Originally featured on dfw.cbslocal.com on March 13, 2019

Sundance Square Movie Nights return this summer featuring seven movies celebrating current releases with entertaining animation, drama, fantasy and comedy.

Returning for the 12th year, Sundance Square begins the free movie series on Thursday evenings in the plaza in downtown Fort Worth, June 6 continuing through July 25.

All shows will begin approximately at 8:30 p.m.

Sundance Square’s digital screen “offers guests a dynamic sight and sound for the best outside movie experience,” according to a Sundance Square news release Wednesday.

Sundance Square’s 2019 Movie Night schedule includes:

June 6 – Secret Life of Pets (2016); rated PG June 13 – Black Panther (2018); rated PG-13 June 20 – Mary Poppins Returns (2018); rated PG June 27 – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018); rated PG July 11 – Crazy Rich Asians (2018); rated PG-13 July 18 – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018); rated PG July 25 – Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018); rated PG-13

Moviegoers are invited to bring blankets or chairs for seating in the plaza.

Beverages will be available for purchase in the plaza during the movies and restaurants will be open throughout the evening.

Coolers and outside food or drink are not permitted, and Sundance Square Plaza is smoke-free.

Parking is always free weekdays after 5 p.m. in Sundance Square’s parking garages.  For locations, click here.

For more information about movie nights, click here.

Originally featured on ntxe-news.com on March 7, 2019

The 12th Annual Heights Car Show, sponsored by Crest Cadillac & Infinity and Superior Insurance Agency/Hagerty Insurance Company, will be held 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday April 6 at The Heights in Richardson.

The Heights Car Show is one of the first and largest charity car shows of the year. Over the show’s 11-year history, it has donated more than $59,820 and 8,375 pounds of food to the Network of Community Ministries Food Pantry.

“There’s a little something for everyone in the family,” said show organizer Brian Ratcliff. “Over the years it’s grown into a fun, family-friendly event. Ken Savage and the Best Kept Secret Band will return playing classic rock hits with an emphasis on the bands with great horn sections. Food choices will include Chick-Fil-A sandwiches and freshly grilled hamburgers from Richardson’s Haystack Burgers & Barley, which recently finished in the top eight in The Dallas Morning News’ Readers’ Choice Best in D-FW: Burger Edition competition. But the real attraction will be some incredible cars you aren’t likely to see in one place anytime soon. Weather permitting we’re expecting this to be our biggest show yet with 600 available spots. We’ve already had a record number of pre-registrations, including some Ferraris, Porsches, Shelbys, McLarens and a variety of muscle cars and classics. Admission for spectators is free.”

The Heights Car Show attracts a wide range of vehicles from vintage Model A’s to seven-figure exotics and from rugged military vehicles to hot rods. The show will award 57 trophies in 24 classes, including Pre-50’s; 50’s; 60’s; 70’s; 80’s; 90’s & Newer; Camaro; Mustang; Open; Corvette 1953 – 1982; Corvette 1984 & Newer; Exotic; Convertible; Pre-70’s Import; 70’s & Newer Import; Muscle Car Pre-80s; Muscle car 80s & newer; Truck Pre-70’s; Truck 70’s & Newer; Military; Mopar; Street Rod; and 4-Wheel Drive plus Best of Show, Car Club Participation and a Long Distance Award.

Show car registration is $20 per car entry or 20 canned food items. Car registration is open online at http://heightscarshow.com or on-site 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturday April 6. All proceeds will benefit the Network of Community Ministries.

Founded in 1956, the Heights Church is located at 201 W. Renner Road at U.S. 75 (Central Expressway) in Richardson. More information at http://www.theheights.org.

Grand Prairie ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Simpson Hull with Park Place Motorcars Arlington GM Terry Powell

Originally featured on grandprairie.bubblelife.com on January 21, 2019

Grand Prairie ISD sponsored the MLK, Jr. Day parade Monday, January 21, which featured a variety of student and civic groups, including floats, marching bands, decorated vehicles and more.

Park Place Motorcars Arlington provided a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet for Grand Marshall Dr. Susan Simpson Hull, Grand Prairie ISD Superintendent to lead the parade.

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously stated, ’The function of education is to teach one to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education,’ recounts Park Place Motorcars Arlington General Manager Terry Powell. “Park Place Dealerships is proud to support Grand Prairie ISD. There is nothing more important to our future success than education. We’ve hired numerous GPISD graduates to work at Park Place. And we look forward to a brighter future because of their commitment to excellence.”

