Community.voices.intros

Transcript

4B Sunday, November 7, 2010 C dallasnews.com The Dallas Morning News Community opinions A forum for readers in Dallas County They’re raising their voices T Jeff Hampton Writer/editor, Casa Linda oday we introduce our 2010-2011 Community Voices. Along with Student Voices and Teacher Voices, these volunteers write regular columns and are featured in Sounding Off, our Sunday community Q&A. To learn more about Voices, including how to apply, visit dallasnews.com/voices and follow the Voices on Facebook. Cedric Wood Psychotherapist, Dallas Michael Walker City planner, Oak Cliff Robert Abtahi Attorney, Uptown Barbara B. Johnson Life coach, Preston Hollow Home: “I grew up in Richardson and have lived in Dallas since 1983. I live in the Casa Linda area in a house built in 1949 and love the history and beauty of the neighborhood, especially White Rock Lake.” Philosophy: “After making my living as a writer/editor for a variety of publications, businesses and organizations, I’m no longer content to earn a paycheck and take up space while waiting for retirement. I quit my job at DART in January and am dividing my time between freelancing for pay and writing about topics of interest to me at jeffhamptonwriter.com. Off the beaten path: “I am a regular walker and cyclist at White Rock Lake and have been a shoreline cleanup volunteer.” Credentials: “I am probably the most educated psychotherapist in Dallas (over 200 graduate hours in counseling, psychology and family therapy). I have a master’s degree in clinical psychology and a Ph.D. in family therapy. I have been working in psychiatric hospitals for 20 years and have a private practice.” In his off-hours: “I write the weekly movie review for the White Rock Lake Weekly and am a member of the USA Film Festival. I am writing a book on emotional intelligence and egopathy. Sometimes I go surfing.” Column fodder: “The need for relationship and parenting training in the high schools. The psychology of violent, criminal and destructive behavior. The psychology of the movies.” On calling Dallas home: “Since moving to the metroplex in 1997, I have worked in two suburban cities as a city planner, yet have always maintained residency in Dallas. I love Dallas and all its potential.” Experiences: “Being adopted and an only child shaped my experiences at a young age. Coming out as a gay man in my 20s after moving to Dallas shaped my young adult life. Losing both of my parents within three months of each other a few years ago gave me a perspective that life itself is the most precious thing we have and not to waste one minute of it.” Professional interests: “I’ve always worked in cities helping create new things and build from the ground up, but always maintaining a respect and passion for history.” Background: “I am a first-generation American. My entire family immigrated to Dallas from Iran due to the Iranian revolution. I was born and raised in the city of Dallas, have lived in various portions of Northeast Dallas, North Central Dallas, Far North Dallas, Downtown Dallas, and Uptown Dallas.” About his generation: “People my age (28 years old) do not get involved on a regular basis. They are quick to complain but slow to act.” On Dallas geography: “I have unique experiences from living all over the northern half of the city and working in the southern portion of the city for the last two years. I can see things from all sides and believe that I would give a voice to an otherwise underrepresented group of citizens.” Background: “I am an American but was born and raised in southeast Asia because of my father’s job. I lived in the U.S. for the first time when I attended Stanford University as a freshman in 1981.” Experiences: “I run an adult literacy center in West Dallas, and I am a certified life coach. I have kids in junior high, high school and college, so I cover all stages of parenting.” Dual roles: “My role as a parent of students at a private school puts one foot in the affluent, high-pressure world of North Dallas. My part-time job as director of a nonprofit adult literacy center puts the other foot in a high-density, low-income, mostly Hispanic neighborhood in West Dallas.” Ken Dublé The Cedars Ishita Sharma Artist/intern architect, Oak Cliff Tom Coughlin Real estate broker/entrepreneur, Downtown Dallas Christine Horstman Stay-at-home mom, North Dallas International interests: “I’m widely traveled. I volunteered at a drug rehab house in Switzerland for six months, have had a Canadian work visa and I’ve done short-term stints of language study in Mexico.” How the community sees him: “I’m known as inquisitive, pragmatic and a free-thinker. Having lived several years of my life outside the United States, I’m less culture-bound. … A frequent blogger, my thumbs-up scores show my comments are highly rated, even though I’m often taking unpopular positions.” How he sees the neighborhood: “I’m interested in a livable urban environment for The Cedars neighborhood in particular and downtown in general. I’ve also assisted my neighborhood in obtaining a Loving My Community grant, which we plan to use to promote outdoor sculptures in the neighborhood.” Take on the American spirit: “Shortly after my arrival in the U.S. (11 days later, to be precise), the World Trade Center was bombed. The event gave me a premature preview into the American psyche and society’s strategies for dealing with grief and disaster — very different from the fatalist nonchalance I was used to in India, where I hail from.” Personal outlook: “I am always moving toward trying to clarify the larger picture — attempting to gain a deep and meaningful understanding of the human condition in our intensely