SETTLING DOWN

Change. It’s the fizz in the seltzer of life. The generic label for “the pioneer spirit,” “the road not taken” and “the walk on the wild side.” The desire for change is what brought Columbus to the New World. The same desire is bringing droves of people to the new New World -Texas.

Newcomers often dive into their citizenship head-first. Cowboy boots are purchased. Southern twangs are acquired. Mexican food is inhaled. But the novelty can quickly wear off, leaving the newcomer less a Texan and certainly less a Dal-lasite than he was his first day here.

There’s a better way to shed the “newcomer” label and become a full-fledged Dallasite: Join a group. Or two. Or 10. There are hundreds of clubs and organizations in Dallas ready and willing to take on new members.

The listing that follows is random and by no means all-inclusive. If you don’t find your niche, check with the people at the Central Library. We have them to thank for helping us put together names, addresses and descriptions. Using their APL/CAT (“apple-cat”) computer-listing and their book, Open Dallas, you can browse through the complete roster.

And if you still aren’t happy, organize your own club. How do you think Mickey Mouse got started?



SUPPORT GROUPS

Civic Opera Women’s Board. 3717 Stratford Drive, Dallas 75205. 521-0022. Mrs. David Donosky, president. Stimulates interest in opera in Dallas and beyond. Encourages exposure to opera among young people. Responsible for hospitality for those involved in Dallas Opera productions. Sponsors an opera ball following opening-night performance each season. Yearbook.

Symphony Orchestra Guild. 4636 Fairfax, Dallas 75209. Eric Jager, membership chairman. Helps develop and enhance interest in the symphony. Sponsors fund-raising dinners (last year’s was at Union Station) and luncheons with lecturers speaking about performers, conductors and aspects of music.

Theater Center Association. 8916 Vista Gate, Dallas 75233. 348-3444. Mrs. Patterson Reeves, president. Guest artists from each production give a special program about the current show. Publishes directory of members.

Dallas Zoo Docents. 946-6824. Contact Chris Siefert, volunteer coordinator at the Dallas Zoo. A volunteer organization devoted primarily to educating the public about the Dallas Zoo and its inhabitants. Docents take a short training course, then conduct zoo tours or offer programs about the zoo throughout the community. Monthly meetings feature speakers on topics such as the zoo environment or specific animals. A weekend docent program is also available for volunteers who work full-time during the week. The docents also organize an annual 10K race to benefit the zoo, and publish a newsletter, “Tiger Tracks.”

Oak Cliff Society of Fine Arts. 514 S. Ravinia, Dallas 75211. 339-0052. Mrs. David Hott, president. Nonprofit group of people from all over the Dallas area. Sponsors art shows, music scholarships. Meets monthly.

Rotogravure Committee. 4722 Shady-wood Lane, Dallas 75209. 351-6602. Mrs. William Hudson, chairman. An arm of the Dallas Opera organization, responsible for the annual program published at the beginning of each season. Members sell ads to finance publication and help in production.

500, Inc. 8220 Westchester, Suite 6, Dallas 75225. 361-2011. Jim and Mary Jo Falvo, presidents. Nonprofit organization that has raised more than $2 million for the cultural arts in Dallas during the past two years. Publishes a newsletter, “500 Inc.”, available only to members and sponsors. Holds an auction in February, Artfest during Memorial Day weekend and a Wild Westfest in August or September.

Dallas Grand Opera Association. 13601 Preston Road, Suite 212W, Dallas 75240. 661-9750. Arthur L. Kramer Jr., president. Each spring the association sponsors four performances of the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York as well as other music-related events.

Dallas Symphony Association, Inc. P.O. Box 26207, Dallas 75226. 565-9100. Leonard Stone, president. Civic group dedicated to maintenance, operation and management of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and activities such as children’s concerts, pop concerts and park concerts, as well as the orchestra’s regular classical season.

Dallas Dance Council. 3625 Amherst, Dallas 75225. 361-0663. Mrs. Jerry By-waters, chairman of the board. Works to support all kinds of dance in the area. Serves as an educational and service program and entertains visiting performers. The group has held various dance workshops, and members are working to gather the dance archives of Dallas. Many area universities and corporations are members.