Dr. Hull has been a Texas educator for 39 years, serving as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. She is in her 11th year as the superintendent of Grand Prairie ISD, a district with over 29,000 students.

The march began at the Liberty Bell on City Hall Plaza and ended at David Daniels Elementary Academy of Science and Math. Grand Prairie ISD, in conjunction with the City of Grand Prairie, the NAACP, and local community businesses and organizations honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s contributions with the annual parade.

Park Place Motorcars Arlington is a 91,000-square-foot Mercedes-Benz dealership located at I-20 and Collins.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

Klembara’s “My Place” Story Earns Couple Trip to Academy Awards

Originally featured on blueribbonnews.com on February 18, 2019

In today’s rough-and-tumble world, it’s refreshing to meet a couple like Teresa and Gary Klembara of Garland.

Married for 36 years, the magic between them remains palpable – twinkling eyes, gentle touches and warm banter speak to an enduring love story that rivals anything in the movies.

It’s easy to imagine the sparks flying when they first met at J.C. Penney – he as a senior manager and she a manager trainee. They dated off and on for seven years before they, as Teresa says, “came to our senses and got married.”

Gary transitioned into a successful career as an international IT businessman and, after opting to leave her own successful retail management career at JCP, Teresa joined him on the road whenever she could. She also kept busy with sports and civic activities – “Keeping the home fires burning,” she says brightly.

Teresa’s bubbly laughter comes easily and often, especially when her affectionate rescue pooch, Brody, jumps into her lap for yet another smooch and snuggle. Gary shakes his head indulgently and pats Brody. This is, indeed, one lovingly pampered pup who, not surprisingly, embodies the couple’s lifelong commitment to each other and others.

They have a long-standing date for dinner and a movie with friends. “There are several couples we’ve been friends with for the past 30 years,” explains Gary. “When we’re in town we get together for dinner and a movie every Saturday.”

When asked about their favorite movie to win an Oscar this year, Gary favored “Bohemian Rhapsody” while Teresa leaned towards “A Star is Born.”

It’s not all butterflies and unicorns

Lest they sound entirely too Pollyanna-perfect, however, just watch Teresa at a Dallas Stars hockey game. (They’ve been season ticket holders for 24 years). Without going into too much detail, let’s just say that her otherwise ladylike demeanor gives way when the puck drops. “She’s hilarious to watch,” says Gary.

Then there’s their latest shared musical obsession – the Chicago-based heavy metal band Disturbed. “Their version of ‘Sounds of Silence’ is haunting,” she says.

“When they came to Dallas recently, we went to their concert,” adds Gary. “We probably looked a little out of place, but nobody seemed to mind.”

“See, we can be edgy, too!” Teresa quips.

Edgy or staid, the secret to their relationship is commitment – the promise to put each other first.

“We both tend to go with the flow,” says Gary. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to make the most of what it is or isn’t,” adds Teresa. They often complete each other’s thoughts.

Their latest opportunity – making the most of an out-of-the-blue invitation to attend the upcoming 91st Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 24th in Hollywood.

It’s an unlikely tale that not even a Hollywood scriptwriter could fashion.

A throne fit for a furry king

The story actually goes back nearly 25 years ago, when Gary – an admitted car guy – checked out Lexus and, admiring the brand’s comfort, beauty and sense of security, bought a GS300.

Several weeks later, it was Teresa’s first rescue dog, Lacey, who really sealed the deal with their second Lexus, an ES300, in what developed into a lasting relationship with Dallas-based Park Place Dealerships.

“I know how this sounds,” she chuckles, “but Lacey traveled with me all the time and the car’s armrest wasn’t big enough for her to sit by me, so I had to say no.”

Undaunted, their sales rep, Carl Keith, went to his home garage and fashioned a custom, leather-clad doggy perch. He called Teresa and showed her the homemade accessory. She welled up and bought the car “in three minutes flat.”

“I was blown away,” says Gary. That show of dedication from the dealership led to a relationship that continues to this day. In fact, Gary has acquired an astonishingly unbroken line of 18 Lexus vehicles from Park Place.

