Meet Gay Donnell, president and CEO of Lee Park & Arlington Hall Conservancy, a nonprofit formed more than a decade ago to oversee these two historic areas of the Dallas parks system. Donnell, who has been in the leadership role for two years is committed to restoring Lee Park and Arlington Hall and hopes everyone will enjoy the beauty and history of these, "Timeless Treasures". The Conservancy has raised and invested more than $2.5 million in private fund to restore and expand historic Arlington Hall, and almost $3 million in gifts for new garden and features in Lee Park. 

Donnell's passion is connecting people to their community. She has a lenghty career in advertising, public relations and broadcasting. After graduating from Texas Tech University, Donnell signed on with CBS affiliate KLBK in Lubbock, managing the station's promotion and public service, while hosting daily programs. She has also worked in business development for OrgSnyc, a Web 2.0 platform and social network for higher education.

Donnell is also active in numerous community nonprofits. She co-chaired the Walk to End Alzheimers earlier this month that included about 5,500 participants. She is also involved with The Family Place and the Dallas Public Library. Donnell credits her mother for instilling in her at a young age the desire to give back through volunteerism. She is now passing along that same spirit to her own two children. We wanted to know more about Donnell and her efforts at Lee Park & Arlington Hall Conservancy and she was kind enough to answer a few questions: 

Dawn Tongish: Please begin by telling us about the approaching anniversary of Arlington Hall Conservancy and nearby Lee Park.      

Gay Donnell: Friday, October 24^th at noon will mark the date and time that Arlington Hall was dedicated 75 years ago.  We will host a luncheon at the Hall with a notable member of the National Park Service who will share the history of Arlington House in Virginia, the inspiration for our own Arlington Hall.  The women of the Dallas Southern Memorial Association, who helped raise funds for the Hall to be built, still meet there monthly and many are descendants of those who were present at the dedication in 1939. To further commemorate this historic milestone, I’m pleased to share the Hall’s history and memories with the community, when we open its doors to the public on Sunday, October 26^th from 1:30-4:30 p.m.  We’ll have refreshments and tours to give the community a better understanding of the rich history of the Hall and why so many people have fond memories of it.  

DT: How did you become involved with Arlington Hall Conservancy and the efforts to preserve and renovate the historic building?    

GD: The Conservancy was formed in 1998 by five different organizations that had the common objective of seeing the Hall not only restored, but elegantly rejuvenated into an event venue that would help generate revenue to help care for it.  I’ve been with the Conservancy for two years now; I take pride in my role to continue the preservation and conservation of Lee Park and Arlington Hall, while also guiding the thoughtful development that is responsive to the needs of this growing Turtle Creek Corridor. Lee Park is like Dallas’ Central Park, so we are also very mindful of our role with regard to helping define the culture of our city.

DT: For those who aren't familiar with the building or the park, what kind of enjoyment does it provide citizens?  

GD: Lee Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of Dallas adorned by rolling lawns, gorgeous trees and a peaceful creek.  These landscape features are apparent as you drive down Turtle Creek Boulevard.  If you come into the Park, you’ll find many hidden treasures like a waterfall and overlook, some mini-forests with natural pathways through smaller trees and wood ferns, and even shuffle board and roque courts, which we will work to restore in 2015.   Arlington Hall is part of Dallas history but it is also a good place to learn more about American history.  Inside you will find a number of historic pieces including a Robert E. Lee signed report card from Washington College and a ribbon and program from his funeral.  That is why we are excited to open Arlington Hall for an open house on Sunday, October 26^th, so the public can come inside and take in the beauty of the Great Hall and its crystal chandeliers while hearing more about the Hall’s history from the Dallas Southern Memorial Association docents.

DT: How can the people of North Texas and beyond help meet your needs for 2014? What are your biggest needs?

GD: First, they can come to Lee Park! I’m certain that once they do, they’ll share their experience with others.  Next, they can share that it’s the Conservancy that helps take care of the Park and Hall, and that we need the support of those who use and love the Park to help us do so.  They can join the Conservancy and take part in many fun, social and historical events that members can attend. They can join at www.leeparkconservancy.org.