Museum of Fine Arts League. 3732 Normandy, Dallas 75205. 526-7198. Susan Block, president. An all-volunteer group founded to serve the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts and to foster interest in the museum. Activities include an annual fund-raising Beaux Arts Ball, trips led usually by the museum curator, study courses and lectures. Provides docents for the museum and arranges preview parties for exhibitions. Staff volunteers in the museum gift shop and gallery buffet.

Dallas Summer Musicals Guild. 4501 Glenwick, Dallas 75205. 526-8580 or 565-1116. Vicky Weaver, president. A support group for the Summer Musicals. Sponsors luncheon fund-raisers and donation campaigns, as well as parties for casts and guild members.

Junior Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc. 723 S. Peak, Dallas 75223. 827-6241. Curtis L. King, founder and president. Sponsors classes in literary and performing arts. Produces performances in spring, fall and summer, that are open to the public. Auditions are also open to the public, and both professionals and amateurs participate.

Heritage Society Dallas County. 1717 Gano, Dallas 75215. 840-1910. Tom Smith, executive director. Outdoor Museum of Architecture and Decorative Arts of North Central Texas. Old City Park, official Bicentennial project for the City of Dallas. Lectures, literature, tours available to the public. Membership open. Luncheon facilities available.



PROFESSIONAL GROUPS

Dallas Communications Council. P.O. Box 400735, Dallas 75240. 934-8930. Lorraine Gress, executive director. Encouraging individuals and companies throughout Dallas and the country to engage in communications productions of all kinds.

Dallas/American Society of Landscape Architects. 5207 McKinney, Dallas 75205. 528-9400. Jim Stone, chairman. Organization of landscape architects promoting interest in the profession; urban growth, land use and comprehensive planning. Individual membérs volunteer assistance to the Community Design Center, Urban Design Task Force and environmental protection groups.

Dallas Association of Counselors. P.O. Box 161, Dallas 75204. 827-8571. Muriel Penn, president. The city’s independent professional organization of school counselors at all levels of education. Monthly meetings. Professional growth program. Guest speakers.

Dallas Sales and Marketing Executives Organization. P.O. Box 58281, Dallas 75258. 747-9675. Carolyn Clarke, director. Provides educational training for sales managers. Film library and cassette programs available. Scholarships for distributive education, Junior Achievement and college business students.

Dallas Society of Professional Journalists. P.O. Box 50163, Dallas 75250. 744-1300. Stan Matthews, president. An organization to promote professionalism in the journalism community. Provides educational and legal assistance to journalists. Monthly meetings and semi-annual symposiums. Scholarships provided.

Dallas Professional Photographers Association. 1711 W. Irving Blvd, Irving 75061. 455-2200. James Narramore, president. Professional study of the craft of photography. Educational organization for portrait, commercial and wedding photographers. Monthly meetings. Current information on the subject of photography.

Dallas Building Managers and Owners Association. 1601 Main, Suite 1203, Dallas 75201. 748-5059. W.D. Hill, director. Monthly luncheon meetings with speakers on current problems and solutions in the building business.

Desk and Derrick Club of Dallas. 1901 N. Akard, Dallas 75201. 653-8799. Altie Freeman, president. Provides educational opportunities through programs and lectures enlarging the scope of knowledge for women in petroleum and allied industries.

American Institute of Architects. 2800 Routh, Dallas 75201. 748-4264. Vel Hawes, president. Promotes advancement of the profession of architecture. Has active interest in city planning and design and a bookstore in the Quadrangle.

Engineers Club of Dallas. 817 Republic National Bank Building, Dallas 75201. 747-3591. Allen Tichenor, president. Comprised of engineering professionals (including architects, chemists and physical scientists). Provides periodic meetings and serves as host for 36 professional organizations. Catering to members’ business and social needs. Funds college scholarship and other philanthropic programs. Monthly newsletter.

