friends. Members of a “village” time as a retired adult, rather than keeping you chained to daunting can access specialized programs and services, such as household chores. transportation to the grocery store, home health care, or help with household chores, as well as a network of social activities with other village members. As of 2009, there were 50 village organizations across the United States, with many more communities planned worldwide. Each offers different services depending on the local needs of the individual communities. The cost of membership varies according to area and the level of services required, but is often in excess of $500 a year. Thinking about housing arrangements for the future can be a stressful, anxiety-provoking topic for both you and your family. It may seem easier to put off thinking about it until later, but the earlier you face your specific issues, the more choices and control you will have over your future. Even if you are completely independent at this time, circumstances can change. It pays to think a little about your current location and how things will differ if you move. For example, how far will your home be from These provide less privacy, which some people want due to shopping, medical facilities, or other services? If you can no longer safety reasons. Each of these communities also has its own list of drive, what kind of transportation access will you have? Does it regulations on what is and is not acceptable by the homeowners. have a lot of steps, stairs, or a steep hill to navigate? Read everything you can about the housing, talk with other Learn about the different types of senior housing, what choices residents and meet the officers, if there is a board that oversees the may be best for you, and how to navigate the emotional roadblocks facility. that come with choosing senior housing. But most importantly plan Continuing-Care Retirement Communities are a great option. to enjoy each day to the fullest and take advantage of every CCRCs are facilities that include independent living, assisted living, opportunity presented to you! and nursing home care in one location, so seniors can stay in the

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 65 HOME CARE BASICS FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS

You’ve finally done it—you’ve just moved into your brand new Appliances home. The smell of fresh paint still permeates the air. You’re likely Remember to read the instruction manual for every appliance in consumed with unpacking, setting up furnishings, rearranging, your new home. The manuals provide recommended cleaning and decorating—energized by the blank pallet you have to work with. maintenance schedules and sometimes your warranty will become But once you’ve signed the thick pile of closing documents, the void if you don’t follow these recommendations. moving trucks have left and everything is neatly in its place, what do Driveways you do next? It’s time to get a handle on the routine maintenance If you have an asphalt driveway, remove oil, gasoline and similar you’ll need to perform in order to ensure that you and your family substances immediately with soapy water. live comfortably in your new home for years to come. Here’s some To avoid holes in your asphalt driveway, refrain from resting patio advice to get you started and help save money while you’re at it: furniture or bicycle stands on it. Maintaining a clean home will ensures it will last longer and works Do not burn anything on your driveway. better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes Gutters and Downspouts on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, Clear away leaves, tree limbs and other debris from gutters and tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it downspouts. with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finishes. Downspouts should be turned away from your home’s On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and foundation. downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The Every four to six years, paint gutters that are not are made of exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the aluminum or vinyl to help prevent rust. elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, Heating and Cooling Systems in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior Late summer or early fall are the ideal time to do an annual products. inspection and cleaning of these systems. When you bought your home, you probably received a warranty Make sure you change the filters every three months. from the builder on workmanship and materials. This warranty applies to problems related to the construction of the home, but it Keeping your pilot light burning during the summer will help keep does not apply to problems that arise because of failure to perform the furnace dry and prevent corrosion. routine maintenance. For example, if your roof begins to leak after Registers help regulate the flow of air and maintain the desired six months because of faulty workmanship, your warranty would temperature in your home. Keeping registers closed in rooms you cover that. If you develop a problem because water backed up in don’t use will save on cooling/heating costs. clogged gutters that you should have cleaned, the builder is not Using heat generating appliances in the evening and reducing the responsible for repairs. Also, some items, such as appliances, may number of lights on will help keep the temperature down and save be covered by manufacturers’ warranties and are not the on costs during the summer. responsibility of the builder. Plumbing You should fully familiarize yourself with the terms of your Every member of your family should know where the intake warranty soon after you move into your home. With all the valves are located. Label each one. excitement surrounding a move into a new home, most people have If any of your appliances develops a leak, inspect your drain trap. little desire to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a legal A partially clogged drain can cause overflow. Use a plunger or a document. Nonetheless, you should not wait to read your warranty plumber’s snake to unclog the drain. If you need to, use boiling until a problem arises. Set aside an hour to learn what your rights water to help unclog a partially opened drain. Call a plumber if these and responsibilities are from the outset. techniques don’t work. Here are some additional tips for properly maintaining specific A worn washer, a loose part in a faucet or steam in a hot water systems in your new home. pipe generally causes a noisy pipe. Do not hesitate to repair the noise because vibrations can follow the noise and lead to leaks.

66 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide SECURITY

Each year more than six million residential burglaries occur Computer Security throughout the United States. That's one every ten seconds! In Computer security is the process of preventing unauthorized use addition to the worry of home burglaries, we now also need to of your computer. concern ourselves with computer hackers and personal identity • Use of anti-virus software on all Internet-connected computers. theft . Listed below are some things that you can do to reduce your Be sure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. chances of becoming a victim. • Use of some type of firewall product, such as a network Home Security Checklist appliance or a personal firewall software package. • Have home security system professionally installed that offers a • Turn off your computer or disconnect its Ethernet interface when 24 hour monitoring system. Make sure to post the home system you are not using it. An intruder cannot attack your computer if it stickers and window decals: this should alert and deter would be is powered off or otherwise completely disconnected from the intruders. network. • Never stop mail or newspaper deliveries, it signals that you are • Use software backup tools if available, and store the backup away. Have a neighbor pick up all deliveries if possible. disks somewhere away from the computer. • When recording your answering machine message, do not state Identity Theft that you are not home or out of town. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal • When leaving for an extended period, put lights and stereo or information without your permission to commit fraud or other television on a timer to give the appearance that someone is crimes. While you can’t entirely control whether you will become a home. victim, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Exterior/Interior Security • Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal • Replace all locks immediately upon moving into your new home information before you discard them. and install deadbolts on all outside doors. • Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social • Secure your sliding glass doors with pins to prevent all horizontal Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number and vertical movement. Also install security film over the glass on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use panes for additional protection. another identifier. • Remember to lock all doors and windows. • Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the • Provide remote panic buttons for children and/or elderly mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing residents. with. • Never keep garage door openers in cars that are parked outside • Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a of your home. web address you know. Keep Your Valuables Safe • Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your • Keep your important papers, heirloom jewelry and large amounts mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social of cash in a safe deposit box. Security number. • Engrave your valuables with your social security number or drivers license number. • Store jewelry, firearms, furs and like in a small closet with a non- hinged solid core door that has a deadbolt. • When purchasing new electronic equipment, breakdown cartons before discarding them. This way you avoid advertising your new purchase to the entire neighborhood and drive-by observers.

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 67 HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

As you start shopping for a new home, you may encounter some Contingency Condition that must be met before a contract is unfamiliar words and terms. The following glossary will help get you binding. through the maze of buying a home. Convertibility Ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Loan with an interest rate schedule to a fixed-rate schedule. adjusted according to movements in the financial market. Many Covenant Agreement between seller and buyer on a piece of offer lower-than-market initial interest rates that rise only gradually property, restricting the use of that property. (Also called deed for the first few years. restriction.) Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Annual cost of credit over the life of Deed Legal document representing property ownership. a loan including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, Default When a borrower fails to make the required payments of mortgage insurance and other items. a mortgage contract. Appraisal Unbiased, professional opinion of a property’s value Density The number of homes built on a particular acre of land. based on its style and appearance, construction quality, usefulness Allowable densities are determined by local jurisdictions. and the value of comparable properties. Debt-To-Income Ratio Long-Term debt expenses as a percentage Assessment Tax levied on a property or a value placed on the of monthly income; used by lenders to qualify borrowers for worth of a property by a taxing authority. mortgage loans. Assumption Transaction allowing a buyer to assume responsibility Due-on-Sale Clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower for an existing loan instead of getting a new loan. to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the Broker (Real Estate) Person who receives a commission or fee for property. bringing buyer and seller together and assisting in the negotiation of Earnest Money Sum paid to the seller to show that a potential contracts between them. A license is required in most states. purchaser is serious about buying. Building Code Local regulations controlling design, construction Easement Right-of-Way granted to a person or company and materials used in construction. Building Codes are based on authorizing access to the owner’s land. For example, a utility safety and health standards. company may be granted easement to install pipes or wires. An Buydown Subsidy, usually paid by a builder or developer, to reduce owner may voluntarily grant an easement or can be ordered to grant the monthly payments on a mortgage loan. one by a local jurisdiction. Buyer’s Agent A real estate agent who represents only the buyer Equity Difference between the value of a home and what is owed in a real estate transaction. on it. Callback Request by a homeowner for a builder to handle a service Escrow Handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf request. of the buyer and/or seller. Cap Limit to the amount an interest rate or monthly payment can Escrow Amount Amount set up by a lender into which periodic, increase for an adjustable-rate loan either during an adjustment usually monthly, payments for taxes, hazard insurance, period or over the life of the loan. assessments and mortgage insurance premiums are made. Funds Certificate of Occupancy Document from an official agency stating are held in trust by the lender who pays the sums as they become the property meets the requirements of local codes, ordinances and due. regulations. Fair Market Value Price at which property is transferred between Chain of Title History of all documents transferring title to a parcel willing buyer and willing seller, each of whom has reasonable of real property, starting with the earliest existing document and knowledge of all pertinent facts and neither being under compulsion ending with the most recent. to buy or sell. Change Order Homebuyer’s written authorization to add, delete or Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Federal agency that insures change an item specified in a contract. mortgages with lower down payment requirements than Closing Meeting to sign documents that transfer from a seller to a conventional loans. buyer. (Also referred to as settlement.) Fixed-Rate Mortgage Mortgage with an interest rate that remains Closing Costs Charges paid at settlement for obtaining a mortgage constant over the life of the loan. loan and transferring a real estate title. Hazard Insurance Protection against damage caused by fire, wind Commission Agent’s fee for negotiating a real estate or loan storms or other common hazards. Many lenders require borrowers transaction, often expressed as the percentage of the sales price or to carry it in an amount at least to the mortgage. mortgage amount. HVAC Common building industry abbreviation for heating, Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC and Rs) Standards that ventilation and air conditioning systems. define how a property may be used and the protections the Index Interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision. changes in monthly payments for an adjustable-rate loan.

68 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

Infrastructure Public facilities and services needed to support Point One-Time charge assessed by the lender at closing to residential development, including highways, bridges, schools and increase the interest yield on a mortgage loan. sewer and water systems. Presettlement Walk-Through Final inspection of house prior to Inspection Examination of work completed on a structure to closing, conducted by builder and buyer. determine compliance with building code and other code Principal Amount borrowed, excluding interest and other charges. requirements. Property Survey Survey to determine the boundaries of a piece of Joint Tenancy Form of ownership in which the tenants own a property. Cost depends on the complexity of the survey. property equally. If one dies, the other automatically inherits the Recording Fee Charge for recording the transfer of a property, paid entire property. to a city, county or other appropriate branch of government. Loan Origination Fee Lender will charge a fee for the cost of Specifications Contractual document describing in detail the work processing the loan, usually calculated as a percentage of the loan to be performed; method of construction; standards of amount. workmanship; quality, type and manufacturer of materials and Loan-To-Value-Ratio Relationship between the amount of a home equipment for a particular project. loan and the total value of a property. Tenancy in Common Form of ownership in which the tenants own Lock-In Rate Commitment from a lender to make a loan at a pre- separate but equal parts. To inherit the property, a surviving tenant set interest rate at some future date, usually for not more than 90 would either have to be mentioned in the will or, in the absence of days. A fee may be charged to “lock-in” a rate. a will, be eligible through state inheritance laws. Mortgage Commitment Formal written communication by a lender Title Evidence, usually in the form of a certificate or deed, of a agreeing to make a mortgage loan on a specific property, specifying person’s legal right to ownership of a property. the loan amount, length of time and conditions. Title Insurance Insurance against any title defects that may exist Mortgage Origination Fee Charge for the work involved in preparing prior to the time the title is passed from one owner to the next, and and servicing a mortgage application. which may come to light in a future transaction. Permit Document issued by a local government agency allowing Veterans Administration (VA) Federal agency that insures mortgage construction work to be performed in conformance with local loans with very liberal down payment requirements for honorably codes. Work may not commence until permits have been obtained, discharged veterans and their surviving spouses. and each permit issuing agency must inspect the work at certain specified points during construction. PITI Principal, interest, taxes and insurance: the four major components of monthly housing payments.