DT: Why is it so important to maintain this historic building for future generations to enjoy?

GD: Many memories have been created at Arlington Hall and Lee Park.  We have actually hosted several 50^th wedding anniversary parties for couples who were married at the Hall!  I’ve heard of gentlemen who remember the Hall as the first place they asked a girl to dance, and from those who proposed on one of the terraces or front steps of the Hall.  And for some, it’s simply a nice spot to have a picnic or read a book.  It’s a magical place for many, and we want to take good care of it so that people can keep creating memories here for years to come.

DT: It took an army of volunteers to bring the historic structure back to life. Can you describe the effort? 

GD: In the late 90s, the Hall and Park were in sad shape. It’s a real testament to that Dallas spirit we all know, because several organizations approached the Park Board and City of Dallas to express concern and they offered to take action.   A public/private coalition began to form, with the objective of adding capacity to the Hall and helping it to “save its own life” as an intimate, first-class event venue.  The Lee Park and Arlington Hall Conservancy was formed and, in 1998, the City of Dallas authorized the Conservancy to manage the project, operate the Hall and spearhead fundraising. City of Dallas bond funds were combined with resources from corporate and private sources.  In addition, the number of talented volunteers who lent their time and expertise was vast, from engineers and architects to designers and historians.  We have members on our advisory board today who remember painting the Dallas Room themselves in 2002 when funds were running low.

DT: What has been your most memorable moment as head of Arlington Hall Conservancy?   

GD: Being part of the construction of the ramp linking Lee Park to the Katy Trail. When it opened on Sunday, October 12, it allowed the 15-20,000 people who use the Trail each week to easily move into Lee Park East and take in the beauty of the trees, creek and fountain. Many people don’t know that Lee Park spans across Turtle Creek Boulevard, but they certainly will now! I already know my next memorable event here.  It involves the Park and I hope to announce it before the end of the year.

If you'd like to nominate a local resident for a BubbleLife community profile, contact Dawn Tongish at dtongish@yahoo.com or find her on Twitter at @DawnTongish.

Meet Lori Higgins, executive director of Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve. The nonprofit is located in Southlake on almost 800 acres of preserve land that is also part of the Cross Timbers ecosystem. Higgins oversees a multitude of regular classes for children and adults, hiking trails, a native-plant garden, indoor exhibits and an eco-summer camp. She also supports education programs that stress outdoor activity for children who too often fall prey to spending too much with social media and video games.

Higgins brings a rich background of helping others to her post at BJNC. She has worked in the social service industry more than 15 years in a capacity of different jobs. When Lori isn't working, she enjoys spending time outdoors, with nature. We wanted to know more about Higgins and the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve and she was kind enough to answer our questions: 

Dawn Tongish: Please begin by telling us about Bob Jones Nature Center.  

Lori Higgins: The Bob Jones Nature Center is a 501c3 nonprofit located in the City of Southlake and beautifully nestled on almost 800 acres of preserve. We are also part of the Cross Timbers ecosystem. The Nature Center is named after John Dolford “Bob” Jones who was born a slave, was freed after the Civil War, and became one of the largest land owners in the area during the early 1900’s. Bob Jones and his wife, Almeada, were big on education; they built their own school-house which the current Walnut Grove Elementary school is named after.  The Bob Jones Nature Center has a RICH history. In fact, NBC 5 ran a story a few years ago on the Bob Jones Legacy during Black History month. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpRidJOCQTk. There are plenty of opportunities at the Nature Center year-round for the whole family, including children’s classes, photography classes, special programs like Geocaching and Stargazing, hiking, bird watching, and simply relaxing on a bench.  We are also very are excited about our annual Naturally Sweet fundraiser presented this year by Grubbs Infiniti. On Saturday, November 1^st  at 7:00pm. For more information: http://www.bjnc.org/events-naturally-sweet.php. Christina and Michael Young are co-chairing the event. Mr. Young is a former Texas Ranger infielder and 7-time All-Star.