“We want our clients to think of Park Place as ‘My Place,” explains Dave Evans, Park Place Dealerships Chief Marketing Officer. “Park Place team members are committed every day to create an ownership experience that can’t be found anywhere else. Our clients have fabulous stories about Park Place members who have gone above and beyond to make their experience memorable and we are sharing some of those stories through the “My Place” campaign starting with the Klembaras.”

The campaign kicks off locally during the Academy Awards show on Sunday, February 24.

“We thought it only fitting that our stars, Teresa and Gary Klembara, should go to Hollywood and enjoy the Academy Award experience,” said Evans. “This is our way to say ‘thank you’ for their commitment to Park Place.”

So the burning question – what designer will they wear?

“Probably jeans and cowboy boots,” Gary grins.

“Texas chic!” Teresa pipes up. “We’ll represent Texas in all its glory. What do you think, Brody?”

Hearing his name, the rescue pup’s ears perk up and he answers with a lively bark.

Meanwhile, Carl Keith, the Park Place Lexus sales manager, is happy to play “best supporting” role in this story.

Yvonne Crum

Originally featured on parkcities.bubblelife.com on February 12, 2019

Friends of Yvonne and Mayo Crum had been trying to set them up for some time when they finally met May 7, 1967.

“I had just returned from Paris with a new dress,” recalls Yvonne, who at the time was a Braniff Airlines flight attendant. “I wore it to Jane Ventura’s birthday party. Mayo and I were talking by the pool. He had just said, ‘Everybody says we ought to meet,’ when someone pushed both of us into the pool. We went back to our apartments and changed clothes, and then went to dinner together. We’ve been inseparable ever since. We were engaged August 14 and married September 8, 1967. Of course, everyone said it wouldn’t last.”

Even as her husband of more than 50 years navigates the end stage of Parkinson’s disease, Yvonne Crum presses on to raise money for Alzheimer’s and dementia research.

“John Clutts, Aging Mind Foundation board member, called last year and invited me to lunch,” recalls Yvonne. “I asked what he wanted, and he said, ‘just to take you to lunch.’ I said, ‘come on, John, we both know there’s no such thing as a free lunch.’ But when he and Laree Hulshoff, Aging Mind Foundation’s co-founder, told me about their mission, of course, I agreed to help.”

Yvonne and Mayo Crum are Honorees of the 2019 Aging Mind Foundation Gala, which will be held March 23 at the Joule Hotel in Dallas. Registration for the Gala is available at agingmindfoundation.org

The Aging Mind Foundation was founded in 2013 to raise money to fund scientific research that seeks the cause and cure of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. 

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder. Symptoms usually start gradually, sometimes with a barely noticeable tremor. In Parkinson’s disease, certain nerve cells in the brain gradually break down, often resulting in dementia. 

“Several years ago Mayo began experiencing neuropathy in his legs,” explained Yvonne, “and on October 16, 2016, he fell and couldn’t get up. I called an ambulance and they took him to the hospital. He was transferred to a nursing facility with a Memory Care unit, and he hasn’t been home since. Last May, his doctor told us Mayo probably had six to seven months to live. Mayo is day to day now. I go see him several times each day, but I always wonder when I leave if that’s the last time I’ll see him.”

Yvonne is a philanthropic phenomenon. Beginning in 1969 when she was introduced to Ruth Sharp Altshuler, she and Mayo became involved with the Dallas Summer Musicals. Yvonne and Mayo had only been married two years, and she was still working as a flight attendant for Braniff. But she found time to volunteer, and over the years, served as president for six consecutive two-year terms. 

She flew for Braniff for 26 years, then spent another 20 years with American Airlines before retiring in 2010. She is in the “Flight Attendants Hall of Fame.”

Over the past 50 years, Yvonne has championed many charitable causes, including the Kidney Foundation of Texas, Dallas Children’s Theater, Mental Health Association, Nexus Recovery Center, National Women’s Board, Dallas Museum of Art, Northwood University and the DIFFA Style Council, helping to raise a total of more than $8 million for various charities.

Yvonne founded the Suicide and Crisis Center’s Fashion Stars for a Cause event. She has been honored with The Distinguished Woman Award from Northwood University in 2001, the Dallas Historical Society Award for Excellence in Volunteering in 2006, and in 2009 was named Woman of the Year by Les Femmes du Monde. Yvonne received an Honorary Doctorate from Northwood University in 2009.