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 69 TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY COSTS

The cost of cooling your house continues to rise . There are a • Close doors to rooms that are not being used. number of ways you can save a significant amount of money on • Run full loads in your washer and dryer, and use “solar drying” your energy bills. In fact, it’s possible to save up to 25 percent on (clotheslines). your power bill by using the following tips. While your results might • Use energy saver option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to vary, you're guaranteed to find at least a few ways to save money. air dry. The idea behind all our advice, and in fact our entire conservation • If you A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and effort, is to give you the information you need to make the right free of obstructions to maintain air flow. decisions. • Unplug your televisions/VCR when you’re on vacation. Most new These simple steps don’t cost a thing, but can potentially save sets draw power even when they’re turned off. you 10-25% on your monthly energy bill. • Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you’re • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget your reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light. Let computer - it can use as much energy as a refrigerator. Most new lights cool before cleaning them and never touch halogen bulbs computers have “sleep” settings. with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can greatly damage • In the cold months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when the bulbs. Use a small piece of paper to hold the bulb. home, and then back to 58 degrees when sleeping or when you • If your dishwasher has a filter clean it. are not home more than four hours. • Clean the reflectors underneath the burners on stovetops. • In warm months, set the thermostat to 78-80 degrees when home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you're not There are plenty of low cost, easy to do projects or steps you can home. do to save another 10-25% on your energy bill. • Do not turn your air conditioning off in the hot months when • Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. you’re not home. Your house will store up the heat and you're This will typically save $1 per bulb changed out (for bulbs running likely to make the air conditioning run for hours to feel 4-6 hours per day) and reduce heat in your home. Regular bulbs comfortable. use most of the electricity to generate heat so use care when • In the winter, open window coverings on the sunny side of your changing bulbs. home to take advantage of “free heat from the sun” Close the • Caulk windows and caulk and weather-strip doors. Keep the coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets. outside air out and the inside air in. • In the cooling season, close blinds and drapes during the day to • Install a hot water heater blanket but be careful not to cover vents keep heat out. or temperature settings. • Also, use your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, and cook • Install hot water pipe insulation. Do keep the insulation at least six as late in the evening as possible. inches away from the flue (exhaust pipe) of gas water heaters. • Barbecue outside if practical, keeping in mind the heat and effect • Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west side of your of sun on your body. By reducing the heat coming into your home residence. The vegetation acts as insulation and provides from any source, will reduce the load on your air conditioning. shading, reducing thermal gain in a building. • Use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump • Fix leaky faucets Install low flow showerheads. runs on—eight to twelve hours a day is plenty in the summer • Use room fans to keep the air moving and reduce the feeling of months, less in the winter months. heat in your home. • Set your water heater to 120 degrees. • Replace furnace and air conditioner filters. Spray the filters with a • Vacuum your refrigerator coils (underneath and in the back) and light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking don’t obstruct the coils. They need air space to work. spray to help trap dirt in the filter. • Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators and freezers clean. • Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer. • Keep your freezer as full as possible. You can place containers or • Replace normal thermostats with programmable thermostats. plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces. • Make sure food is cool and covered before it goes into the refrigerator.

70 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING

Architect Lender Building design professional who has completed all required The financial institution that provides construction loan financing university training in architecture and passed state licensing exams; during construction and permanent financing for the home buyer initials A.I.A. and F.A.I.A. indicate membership in a professional after the home is built and there is a property settlement, referred to organization, but not licensed status. in our area as closing. Most lenders make what is referred to as Builder or General Contractor “end loans” which is the loan made to the buyer of a new home, and The buck stops with him or her in construction projects. The others make both the “end loan” and “construction loan financing” general contractor secures bids for all work and materials; hires, which provides funds to pay for costs incurred during construction. coordinates and oversees subcontractors; files for permits and Owner Builder arranges for inspections; and generally makes the final decisions in An individual or family who finances and manages a home all construction-related matters. building project (usually with the assistance of a builder or general Building Inspector contractor who is hired to manage all or a particular phase of the One or more local officials who oversee and regulate every phase construction of the home) with the intention of retaining ownership of residential construction. Regulations vary widely. In most states and residing in the home after completion. area home construction meets standards contained in the Uniform Subcontractor Building Code. In addition, applicable provisions of the Uniform Fire A specialist who undertakes responsibility for one phase or trade & Plumbing/Mechanical & Electrical codes are enforced. Typically, within the project and reports to the general contractor. In a typical permits are issued and inspections are made at key stages of home building project, subcontractors generally include: an construction by County and City building code enforcement excavation contractor who digs foundations and grades the site; a departments. masonry contractor who handles all concrete, block, brickwork and Building Designer paving; a framing contractor who constructs the shell and interior Generally unlicensed professionals (license not required for partitions; a roofing contractor; a heating, ventilation and air- practice) who, by experience, are competent to design homes, conditioning (HVAC) contractor; a plumbing contractor; an electrical prepare drawings and write specifications; they often work in contractor; drywall installers; insulation contractors; finish association with licensed architects. carpenters who generally handle wood flooring, trim work, and Construction Manager/Foreman cabinet installation; and a painting contractor. The general contractor’s right-hand man. A construction Surveyor manager can be on site when the general contractor is not. A professional with the training and equipment to establish or Design/Build Firms verify property lines. The surveyor also plots and marks the An organization that provides both architectural planning and topography of the site, which is crucial in preparing the site plan. He general contracting services, and offers a different approach to the or she may also be employed to stake out the building site, setting conventional arrangement in which the designer and builder are reference marks for foundation excavation, establishing grades for separate entities. roads or driveways and marking the locations for a septic system Interior Designer and water well, if necessary. Specialist in decoration and furnishing; special training and Title Insurance Company licensing not required. Initials A.S.I.D. following individual’s name The entity that conducts a comprehensive search of the public indicate membership in a professional association, for which records to make sure that the title received by a buyer of a new training and passing tests are required. home is “free and clear of any liens and encumbrances”. This Kitchen /Bath Designer assures the issuance of a clear or “merchant able” title in favor of Specialist in designing these rooms; initials C.K.D. and C.B.D. the buyer of a new home at the closing of the sale of the property. indicate certification by a professional association, for which training and passing tests are required. License is not required for practice. Landscape Architect Specialist in landscape and garden planning; primary concerns include site selection, grading, access, drainage and protection of existing plant material. License required for practice.

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 71 SELECTING A BUILDER

Are you shopping for a new home? Start by shopping for a Service After the Sale and Home Warranty professional builder first. Whether you are buying a townhouse, a While you are shopping, ask about the builder’s service after the detached home in a subdivision, or a custom-built house, the sale. Most builders offer some form of warranty. Many builders back construction quality of your new home will be determined by the their own warranties on workmanship and materials, typically for quality of your builder. one year. Other builders offer warranties backed by an insurance Start your builder-search process by calling your local home program. One of the most important criteria for selecting a builder builders association. They can give you the names of reputable is the warranty protection provided on the home. Ask for a copy of builders in your area. Ask friends and relatives about builders they the builder’s warranty. Read the document thoroughly and be sure have dealt with directly, or ask them for the names of acquaintances you understand what protection is provided. If you have any who have recently built a new home. questions about the coverage, talk to the builder prior to finalizing The Interview Process your purchase. Once you have developed a list of builders who are building the Be Thorough type and price range of home you are interested in, research their When selecting a builder, be thorough and ask a lot of questions. reputations and the quality of their work. The best way is to visit Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers homes that they have built and talk to the owners. Ask the builders verbally, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question because you on your list for the addresses of their recently completed houses, are afraid of sounding “stupid” or uninformed. What seems like a subdivisions, or townhouse communities. At the very least, drive by “stupid” question may yield a very important answer. and see if the homes are visually appealing. Buying a new home is probably the biggest and most important Look at homes that are the same style as you plan to buy. A good purchase you will make in your lifetime. By doing your new “home” time to visit is on a weekend morning when people are outside work to select a builder, you will instill in yourself and your family a doing chores. Introduce yourself and explain that you are sense of confidence and knowledge that you have made the right considering buying a home from the same builder who built their choice. home. If you have additional questions about selecting a builder, contact Ask about their satisfaction with the home and whether the your area’s Builders Association. Ask for a builder list that identifies builder delivered what was promised in a timely manner. Ask if they the price categories and subdivisions in which they build. Be sure to would buy another home from this builder. People will generally tell tour the Parade of Homes in the Fall and Spring. It is an excellent you if they are happy with their purchase. way to get familiar with the housing market in this area as well as Quality and Value individual builder’s products. When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features: the cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint. In viewing a home, you must determine whether it lends itself to the type of lifestyle you want to lead. Look at the amount of interior living space and how efficiently the space is used. Find out if the builder is incorporating state-of-the-art energy efficiency features, both in appliances and insulation.

72 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

Every year hundreds of families are taken advantage of by 8. Make sure all required permits are secured and inspections are disreputable individuals or companies who represent themselves to made.The contractor should be expected to secure all necessary be reliable, reputable contractors. If you are planning to hire permits. Beware of contractors who want you to secure the someone to repair or make improvements to your property there are permit as the property owner. It is permissible to do so, but it is safeguards you can take to assure the best selection of a contractor very unusual that a reputable contractor will ask you to do this. for you. 9. Make sure you have a written contract with the contractor that Consider the Following details: 1. Hire only licensed contractors. Contractors are required to be a. A full description of all work to be done. licensed to do certain types of work. When selecting a contractor b. A firm date of completion you should make sure the contractor holds a current, valid c. Total cost of the job. license either issued by your city. d. Contractors license number. 2. All contractors do not possess the same expertise.Ask for e. All warranty information. references and check those references to assure yourself that f. Quality of materials to be used. the contractor is qualified to do the type of work you are wanting g. How and on what basis payments are to be made. done. h. How changes and payment for changes will be handled. 3. Check business references. Ask the contractor for a list of 10. Make sure complete architectural drawings are done and business references that you can call and verify that the agreed upon if you are having a room addition added, or relationships with suppliers and subcontractors are good ones extensive remodeling done. Be certain that detailed material and that the contractor pays his bills. specifications are also provided and made a part of the contract 4. Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any you sign. complaints or charges pending against the contractor. 11. Monitor the work being done in accordance with the 5. Call local trade associations for information about selecting a contractual agreement with the contractor. If you have contractor. questions about what is being done or problems with the 6. Ask for proof from the contractor that he has general liability contractor, either ask questions or confront the problem head insurance and workers compensation insurance in order to on when it occurs in order to minimize any conflict and reach a protect you, as the property owner, against any claim in the event satisfactory resolve as quickly as possible. the contractor, his employees, or someone else is injured as a 12. Final payment should not be made until you are satisfied that result of work being done on your property. the job has been completed in accordance with the terms of the 7. Make sure the contractor you are contracting with will be contractual agreement between you and the contractor. personally involved in coordinating the work to be done on your property. “A house is made of walls and beams; A home is built with love and dreams.” - Author unknown

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 73 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Is Your Bank Meeting Your Current Financial Needs? What Will You Do? This page offers a guide to choosing the right bank for your The fist question to ask yourself is what you want to do with your needs, and offers some ideas for starting your checklist. bank account. Do you want to put money in there periodically and With banks offering an increasing number of financial services at watch it grow? Will you move money in and out quickly? You need widely varying fees, choosing one to handle your particular financial to know what your banking behavior will be like in order to find the needs can seem like a difficult and confusing task. Although there right bank. is much to consider, it is best to select a bank the same way you Next, get an idea of how you prefer to do your banking. If your would choose any product or service—first evaluate your needs schedule doesn’t work with most bank schedules, the best bank and then compare costs. You should also consider what is most might just be the one that’s open at convenient times. important to you in a banking relationship. Do you want to develop Free checking accounts get a lot of hype. They get people in the a personal, long-term customer relationship with a bank? Do you door. However, free may not always be the best thing for you. If you travel frequently and need access to branch offices while you are value certain services or conveniences, you may be willing to pay for out of town? If you prefer to do your banking by telephone or online, them. Once you get ahold of fee schedules from competing banks, you'll want to explore the types of electronic services each bank has consider if it’s really going to bother you to pay a few bucks each to offer. Once you have identified your needs, evaluating and month for that “gotta have it” feature or service. Maybe it is, maybe comparing the services and fees is a much simpler task. it isn’t. But you have to do your research, because not all banks offer At first glance, fees might make you favor debit cards in the debit free checking, and if they do, they won’t always tell you about that vs credit competition. The worst fee you'll find in a typical debit card option unless you ask. is a POS fee — charged when you use your debit card at a retailer So go online or make a few phone calls. Find out if the bank has using PIN number. While the tide is shifting away from banks a lot of ATM locations. It doesn’t do you any good to have free charging these fees, they're still around. More importantly, there are checking if you have to spend $2 a pop to use another bank’s ATM more factors than fees to the debit vs credit debate. because you bank only has one branch and it is all the way across Hidden fees are becoming increasingly popular in the banking town. industry. If you're not careful, you might end up wasting significant You may be eligible because of where you live or what type of job amounts of money each year on things that can be easily avoided. you have to join a credit union. Many people like credit unions One place that's full of hidden fees is the ATM. While it is an easy because they offer a lot of free services (like maybe free Money way of obtaining your money quickly and efficiently, ATMs are Orders). But keep in mind that credit unions are often few and far notorious for their service charges. You can end up being charged between, so you may end up with the ATM surcharge problem. every time you use the ATM, if you're not careful. Some banks will charge extra fees if you do not meet certain requirements or do your banking with them. Banks can even charge you to check your balance at the ATM. It depends on the bank. You need to understand the terms of your bank and find the best plan for you. You can check balances, transfer funds and pay bills, all from the comfort and convenience of your home or office computer. Internet banking may also have a price. Depending on the bank, you may have to pay a service charge for this service. It also may not be available at all banks.