DT: What are your duties at Bob Jones Nature Center?

LH: As Executive Director, I am responsible for the day- to-day operations of the Nature Center; while fulfilling our mission “To restore and preserve the Eastern Cross-Timbers Ecosystem through environmental leadership, education, and compatible outdoor activities”. This means securing resources, operating strategically, thinking innovatively in the ways we engage people (children, youth and adults) about the importance and significance of preservation. 

DT: How did you become involved with Bob Jones Nature Center, and why are you so passionate about the work being done there? 

LH: I was introduced to the Bob Jones Nature Center during my time as Associate Director, for The Salvation Army DFW Metroplex Command in Dallas. I’ve worked in the nonprofit sector for the past 20 years in a variety of capacities.  My career has primarily consisted of providing programs and services to individuals who span the life cycle, from cradle to grave, and meeting the needs of individuals experiencing very difficult life circumstances.  I have always been a big believer in professional development. When the Bob Jones Nature Center Executive Director position was presented, I was excited to take my career into a new direction. Experiencing nature as a full-time job is a wonderful blessing! It’s a privilege to be part of the Bob Jones Legacy, restoring and preserving a portion of the Cross-Timbers ecosystem, and enhancing the educational focus of the Nature Center. I envision a Nature Center that is a unique destination in the Metroplex, with a sustained funding base, excellent educational programs, and an active volunteer corps. I’m passionate about preserving and enhancing this special location to ensure that everyone in the area has the opportunity to experience and learn about our natural environment.

DT: There is a wide cross section of activities for adults and children of all ages. In your opinion, why is it important for the community to feel a connection with nature and the ecosystem? 

LH: In my opinion finding harmony in nature is a fundamental principle we should all embrace as a matter of ensuring our natural resources; ensuring our survival. The community has to understand the impact our decisions have on our natural resources. The way we live today affects our soil, water, air, animals and plant life. If we don’t make good choices in our daily life, what do we leave the next generation? I read an article recently that National Geographic published titled “Connecting with Nature Boosts Creativity and Health”. The article was an interviewed with Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods Mr. Louv coined a term called "nature-deficit disorder" to describe the loss of connection children increasingly feel with the natural world. He argued this disorder affects the "health, spiritual well-being, and many other areas, including people's ability to feel ultimately alive." I agree with this theory as demonstrated with the loss of accessible open space, increasingly busy families’ schedules, and the over-emphasis on team sports over individual outside play and exploration, not to mention the amount of time spent on electronic and/or social media. Studies have shown that children and adults who spend time outside are healthier physically and mentally, have a higher self-esteem, good self-discipline, feel more capable and confident, are good problem solvers and the list of benefits goes on. 

We are in an era of change as people experience the impact our neglect has had on the natural environment. The Bob Jones Nature Center is in a position to support the change through providing tools to understanding an alternative way of life. Our motto “Educate, Conserve and Preserve” will become the mantra of the next generation. Baba Dioum, an environmentalist once said "In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand and we will understand only what we are taught."

DT: A big part of what BJNC does involves nature education and conservation. Can you talk about the importance of instilling those concepts in the younger generation?  

LH: The Bob Jones Nature Center hopes to instill in the younger generation a greater awareness and a deeper appreciation for our limited natural resources. The Nature Center provides opportunity for children and youth to engage in an alternative outdoor environment that not a ball park or driveway. At some point environmental education has to be taken from the classroom (books) into the field (nature). You can only learn so much about a butterfly looking at a picture of its life cycle. You have to have the opportunity to experience a butterfly in its natural environment, the way it was meant to live not caged. There is also something to be said for the ability to sit still in nature or the calm created in observation. We are in such a high-stress, fast-pace and media saturated generation. The importance of slowing down and, to use an old cliché, “smell the roses” is a lost art we cannot afford to lose. Observation and listening skills are timeless and form the base of all wisdom.