global times.” On calling Dallas home: “I am neither an outsider nor an insider here today. I see myself as a child of the universe and citizen of the world — just as comfortable playing in the streets of India with the locals as I am dining in the homes that line Highland Park.” His profile on Match.com: The 50-plusyear Dallas resident is “Dallas’ only 62-year-old real estate broker, property manager, marketing consultant, freelance greeting card copywriter and humorous poet in the marketplace.” Where he lives: “I’m the sole resident of the old Plaza Hotel in downtown Dallas, serving in a security and property management capacity for the owners. It’s a little like having my own 240bedroom condo.” Personal memorable events: “Greatest sports memories of a non-player: scorekeeping for Mickey Wright on the final day of her victory in the 1958 Dallas LPGA Civitan Open, meeting Mickey Mantle on the golf course a few minutes following the Kennedy assassination, and attending the 1985 Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies in Canton, Ohio, as a guest of Tex Schramm and Tom Landry. Occupation: “Being a stay-at-home mom has afforded me the opportunity to meet and get to know so many more women than I was able to when I was in the working world. I am amazed by the talents, hobbies and community-building skills I have encountered.” On Dallas: “I was a political science major, and I interned for the Department of Economic Development. That’s where my interest in our city’s growth, development and quality of life comes from. … I grew up in Lake Highlands, had a condo in Oak Lawn, then lived in Oak Cliff for close to 10 years until about three months ago, when we moved to the Disney Streets.” Possible column idea: “In a world of political correctness and changing views of the power of words and labels, it’s sometimes hard to say the right thing.” 4B Sunday, November 7, 2010 W dallasnews.com The Dallas Morning News Community opinions A forum for readers in Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties They’re raising their voices T Charles Dean Bowen Accountant, Farmers Branch oday we introduce our 2010-2011 Community Voices. Along with Student Voices and Teacher Voices, these volunteers write regular columns and are featured in Sounding Off, our Sunday community Q&A. To learn more about Voices, including how to apply, visit dallasnews.com/voices and follow the Voices on Facebook. J. Paul Holcomb Retired software engineer, Double Oak Amanda Bresie TCU graduate student, Grapevine Marjorie Stanfield Movie distribution professional, Midlothian Barbara Dornak Christian Retired banking executive, Carrollton Introduction: “I have lived with HIV/AIDS for about 15 years with the help of a lot of prayers, teas, tisanes and medicine from time to time. I love to go hiking and being surrounded by nature. Gardening, cooking and reading are some of my hobbies. I try to stay active politically, as I think it is my duty as a free citizen.” On the tea party: “I love tea and am all for public interest. I wish, however, that this movement was more like a real tea party — inviting, joyful, cordial and caring. I don’t see much of those attributes in this current movement.” Philosophy: “I say find wisdom, get active, use reason and stay friendly! Texas comes from Tejas, a term from the Caddo Indians that means ‘friends.’ Let’s keep it that way.” Interests: “I am a retired software engineer and have focused primarily on poetry writing since my retirement from Rockwell Collins in 2000.” Activities: “I served three years as the president of the Poetry Society of Texas from 1999-2002. Later, I wrote a column for Fort Worth Poet, then DFW Poetry Review for five years.” Writing sample: “I suppose I can blame it on the song where the guy sings about placing a pink carnation on his white sport coat just to get stood up by the only girl he ever loved, but when I was a senior in high school I couldn’t find a pink carnation anywhere in town. No florist carried pink, only fuchsia.” Her many roles: “A history Ph.D. student, wife, adoptive mother, teacher’s kid, avid biker, feminist, nonmilitant vegetarian, intrepid road tripper, kickboxer, starter of home improvement projects.” Where her Voice comes from: “As a student, I live in the world of ideas. As a wife and mother, I live in the land of dirty diapers and grocery store runs. I spend a lot of my time reconciling the two.” Unusual credentials: “I am probably the only person who grew up in Dallas with a pay television. We had to pay a quarter for each half-hour of television, and we only received $2 each week. My sister and I would plan our schedule to make sure we got the most entertainment for our $4. PBS, however, was free, so we filled up on NOVA and the Electric Company.” Personality: “People who don’t know me very well think I’m quirky, and I am, I guess. However, once they know me better, they know that I have a good heart and, if given an assignment of any kind, I’m like a bloodhound with a scent. There’s no stopping me until I get it done.” What she’d say to employers: “Don’t turn people away based on some ‘prescription’ written for what defines success, be it in a good volunteer, or a good employee. Computers are great, but what about human beings?” Column ideas: “Older people in the job market, why can’t anyone see what’s wrong with our schools and ‘do unto others’ goes a long way.” Career notes: “I am a former JPMorgan Chase executive who took early retirement in early 2006. Most of my career was spent in commercial workouts, so I have a number of banker/customer survivor tales from the turbulent 1980s.” Recent experiences: “In the last four years, I have spent several weeks