74 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

You may have a difficult time deciding which type of home feature was designed to provide housing and assistance for mortgage is the best for your needs. The world of home finance veterans and their families, and the dream of home ownership offers so many variables and options that it’s often hard to keep became a reality for millions of veterans. VA will guarantee a them straight. The following may help you better understand the maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $104,250, differences and find a home loan that’s right for you. which limits the maximum loan amount to $417,000. Generally, the Fixed-Rate Mortgages are very popular because the interest rate reasonable value of the property or the purchase price, whichever and monthly payments are constant. Fixed loans are generally is less, plus the funding fee may be borrowed. All veterans must amortized over ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty years. Property taxes qualify, for they are not automatically eligible for the program. and homeowners insurance may increase, but generally your Interest-Only Mortgage is really an interest-only option that works monthly payments will be very stable. During the early amortization with various mortgage types. This option has regular payments, period, a large percentage of the monthly payment is used for typically monthly, for a fixed period of time; however, payments paying the interest. As the loan is paid down, more of the monthly consist of one hundred percent interest. No principal is paid during payment is applied to principal. A typical 30 year fixed rate the interest-only period. When that period ends, the borrower is mortgage takes 22.5 years of level payments to pay half of the obligated to make payments of principal and interest. Because the original loan amount. You may also opt for “biweekly” mortgages, time remaining in the loan term to repay the principal is shorter than which shorten the loan by making a payment every two weeks. it would have been, payments will adjust upward, sometimes (Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you make 26 payments, or 13 substantially. The appeal of interest-only payments is savings. When “months” worth, every year.) principal is not being paid, monthly payments are dramatically Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a loan which allows for the lower. On the risk side is potential for loss. If the need to sell arises adjustment of its interest rate according to the terms of the note and and the property value has stayed flat or declined, a borrower might as market interest rates change. With this type of mortgage loan be in a position where the mortgage loan balance is higher than the program the interest rate and payments may be adjusted as market value of the property. frequently as every month. The purpose of the program is to allow Balloon Mortgage Loan generally has a short term, commonly mortgage interest rates to fluctuate with market conditions. The anywhere from 3-7 years. During that term, borrowers make regular initial interest rate for an ARM is usually lower than that of a fixed equal payments of principal – the amount of money borrowed – plus rate mortgage, where the interest rate remains the same during the interest. At the end of the loan term, a “balloon” payment is due for life of the loan. A lower rate means lower payments, which might the entire loan balance. Options for handling the balloon payment help you qualify for a larger loan. Also if you do not plan to keep your include paying off the balance when due or refinancing before the home for more than a few years, the possibility of rate increases payment comes due. Balloon mortgages are usually offered at isn’t as much of a factor. But no one has a crystal ball to predict the lower interest rates than other fixed-rate loans. In addition, fluctuation of interest rates, so it is somewhat of a gamble. payments are calculated using a period longer than the term of the FHA Mortgage Loan is insured by the Federal Housing loan. As a result, balloon loans offer affordability for short-term Administration. FHA is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and circumstances. Borrowers do need to plan ahead so they are not Urban Development (HUD), one of its chief purposes is to help caught unprepared when the balloon payment is due. people obtain financing to buy their homes. The FHA doesn’t make Choosing a type of mortgage is not the only decision you must the loans, but insures loans made by banks, savings and loans, face. Several other criteria are listed below. mortgage companies, credit unions and other approved institutions. Hybrid Mortgage combines features of both fixed-rate and FHA does not originate loans. FHA insures the mortgage and pays adjustable-rate mortgages. A hybrid mortgage loan may start with the lender if the homebuyer defaults on the loan, or fails to repay the a rate that is fixed for a period of time. When that fixed-rate period loan. Almost anyone who has a satisfactory credit record, enough expires, the loan then converts to an ARM. The initial rate for a cash to close the loan, and sufficient steady income to make hybrid mortgage loan is typically lower than prevailing fixed rates. monthly mortgage payments can be approved for an FHA-insured The lower rate enables more buying power up front. On the risk side mortgage. There is no upper age limit and no certain income level is the uncertainty of how high interest rates will be when the fixed- required, although individual mortgage amounts are limited by law. rate period expires. VA Mortgage Loan is similar to the FHA mortgage. The U.S. Lending Institution are used When you’re looking for a home loan, Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees loans made by you might work with an officer at a bank or other lending institution, institutional lenders to eligible veterans. The guarantee helps protect or you might choose to work with a mortgage broker. The loan the lender in the event of the borrower’s default. The VA Loan was officers at a bank, credit union or other lending institution are initiated in 1944 through the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, more employees who work to sell and process mortgages originated by commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill was signed into their employer. They often have a wide variety of loans types to law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided veterans with draw from, but all originate from that specific lender. a federally guaranteed home loan with no down payment. This continued on page 76

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 75 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Brokers are professionals who are paid a fee to bring Appreciation is the increase in the property’s value, either by together lenders and borrowers. The mortgage broker working to improvement in the market or improvements made by the owner. secure your loan is earning a fee for that transaction—and the Balloon Mortgage is a loan that acts like a fixed rate but is due in better deal they achieve for a lender, the more they are paid. Don’t three, five or ten years. At that point you must pay the outstanding be too anxious to disclose the interest rate you would be willing to balance in one lump sum. accept, let them tell you what terms they can secure. Shop around Buydown is the process of buying a lower interest rate by paying to make sure the terms are reasonable. more points at closing. There should be little difference between obtaining a loan from a Conventional Mortgage is a loan that is under $ 240,000 and meets broker or a local lending institution. Maybe none, but you should be Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards, the largest purchasers of aware of the differences between the two positions. A mortgage home mortgages on the secondary market. broker may find you a lender in another part of the country. The loan Convertible Mortgage is an ARM with the option to convert to a office will likely be able to offer more personal service while your loan fixed rate mortgage as specified in the contract. is being processed and once you are an established customer. FHA Loans are issued by FHA approved lenders. The FHA insures Discount Points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to its loans so that borrowers can get them with only 3 to 5% down lower your mortgage interest rate. While buying points is sometimes payment. The FHA has certain criteria to qualify for these loans. a good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it Fixed-rate Mortgages are self amortizing loans with a constant rate saves. The cost of each point is equal to one percent of the loan of interest. These loans are commonly for 10, 15. 20 or 30 year amount. For instance, for a $100,000 loan one discount point periods. equals $1,000. Each discount point paid on a 30-year loan typically lowers the interest rate by 0.125 percent. That means a 5.5 percent Interest Rate is what the lender charges for the use of their money. rate would be lowered to 5.375 percent if you purchase one point. Expressed as an annual percentage of the amount borrowed before Paying for points lowers your interest rate, because the lender financing expenses. receives the income in a lump sum at closing rather than collecting Initial Interest Rate is what lenders charge on an ARM until the first the interest as you make payments on your loan. Whether or not adjustment is made. This rate is usually much lower than fixed rate paying points makes sense for you depends in part on how long mortgages. you plan to keep the loan. Jumbo Mortgages are loans greater than $ 227,150 with an interest rate that is a quarter percentage higher than conventional Helpful Mortgage Terms loans. Adjustable Rate Mortgage is a loan with a rate that adjusts to Lifetime Cap is the same as an annual cap except there is limit on market conditions. The rate of adjustment will be stated in the how high the interest rate can increase over the entire life of the contract. mortgage. Adjustment Index is a guide lenders use to change ARM interest Loan Commitment is a promise by the lender to provide the agreed rates during the life of a mortgage. The specific index to which your amount of money stated on the mortgage to close on a home. The ARM is tied to will be listed in the mortgage contract. commitment also states the interest rate, term of loan, and usually Annual Cap is a limit on how high the interest rate on an ARM can expires within 60 days. rise in a single year. Annual caps are specified in the better ARM Loan Servicing is the institution that handles the administrative programs. processing of your loan such as billing and collecting payments. Annual Percentage Rate Equals the true cost of a loan including Loan-to-Value Ratio is the proportional relationship of the financing charges and fees. mortgage loan to the value of a home, expressed as a percentage. Amortization is the process that reduces the amount owned in a loan. It can be made in a lump sum or periodic installments. Appraisal Value is estimating the property’s worth which is based on comparable properties. Appraisals that are completed by certified professionals, and are used by lenders to verify the home’s value and justify the mortgage commitment.

76 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Calculator You can obtain your property taxes from the local township office How much do you qualify for based on typical lender and you can contact your insurance agent for homeowner rates. requirements? Generally, the lender will require that your monthly Now, while shopping for your mortgage, you probably have payments not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Lets take discovered the current interest rate. Use the chart below; find the a look at how a lender would typically determine your ability to meet column, which applies to that rate. Follow the number down until monthly house payments. you find the number that is closest to your principal and interest First, determine your gross monthly income from all sources. payment. To the left of that you will find the loan amount for which Then multiply that amount by 28% to determine an approximate you probably qualify. If you intend to apply for a 90% loan, divide the allowable monthly payment. This payment includes principal, loan amount by .90 to calculate the price of the house that would interest, taxes and insurance. From this amount subtract taxes and require this monthly payment. insurance to arrive at your allowable principal and interest payment.

The example below illustrates this procedure: Gross Monthly Income $2,500 X 28% = $700 Less: Monthly Taxes & Insurance ($100) = $600 6% Interest Rate for 30 years for $600 = $30,000 $30,000/.90 (Loan to Value) = $33,333 = Estimated Maximum Home Price For Qualification

$ 3% 3.5% 4% 4.5% 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5% 7%

100,000 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700

150,000 450 525 600 675 750 825 900 975 1050

200,000 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400

250,000 750 875 1000 1125 1250 1375 1500 1625 1750

300,000 900 1050 1200 1350 1500 1650 1800 1950 2100

350,000 1050 1225 1400 1575 1750 1925 2100 2275 2450

400,000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800

450,000 1350 1575 1800 2025 2250 2475 2700 2925 3150

500,000 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500

550,000 1650 1925 2200 2475 2750 3025 3300 3575 3850

600,000 1800 2100 2400 2700 3000 3300 3600 3900 4200

650,000 1950 2275 2600 2925 3250 3575 3900 4225 4550

700,000 2100 2450 2800 3150 3500 3850 4200 4550 4900

750,000 2250 2625 3000 3375 3750 4125 4500 4875 5250

800,000 2400 2800 3200 3600 4000 4400 4800 5200 5600

850,000 2550 2975 3400 3825 4250 4675 5100 5525 5950

900,000 2700 3150 3600 4050 4500 4950 5400 5850 6300

950,000 2850 3325 3800 4275 4750 5225 5700 6175 6650

1,000,000 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000 6500 7000

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 77 DALLAS/FORT WORTH AREA LOCATOR MAP

1 Uptown, Downtown and Midtown 7 Coppell, Irving, LasColinas, Corinth, Flower Mound, 2 Dallas Lewisville and Valley Ranch 3 North Dallas, Addison, Carrollton and Richardson 8 Arlington and Grand Prairie 4 Plano, Allen, Frisco, McKinney and The Colony 9 Bedford, Colleyville, Euless, Grapevine, Hurst, 5 Garland, Mesquite, Rockwall and Sachse North Richland Hills and Denton 6 South Dallas, DeSoto, Ennis, Duncanville, Cedar Hill, 10 Ft. Worth, Cityview Ft. Worth, Downtown Ft. Worth and Granbury Lancaster, Oak Cliff, Red Bird and Waxahamlie

78 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide Business Directory Index

Airlines 80 Apartments 80 Attractions 81 Brokers 82 Car/Truck Rental 83 Education 83 Home Builders/Developers 88 Hotels 88 Insurance 88 Moving Companies 89 Moving Supplies 90 Nationwide Travel 90 New Home Developments 90 Property Management Companies 91 Restaurants 91 Shopping 92 Transportation 93