Texas Association for Services for Children. P.O. Box 1300, Richardson 75082. Modelle Maule, president. Advocates for quality services for children in areas of health, special education and physical-handicap care. Aims to improve quality of care through public education. Coordinates children’s services; keeps up with new services.

Pro Musica. 4052 Lovers Lane, Dallas 75225. 368-6177. Billie Cook, president. A performing club for music teachers, professional musicians and experienced amateurs. Provides small group setting for solo performances, chamber music; provides opportunities to try unusual pieces. Also supports concert series, professional performances by attending symphonies and chamber music society events.

International Association of Business Communicators, Dallas Chapter. P.O. Box 2681, Dallas 75221. 385-4890. Joy Hart, president. An advanced professional development organization for people in public relations, news-oriented professions, communications positions. Have monthly meetings, some special workshops, job placement service. Newsletter.



SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Historic Preservation League. 2902 Swiss Ave., Dallas 75204. 821-3290. Tom Black, executive director. Seeks to protect and rehabilitate the historic and architectural resources, to find new uses for old buildings, to preserve neighborhood character and to educate the public on matters of preservation. Offers workshops, seminars and two house tours each year.

Southwest Railroad Historical Society. 13560 Flagstone Lane, Dallas 75240. 239-1676 or 276-5736. W.G. Wildhagen, chairman of the board. Publishes “The Clearance Card Newsletter” monthly. Maintains Age of Steam railroad museum at Fair Park. Operates Switchman’s Corner, a rail artifact shop.Amateur Radio Club, Dallas. P.O. Box 173, Dallas 75221. 391-2888. Swank Roberts, president. Ham-radio club. Classes for citizens band operators and others who would like to become ham-radio operators.

Dallas Chess Club. 1112 Graham Ave., Dallas 75223. 824-9174. James Campion, president. Devoted to the development and promotion of chess. Call for information about sessions and tournaments. Has junior chess team.

Dallas Coin Club. P.O. Box 7673, Dallas 75209. 357-1369. Al Clinkenbeard, president. Provides information, assistance, auctions and educational programs for those interested in coins and currency.

Dallas Gem and Mineral Society. 4104 Southwestern Blvd., Dallas 75225. 528-5646. John Kothmann, president. Mineral, fossil and artifact collecting. Monthly meetings and field trips. Monthly bulletin, speakers, slides, information and referral for other groups in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area.

Dallas Historical Society. Texas Hall of State, P.O. Box 26038, Dallas 75226. 421-5136. John W. Crain, director. Maintains library, archives and museum of local history. Provides special programs, including films and lectures.

Dallas Genealogical Society. P.O. Box 12648, Dallas 75225. 348-3414. Helen Lu, president. Focuses on the study of genealogy. Regular monthly meetings, annual workshops and a quarterly publication.

Lone Star Cat Club. 5019 Alcott St., Dallas 75206. 821-5602. Virgil Buie, president. Affiliated with Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). Holds shows. Purpose is to teach the proper care and appreciation of cats. Clearinghouse on how to contact area specialty cat clubs.

Lone Star Puppet Guild. 3018 Commerce, Dallas 75226. 748-3984. James Smith, president. Affiliated with puppeteers of America, Inc. Open to those interested in puppetry. Newsletter, workshops and performances available. Promotes art of puppetry and fosters the interest of persons in using puppets in various fields.

First Men’s Garden Club of Dallas. 4040 Highgrove Drive, Dallas 75220. Bob Ploger, president. Exchanges ideas on all aspects of gardening. Sponsors quarterly garden-judging classes; provides annual horticulture scholarships. Holds garden shows and fund-raiser plant sales. Newsletter, speakers, monthly meetings.

Dallas Philatelic Society. 9537 Tarleton, Dallas 75218. 321-1218. Charles Petty, president. Promotes knowledge of stamp collecting, cultivates friendliness, holds auctions, swap-and-shop meetings and exhibits. Accepts children as members.

Vintage Radio and Phonograph Society. P.O. Box 5345, Irving 75062. 231-3987. Dave Medley, president. Dedicated to the preservation, restoration and collection of radios, phonographs, broadcast equipment and associated items. Newsletter. Headquarters for national organization.

