January Neighborhood Newsletter

Happy New Year, neighbors! As we kick off 2025, we’re excited to bring new energy and fresh ideas to the Vickery Place Neighborhood Association.

Happy New Year, neighbors!

As we kick off 2025, we’re excited to bring new energy and fresh ideas to the Vickery Place Neighborhood Association. This year, we’re focusing on strengthening our community, preserving the character of our neighborhood, and creating more opportunities for everyone to connect.

Whether you’ve been involved in the past or are looking for a way to get more connected, there are plenty of ways to join in. We’ll be hosting our first meeting of the year on Tuesday, January 21st, at Local Public Eatery (Henderson Ave) at 6 PM, and we’d love to see you there! This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, share ideas, and help shape the direction of our community. And remember—there are no dues, no obligations—just a shared love for Vickery Place and a desire to make it the best it can be!

We’re always looking for new ideas, so feel free to reach out if you have suggestions for how we can better serve the neighborhood.

Here’s to an amazing year ahead!


Upcoming Events

The best way to stay up-to-date on events is on our website at https://www.vickeryplace.com/tag/events/


Pet Waste Stations

We recently sent an email about purchasing Pet Waste Stations for Vickery Place. We've had some great feedback via email and on the Facebook Page.

To recap: We are exploring the option of purchasing, installing, and maintaining up to three dog waste stations in the Vickery Place Neighborhood.

These stations would provide a convenient, sanitary option for responsible pet owners and benefit us all in several ways:

  • Reduce dog waste bags left on sidewalks during bulk trash pick-up weeks
  • Minimize dumping in alleys, helping to keep those spaces cleaner
  • Relieve strain on nearby waste stations that are often overflowing (McMillian, Homer, Greenville)
  • Encourage proper disposal of pet waste, which can improve our shared spaces
  • Help control odors, as the proposed stations are designed to better contain waste smells

I've priced them out and think the board can comfortably afford 3 pet waste stations with weekly waste pickup and bag replenishment, for the next year. Following years would be cheaper, having already purchased the stations. We would be able to get a custom sign on it that says something along the lines of "Paid for by your donations to the Vickery Place Neighborhood Association".

Below is a map of known waste locations at apartment complexes (in Red), proposed locations (in Blue), and some highlighted areas where we are looking for volunteers to host a pet waste station (in Green).

🐾
We are still looking for someone on Worcola to volunteer hosting a pet waste station by their alley entrance!

Due the cost of this project, it will require a vote at a Neighborhood General Meeting per our bylaws. As such, please try to attend our Neighbor Meeting at Local Public Eatery on January 21st at 6PM to vote!


January Neighbor Meeting - 1/21/25 - 6PM @ Local Public Eatery

Join us at Local Public Eatery (Henderson Ave) at 6 PM on Tuesday, January 21st for Vickery Place Neighborhood Association’s first meeting of the year!

Whether you’ve attended before or this is your first time, we’d love to see you there. Every Vickery Place neighbor is automatically a member of our registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization—no dues, no obligations, just community! 🏡

We’re all about preserving the charm of our neighborhood, building a stronger, more connected community, and making Vickery Place a fun, safe, and welcoming place for everyone.

💡 And no, we’re not an HOA! We’re here to support and improve the neighborhood without the hassle or fees. Come get involved and help shape the future of Vickery Place!

📅 Date: Tuesday, January 21st
📍 Location: Local Public Eatery, Henderson Ave
🕕 Time: 6 PM

See you there, neighbors! 🙌


Pet(s) of the Month - Klaus & Maggy

This month's VPNA Pet(s) of the Month are Klaus and Maggy! They will be receiving a generous gift basket custom curated just for them from our neighbor Dr. Benjamin Wright & his team at Lakewood Vet Center.

Vet Near Me 75206 - Lakewood Veterinary Center - Dallas, TX
Lakewood Veterinary Center is a progressive veterinary medical hospital located in Dallas, TX. We’d love to meet your pet today!