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 79 AIRLINES APARTMENTS

Airlines Post Gallery Post Square 3006 Woodside Street 2828 LaClede American Airlines Dallas, TX 75204 Dallas, TX 75204 Reservations call (800) 433-7300 (214) 953-9000 (214) 999-2800 Flights at your fingertips. For passenger www.postproperties.com www.postproperties.com reservations and information call us or your As unique as the sculptures gracing its In the heart of Uptown Dallas, Post travel agent. open areas, Post Gallery of State-Thomas Square offers a lifestyle like no other. Continental Airlines elevates luxury living to an art form – with Displaying a relaxed small town ambiance, Reservations call (800) 523-3273 spectacular views from its rows of gallery this community offers a variety of quaint Want to be treated with respect, fly the windows. Each of the 34 penthouse-style and extremely convenient shops including safe and courteous skies with Continental homes within this nine-story residence Starbucks, Smoothie Factory, Crescent Airlines. presents a distinct design for living and Point Cleaners, Eagle Postal, Lox and United Airlines entertaining. With high-rise homes Bagels, Palm Beach Tan, Flowers and Gifts Reservations call (800) 241-6522 averaging 2,200 square feet, estate-quality by Design and more just downstairs. Serving more of the nations top 100 touches abound – from travertine tile, glass Residents find the best of Uptown Dallas business centers than any other airline. brick, built-in libraries, multimedia centers within walking distance and are only Small package dispatch, same-day airport and wet bars to reserved parking, pool and minutes from the excitement of Downtown to airport. private health club. For Leasing Dallas. For Leasing Information, contact Information, contact the Post Uptown the Post Uptown Leasing Center at 3000 Apartments 2 Leasing Center at 3000 McKinney Avenue, McKinney Avenue, phone: (214) 965-6565. Post Abbey phone: (214) 965-6565. Post Uptown Village 2525 Worthington Post Heights 2121 Routh Street Dallas, TX 75204 3015 State Street Dallas, TX 75201 (214) 999-5000 Dallas, TX 75204 (214) 965-6200 www.postproperties.com (214) 953-9000 www.postproperties.com A sophisticated community that www.postproperties.com Reminiscent of a traditional New Orleans integrates luxurious surroundings with With architectural elements such as neighborhood, the quaint community of upscale townhouse living in the heart of warm, washed-red-brick and stucco Post Uptown Village is complete with Uptown, Post Abbey exudes a charm exteriors, distinctive ironwork and street- colorful awnings, brick sidewalks, vintage reminiscent of an intimate European village. level retail, Post Heights of State-Thomas lampposts and beautiful windows boxes. Classic architecture creates a distinctive blends well with the area's unique Here residents can enjoy courtyard environment of elegant facades, rooftop atmosphere. The community features a sky fountains, communal fireplaces and the gardens and private balconies surrounded terrace with views of downtown Dallas and chimes of the community's landmark bell by custom ironwork. For Leasing the surrounding State-Thomas historic tower. The height of cosmopolitan living, Information, contact the Post Uptown neighborhood. For Leasing Information, Post Uptown Village is minutes from the Leasing Center at 3000 McKinney Avenue, contact the Post Uptown Leasing Center best the city can offer. For Leasing phone: (214) 965-6565. at 3000 McKinney Avenue, phone: Information, contact the Post Uptown Post Cole’s Corner (214) 965-6565. Leasing Center at 3000 McKinney Avenue, 3304 Cole Avenue, Suite 169 Post Meridian phone: (214) 965-6565. Dallas, TX 75204 2427 Allen Street Post Vineyard (214) 965-6800 Dallas, TX 75204 3310 Cole Avenue www.postproperties.com (214) 880-0312 Dallas, TX 75204 A selective community in eclectic www.postproperties.com (214) 965-6800 Uptown Dallas, Post Cole’s Corner Surrounded by tree-lined boulevards, www.postproperties.com provides a refreshing alternative to in-town Post Meridian at State-Thomas provides a A unique harmony of artistry and living. Around the corner from the refreshing alternative to city living by understated elegance, Post Vineyard offers excitement of McKinney Avenue, Post offering a perfect blend of all the a variety of floor plans designed to blend Cole’s Corner showcases distinctive conveniences and vibrancy of Uptown with residents’ distinctive tastes - from architectural details designed for flair and Dallas with the friendliness and relaxed urban lofts to two-bedroom apartment function. Its exterior features stucco and charm of a small town. Residents can homes. The perfect location to experience deep red brick, while inside are electric observe one of the city’s most eclectic the romance and excitement of Uptown blue doors and gas lamps accenting the neighborhoods form their terraces, or living, Post Vineyard offers views of Turtle hallways. For a lifestyle combining verve venture out into a thriving neighborhood of Creek and downtown, and - with its and elegance, Post Cole’s Corner is the galleries, restaurants, clubs and boutiques. apricot facade and black and white striped right choice. For Leasing Information, For Leasing Information, contact the Post awnings – is itself a work of art. For contact the Post Uptown Leasing Uptown Leasing Center at 3000 McKinney Leasing Information, contact the Post Center at 3000 McKinney Avenue, phone: Avenue, phone: (214) 965-6565. Uptown Leasing Center at 3000 McKinney (214) 965-6565. Avenue, phone: (214) 965-6565.

80 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide APARTMENTS APARTMENTS

Post Vintage Avenue, phone: (214) 965-6565. Dallas Horticulture Center 2800 Cole Ave 3601 MLK Jr. Blvd. Mgmt Office: 2828 La Clede Apartments 3 Dallas, TX 75210 Dallas, TX 75204 Post Addison Circle (214) 428-7476 (214) 999-2800 5009 Addison Circle More than seven acres of outdoor gardens www.postproperties.com Addison, TX 75001 include an herb and scent garden, a rose A striking example of avant-garde (972) 392-6000 garden and special collections. design, Post Vintage is a place where www.postproperties.com Dallas Museum of Art distinctive colors and architectural details A community that offers an attractive 1717 N. Harwood create a home that is truly unique. Whether blend of European charm and modern (214) 922-1200 residents choose to walk along tree-lined urban vitality, Post Addison Circle is View major collections in African, Asian, streets or hop the neighborhood trolley to located in a thriving new neighborhood. Contemporary and Indonesian art,as well the most popular restaurants and clubs in With its tree-lined, brick-paved streets and as significant impressionist and post the city, Post Vintage is convenient to stunning landscaping, Post Addison Circle impressionist European art holdings. everything in Uptown Dallas. A refreshing allows you to enjoy a lifestyle of quiet Permanent collections include Church’s alternative to city living, Post Vintage offers elegance – just minutes from the best that “The Iceberg” a pre-Colombian work and the height of cosmopolitan charm. For the city has to offer. the Wendy and Emery Reves Collection. Leasing Information, contact the Post Admission is free from Tuesday through Uptown Leasing Center at 3000 McKinney Apartments 4 Saturday from 10am to 5pm (Thursdays Avenue, phone: (214) 965-6565. Post Legacy until 9pm) and Sundays and holidays from Post Wilson Building 5741 Martin Road noon to 5pm. 1623 Main Street Plano, TX 75024 Dallas Museum of Natural History Dallas, TX 75201 (972) 312-8787 Fair Park (214) 752-1144 www.postproperties.com (214) 670-8457 www.postproperties.com Featuring a wide spectrum of shops, Highlights of 60 million years of Texas The historic Post Wilson Building, restaurants, entertainment right outside its plant and animal life with 50 life like located in the heart of downtown Dallas, door, Post Legacy offers an entirely new scenes, which include bison, bears, offers a unique setting for gracious urban concept in urban living. A commanding alligators and wolves.The gift shop has living. Built in 1903 and patterned after presence in Plano’s Legacy Town Center, numerous hard-to-find books. Paris' Grand Opera House with second Post Legacy offers residents an easy Informational tours and programs are empire-style architecture, the landmark commute to some of the area’s most available on weekends. The museum is structure was considered the premier prominent employers. We've designed free and open from 9am to 5pm Tuesday commercial structure west of the Post Legacy to embrace all the important through Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Mississippi. Now, during the revitalization benefits of historic “main streets” across Sunday. of a significant area of downtown Dallas, the country—nearby shopping, a close-knit this elegant building has seen new life as it neighborhood, and convenience, while Dallas Zoo has been transformed into luxury loft offering everything that today's residents 650 S. R. L. Thornton Frwy apartment homes. After admiring the demand—innovative construction, lofts Dallas, TX 75203 dramatic antique grand staircase, residents with authentic hardwood or concrete (214) 670-5656 of the Wilson Building may choose from a flooring, resort-style courtyards. Here, you Located 3 miles south of downtown the variety of loft-style apartments, featuring can mingle with friends in your favorite Dallas Zoo is celebrated as one of the hardwood floors, marble countertops, and shops before walking up to your new country's top animal research facilities. other distinctive features. home right above. It’s a ready-made Founded in 1888, the Zoo has 95 acres of outdoor habitat. Post Worthington community for today’s lifestyles, and it's 2808 McKinney Ave. only at Post Legacy. John F. Kennedy Memorial Dallas, TX 75204 Attractions 1 Main St. at Market & Commerce (214) 999-5000 Dallas, TX 75202 www.postproperties.com 5501 Columbia Art Center (214) 747-6660 Combining classic Italian design with 5501 Columbia Ave. The 50 ft square, open-roofed concrete progressive contemporary detailing, Post Dallas, TX 75214 cenotaph, or empty tomb, was designed Worthington of State-Thomas represents a (214) 823-8955 by New York architect & Kennedy family bold new statement in historic Uptown The 1918 building housing the 5501 friend Phillip Johnson. The cenotaph, open Dallas. Post Worthington offers a unique Columbia Art Center has served the 24 hrs. a day, is lighted from underneath at ambiance, captured with an impeccable community since 1992 with galleries for night. The memorial was erected in 1969. attention to design – from the warm terra- multimedia visual art and book art The Science Place cotta facade to the brushed aluminum and installations. Documentary Arts and Fair Park pounded copper detailing – and a sense of Contemporary Culture, the two nonprofit (214) 428-5555 Old World charm underscored by an organizations that reside there, offer a The museum has two locations in the park, unmistakable European atmosphere. For wealth of resources. this being the main exhibit facility.This is an Leasing Information, contact the Post interactive exhibit that explores the principals Uptown Leasing Center at 3000 McKinney of science and technology. The second

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 81 ATTRACTIONS BROKERS location in Fair Park is the Planetarium centuries. See paintings, sculpture, Merrill Lynch Building that has daily exhibits and shows. photography and graphic arts. Plus, works Premier Place Admission is charged. Museums open from by legendary American Western artists Dallas, TX 75206 9:30am to 5pm Monday through Saturday; Fredric Remington and Charles Russell. (214) 750-4700 noon to 5:30pm on Sunday. Kimball Art Museum Financial Planning Services. Member all The Sixth Floor 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. Principal Exchanges. Stocks. Bonds. Dealey Plaza- downtown (817) 332-8451 Commodities. Mutual Funds. Government (214) 747-6660 Described as “America’s best small and Municipal Services. Business financial Former Texas School Book Depository museum” the building itself is world services. illuminates the life, assassination and renowned. Designed by famed architect Prudential Securities legacy of John F. Kennedy. The exhibit Louis Kahn, natural light & aesthetic space 1201 Elm Street requires 1-2 hours to view adequately. embrace masterpieces by El Greco, Dallas, TX 75270 Physical highlights include an eerie Cezanne, Rembrandt, Picasso and (214) 761-5100 encounter with the sniper’s nest. Matisse. Stocks. Bonds. Commodities. Mutual Admission is charged and the exhibit is Modern Art Museum Funds. Business and Personal Financial open seven days a week from 9am 1309 Montgomery St. Planning. Member all Principal Exchanges. through 6pm. Last ticket is sold 1 hour (817) 738-9215 Brokers 2 before closing. The city’s oldest museum houses Attractions 5 modern masters of the 20th century art. Edward Jones Even the grounds become galleries with 6333 E. Mockingbird Cedar Creek Lake contemporary sculpture on display outside. Dallas, TX 75214 Seven Points, Texas Kimball Art Museum (214) 826-7800 Serving Individual Investors Since 1871. (903) 432-2814 Museum of Science & History Stocks. Bonds. Mutual. Funds. Tax Free This 34,300-acre lake, about an hour's 1501 Montgomery St. drive southeast of Dallas, became a Investments. Tax Deferred Annuities. IRAs. (817) 255-9300 Federally Insured CDs. convenient weekend retreat for The Southwest’s largest science and metropolitan residents looking for a respite history museum amazes kids of all ages. Edward Jones from the city. Lakeside developments are Dig for dinosaur bones. Unravel the 3530 Forest Lane popular. With ample marinas and boat mysteries of computers. Then head over to Dallas, TX 75234 rentals, Cedar Creek is a good recreational the 80-foot Omni Theater and astronomical (214) 350-0838 lake. Noble Planetarium. Serving Individual Investors Since 1871. Stocks. Bonds. Mutual. Funds. Tax Free Attractions 6 Attractions 10 Investments. Tax Deferred Annuities. IRAs. Cedar Hill State Park Fort Worth Zoo Federally Insured CDs. 1570 W FM 1382 1989 Colonial Parkway Merrill Lynch Cedar Hill, TX 75104 Fort Worth, TX 76110 2121 San Jacinto St. (972) 291-3900 (817) 871-7050 Dallas, TX 75201 This 1,811-acre park boasts grills, Exhibits include meerkats, Komodo (214) 969-0008 campsites, showers, lighted fishing jetties, dragons, Flamingo Bay and Raptor Financial Planning Services. Member all sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, a Canyon. The Koala Outback exhibit Principal Exchanges. Stocks. Bonds. swimming beach, trails for hiking and features several yellow-footed rock Commodities. Mutual Funds. Government biking, a marina, two four-lane boat ramps wallabies and red kangaroos as well as a and Municipal Services. Business financial and 355 campsites, more than any other handful of koalas - a 4-year-old male and services. state park other than Garner. two 2-year-old female koalas - acquired Prudential Securities Attractions 8 through the loan program at the San Diego 8115 Preston Road Zoo. Also, a 2.5-acre World of Primates Dallas, TX 75225 Arlington Historical Society natural habitat for great apes and others; (214) 373-2700 1616 W. Abram St. Asian Falls with Sumatran and Indo- Stocks. Bonds. Commodities. Mutual Arlington, TX 760138 Chinese tigers and Malayan sun bears in Funds. Business and Personal Financial (817) 460-4001 an area with a 40-foot waterfall. Planning. Member all Principal Exchanges. Permanent displays include a country store, barbershop, a turn of the century Brokers 1 Brokers 3 bathroom, a scale model of a Southern Edward Jones Pacific steam engine and pictures of old Merrill Lynch 402 Casa Linda Plaza One Galleria Tower Arlington. The museum is also known as Dallas, TX 75218 the Fielder House. Dallas, TX 75240 (214) 324-4474 (972) 980-8600 Amon Carter Museum Serving Individual Investors Since 1871. Financial Planning Services, Member all 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. Stocks. Bonds. Mutual. Funds. Tax Free Principal Exchanges. Stocks. Bonds. (817) 738-1933 Investments. Tax Deferred Annuities. IRAs. Commodities. Mutual Funds. Government A tapestry of American life unfolds in Federally Insured CDs. and Municipal Services. exceptional forms from the 19th and 20th