DT: How can the people of North Texas and beyond help meet your needs for 2014? What are your biggest needs? 

LH: The people of North Texas and beyond can support the Nature Center in the restoration of the Cross-Timbers ecosystem, while preserving the Bob Jones Legacy.

• Our biggest need is community awareness and financial resources.
• The Nature Center has a comprehensive master plan http://www.bjnc.org/documents/2011BJNCPMASTERPLAN-COMPRESSED.pdf we are in phase 1 of bringing the plan to life starting with raising funds at our Naturally Sweet fundraiser, Saturday November 1^st at 7pm on the grounds of the Nature Center. It will be a fun-filled evening with live music, samples of specialty foods from dozens of local restaurants, a silent auction, and more!
• North Texans (and beyond) are formally invited to attend! Proceeds raised this year will allow the Nature Center to fund a new beautiful Pollinator Garden. This inclusive habitat is specifically designed to sustain pollinators such as honey bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife in the area, and also serve as an educational venue. By creating a habitat that supports local wildlife the garden becomes a living, interactive classroom where children and adults can learn about the roles of plants, pollinators, and other wildlife in a sustainable ecosystem. 
• Adequate educational and Nature Center signage would be a huge asset.   
• Known by the photography community for our beautiful, historical red barn we would love to secure the resources to reconstruct the barn to house exhibits. 
• We’d like to restore our Natural Water Hole that will also function as a habitat for local wildlife and aquatic learning lab.
• The need to restore our Prairie, creating wildlife diversity, is some of the project in our master plan. 

The Bob Jones Nature Centers needs are great, and we know with the support of North Texans and the community at large we can preserve this treasure.

DT: What is the most memorable moment in your experiences at Bob Jones Nature Center?

LH: My most memorable experiences have come from engaging the public. When people visit the Nature Center for the first time, it’s exciting to share the Bob Jones story, take the visitors on a trail walk, talk about the classes and special programs we offer, and explain our vision for restoring the preserve. It’s a joy to share my passion for this hidden jewel!

If you'd like to nominate a local resident for a BubbleLife community profile, contact Dawn Tongish at dtongish@yahoo.com or find her on Twitter at @DawnTongish.

Meet Lisa Hembry, president and CEO of Literacy Instruction for Texas or LIFT. Hembry heads the agency that was founded in 1961 by the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Dallas Section. Since then more than 45,000 low-literate adults have learned to read at LIFT. Hembry joined LIFT in 2010 after a rich background in government and corporate sectors. She served as president of DallasiMedia Network, four years as Dallas County Treasurer, two years as CEO of Dallas Historical Society and eight years as news director and public affairs director with KRLD and KKDA radio.

Hembry continues to show her dedication, serving on several boards including Human Rights Initiative, UT Southwestern Medical Center Board of Visitors and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Council. We wanted to know more about Hembry and LIFT and she was kind enough to answer a few questions: 

Dawn Tongish: Please begin by telling us about Literacy Instruction for Texas (LIFT).

Lisa Hembry: We believe reading is a human right. Since 1961, LIFT has been enhancing lives and strengthening communities by teaching adults to read. The only agency in North Texas serving very low-literate adults, LIFT provides adult basic literacy services through GED preparation as well as English language immersion classes to over 5,000 adults annually with the help of more than 350 trained volunteer teachers, in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties. Reading is a basic job qualification. We also offer additional jobs kills training in all of our classes, using evidence based curricula, to help our students succeed at work and at home.

DT: What are your duties at Literacy Instruction for Texas?

LH: My job as President and CEO is to inspire, motivate and encourage our team, volunteers and adult learners to do the best that we can do in support of LIFT’s mission to teach adults to read. The best part of my responsibilities is to empower our adult learners to reach their personal and professional goals especially to create a better life for themselves and their families.

DT: How did you become involved with Literacy Instruction for Texas, and why are you so passionate about the work being done with the organization?  