A Note from Klaus and Maggy:

Hi, neighbors! It’s us - Klaus (the strikingly handsome 4-year-old) and Maggy (the vigilant but sweet 2-year-old). We’re both German Wirehaired Pointers, and we’ve got some important jobs around here: squirrel patrol, pool maintenance (aka swimming laps), and convincing humans to hand over treats. Klaus handles the goofiness, while Maggy takes care of the serious hunting business. Together, we’re keeping the yard safe and our parents entertained. If you see us around, give us a wave, or better yet, a snack! Woof! Woof! 

Nominate a Pet to win Pet of the Month below:

Please feel free to re-submit your pet if you did not win in 2024. Unfortunately our backlog of pets to choose from did not survive the latest update to the form service we use. Please refrain from submitting if you've already won.

More about our Sponsor - Lakewood Vet Center

We are excited to introduce our VP neighbor and local veterinarian who will be sponsoring our Pet of the Month and contributing a monthly pet care tip for our neighborhood. Dr. Ben Wright has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 25 years with 18 years of that right here at Lakewood Veterinary Center. Dr. Wright’s vision for Lakewood Vet Center was to have a close-knit, personalized neighborhood practice where he knew his clients and their pets by name. We think he has reached this goal as he lives less than a mile from his practice and runs into a client or two every time he is out and about in our neighborhood. We look forward to having Lakewood Vet Center sponsor our VP Pet of the Month and share some great tips for all the VP pet parents.


🍷 Sign up to host the 2025 Wine Walk! 🏡🏃‍♂️

The Board is hard at work planning the 2025 VPNA Wine Walk! We are seeking hosts that would like to be a stop on the Wine Walk Route! Interested in showcasing your home? It's a great chance to meet neighbors and show off your home decor! Please fill out the below form if you are interested in being a stop this year!

2025 Wine Walk Signups
Thanks a lot for your time 🙏

Christmas Tree Recycling


Dallas Water Conservation


Dallas History Conference!

The 26th Annual Legacies Dallas History Conference will take place on Saturday January 25th , 8am - 12:45pm, at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library downtown. Always interesting, unfiltered, slices in time of our City’s past! This year’s theme is “Pop Culture in Dallas”. Schedule:

  • 8:00 Registration and morning refreshments
  • 9:00 Let’s All (Not) Go to the Movies: How the Dallas City Council Protected You from Hollywood, By Kristi Nedderman
  • 9:30 The Longhorn Ballroom: The Kitschy Icon of Dallas’s Music Scene, By David Preziosi
  • 10:00 Morning break, refreshments, and book sales
  • 10:30 Sump’n Else: Dallas’s Answer to American Bandstand, By Steven Butler
  • 11:00 Don Meredith and the Creation of the Modern Celebrity Athlete, By Christina Jensen
  • 11:30 Break
  • 11:45 Radio Station KKDA-AM: A Voice for the Black Dallas Community, By Sultana Vest
  • 12:15 Shot in Dealey Plaza: Kennedy Assassination Film Production in Dallas, By Stephen Fagin
  • 12:45 Adjourn

Tickets:

  • Morning refreshments will be included in the registration fee of $45.
  • Patrons ($125) will be invited to a private tour of the Longhorn Ballroom at 5:30 on Thursday, January 30th.

For tickets and more information, https://LegaciesDHC26.eventbrite.com


What to Do with Amaryllis Bulbs After the Holidays

Amaryllis bulbs are a popular holiday gift, known for their striking, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in vibrant reds, whites, pinks, and oranges. However, once their flowers have faded, many people aren’t sure what to do with the bulbs and often toss them out. Before you dispose of yours, consider these two simple ways to give your amaryllis another chance to shine.