82 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide BROKERS EDUCATION

Merrill Lynch Hertz Car Rental Lutheran High School 600 E. Las Colinas Blvd. Reservations call (800) 654-3131 8494 Stults Road Dallas, TX 75039 Still The biggest, still the best. Biggest Dallas,TX 75243 (972) 869-3800 Selection of low mileage cars. Customer (214) 349-8912 Financial Planning Services, Member all service is the most important thing we do. www.lhsdfsv.com Principal Exchanges. Stocks. Bonds. Beginning their 25th year, Lutheran High Commodities. Mutual Funds. Government Education 6-12 School of Dallas offers a nurturing caring and Municipal Services. Business Florida Air Academy environment in grades 7-12, ministering to Merrill Lynch 1950 South Academy Drive the “whole child”. Complementing the 15303 Dallas Parkway Melbourne, FL 32901 academic programs are opportunities for Dallas, TX 75201 (321) 723-3211 growth in a variety of fine arts programs (972) 934-6400 www.flair.com and a competitive athletic program. College counseling begins in the 9th grade Financial Planning Services. Member all At Florida Air Academy, Cadets at have the opportunity to get a first-rate education with 98% of our students attending the Principal Exchanges. Stocks. Bonds. geared to the learning styles of young men universities of their choice. Commodities. Mutual Funds. Government and make friends from around the world. St. Alcuin Montessori School and Municipal Services. Business financial The school accepts young men in grades 6144 Churchill Way services. 6 through 12. The Academy boasts a 16- Dallas, TX 75230 student average class size and college Brokers 5 (972) 239-1745 prep curriculum taught by accredited staff, www.saintalcuin.org Edward Jones many with advanced degrees. Cadets at St. Alcuin offers the very best in 401 W Centerville Florida Air Academy receive leadership Montessori education. The school is Garland, TX 75041 training and an emphasis on community located on a beautiful nine-acre campus. (972) 271-6940 service. Other programs include an Five-hundred students, from the ages of Serving Individual Investors Since 1871. excellent sports program, extensive 18 months to 8th grade, are enrolled. St. Stocks. Bonds. Mutual. Funds. Tax Free computer curriculum and optional flight Alcuin is accredited by ISAS and AMI. training and SCUBA certification. Investments. Tax Deferred Annuities. IRAs. St. Mark’s School of Dallas Federally Insured CDs. Florida Air Academy is located on 10600 Preston Road Florida’s Space Coast and is fully Brokers 8 Dallas, TX 75230-4047 accredited. (214) 346-8000 Merrill Lynch Contact our Admissions department for www.smtexas.org. 2221 E. Lamar Blvd. more information on Fall, Spring, and St. Mark’s School of Texas is an Arlington, TX 76006 Summer enrollments. For additional independent day school for boys in grades (817) 695-4800 Information contact: Donna Stratford 1-12. Contact Dave Baker (Director of Financial Planning Services. Member all Director of Communication (321) 723- Admissions) at (214) 346-8700. Principal Exchanges. Stocks. Bonds. 3211, Extension 30028 Commodities. Mutual Funds. Government St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School and Municipal Services. Business financial Education-PreK-8 2 3741 Abrams Road services. Dallas Christian School Dallas, TX 75214 1515 Republic Parkway (214) 826-0566 Car/Truck Rental Mesquite, TX 75150 www.staschool.org Avis Rent a Car (972) 270-5495 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Reservations call (800) 331-1212 Dallas Christian School is a Committed to Faith Foundation while Offers low-mileage quality maintained coeducational college preparatory school maintaining the highest quality of academic GM and other cars. Computerized for fast established by members of the Church of excellence, balanced with athletics and service & low rates for day, week or long Christ in 1957. Grades K4-12th are offered arts education. Programs include foreign term mini lease. with daily chapel and Bible classes as part language and alphabetic phonics. Budget Rent a Car of the curriculum. Located at LBJ Freeway The Lamplighter School Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 and Interstate 30, it is easily accessible to 11611 Inwood Road Right now, Budget has great rates on the northeast and southeast quadrants of Dallas,TX 75229-3098 equally great cars. So don’t let them pass the metroplex. DC has a tradition of (214) 369-9201 you by. For your local or one-way rental excellent academic, athletic and www.thelamplighterschool.org choose from Budget’s World Class Fleet at extracurricular programs. The Lamplighter School founded in the airport or in your neighborhood. Lakehill Preparatory 1953, offers boys and girls age three through fourth grade a creative, Budget Rent a Truck 2720 Hillside Drive experimental education. The program Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 Dallas, TX 75(214) 3429 offers a balance among fine arts, Right now, Budget has great rates on (214) 826-2931 academic, and social-emotional curricula. equally great trucks. So don’t let them www.lakehillprep.org The twelve-acre campus includes an pass you by. Lakehill Prep School, established in 1971, is a fully accredited K-12 college extensive outdoor environmental learning preparatory school with an enrollment of center composed of a barn with a 400 students. classroom facility, farm animals, a bird

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 83 EDUCATION EDUCATION observatory, and a greenhouse. Education PreK-12 8 coeducational college preparatory school established by members of the Church of Tyler Street Christian Academy Dallas International School 927 West 10th Street Christ in 1957. Grades K4-12th are offered 6039 Churchill Way with daily chapel and Bible classes as part Dallas, TX 75208 Dallas, TX 75230 (214) 941-9717 of the curriculum. Located at LBJ Freeway (972) 991-6379 and Interstate 30, it is easily accessible to www.tsca.org Dallas International School provides a Independent, non-denominational, and the northeast and southeast quadrants of challenging bilingual French-American the metroplex. DC has a tradition of college preparatory. Located in North Oak education in a multicultural environment Cliff just minutes from downtown Dallas. excellent academic, athletic and starting in pre-school and going through extracurricular programs. Nurturing students from pre-school twelfth grade. The school follows a through grade 12 while providing curriculum mandated by the French Lakehill Preparatory comprehensive academics, community Ministry of National Education blended with 2720 Hillside Drive service and competitive athletics. SAT an American curriculum that enables Dallas, TX 75(214) 3429 scores consistently above state & national students to cultivate inquiry and logic using (214) 826-2931 averages. “Preparing students for a life of both languages. Graduates earn the www.lakehillprep.org service to God and the community.” respected French Baccalaureate that aids Lakehill Prep School, established in 1971, is a fully accredited K-12 college Education-PreK-8 6 admission into universities in the United States and abroad. preparatory school with an enrollment of Bishop Dunne Catholic School 400 students. 3900 Rugged Drive Education 2 -12 10 Lutheran High School Dallas, TX 75224 Hill School of Ft. Worth 8494 Stults Road (214) 339-6561 4817 Odessa Avenue Dallas, TX 75243 A coed secondary school serving grades Fort Worth,TX 76133 (214) 349-8912 7-12. Recognized as one of the top 12 (817) 923-9482 www.lhsdfsv.com schools nationwide for technology www.hillschool.org Beginning their 25th year, Lutheran High integration. Diverse student body with over Hill School provides students who learn School of Dallas offers a nurturing caring 90% of graduates going to college. College differently and are of average to above environment in grades 7-12, ministering to prep curriculum that provides “Quality average intelligence and individualized the “whole child”. Complementing the Education Today for the College Student of educational environment that focuses on academic programs are opportunities for Tomorrow.” intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth in a variety of fine arts programs Education PreK-8 8 development.Hill School is committed to and a competitive athletic program. helping children achieve success in the College counseling begins in the 9th grade The Oakridge School learning process, both at Hill School and in with 98% of our students attending the 5900 W. Pioneer Pkwy. future settings. universities of their choice. Arlington, TX 76013-2840 St. Mark’s School of Dallas (817) 451-4994 Education 8 -12 3 10600 Preston Road www.theoakridgeschool.org Bending Oaks High School Dallas, TX 75230-4047 A Coed independent college prep 11884 Greenville Avenue (214) 346-8000 school founded in 1979 by parents & Dallas, TX 75243 www.smtexas.org educators who wanted to provide an (972) 669-0000 St. Mark’s School of Texas is an education of highest quality to www.bohs.com independent day school for boys in grades academically qualified students. It serves Since 1985 students in grades 8 1-12. Contact Dave Baker (Director of 820 students in preschool through 12th through 12 have been choosing Bending Admissions) at (214) 346-8700. grade. The challenging academic program Oaks High School. We provide a quality Tyler Street Christian Academy is supplemented with competitive athletics, high school education, in a nurturing family outstanding fine arts & numerous clubs. 927 West 10th Street environment, that promotes growth and Dallas, TX 75208 Education PreK-12 7 success. Accredited by S.A.C.S., Bending (214) 941-9717 Oaks High School helps students who The Highlands School locator www.tsca.org have struggled academically in larger Independent, non-denominational, and 1451 East Northgate Drive schools. Our enrollment is limited to 75 Irving, TX 75062 college-preparatory. Located in North Oak students and our average class size is 6 Cliff just minutes from downtown Dallas. (972) 554-1980 students. To lean more contact Ande www.thehighlandsschool.org Nurturing students from pre-school McNamara at (972) 669-0000, or visit through grade 12 while providing College preparatory Catholic school: www.bohs.com Lower School is Pk3-3rd grade and co-ed, comprehensive academics, community Girls’ School is for young women in 4th- Education High School 2 service, and competitive athletics. SAT scores consistently above state & national 12th grade and Boys’ School is for young Dallas Christian School men in 4th-12th grades; Low student to averages. “Preparing students for a life of 1515 Republic Parkway service to God and the community.” teacher ratio; academic advisement Mesquite, TX 75150 system. “Teaching the Mind, Educating the (972) 270-5495 Heart,Forming the Character” Dallas Christian School is a