LH: I learned about LIFT when I was president of Dallas IMedia Network and had the pleasure of interviewing a staff member and an adult learner. It made me aware of the magnitude of the illiteracy problem and the dire consequences for all of us if this is not addressed. Later, when the board sought new leadership I was recruited to provide staff leadership as President. Let me just say it is the most rewarding position I have ever had. I am passionate about our work because I love to read. I am an avid reader. And everyday I see the impact that learning to read makes on our students, many of whom have struggled with illiteracy their entire lives. It was life changing for me when one of our students shared  in amazement that she is now making more money than she has ever made and feels like she can finally live not just struggle. 

DT: In our modern world it is hard to imagine someone not learning to read or read well. Why and how does that happen? What is the impact on a person's life when they aren't literate? 

LH: It is difficult to imagine. Our students are smart, driven individuals and for native English speakers that have made it to adulthood without being able to read it is usually because of an underlying learning difference such as Dyslexia. The illiterate individual is unable to manage the tasks of daily living that are so easy for those of us who can read. They cannot apply for a job, help their children with homework, advocate on their own behalf or fulfill their potential as a member of society. Access to literacy training significantly reduces someone’s reliance on social services and that affects all of us.

DT: How can the people of North Texas and beyond help meet your needs for 2014? What are your biggest needs?

LH: LIFT is a privately funded agency that has served the North Texas region for over 53 years. We receive no government funding and rely on the investment in generosity of private funders to support our mission to teach adults to read. LIFT’s Bend the Trend Campaign to reduce adult illiteracy in our community requires collaboration with agencies that serve our population. Ideal partners have available space to offer classes in neighborhoods with high poverty and illiteracy rates. This is the centerpiece of our partnership model to offer literacy classes where people live, work and worship.

DT: How great is your need for volunteers?

LH: One of our greatest resources is people. We have an ongoing need for compassionate empathetic and willing participants in our goal to offer more classes to more people. Our strategic plan is to expand the number of partner sites significantly over the next five years. In order to do that we must have trained volunteers who are willing share their knowledge to help other people live a better life. We currently have 350 volunteers who teach classes, mentor and serve in the computer lab including in our English immersion classes at fourteen locations across the Metroplex, our GED preparation program that includes computer Essentials, and our Adult Basic Literacy classes.

DT: What has been your most memorable moment at LIFT?  

LH: There have been many memorable moments among those was our 2013 GED graduating class of 21 people many of whom never thought they could achieve this lifelong goal. We have thousands of students who come through our doors with inspiring stories but former student Dadrian Pearson is very close to my heart. At 13 he and his 3 siblings were abandoned by their mother and went to live with their grandmother. He was forced to drop out of school to help support his family.  For several years, he held a well-paying job in a warehouse until his position became automated. All of a sudden he was unemployed, with people to feed and clothe without his high school diploma or GED. That’s when Dadrian found LIFT. Determined to get his GED and make a better life for his family He worked really hard for almost two years, earned his GED and he now has full time job with benefits and educational reimbursement. Even better, his fiancé Jessica enrolled in LIFT classes and is now very close to earning her GED. 

If you'd like to nominate a local resident for a BubbleLife community profile, contact Dawn Tongish at dtongish@yahoo.com or find her on Twitter at @DawnTongish.

Meet Glenn Rosenberger, president and co-founder of North Texas Wounded Warrior Golf Association. As one of nine chapters of the Salute Military Golf Associaton, NTWWGA works to improve the lives of injured veterans and military members injured post 9/11 through rehabilitative golf experiences. Rosenberger calls the project a great blend of using golf to help heroes reach better health and well-being.

It all started in 2011 when Rosenberger found the perfect way to combine his wish to stay connected to military service and his desire to help people. Rosenberger served 34 years in the Air Force. When his son, Matt who is an avid golfer came across an article about the program it seemed ideal to launch NTWWGA. The father-son duo kicked off the charity and it has grown ever since. NTWWGA now has a partnership with Timarron Country Club in Southlake and helps countless wounded warriors each year overcome the scars of battle. We wanted to know more about Rosenberger and North Texas Wounded Warrior Golf Association and he was kind enough to answer a few questions: 

Dawn Tongish: Please begin by telling us about the North Texas Wounded Warrior Golf Association.