1. Re-bloom Your Amaryllis - Keeping it inside

Amaryllis bulbs are perennial, meaning they can bloom year after year if properly cared for. To encourage re-blooming, follow these steps:

- Cut Back the Stems: Once the flowers have faded, cut the flower stalks down to about 1-2 inches above the bulb. However, leave the leaves intact, as they are crucial for the bulb’s energy storage.
  
- Keep It Growing: Continue to water the bulb and place it in a sunny location, allowing the leaves to photosynthesize. You can feed it with a diluted, balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks (but it will probably be fine with less than that).

- Rest Period: After the leaves start to yellow, typically in late spring or early summer, stop watering and let the bulb dry out. Store the bulb in a cool, dry spot (around 50-60°F) for about 6-8 weeks, simulating a dormancy period.

- Replant and Revive: In late fall or early winter, plant the bulb in fresh soil, water it, and give it a sunny spot. With a bit of patience, you’ll have a beautiful amaryllis to enjoy once again when the holidays roll around.

2. Re-bloom Your Amaryllis - Plant It Outside 

Our winters are generally mild enough that you can try planting your amaryllis outside after its blooming season. Amaryllis thrives in warm weather and can make a lovely addition to your garden.

- Prepare the Soil: Choose a location with well-drained soil and plenty of sun. Amaryllis bulbs prefer slightly sandy or loamy soil, but will tolerate our Texas clay - just add some compost or soil if you can.

- Planting: Once the bulb is finished flowering indoors, carefully plant it in the ground about 4-6 inches deep with the top of the bulb exposed. Water it thoroughly.

- Care and Maintenance: During the growing season, water regularly and feed with a balanced fertilizer. 

Amaryllis bulbs are much more than just a one-time holiday decoration. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy their bold blooms for many seasons to come. So next time the flowers fade, don’t throw out your amaryllis—give it a second chance to bring joy to your home or garden! Happy planting!


Monthly Book Club

The Vickery Place Book Club is a once-a-month group that meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month. We read fiction (so far) and books are selected during the meetings.

We nominate books and select the next two at each meeting.

We accept new members, so if you've never been there are always new people.

The hosting rotates through the group, but no one is required to host.

Book for Jan 8 - Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Book Club
About the VPNA book club, we are a once-a-month group that meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month. We read fiction (so far) and books are selected during the meetings. We nominate books and select the next two at each meeting. We accept new members, so if you’ve never

Check out the post above for more information.


Kroger Community Rewards

During the Q4 period of 2024 we only had 35 households signed up for our Kroger Community Rewards. These 35 homes contributed towards a $66.67 donation from Kroger to VPNA with their usual shopping efforts. With nearly 1200 homes in Vickery Place, we can fund events, newsletters, pet waste stations, and happy hours with no effort every time you get groceries! If you shop at Kroger, please take the time to sign up below and a portion of your purchases go to supporting local schools, charity drives, and neighborhood events.

When you do your grocery shopping at Kroger, don’t forget there is an easy way to also support Vickery Place Neighborhood Association. VPNA is a registered charity with the Kroger Community Rewards Program. A few simple steps will help raise funds to support more neighborhood activities. https://www.kroger.com/account/communityrewards/

To Connect With Kroger Community Rewards:

• Sign into your Kroger Rewards digital account (or easily set one up if you do not already have an account).

• Select “My Account”.

• Scroll down to the ‘Community Rewards’ section of your account page.

• Select ‘Enroll Now’ or ‘Edit’.

• Enter the name of the organization you wish to support.

• Select ‘Vickery Place Neighborhood Association’ and click on ‘Save’.

Any transactions moving forward using the card number associated with your Kroger digital account will be applied to the Community Rewards program. It takes about 10 days for the Community Rewards totals to begin displaying on your receipt. Vickery Place NA gets quarterly rewards payments—last quarter we received $66.67. The more neighbors who shop with Kroger and connect their digital account with Vickery Place, the more funds our organization will earn! Thank You!


Winter Freeze Preparations