84 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide EDUCATION EDUCATION

Ursuline Academy Of Dallas overall objective at Wesleyan is to nurture a Education-Graduate 1 4900 Walnut Hill Lane lifetime pursuit of individual excellence. Keller Graduate School of Management Dallas, TX 75229 Thus, class sizes are small by design 469 232-1800 (average 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio) so Ft. Worth Center www.ursuline.pvt.k12.tx.us instructors can deliver the personal 301 Commerce Street Suite. 2000 Ursuline Academy of Dallas is a private attention students need to excel. Add Ft. Worth, TX 76102 four-year Catholic college preparatory flexible scheduling and The School of (817) 810-9114 school for young women in grades 9-12. Business at Wesleyan is the right choice www.kelleradvantage.com/nms Over its distinguished 127-year history, the for both full-time students and working At DeVry University’s Keller Graduate Academy has built an outstanding record professionals. School of Management, our Master of of academic excellence, innovation, Business Administration (MBA) degree leadership development and service. Education-University 3 program will emphasize the skills and Contact Michele Snyder, Director of University of Texas at Dallas concepts that today’s corporations Admission, for more information. P.O. Box 830688, JO 52 demand. We work with business leaders to ensure that your degree is relevant to the Education-High School 6 Richardson, TX 75083-0688 (972) 883-2111 skills employers seek, so any path you Bishop Dunne Catholic School www.utdallas.edu choose can expand your career potential. 3900 Rugged Drive The high-tech cutting edge programs of Our faculty members have industry Dallas, TX 75224 the University of Texas at Dallas School of experience, providing you with practical, (214) 339-6561 Management are defining management advanced learning. Small class sizes mean www.bdhs.org education for the digital age. Located in they can collaborate with you as they A coed secondary school serving grades the center of the Telecom Corridor, we are teach, and they may even provide 7-12. Recognized as one of the top 12 an integral part of the second highest networking opportunities. As a Keller schools nationwide for technology concentration of high-technology student, you can acquire the advanced integration. Diverse student body with over businesses in the nation. knowledge you need to gain your 90% of graduates going to college. College professional edge prep curriculum that provides “Quality Education-University 9 Keller offers you the opportunity to Education Today for the College Student University of North Texas customize your MBA with 15 distinct of Tomorrow.” PO Box 13797 concentrations including accounting, electronic commerce management, general Education-High School 8 Denton, TX 76203 (940) 565-2000 or (800) UNT-8211 management, health services, HR, IT, The Oakridge School The University of North Texas has many international business, marketing, and 5900 W. Pioneer Pkwy. nationally ranked programs among its 96 more, so your degree program fits your Arlington, TX 76013-2840 bachelor's, 125 master's and 47 doctoral career goals. You can choose any electives (817) 451-4994 degree programs. With a 17:1 student- for which you meet the prerequisites, www.theoakridgeschool.org faculty ratio, UNT offers the quality of a including a robust range of course A Coed independent college prep private institution at an affordable cost. The offerings. Our convenient, high-quality school founded in 1979 by parents & university is the flagship institution of the education is offered onsite, online, or a educators who wanted to provide an UNT system, which includes the UNT combination of both, to help you balance education of highest quality to System Center at Dallas. www.unt.edu work, life and school. A Keller graduate academically qualified students. It serves admissions advisor can assist you with any 820 students in preschool through 12th Education-University 10 admissions requirements and specific grade. The challenging academic program Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University course selections to meet your educational is supplemented with competitive athletics, P.O. Box 27097 and career goals. outstanding fine arts & numerous clubs. Fort Worth, TX 76127 Texas Wesleyan University 1201 Wesleyan Street Education-University 1 (817) 737-8180 [email protected] Graduate School of Business Texas Wesleyan University ERAU’s Fort Worth Center offers degree Fort Worth, TX 76105-1536 1201 Wesleyan Street programs for careers in the (817) 531-4840 Fort Worth, TX 76105 aviation/aerospace industry. The MBA in www.txwes. edu/mba (817) 531-4840 Aviation and Master Aeronautical Science Texas Wesleyan’s graduate business www.txwes. edu/soba graduate degrees are available at the NAS programs are designed to provide working Texas Wesleyan University offers a Ft. Worth JRB location and as web-based professionals with the knowledge and skills quality yet affordable business education in classes through ERAU’s Department of needed to perform at the next level. In a private campus setting just 7 minutes Distance Learning. Undergraduate degrees addition to an MBA degree, we offer a dual from downtown Fort Worth. ACBSP are offered in Professional Aeronautics & BBA/MBA in Accounting designed to accredited, Texas Wesleyan offers bachelor Management of Technical Operations. qualify students as candidates for the and graduate programs delivered by Uniform CPA exam. Our Master in professors with doctoral degrees and Management (M.i.M. ) degree is tailor- experience in their respective fields of made for future managers and leaders in business. With an immediate focus on both the private and public sectors. professional and career preparation, the Through evening and weekend classes, we

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 85 EDUCATION EDUCATION deliver a quality, ACBSP-accredited offerings. Our convenient, high-quality course selections to meet your educational program that helps you balance a career, education is offered onsite, online, or a and career goals. family and school. And through our team- combination of both, to help you balance University of Texas at Dallas based projects, you have the opportunity work, life and school. A Keller graduate P.O. Box 830688, JO 52 to collaborate with local businesses in real- admissions advisor can assist you with any Richardson, TX 75083-0688 world consulting and problem solving. The admissions requirements and specific (972) 883-2111 price? Well within reason, especially when course selections to meet your educational www.utdallas.com compared to many other private and career goals. Offers a full range of innovative executive institutions. Universities Center at Dallas education programs designed to expand Education-Graduate 2 1901 Main Street and sharpen your skills, help you become Dallas,TX,75201 a better business leader, and strengthen Baylor University (214) 915-1905 ext. 104 your career prospects. We offer an 12230 N. Preston Visit our website at executive MBA program, a unique project Dallas,TX 75230 www.ucddowntown.org management degree program that also (972) 458-2327 Six universities in one location! Bachelor prepares you for a Project Management http://hsb.baylor.edu/emba/demba degree programs, certificates, teacher Institute (PMI) certification and a medical Baylor University’s Executive MBA certification, MBA and other master management program designed for program is designed to meet the needs of degree programs. practicing physicians. managers, executives & other experienced individuals who choose to pursue an Education-Graduate 3 Education-Graduate 7 advanced degree while maintaining a full- Keller Graduate School of Management University of Dallas time career. 21 Month program includes Ft. Worth Center Graduate School of Management 1 week orientation, 2 international trips, a 301 Commerce Street Suite. 2000 1845 E. Northgate Drive wellness program & in-residency during the Ft. Worth, TX 76102 Irving, TX 75062 first two semesters. Classes are held on (817) 810-9114 (972) 721-5258 or (800) UDAL-MBA Friday & Saturday every other weekend. www.kelleradvantage.com/nms http://gsm.udallas.edu Keller Graduate School of Management At DeVry University’s Keller Graduate We prepare our students to be leaders Ft. Worth Center School of Management, our Master of of the electronic revolution with programs 301 Commerce Street Suite. 2000 Business Administration (MBA) degree in e-commerce, telecommunications Ft. Worth, TX 76102 program will emphasize the skills and management, information technology (817) 810-9114 concepts that today’s corporations management and consulting, management www.kelleradvantage.com/nms demand. We work with business leaders to information systems, and international At DeVry University’s Keller Graduate ensure that your degree is relevant to the management. Many of our faculty School of Management, our Master of skills employers seek, so any path you members have gained national and Business Administration (MBA) degree choose can expand your career potential. international recognition. We are pioneers program will emphasize the skills and Our faculty members have industry in developing distance learning programs. concepts that today’s corporations experience, providing you with practical, Our Global MBA Online Program makes demand. We work with business leaders to advanced learning. Small class sizes mean our on-campus MBA program available via ensure that your degree is relevant to the they can collaborate with you as they the Internet. We focus on today's business skills employers seek, so any path you teach, and they may even provide challenges—High Tech, Global and change choose can expand your career potential. networking opportunities. As a Keller Management—as we develop lasting Our faculty members have industry student, you can acquire the advanced relationships with our students and the experience, providing you with practical, knowledge you need to gain your corporations that employ them. Our advanced learning. Small class sizes mean professional edge mission: teaching professionals the value they can collaborate with you as they Keller offers you the opportunity to of an entreprenurial spirit and change teach, and they may even provide customize your MBA with 15 distinct management for the Twenty First Century. networking opportunities. As a Keller concentrations including accounting, Education-Graduate 8 student, you can acquire the advanced electronic commerce management, general knowledge you need to gain your management, health services, HR, IT, Keller Graduate School of Management professional edge international business, marketing, and Ft. Worth Center Keller offers you the opportunity to more, so your degree program fits your 301 Commerce Street Suite. 2000 customize your MBA with 15 distinct career goals. You can choose any electives Ft. Worth, TX 76102 concentrations including accounting, for which you meet the prerequisites, (817) 810-9114 electronic commerce management, general including a robust range of course www.kelleradvantage.com/nms management, health services, HR, IT, offerings. Our convenient, high-quality At DeVry University’s Keller Graduate international business, marketing, and education is offered onsite, online, or a School of Management, our Master of more, so your degree program fits your combination of both, to help you balance Business Administration (MBA) degree career goals. You can choose any electives work, life and school. A Keller graduate program will emphasize the skills and for which you meet the prerequisites, admissions advisor can assist you with any concepts that today’s corporations including a robust range of course admissions requirements and specific demand. We work with business leaders to ensure that your degree is relevant to the

86 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide EDUCATION EDUCATION skills employers seek, so any path you experience, providing you with practical, Education-Graduate 10 choose can expand your career potential. advanced learning. Small class sizes mean Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Our faculty members have industry they can collaborate with you as they experience, providing you with practical, teach, and they may even provide P.O. Box 27097 advanced learning. Small class sizes mean networking opportunities. As a Keller Fort Worth, TX 76127 they can collaborate with you as they student, you can acquire the advanced (817) 737-8180 teach, and they may even provide knowledge you need to gain your [email protected] networking opportunities. As a Keller professional edge ERAU’s Fort Worth Center offers degree student, you can acquire the advanced programs for careers in the Keller offers you the opportunity to aviation/aerospace industry. The MBA in knowledge you need to gain your customize your MBA with 15 distinct professional edge Aviation and Master Aeronautical Science concentrations including accounting, graduate degrees are available at the NAS Keller offers you the opportunity to electronic commerce management, general Ft. Worth JRB location and as web-based customize your MBA with 15 distinct management, health services, HR, IT, classes through ERAU’s Department of concentrations including accounting, international business, marketing, and Distance Learning. Undergraduate degrees electronic commerce management, general more, so your degree program fits your are offered in Professional Aeronautics & management, health services, HR, IT, career goals. You can choose any electives Management of Technical Operations. international business, marketing, and for which you meet the prerequisites, more, so your degree program fits your including a robust range of course Keller Graduate School of Management career goals. You can choose any electives offerings. Our convenient, high-quality Ft. Worth Center for which you meet the prerequisites, education is offered onsite, online, or a 301 Commerce Street Suite. 2000 including a robust range of course combination of both, to help you balance Ft. Worth, TX 76102 offerings. Our convenient, high-quality work, life and school. A Keller graduate (817) 810-9114 education is offered onsite, online, or a admissions advisor can assist you with any www.kelleradvantage.com/nms combination of both, to help you balance admissions requirements and specific At DeVry University’s Keller Graduate work, life and school. A Keller graduate course selections to meet your educational School of Management, our Master of admissions advisor can assist you with any and career goals. Business Administration (MBA) degree admissions requirements and specific Texas Woman’s University program will emphasize the skills and course selections to meet your educational P.O. Box 425410 TWU Station concepts that today’s corporations and career goals. Denton, TX 76204 demand. We work with business leaders to University Of Texas at Arlington (940) 898-3456 ensure that your degree is relevant to the 701 S Nedderman www.TWU.edu skills employers seek, so any path you Arlington, Texas 76010 Whether a traditional or online graduate choose can expand your career potential. (817) 272-6100 student, TWU is here to help you further Our faculty members have industry E-mail: GradServices.uta.edu your academic and professional goals, experience, providing you with practical, Web: http://orgs.uta.edu TWU offers 65 master's and 23 doctoral advanced learning. Small class sizes mean The graduate school of UTA has 84 degrees, including an online Executive they can collaborate with you as they graduate programs in 10 different MBA and Master of Arts in Teaching, as teach, and they may even provide academic areas. UTA is a comprehensive well as programs in nursing, physical networking opportunities. As a Keller institution offering educational and research therapy, occupational therapy, library student, you can acquire the advanced opportunities in most major disciplines. sciences and nutrition and food sciences. knowledge you need to gain your UTA has over 20,000 students, of which TWU is accredited by the Southern professional edge 20% are graduate students representing Association of Colleges and Schools; many Keller offers you the opportunity to 46 U.S. states and 108 countries. individual degree programs also are customize your MBA with 15 distinct accredited by state, regional and national concentrations including accounting, Education-Graduate 9 associations and boards. electronic commerce management, general management, health services, HR, IT, Keller Graduate School of Management University of North Texas international business, marketing, and Ft. Worth Center P.O. Box 13797 more, so your degree program fits your 301 Commerce Street Suite. 2000 Denton, TX 76203 career goals. You can choose any electives Ft. Worth, TX 76102 (940) 565-2000 or (800) UNT-8211 for which you meet the prerequisites, (817) 810-9114 www.unt.edu including a robust range of course www.kelleradvantage.com/nms Listed as one of America’s 100 Best offerings. Our convenient, high-quality At DeVry University’s Keller Graduate College Buys, the university has many education is offered onsite, online, or a School of Management, our Master of nationally ranked programs among its 96 combination of both, to help you balance Business Administration (MBA) degree bachelor’s, 126 master’s and 47 doctoral work, life and school. A Keller graduate program will emphasize the skills and degree programs. With a 16:1 student- admissions advisor can assist you with any concepts that today’s corporations faculty ratio, UNT offers the quality of admissions requirements and specific demand. We work with business leaders to private institution at an affordable cost. The course selections to meet your educational ensure that your degree is relevant to the university is the flagship institution of the and career goals. skills employers seek, so any path you UNT system, which includes the UNT choose can expand your career potential. System Center at Dallas. Our faculty members have industry