Train Collectors Association. 9101 Windy Crest Drive, Dallas 75243. 348-3595. Pat Neil, director. For all interested in the preservation and trading of antique and toy trains. Will also display trains for various organizations (mostly gauge 027 and standard).

Dallas Woods and Waters Club. 400 Texas Commerce Bank Building, Dallas 75201. 651-1076. Charles Oliver, president. Information on conservation and sportsmanship, fishing, hunting; monthly luncheon. Open to all ages. Speakers available.

American Star Trek Society. 1830 Highland Drive, Carrollton 75006. 245-8207. Larry Herndon, chairman. Set up to organize conventions and gatherings for area Star Trek fans. Conventions are designed to allow fans to view the films and to meet the stars.

Texas Region of the Antique Auto Club of America. 9615 Tarleton, Dallas 75218. 328-2688. Jane Davie, original member. Members are interested in the earliest examples of automobiles, those produced at the turn of the century and later years, up to 25 years ago. Annual Texas tour. Participates in parades. Newsletter.

Bacchus Wine Society. 1827 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas 75235. 630-5000. Hoke Harden, director. Informs and guides members to appreciate wines. Newsletter. Correspondence course offered. Dinners and wine-tasting parties held several times each year.

Herpetological Society of Dallas. Museum of Natural History, Dallas 75209. 374-1303. Douglas Wurch, president. Meets monthly in the auditorium of the Museum of Natural History. Program consists of speakers on the subject of reptiles.

America Nostalgia Society. 2431 Valwood Parkway, Dallas 75234. 234-3439. Larry Herndon, director. Devoted to promoting interest in old movies, comic books, old-fashioned Westerns, science fiction, early television history, old-time radio and other entertainment media of the Twenties through the Fifties.

Chili Appreciation Society International. 802 Main, Dallas 75201. 522-4340. Frank Tolbert, president. Interested in preserving Texas culture through its food, music and art. Responsible for chili being declared the state dish. Monthly meetings. Members judge in chili cook-off.

Trinity Valley Belgian Sheepdog Club. 714 East Center, Duncanville 75116. Beth Lachnitt, president. Sponsors a specialty dog show each year in March, travels to dog shows and has programs given by veterinarians and others who are knowledgeable about this breed. Meetings monthly. Big D, Little Birds Classic Thunderbird Club. P.O. Box A, Little Elm 75608. 292-1946. C.L. Hood, president. This group gathers on Saturday mornings for breakfast and has several social functions throughout the year -dinner theaters, picnics, parades and road trips. Dedicated to preserving and restoring ’55, ’56 and ’57 Thunderbirds.

Businessmen’s Flying Association of Dallas, Inc. 109A White Rock Center, Dallas 75238. Steve Self, president. Founded in 1955 by a group of.Dallas businessmen, the group works to promote safe flying and flies a group of crippled children to Kerrville each year to attend the Lions Club camp.

Horseless Carriage Club of America, North Texas Regional Group. 6403 Sandra Drive, Dallas 75214. 823-1164. Jim Toler, president. Dedicated to the restoration and preservation of antique automobiles, vintage 1915-1934, and special interest vehicles, manufactured in 1925 or later. The members have swap-meets regularly with other car clubs at the Pate Museum of Transportation.

Quarter Century Wireless Association, Dallas Chapter. 2812 Pritchett, Dallas 75061. 363-3406. Barney Moffath, president. This group requires that members have their radio operator’s license 25 years before joining. The club is international, but has 150 members in Dallas. Its members communicate by radio with other operators all over the world. Monthly meetings.

Radio Control Club. 221 W. Jefferson, Dallas 75208. Val Marchesoni, president. This group meets at Bernie’s Hobby House once each month and is interested in building radio-controlled airplanes. Contests.