caring for a cousin and two dear friends in hospice care. While such an experience might not be for everyone, I seem to have a calling for it — and I think I have more insight now on the importance of dying with dignity.” Column ideas: “Surviving the 1980s as a Texas banker, hospice angels — true heroes and ‘From Moravia to Texas — Family Heritage Series’ (the first installment would be the story of tracking down relatives on two visits to the Czech Republic).” Brynne Sissom Novelist, Irving Vincent L. Hall Free-lance writer, DeSoto LaNelle Pierce Chambers Writer and speaker, Fort Worth Judy Gaman Writer and public speaker, Southlake Background: “Most people find me surprising because my view of life is one that sees people capable of cooperation, capable of deeper thinking and deeper relationships than television and news spots. I can be firm in my opinions, yet defend them with fact and further questioning. I can hear the other side. I can relate to other cultures.” Unique experience: “In Albania, in Peace Corps, I lived in a post-communist world; my host family lived on subsistence farming, plus the salary of a forest management guide. They were culturally Muslim, yet in the capital, Greek Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals shared space with a beautiful mosque.” Point of view: “My perspectives on oneness, on America’s purpose in blending many cultures, using inductive reasoning to create our world more equitably, may stir conversation.” How others see him: “People would describe me as thought-provoking and controversial.” On his upbringing: My mother was a strict and unrelenting disciplinarian. … My mother was good at intermingling biblical parables and black proverbs so that they engrossed and embellished one’s capacity to comprehend. Sometimes Mama would say, ‘Boy, a word to the wise is sufficient, but if I have to say two, I’m gonna be on your blessed assurance!’ ” To the black community: “We’ve got businesses brought to our community by owners who wouldn’t tolerate them near their own homes. They take your money and build private, elaborate enclaves to educate, enrich and entertain their families. The wealth their children enjoy perpetuates the poverty your children inherit. These folks don’t respect you or your churches.” Others would say: “That I am creative, organized, warm-hearted — and that I’m rarely boring.” Credentials: “I am an award-winning writer of short fiction, poetry, and devotional material; a vocal musician and entertainer; and an indemand lay speaker for an interdenominational organization. I am resolved never to stop learning, growing, or contributing for so long as God gives me breath and capability.” Reading list: “I read continually, both nonfiction and fiction. Most recently, I read a sprawling novel and sequel about Fort Worth; a biography of Richard III; The Worst Hard Time, a riveting account of life during the Great Depression; and an examination of the complexities in the life and thinking of John Calvin. I recently read President Bill Clinton’s autobiography, My Life.” Occupation: “I am director of business development at Executive Medicine of Texas and the mother of 10 (his, mine, and ours). Balancing home, work, and community involvement has become an art form for me. As an accomplished writer who has authored three books and numerous articles, I strive to deliver what readers need to know in a way they can understand it.” Characteristics: “People I know would describe me as energized and always willing to help. They’d say I not only step in to get things done, but I take part in the creative process — always asking how we can do it better.” On writing: “Writing is my passion, and I write from the heart. If I had it my way, I would spend hours on end writing from some remote cabin in the woods while sipping on a latte. However, for now, my home office and a hot cup of tea will have to do.” 6B Sunday, November 7, 2010 E dallasnews.com The Dallas Morning News Community opinions A forum for readers in Collin, Dallas and Rockwall counties They’re raising their voices T Saima Sheikh Stay-at-home mom and volunteer, Allen oday we introduce our 2010-2011 Community Voices. Along with Student Voices and Teacher Voices, these volunteers write regular columns and are featured in Sounding Off, our Sunday community Q&A. To learn more about Voices, including how to apply, visit dallasnews.com/voices and follow the Voices on Facebook. Brandie Sellers Yoga teacher, McKinney David E. Abbot Process engineer, Rowlett Michael Holliday Safety/LEAD coordinator, Garland Tom Leecock Author, Plano Characteristics: “I am very passionate about my community and love to help others in need. I am very knowledgeable in current affairs and not hesitant to speak the truth.” Community work: “I have delivered meals to the seniors through the Allen Community Outreach Center. I arranged for the school supply drive at my local mosque, have organized food drive on Thanksgiving…and have also collected donations for the Plano Children’s Medical Clinic. Since last year, I have been volunteering at the homeless shelter, The Samaritan Inn, in McKinney.” Column ideas: “Women’s issues, the local school system and religion.” Abilities: “I have been teaching yoga for five years and have a passion for helping other people live healthy, vibrant lives. I am an eternal optimist, and, no, that does not make me naıve. ¨ I can also stand on my head.” Politics: “Most of my community involvement is around environmental and wellness issues, although I did screw up the courage to display an Obama sign in my front yard, which at the time was across the street from the elementary school and got high visibility.” From her writing