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 87 EDUCATION INSURANCE

Texas Christian University Active Adult or suburban Communities. Hotels 10 2800 South University Drive Lennar builds homes in 20 different states Best Western InnSuites Fort Worth, TX 76129 in some of the finest markets in the nation, (817) 257-7000 come see us today to find your new home! 2000 Beach Street at Interstate 30 Fort Worth, Texas 76103 Going up. That’s where the TCU MBA Morrison Homes program can take your career. The TCU (817) 534-4801, Toll Free (800) 989-3556 6565 North MacArthur Blvd., Suite 400 InnSuites Hotels...Your Suite Choicer MBA Program features a preeminent Irving, TX 75039 faculty, small class sizes and innovative Value in Fort Worth/Dallas! Now you can 214-647-5260 take advantage of unsurpassed InnSuites programs for experimental learning. Full www.morrisonhomes.com time & professional (evening) options are value while enjoying Lone Star hospitality in Come Home to Morrison Homes and the heart of Texas! Centrally located on a available. The executive MBA is offered at “destination Central Florida!” Morrison the Alliance campus. www.mba.tcu.edu historic, five-acre hilltop overlooking Homes welcomes you to a lifetime of living downtown Fort Worth, our newly Texas Wesleyan University with designs more comfortable, quality refurbished Best Western Fort Worth Hotel 1201 Wesleyan Street more valuable, and features more and Suites is just twenty minutes away Fort Worth, TX 76105 accessible- in the number one destination from DFW Airport and all the famous (817) 531-4444 area in all of Florida! Add the industry’s first attractions and the exciting entertainment www.txwesleyan.edu 2-year Blanket Warranty and 10 year offered year round in the Fort Worth/Dallas Wesleyan’s MBA program provides an Structural Warranty and you have area. Whether business or pleasure brings applied, hands-on approach to business “Orlando’s Best New Home Address!” you our way, you will find that our easy- where students complete real-life Come for a visit- stay for a lifetime in a access, convenient location, InnSuites consulting projects benefiting the business home and location that are both world value-added amenities including our community. We offer evening and weekend class! complimentary hot breakfast buffet with classes with a small faculty/student ratio Hotels 2 fruit, cereal, scrambled eggs and that facilitates learning. Our specializations homemade Belgian waffles, free social are in accounting, organizational Terra Cotta Inn hour, our Manager’s First Wednesday management & management information 6101 LBJ Freeway Hotel Monthly BBQ combined with our systems. Dallas, TX 75240 commitment to service make our Best Home Builders/Developers 2 (972) 387-2525 Western InnSuites Hotel and Suites Your Complimentary Breakfast & newspaper. Suite Choicer Value in Texas by far! Choice Homes Deluxe Rooms. Free local phone calls. Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex Outdoor swimming pool. Meeting rooms & Insurance 3 (800) U-CAN-OWN Suites available. Non-Smoking Rooms Geico Insurance www.choicehomes.com available. Friendly efficient service. 4201 Spring Valley Road A proven home builder in the industry, Hotels 3 Dallas, TX 75244 Choice offers brand new homes starting (972) 701-8700 from $70’s -$190’s. Locations include the Comfort Inn 24-Hour Total Service 7 Days A Week. greater Dallas and greater Fort Worth 220 W Spring Valley Rd John Hancock Mutual Life areas. Ranked the 21st largest builder in Dallas, TX 75081 14228 Midway Rd the nation according to Builder Magazine, (972) 680-8884 Dallas, TX 75244 Choice is the largest builder in the Dallas- Indoor pool & spa and Jacuzzi. Exercise (972) 774-0700 Fort Worth area for five years running. Our facility, 2 HBO’s. ESPN. CNN. TNT. Insurance For The Unexpected. unique layouts range from approximately Electronic Locks. Complimentary USA Investments For The Opportunities. John 950 to 3,500 sq.ft. of living space. Join the Today & Continental Breakfast over 24,000 satisfied Choice Home Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Hawthorne Suites Owners Today! A $500 deposit reserves Companies. 9089 Vantage Point your home. To order your FREE DREAM Prudential Insurance Dallas, TX 75240 BOOK of 40 floorplans and elevations 15301 Dallas Parkway (972) 889-9972 please call 1-(800) U-CAN-OWN. Dallas, TX Exercise facility. Jacuzzi Rooms. Full (972) 444-2440 sized kitchens. Free hot breakfast buffet. Home Builders/Developers 7 Insurance and Financial Services. Rock Walking distance to major restaurants. Lennar Homes Solid Since 1875. 1707 Marketplace Blvd., Suite 250 Hotels 5 Prudential Insurance Irving, TX 75063 8111 LBJ Freeway Comfort Inn (469) 587-5200 Dallas, TX 923 Windbell Circle www.lennar.com (972) 437-1010 Mesquite, TX 75149 Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is Insurance and Financial Services. Rock (972) 285-6300 headquartered in Miami, Florida and is one Solid Since 1875. of the nation’s leading builders of quality Indoor pool and spa , Jacuzzi. Exercise homes for all generations. Lennar builds facility, 2 HBO’s. ESPN. CNN. TNT. affordable, move-up and retirement homes Electronic Locks. Complimentary USA in Communities that cater to almost any Today & Continental Breakfast. lifestyle – such as urban, golf course,

88 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide INSURANCE NATIONWIDE TRAVEL

Insurance 5 Moving Companies 9 direct from the original Crazy Horse in Paris. Farmers Insurance Suddath United Van Lines 2525 Forest Lane 1990 North Highway 360 • Tabu’- The ultra hip lounge designed to Garland, TX Dallas, TX 75050 stimulate and arouse your senses. (972) 272-6831 (972) 602-9866 • Live the nightclub lifestyle at studio 54sm. James Stafford Agency. AUTO. HOME. Free Estimates. On Time pick up & • Sixteen masterpiece restaurants including LIFE. Gets You Back to Where You Belong. delivery. Professional movers. Local, celebrated chef Tom Colicchio’s national & International moves. Household, Craftsteak and Michelle Mina’s NOBHILL. Insurance 10 Office, Plant & Factory Relocations. • The king of the jungle overlooks the Lion Geico Insurance America’s #1 Family Movers. Habitat. 6934 Ridge Meadow Rd Moving Supplies • The Grand Garden Arena and Hollywood Ft. Worth, TX 76102 Theatre feature top name entertainment. (817) 738-5992 Dial-A-Box Mirage Hotel & Casino 24-Hour Total Service 7 Days A Week. White Plains and The Bronx, NY 3400 Las Vegas Blvd South Toll Free (866) 4-DIAL-A-BOX John Hancock Mutual Life Las Vegas, NV 89109 (866) 434-2522 1300 Summit Av (702) 791-7111 www.dial-a-box.com Ft. Worth, TX 76102 Immerse yourself in this tropical South (817) 335-9547 Nationwide Travel Sea oasis filled with luxury and excitement! Insurance For The Unexpected. Bellagio The Resort • Experience the elegance and Investments For The Opportunities. John 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South sophistication of our newly redesigned Hancock Mutual Life Insurance guest rooms. Companies. Las Vegas, Nv 89109 (702) 693-7223 • Dive into interconnected lagoon and Moving Companies 2 Experience a world unto itself at “the thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage most romantic hotel in the world.” pool. Central Moving North American 2242 Manana Dr. • AAA Five Diamond Award winning resort. • Ten international restaurants including Dallas, TX 75220 • Nine world-renowned restaurants AAA Five-Diamond award winner Renoir. (972) 556-1555 including Aqua, Prime, and AAA Five • Exotic White Tigers, Lions and a family of Guaranteed low pricing. On time pick up Diamond Award-winner Picasso. Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in Seigfried & delivery. Free estimates. Local & long • “O” by Cirque du Soleil, an extraordinary and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin distance moving. Expert packing. Safe, fusion of water, dance and aerobics. Habitat. secure storage. • Via Bellagio- a collection of the worlds • A fire-erupting volcano sparkling lagoons and tumbling waterfalls. Central Transportation Systems most sophisticated boutiques from 3200 Irving Blvd. Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Tiffany, and • Dive into interconnected lagoon and Dallas, TX 75247 Hermes. thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage (214) 631-0210 • The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens pool. Free accurate estimates. Guaranteed charms guests with its natural beauty. New York-New York prices. Local/National/Worldwide. Vaulted, • Dancing Fountains cavort on an eight 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South secured storage. Guaranteed dates. acre lake. Las Vegas, NV 89109 Packing & crating. (702) 740-6969 Fairmont Hotels The best of New York City meets the Toll Free (800) 527-4727 Moving Companies 3 best www.Fairmont.com Atlantic Atlas Van Lines of Las Vegas in one exciting location. Be a Boston, Las Vegas, Dallas, New part of it. 1624 Diplomat Drive Orleans, New York, San Francisco & San Dallas, TX 75006 Jose America’s Grand Hotels since 1907. • ESPN ZONE sports-themed dining and (972) 888-6500 entertainment. Hilton Hotels Superior Service. Competitively Priced. • Live performances nightly from the Worldwide Reservations Free Estimates. Safe, Secure Storage. Award-winning comedy of Rita Rudner. Local, Long Distance and International Toll Free (800) 845-8667 • The thrilling Manhattan Express Roller movers. www.Hilton.com Hilton Hotels, Resorts, Suites, Hilton Coaster. North Dallas United Van Lines Garden Inn, Conrad International Hotel. • COYOTE UGLY Bar and Dance saloon 1804 Trinity Valley Dr. and the Dueling Pianos at the Bar at MGM Grand Carrollton, TX 75011 Times Square. (972) 241-1562 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South • New York City’s original Gallaghers Qualified carefully selected Van Las Vegas, NV 89109 Steakhouse. Operators, Helpers and Packers including (702) 891-1111 Lady Packers. Free accurate and Searching for non-stop action and • Be the toast of the town in the Big apple guaranteed quotes. Containerized storage pulse-pounding excitement? “The City of Bar with live entertainment nightly in “The with 24 hr security. Entertainment” awaits your arrival. Greatest City in Las Vegas.” • La Femme-the sensual French sensation • ZUMANITY, Another side of Cirque du

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 89 NATIONWIDE TRAVEL NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS

Soleil, the creative climax of sexuality, from a variety of homes! Enjoy the peaceful a tour of our Welcome Home Center and humanity and art. lifestyle this master planned community model homes. Pan Pacific Resort Hotels provides. New Home Developments 8 Worldwide Reservations New Home Developments 5 Toll Free (800) 327-8585 Brookfield North Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts. North Wooded Creek 959 Wood Brook Drive America, Japan, Southeast Asia. 6719 Prairie Flower Trail Grand Prairie, TX 75052 (866) 487-3906 Treasure Island Dallas, TX 75227 (214) 381-1800 www.lennar.com 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South Brookfield North has much to offer with Las Vegas, NV 89109 www.morrisonhomes.com Morrison Homes is excited to announce a great location and a superior amenity (702) 792-5627 package. Brookfield is centrally located for Enjoy the adventure and romance of this the best kept secret in Dallas, our newest gated community, The Enclave at Wooded an easy commute and accessibility to engaging resort filled with new-world excellent dining, shopping and amenities. Creek in Dallas. Nestled on the edge of the largest urban protected forest in the nation, entertainment. Homes in Brookfield North ® • AAA Four Diamond Award winning The Enclave at Wooded Creek provides its come complete with a full appliance resort. residents the perfect “Metropolitan Oasis.” package including: washer/dryer & • World-famous pyrotechnic sea battle It allows homeowners to live life away from refrigerator. Also included are a home between the pirate ship, Hispaniola, and the hustle of the city in a peaceful security system, programmable sprinkler the British frigate, H.M.S. Britania in the atmosphere, yet only 7 miles from system, ceramic tile flooring, and full sod middle of the Buccaneer Bay. downtown. With prices from the low with landscape package. • Mystere by Cirque du Soleil, a $200’s, these innovative floorplans range in Deer Valley mesmerizing mix of powerful acrobatics, size from approximately 2,000 to 3,000 sq 1725 Deer Crossing Drive circus skills and dance. ft. Arlington, TX 76002 • Eight exciting dining options including New Home Developments 6 (817) 557-5779 Kahunaville and Buccaneer Bay www.drhortondfw.com Restaurant-fine dining overlooking the Pleasant Run Estates WELCOME to DR Horton's newest and explosive battle in Buccaneer Bay. 1815 Athena Drive hottest neighborhood of Deer Valley in • A beautifully appointed wedding chapel. Lancaster, TX 75134 South Arlington. Deer Valley is conveniently • A tropical pool area and lavish spa and (469) 567-0101 located just off of highway 360; with easy salon. www.morrisonhomes.com access to I-20 and 287, you can truly Pleasant Run Estates is located in the travel anywhere in the DFW area! New Home Developments 3 city of Lancaster, recently nominated for PERFECT LOCATION for work and the All-America City Award. Enjoy big city entertainment since it's close to both Forest Grove life amenities while maintaining a home Downtown Dallas, Fort Worth, UT at 127 Briar Grove Drive town environment! Located just 15 minutes Arlington, Six Flags, Joe Pool Lake, Princeton, TX 75407 from Downtown Dallas, Pleasant Run Ballpark at Arlington, Dallas Cowboys (972) 736-3790 Estates in Lancaster offers a beautiful Stadium and several shops and www.morrisonhomes.com variety of brand new floorplans to meet restaurants! Deer Valley is excited to Forest Grove in Collin County is small every family's needs! And with Morrison announce an amenity center featuring a town friendly and offers you country charm Homes' unprecedented 2-Year Blanket pool, play pool and playground, all with modern day conveniences! Quitely Warranty, you're sure to find the home of COMING SOON. This new community tucked away in the growing community of your dreams! Visit Morrison Homes at features DR Horton's newest floorplan Princeton, Forest Grove is located just six Pleasant Run Estates and see why designs with the DR Horton quality and miles east of McKinney off Highway 380 Morrison Homes is Dallas/Fort Worth's value that America's Builder has always and just minutes from Lake Lavon, Best New Home Address!! been recognized for. residents of Forest Grove enjoy easy access to major interstates, shopping, New Home Developments 7 Lakewood - Estate Collection restaurants, and entertainment! 920 Fleetwood Cove Drive Sunset Pointe Grand Prairie, TX 75052 Hidden Cove 2641 Cedar Falls Drive (866) 487-3910 12524 Ocean Spray Drive Little Elm, TX 75068 www.lennar.com Frisco, TX 75034 (866) 486-5184 Lakewood has much to offer with great (866) 644-8399 www.lennar.com location and a superior amenity package. www.lennar.com Sunset Pointe is a 1,025-acre master- A peaceful community surrounded by large The community of Hidden Cove is planned community in the northeast trees and existing homes. Lakewood is located within the boundaries of Denton portion of Little Elm. Homeowners enjoy centrally located for easy commute and County Fresh Water District No. 4-A. the relaxed atmosphere of country living accessibility to excellent dining, shopping, Tucked away in a great area near Lake with all the conveniences of the city. and entertainment. Homes in Lakewood Lewisville. Hidden Cove is your opportunity Lennar is excited to have the opportunity come complete with a stainless steel to own the home of your dreams. With to offer the residents of Little Elm a quality appliance package, home security system, open spaces and adjacent to U.S. Army home which we are known for. We invite programmable sprinkler system, ceramic Corps of Engineers open spaces. Choose you to stop by and see us any time to take