Bridge Association, Dallas. 4121 Avon-dale, Apartment 103, Dallas 75219. 522-4534. Dorcas Taloe, executive secretary. Affiliated with the American Contract Bridge League. 1,800 members in this unit stretching from Wichita Falls to Cor-sicana. Small local groups get together to play bridge for points; individuals may join the national league to be rated against members all over the United States. Holds tournaments three times a year. Magazine. No dues for local association.

Lone Star Checker Club. 2638 Searcy St., Dallas 75211. 333-3814. William T. Purdue, secretary. Meets weekly to play checkers and has several tournaments each year. Affiliated with American Checker Association. Receives six bulletins annually.

Humanists of North Texas. P.O. Box 11082, Dallas 75223. 934-2609. H. Bruce Hunter, president. Humanism is a “life philosophy which holds humans alone responsible for human welfare and human happiness.” Members meet monthly to hear humanist speakers and to discuss ways to promote understanding and acceptance of their philosophy. All age groups welcome.

Dog Training Club of Dallas County. Route 1, Box 229-C, DeSoto 75115. 223-2743 or 296-1196. Lynda Holman, president. A nonprofit organization interested in promoting responsible dog ownership. Members conduct classes for the public in dog obedience for the family pet, including puppy training. Also helps people who would like to go into AKC competition, from beginning to “utility” ranking. Holds demonstrations, seminars, monthly “fun matches” for members.

Quilters Guild of Dallas. 920 Teakwood, Richardson 75080. 238-0163. Sherry Lundquest, president. Group meets monthly to hear authors of quilting books lecture, see demonstrations. Has occasional quilting workshops. Smaller neighborhood groups may meet more often to work on group or individual quilts. Holds a quilt show once a year. The club has about 200 members including beginners, experts and pattern collectors. $15 per year dues; half-price for senior citizens. Today’s Reviews. 2302 Kessler Parkway, Dallas 75208. 946-7033. Lola Bourland, president. Book review club; has eight reviews yearly, which are given by outstanding local reviewers on books of general interest. Luncheon meetings are held October through May and are $5 each.

Mostly retired people with a reading habit. Irish Setter Club of Greater Dallas. 928 Middle Cove, Piano 75023. 423-4533. Pat Riley, president. 423-4533. Irish setter owners and fanciers meet six times a year to discuss handling, grooming and training. Holds an AKC licensed specialty show once yearly.

National Association of Investment Clubs, Dallas Area Council. 3310 Fair-mount, Apartment 4F, Dallas 75201. 521-9726. Lee Branch, chairman of the board. Private investment club that gives people with spare cash an opportunity to invest with a group. Members also may discuss personal investment possibilities at monthly meetings.

National Association of Parliamentarians, Metroplex Unit. 3919 Beverly Drive, Dallas 75205. 526-8475. Mrs. Walter Stephens, president. Holds seminars and drills four times a year for those who need to use Robert’s Rules of Order professionally and for people just fascinated with parliamentary law. Some members participate in state convention. Members must belong to national, state and local units. Valley View Bridge Club. 211 Preston Valley Shopping Center, Dallas 75230. Bud Creed, president. Games are in session every day but Wednesday. Anyone interested in playing may call or just show up. Both novice and advanced-level players are welcome; lessons are also available. Valley View is one of the top-rated studios in the country.

Scrabble Club. 3003 Northaven Road, Dallas 75229. 241-1078. Dorothy Snede-gar, contact. Meets every Saturday at 12:30 for four games of Scrabble. Player skills vary, and tournaments cost $1. Anyone is welcome.

International Safari Club, Dallas Chapter. 2800 Routh St., Dallas 75201. 638-7044. Steve Christenson, president. Fund raising for the Dallas Zoo and other game conservation groups is the goal of this group, which has about 200 members. Most participants are hunters of African and Asian large game, but some members only “hunt Texas.” Meetings monthly.

Dallas Caged Bird Society. 9303 Lindaro Lane, Dallas 75228. 321-1062. Larry Turner, president. Meets monthly at St. Mark’s school for a program on raising and care of all types of caged birds from canaries to toucans. Some members raise hundreds of birds; others own only one or two.