The Aging Mind Foundation has raised nearly $2 million and has funded four Alzheimer’s dementia research projects. Proceeds from the 2019 Aging Mind Foundation Gala will benefit Yale University’s Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair program.

Presented by Headington Companies, The Joule and Forty-Five Ten, The Aging Mind Gala will be hosted by Greg Creed, CEO of Yum! Brands, with entertainment from country singer Jay Allen. Sherwood Wagner is serving as the Honorary Chair and Kathy Nelson as Gala Chair. 

During the State of the Union address, President Trump called on Congress to spend an additional 500-million-dollars over ten years in the fight against childhood cancer. Carolyn Alvey, board member with TeamConnor was interviewed by Chris Sommer at NewsRadio 1080 KRLD AM. Carolyn, what did you think about the proposal from the president?

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2555343801146801

Originally featured on KRLD 1080 News Radio on February 6, 2019

Most pediatric cancer treatments have not significantly improved in the past 20 years.  Without funding, progress can not be made to advance childhood cancer treatments and potential cures.  For our most vulnerable population, this is unacceptable.  The TeamConnor

Childhood Cancer Foundation mission is to raise funds for national childhood cancer research programs, to build awareness that less than 4% of the NIH’s annual funding supports childhood cancer research, and to support inpatient programs.

TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation was founded as a non-profit 501(c)(3) by Connor’s mother, Joy Cruse, and shortly thereafter the first board of directors was established.  Since TeamConnor’s inception in late 2008, the organization has donated more than $2.3 million to hospitals and research facilities around the country.   TeamConnor would not be successful without our generous donors and supporters who attend our golf tournaments, auctions, fun runs, and various fundraising events throughout the year.

Today, there are many children battling cancer.  More funding means more research and increased treatment options available for children with cancer.  Ultimately, we are focused on finding cures.  Our organization continues to work tirelessly so that other children will not have to suffer.  Please help us fund more research for all childhood cancers.

All donations are tax-deductible.

Originally featured on dallas.culturemap.com on January 17, 2019

Who needs chocolate when you could shower your valentine with supercars instead? Dallas-based Park Place dealerships is launching a “Premier Tier” level of its vehicle subscription service, Park Place Select, that could have your honey-bunch hitting the road in one of the most luxurious cars in the world by this time next month.

The new service lets you swap or “flip” among your choice of five ultra high-end vehicles from their Premier Collection dealership on Lemmon Avenue in Dallas. Subscribers can choose among the Bentley GT convertible, Mercedes Benz G63, Maserati Quattroporte, McLaren 570 Spider, and Bentley Bentayga.

Swap as often as you like. Daily, even. But Park Place recommends flipping every couple of weeks, to appreciate each vehicle’s full-on experience.

All you pay for is gas. And, of course, the $3,000 joining fee and monthly subscription fee of $4,495.

This high-end offering begins, conveniently enough, on Valentine’s Day. (Sure beats droopy, overpriced roses.)

Begun last year, the program also offers subscribers three additional levels to choose from: Prime, Plus, and Premium, which range from $995 to $1,995 per month (not including joining fees).

Via a smartphone app, participants choose, and flip, vehicles from the brands at Park Place. Within 24 hours, the vehicle arrives at their door. Maintenance, insurance, and cleaning costs are included. There’s even an available concierge to facilitate the experience.

“Vehicle subscription programs are an alternative to traditional purchase and lease options,” explains Hesham Elgaghil, chief strategy officer for Park Place. “With Select, we’re at the forefront of offering unique solutions that serve our unique clients. The new Premier tier expands those solutions even more.” 

It’s a trendy thing to do. Today’s digital subscription model has moved well past books, magazines, and sock clubs to encompass pet supplies, boxed ready-to-make dinners, razor blades, media content, even bacon and bagels. 

But six-figure supercars? For that matter, vehicles of any type, via subscription? Some manufacturers and third-party providers think it’s a coming thing. Volvo, Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and Jaguar Land Rover have all announced subscription programs that are in varying developmental stages.

But Park Place is unique in that it offers Select tiers throughout their product lines, not just one brand. 

“We feel fortunate to have a unique dealership, the Premier Collection, where clients can experience high-end, exclusive brands through this new subscription tier,” Elgaghil says. “And we’ll continue to challenge ourselves to deliver innovative solutions.”