Glenn Rosenberger: The North Texas Wounded Warrior Golf Association (NTWWGA) serves as one of nine chapters of the Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA). Our mission is to provide rehabilitative golfing experiences to injured servicemembers and veterans residing in North Texas. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for these American heroes through the game of golf. Eligible veterans include those wounded or injured in post‐9/11 military operations, including those with Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The heart of our program is an eight-week adaptive golf clinic that we host at Timarron Country Club each spring.  Through our clinic, we provide golf instruction, golf equipment and golf apparel to program participants. Participants who meet our attendance requirements are offered a set of custom-fit golf clubs at the completion of the clinic. We maintain relationships with the warriors who register with our program, offering playing opportunities throughout the year. A video documentary of our program is hosted at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FlQ09cgs_U. Golf is our tool, but rehabilitation is our focus. The game of golf embodies strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and mental discipline. SMGA/NTWWGA programs are designed to leverage these attributes to facilitate the healing process. The golf experiences offered though our program build lasting relationships that extend beyond the hospital and past the golf course. By addressing the unique needs of wounded warriors returning home from service, we assist these heroes as they reintegrate back to active duty or civilian society.

DT: What are your duties at The North Texas Wounded Warrior Golf Association?  

GR: I serve as President and co-founder of NTWWGA. I am blessed to lead a team of passionate volunteers who make this job very rewarding.

DT: How did you become involved with NTWWGA, and why are you so passionate about the work being done with the group?   

GR: Upon retiring from a 34-year career in the Air Force, I wanted to stay connected to the military and the people I love. At the same time, my son Matt was becoming an avid high school golfer. One Sunday in 2011, Matt read an article about the Salute Military Golf Association in a local newspaper. He was inspired to raise money for this wonderful organization. So Matt and I collaborated with SMGA and hosted a charity golf tournament for SMGA in September of 2011, the ten year anniversary of 9-11. We had a successful tournament, hosting four wounded warriors as our guests and raising $8000 for SMGA. Matt and I enjoyed working on this father-son project together and repeated our tournament in 2012 – this time hosting 12 warrior golfers and raising $12000. Along the way, we quickly developed a strong group of sponsors and supporters that allowed us to build upon our fundraising success. In 2013, we transformed our organization into a full service chapter of SMGA and established a partnership with Timarron Country Club in Southlake TX. Timarron’s staff and membership have warmly embraced our charity – they donate the use of their facility, equipment and instructor time to conduct our clinics. My team is passionate about the benefits that the game of golf offers to our nation’s injured heroes. Golf offers many benefits to aid in their recovery. 

• Golf gets isolated warriors out of their house and away from their struggles.
• Our clinics and golf outings allow the warriors to connect with a team of supportive peers who have similar experiences, allowing them to unwind with people they trust.
• Golf requires mental focus and discipline. It is played in a setting filled with natural beauty. As the warrior concentrates on improving his game in this peaceful setting, he replaces negative thoughts and memories with positive thoughts and memories from his rehabilitative golfing experiences.
• Golf is a well-known tool used to develop professional networking. Golf aids in the warrior’s reintegration into civilian life.

DT: What success stories have you seen related to the therapeutic efforts your group has been able to provide?  

GR: We have several warrior golfers who led isolated lives prior to their involvement with our organization. Now they are active in society, both professionally and socially. We have observed the smiles, the mental healing and restored family relationships. We’ve also seen success with our golfers during competitive golf experiences that add to the warrior’s sense of pride and accomplishment. Six warriors who are registered with NTWWGA have participated in the Warrior Open, a competitive golf tournament for warrior golfers hosted by President George W. Bush at Las Colinas Country Club. Curtis Fowler, a warrior golfer from our 2013 clinic, will make his inaugural appearance in the 2014 Warrior Open. Jason Leap, a NTWWGA Board member and warrior golfer will compete at Congressional Country Club in the Simpson Cup, a Ryder-Cup styled event between US and UK warrior golfers.