90 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS RESTAURANTS tile flooring in all wet areas and full sod shopping, dining and entertainment. Villages of Sunset Pointe with landscape package. This is sure to Carriage Hills is part of the highly 8017 Branch Hollow make Lakewood an outstanding value for acclaimed Keller I.S.D. Fort Worth, TX 76123 any homebuyer! Creekwood (817) 294-8300 Lynn Creek 658 Ash Meadow Circle www.morrisonhomes.com 3016 Summerview Drive Fort Worth, TX 76131 The Villages of Sunset Pointe, named Grand Prairie, TX 75052 (817) 847-8228 after its gorgeous sunsets and rolling (866) 512-3310 www.morrisonhomes.com terrain, is a beautifully master-planned www.lennar.com NEW MODELS NOW OPEN! community in Southwest Fort Worth! Lynn Creek is a community designed for Creekwood, a master-planned community Within minutes of downtown Fort Worth all generations of Customers. From first located in Northern Tarrant County rests on and a short commute to DFW Airport, time buyers, newlyweds to young families 260 acres where Fort Worth meets Sunset Pointe makes for the ideal with children and senior adults, Lynn Creek Saginaw. Just outside your door you will homesite location. Just minutes of our is the right fit for any lifestyle. Lynn Creek find an impressive offering of shared community you will find shopping, dining offers 4 and 5 bedrooms with square amenities and recreation areas including a and entertainment such as Lake Benbrook. footage that ranges from 2,197 to 3,255 swim club, playground, public park, over Visit Sunset Pointe today and take a tour allowing you all the space your family two miles of hike and bike trails and more of our three new model homes! needs than fifty (50) acres of green space Property Management 1 available for you and your family to enjoy New Home Developments 9 and explore. Creekwood is located in the Trianon Apartments Valley Brook Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent 2820 McKinnon Street 8801 Moon Rise Court School District, which is rated as a Dallas, TX 75201 Keller, TX 76248 recognized school district by the State of (214) 361-7207 (866) 487-3905 Texas. ENVY HAS A NEW ZIP CODE! Prestigiously located in Uptown Dallas near www.lennar.com Sendera Ranch-NuHome Collection Valley Brook Estates features beautiful the Crescent Hotel and American Airlines 13221 Ragged Spur Court Center, Trianon offers the ultimate in-town and affordable homes in the highly sought Ft Worth, TX 76052 after Keller ISD. Nestled between address that is perfect for the urban (866) 486-5229 connoisseur. Enjoy a pedestrian-friendly downtown Ft. Worth and The Alliance www.lennar.com Corridor and minutes from DFW Airport, lifestyle with endless options for fine dining, Sendera Ranch is the latest addition in Valley Brook Estates will place you in close boutique shopping and entertainment. It’s the exciting Alliance corridor. The entry is proximity to top-rated schools, major unique architectural identity, inspired by a just east of Woodland Springs golf course, business routes, fantastic shopping fusion of Urban Parisian and French which the Community borders on two opportunities, and a wide choice of Provincial elements combine to create a sides. Homeowners in the Sendera Ranch entertainment close to home. Come see variety of living options in flats, town community will be served by the highly why Valley Brook Estates is the perfect homes and private villas. Tour Trianon and recognized Northwest public school blend of convenience and neighborhood find your perfect new home while system. At least two new Northwest charm! experiencing a superior level of service schools are planned within the from an award-winning management New Home Developments 10 development itself. The Sendera Ranch company. amenity center means residents can splash Bar C Ranch in the water park, play tennis, pickup Restaurants 1 8121 Misty Water Drive basketball games, volleyball or just lounge Ft Worth, TX 76131 Blue Delta Grill by the water features. It also features more 2612 Commerce St. (866) 487-3905 than 200 acres of parks, biking and www.lennar.com Dallas, TX 75226 walking trails and green space for your (214) 744-2293 Located with easy access to downtown enjoyment. Lennar Homes Fort Worth and Alliance makes this new A blues club, with fantastic food. Menu community the gem of Fort Worth! Splash Trinity at Heritage includes big items: filet mignon, ribs, thick around in the spray pool with your kids or 5004 Keating crust pizza, a great brisket of beef. Chef relax in the swimming pool - the choice is Fort Worth, TX 76248 Peter B. Grey graduated from the yours. (817) 741-5353 prestigious Culinary Institute of America. At www.drhortondfw.com 9.00 a cover is charged & musicians start Carriage Hills Trinity at Heritage is the newest addition to perform. 3204 Crofton Drive to the exciting master planned Heritage Ft Worth, TX 76137 community!! 200 acres of parks, trails & Restaurants 2 (817) -306-4125 open space will house our $5M aquatics Los Vaqueros www.lennar.com complex complete with 6 pools. Spend 6615 Snider Plaza The peaceful community of Carriage family time at the playgrounds, athletic Dallas, TX 75205 Hills offers a great location for easy access fields or sports courts. Get connected with (214) 361-9885 to area freeways making commutes a your new lifestyle at Heritage and begin Longtime Park Cities favorite offers breeze. Conveniently located just off the living. dependable food including beef and Alliance Corridor gives you easy access to cheese filled pobianos. George Poston

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 91 RESTAURANTS SHOPPING cheese enchilada plate and beef parilla. Trail Dust Steak House Shopping 1 Family spot. 21717 Interstate 635 Kmart Trail Dust Steak House Mesquite, TX 75149 (972) 289-5457 712 S. Walton Walker Blvd. 10841 Composite Drive Dallas, TX 75211 Dallas, TX 75220 A favorite for Texacana Flavor, this big barn like setting offers dancing to live (214) 330-9103 (214) 357-3862 Hours daily 8.00 am-10:00pm. A favorite for Texas flavor, this big barn- country music & dining at communal Neiman Marcus like setting offers dancing to live country tables. The fare is reasonably priced and music & dining at communal tables, the reasonably good. 1618 Main St. Dallas, TX 75201 fare is reasonably priced & reasonably Restaurants 6 good. (214) 741-6911 Texacana Grill Just the name Neiman Marcus has Restaurants 3 1109 I-20 W. at Matlock Rd. become synonymous with high fashion & world famous designers. It all started right Humperdinks Chophouse Dallas, TX 76017 here in Dallas with one little store. 18438 N. Dallas Tollway (817) 784-2772 Dallas, TX 75287 Steak, ribs and fajitas are specialities Neiman Marcus (972) 248-7970 with burgers, Tex-Mex & home cooking 1201 Elm Street Designer fish & steaks. Fine oysters dishes as accents Dallas, TX Rockefeller, flank salmon & broiled bone in Restaurants 7 (214) 761-2300 rib-eye. Plenty of more casual choices, too, Just the name Neiman Marcus has including burgers, sandwiches and bar Humperdinks Chophouse Irving become synonymous with high fashion & nibbles. 4859 N. O’Conner Road world famous designers. It all started right Irving, TX 75062 here in Dallas with one little store. La Mirabelle (972) 717-5515 Neiman Marcus 17610 Midway Rd. Designer fish & steaks. Fine oysters Dallas, TX 75287 400 North Park Center Rockefeller, flank salmon & broiled bone in Dallas, TX 75225 (972) 733-0202 rib-eye. Plenty of more casual choices, too, With its excellent food and unpretentious (214) 363-8311 including burgers, sandwiches & bar Just the name Neiman Marcus has service. La Mirabelle offers a perfect venue nibbles. for occasions as diverse as marriage become synonymous with high fashion & proposals or client dinners. Either way Restaurants 8 world famous designers. It all started right you’re sure to leave impressed or to make here in Dallas with one little store. Trail Dust Steak House an impression. 2300 E Lamar Blvd. Shopping 2 Monte Carlo Arlington, TX 76006 Polo-Ralph Lauren 15201 Dallas Parkway (817) 640-6111 58 Highland Park Village Dallas, TX 75248 A favorite for Texacana Flavor, this big Dallas, TX 75205 (972) 386-6000 barn like setting offers dancing to live (214) 559-0810 Romantic Country French Restaurant in country music & dining at communal Hours - Mon.-Wed. 10:00am-6:00pm; the Hotel Inter Continental. Continental & tables. The fare is reasonably priced and Thurs., 10:00am-8:00pm; Fri.-Sat., Asian influenced menu. Extensive wine list. reasonably good. 10:00am-6:00pm; Sun., 1:00pm-5:00pm. Conscientious service. All you can eat All major credit cards. seafood available Fridays. Restaurants 9 Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery La Bella Italian Restaurant Shopping 3 4050 Beltline Rd 2855 Central Dr. Wal-Mart Dallas, TX 75001 Bedford, TX 76021 13739 N. Central Expy. (972) 404-7456 (817) 540-3303 Dallas, TX Happy Hour daily 4-7 PM. Live Rock Our menu has more then a decade of (972) 437-9146 each weekend. Colorado import with experience behind it. Excellent, food. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. exceptional food from well-executed fare to Personable, Professional and well-placed All major credit cards, cash and checks simpler nibbles. Great Staff, Great food. service. Entrees $6.95 -$19.95 at lunch. accepted. $10.95 -$29.95 at dinner. Restaurants 5 Shopping 9 Restaurants 10 Babe’s Chicken Dinner House REI Store 1458 Belt Line Road 8.0 Restaurant & Bar 4515 LBJ Freeway Garland, TX 75044 111 E. 3rd St. Farmers Branch, TX 75244 (972) 496-1041 Fort Worth, TX 76102 (972) 490-5989 Famous for years for its great fried (817) 336-0880 A great source for camping equipment. chicken and chicken-fried steak. Menu Fort Worth hotspot, which re-created We sell clothes (gortex jackets), boots, now includes pot roast, smoked chicken & the in scene of the now defunct Dallas 8.0 sleeping bags and backpacks. The more pork ribs. Everything on the menu except is still going strong in Sundance Square adventuresome can also find rockclimbing the pot roast is $7.99 and includes with great drinks, stunning murals. accoutrements, kayaks and mountain vegetables & biscuits. Ribs are $1.00 extra bikes.

92 ] Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide SHOPPING TRANSPORTATION

Wal-Mart 6401 N.E Loop 820 North Richland Hills, TX (817) 577-2100 Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All major credit cards, cash & checks accepted. Shopping 10 Neiman Marcus 2100 Green Oaks Rd Fort Worth, TX 75201 (214) 741-6911 Just the name Neiman Marcus has become synonymous with high fashion & world famous designers. It all started right here in Dallas with one little store. North‘s Plus Size Fashions 5405 Birchman Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76017 (817) 737-2174 North’s Plus Size Fashions is a consignment store specializing in plus size fashions, size 14 & up. Closed Monday and Sunday. Transportation Dallas Area Rapid Transit 1401 Pacific Avenue Dallas,TX 75202 (214) 749-3669 or (214) 979-1111 www.DART.org Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), the public transit authority for Dallas and 12 adjoining cities offer bus, rail, paratransit, and vanpool services. Other services include DART’s E-Pass program, an affordable and convenient employee benefit.

Dallas/Ft. Worth Information Guide [ 93