sample: “When I was 15, I watched a Geraldo Rivera episode about adopted kids who find their birth parents. It was just the push I needed to pick up the phone. I got out the phone book. … I dialed the number. My dad answered.” On being a Texan: “Having lived in Texas for over 20 years, I’m definitely a damn Yankee — Yankees only come to visit.” Politics: “I’m a conservative Republican who recycles and is captain of a DART vanpool to help save the environment, who doesn’t think Democrats want the terrorists to win just because they’re concerned about protecting our civil liberties.” On writing: “I work for Raytheon as a process engineer, but please don’t hold that against me when you judge my writing skills. Most engineers can’t write worth a darn, but I’m an exception. I speak fluent Spanish and have many Hispanic friends. I love sports, especially basketball. I’m an Air Force veteran. And I’m a Mormon.” His qualification as a Voice: “I see the community in a better light than most people do.” On Garland’s image: “I have lived in Garland for close to 20 years, and have noticed that there are two types of people who talk about how horrible Garland is to live in: those who have gotten a ride from the Garland police department (in the back seat, wearing city-furnished bracelets), and those who have never lived in Garland.” From his writing sample: “Unfortunately they [the city’s code enforcement officers] can’t regulate the color that someone paints their house, since we have freedom of expression in this country. If I wanted to live some place that can stifle such freedoms, I’d move to a HOA community.” Reputation: “Others in the community would describe me as glib, irreverent and funny.” Activities: “I take my trash cans in religiously once they are empty. I yell at people who litter. I used to be on the boards of several homeowners associations — but was asked to leave one when they discovered I did not live in that neighborhood. I vote. I go to jury duty and beg to be selected, but somehow am always overlooked. Anything else I put in here would be speculative at best.” Wants to write about: “Things that are unique about the area we live in. Things that are stupid and should be pointed out as such — without hurting anyone’s feelings. World peace. Well, not really, but I thought that would help me get elected.” Nancy Rosenberg Freelance writer, Frisco Mark Shear Optometrist, Richardson Neil Farquharson Marketing Professional, Plano Scotty Holt Retired police officer, Mesquite Locations: “We’ve lived in Washington, D.C., where I was an editor for the Central Intelligence Agency, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Antonio, Frisco, Plano and Richardson, and with every move I have learned something about different communities and also about myself.” Interests: “I read from several newspapers every day, and I follow CNN and MSNBC. I don’t have a strong political affiliation. But I care about the issues that affect us all, from the environment to education to foreign affairs.” Clips: “I have written three books: Outwitting Stress, Outwitting Housework and Off Your Rocker (the Ultimate Guide for Grandparents). I have also written for a wide variety of publications, including Health & Fitness Sports Magazine, where I’ve been a regular contributing editor since 1996.” Resume: “I have pumped gas, detailed cars, ´ ´ mounted and balanced tires, changed oil and cleaned bathrooms at a service station. I performed live on The Grapevine Opry stage twice with a group from high school. I worked for 14 years in a retail, full-service grocery and eight years in management. I served as a US Army doctor in Desert Shield/Storm. I have been in private practice in North Dallas for 17 years.” Background: “I was a single father who reared a daughter as I worked my way through college to become an eye doctor. I now have a beautiful journalist-turned-science-writer wife and two precious young girls. I do not have the answers to life. I only have questions and life experience as suggestions.”In his spare time: “I am an amateur carpenter, cook, and hunt for meat.” Background: “I grew up in Scotland on the margin between suburbia and the open countryside. Having gained an engineering degree at the renowned University of Glasgow, I went on to have an interesting career in manufacturing: everything from metal extrusions to running the Cadbury Creme Egg plant.” ` On living in Plano: “I was greatly impressed with the quality of teaching, facilities and students at UT-Dallas. … A few months before I graduated, I received an offer to come and work for a telecom company with offices local to North Dallas. I was again impressed, this time with the work ethic that I observed. The people there were not only civil to each other, but also very helpful — even when overloaded or stressed.” Column ideas: “Road and pedestrian safety; cultural and language differences between the U.S. and U.K.” Background: “I grew up in the blue collar neighborhood of Pleasant Grove. I was a police officer for 37 years, living through the most dramatic changes in the Dallas Police Department’s history. I was on an advisory committee for every Chief from Byrd to Kunkle. I trained more recruits than any officer in department history.” A beat cop’s approach: “During 197980,the Oak Lawn area became a majority gay neighborhood. There were strong concerns in the community over police tactics and motives. Since this was my beat, I personally met with every business and bar owner. I was able to develop good relations and trust. I WALKED this beat every night that time allowed and was welcomed in each business I entered.” Column ideas: “Science, sports, religion, city history.”