DT: How can the people of North Texas and beyond help meet your needs for 2014? What are your biggest needs? 

GR: We enjoy the support of numerous sponsors, both large and small, throughout the DFW metroplex. We recently completed the Fourth Annual North Texas Wounded Warrior Charity Golf Tournament at Timarron Country Club. The Airpower Foundation led the way as our title sponsor. This event is sure to grow and I encourage North Texans to support our organization by participating in our annual fundraiser. Donations of gift cards for our raffle and silent auction are always welcome. Though community partnerships, we also offer several “no-cost-to-you” methods of financially supporting our charity – see www.ntwwga.org/donate.aspx for more details.

Another need we have is for quality playing opportunities for our warrior golfers. If you are a tournament director/sponsor who would like to host a few warrior golfers in your tournament, our website has details on how to offer this benefit to the North Texas heroes registered with NTWWGA.  (Alternatively: “contact Curtis Fowler at curtis.fowler76@gmail.com or 817-773-6836 for more information.”)

DT: Can you describe the reactions from the warriors who participate in your events, and even from the volunteers?

GR: Many of our warriors have offered their testimonies of the effectiveness of the therapy we offer to media outlets and several warriors serve as program leaders within our organization. With our most recent fundraiser, we had a tremendous outflowing of support. Most of our volunteers have been with us for several years and support us in many different ways. Kyle Corey, the team captain and two-time district champion from Grapevine High School Girls Golf Team, serves as our junior volunteer lead and junior volunteer coordinator. She is an enthusiastic supporter of our program. In our recent fundraiser, Kyle netted over $2400 for our charity by allowing tournament participants to substitute her golf shot for their shot on a Par #3.

DT: What has been your most memorable moment at NTWWGA?

GR: In 2013, I was forwarded a video from a golf tournament director who hosted a foursome of warriors who participated in our clinic sessions. The video featured an interview with a warrior golfer who had recently completed our clinic series. In the interview, the warrior matter-of-factly stated that because of golf, he no longer has nightmares before and after the days that he plays golf.  This video is hosted at https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_295YZpjUlFeVkzQmNCVnRXdmM/edit

If you'd like to nominate a local resident for a BubbleLife community profile, contact Dawn Tongish at dtongish@yahoo.com or find her on Twitter at @DawnTongish.

Meet John McGee, chief operating officer at ER Centers of America Inc., a free-standing emergency room in Plano where patients typically receive care in 15 minutes or less. Under the FSER model, it is the goal to deliver quality care to consumers where they live and shop. McGee brings a wealth of corporate background to his position at ERCA. Previously he has served in senior executive positions with Chilton Corporation, TRW and Computer Science Corporation.  

McGee is also a civic leader in Highland Village, where he has lived for nearly a decade with his wife, Janet. McGee was elected to the city council in 2010 and serves on several boards. McGee is a U.S. Army veteran.

We wanted to know more about McGee and his duties at ER Centers of America and he was kind enough to answer a few questions: 

Dawn Tongish: Please begin by telling us about ER Centers of America.  

John McGee: ER Centers of America (ERCA) is a Free-standing Emergency Medical Care Facility (FSER) that is licensed by the State of Texas. The FSER model delivers high quality emergency care to where people live and shop thereby reduce the time-to-care. All ERCA facilities are Joint Commission accredited. The Joint Commission accreditation is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 20,500 health care organizations and programs in the United States. ERCA has been providing quality emergency medical care since January 2008. Basically, a FSER is an emergency room, not a urgentcare, without a hospital attached to it. We have:

If you'd like to nominate a local resident for a BubbleLife community profile, contact Dawn Tongish at dtongish@yahoo.com or find her on Twitter at @DawnTongish.