Dallas Pen Women. 514 S. Ravinia, Dallas 75211. 339-0052 or 948-8700. Mrs. Dave B. Hott, president. Meets once a month to discuss poetry, short stories and lectures. Members must have received payment for their creative work in literature, poetry, art or music and may participate in annual competitions within the organization for cash prizes. Speakers visit meetings with inspiring “how to” lectures about writing and composing.

All-Breed Obedience Training Club. 7318 Brennans Drive, Dallas 75214. 821-3327. George Theriot, training director. Members gather twice a week with their dogs to work on AKC obedience -basic commands plus scent discrimination, hand-signal recognition, etc. Any age dog accepted. Another club, Daltex Schutzhund, is also directed by George Theriot and member dogs are taught to track, protect owners and property and other obedience lessons.

American Topical Association, North Texas Chapter. 133 Preston Valley Shopping Center, Green Peach Stamps. 387-4366. Vurnelle Brooks, president. Members collect stamps according to topics, such as birds or windmills. Meetings are monthly and usually include a program about stamp collecting and some trading.

Dallas Archaeological Society. 4007 Shady Hill Drive, Dallas 75229. Dr. Ruth Ann Ericson, president. Meets monthly, except during the summer. Members have excavated Indian sites around Dallas and sponsor programs about local archeology.

Dallas Arms Collectors Association. Route 1, Box 282B, De Soto 75115. 331-6257. Meets monthly. Members travel together to gun shows and host speakers during most meetings to talk about their collections.

Dallas Zoological Society. 3518 Routh St., Dallas 75219. 526-4126. Bernard Brister, secretary. A fund-raising organization for the Dallas Zoo. One meeting is scheduled per year.

Dallas Science Place Guild. 5420 Swiss Ave., Dallas 75214. 826-3582. Mrs. C.P. Bowman, president. Dedicated to stimulating public support of the Science Place and interest in science among women. Coordinates volunteer services and distributes health information.

Oceanic Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. 3801 Arroyo Road, Fort Worth 76109. 923-5509. William C. Bryan. Monthly meetings feature speakers or films on topics such as scuba diving, sailing, ecology or marine biology. Members also plan occasional excursions to the sea or area lakes for study and enjoyment.

Backgammon Club, Dallas. Route 5, Box 15, Rockwall 75087. 475-1825. Mrs. Joe Fletcher. Holds tournaments every Sunday evening for backgammon players of all skill levels. Also has several special tournaments throughout the year.

Small Wonders of Dallas. 342 Glen Oaks Blvd., Dallas 75232. 374-2734. Anne Rhodes, president. Miniature doll houses and furniture are the fascination of this group, which meets once monthly for lectures or work on group or individual projects. Beginners to experts included, everyone welcome.

Leprechaun Story League. 5835 Martel St., Dallas 75206. 823-7623. Mrs. Thomas J. Insall, contact chairman. Service group of accomplished storytellers. Visits nursing homes, children’s hospitals and church groups to provide entertainment with an assortment of folk tales, humorous stories and Bible stories. Members meet monthly for refreshments and story-swapping; less experienced raconteurs can get advice on techniques.

Texas Model Railroad Club. 2318 Valley-wood, Carrollton 75006. 242-3418. Bob Mason, executive secretary. Weekly meetings for ongoing construction of a huge H-O gauge model railroad. Club also has a mini-convention each year with train movies, slide shows, flea markets, clinics and contests.

Circus Fans Association of America, Dallas Chapter. 500 Kathy Drive, Mesquite 75149. 285-2745. Dr. William Hooper, secretary. Part of the national Circus Fans Association. For lovers of the circus, both performers and spectators. Members visit hospitals and nursing homes to demonstrate wire-walking, unicycle riding, juggling and other circus acts. Club also holds a circus school for children, sees films and has speakers on circus topics and visits every circus that comes to town “en masse.”

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society. 8617 Garland Road, Dallas 75218. 327-8263. G. Shannon Smith, president. Both professional and volunteer gardeners are engaged in planning and building a major botanical garden in Dallas, which will include public display gardens, educational programs and eventually some research work. The society has had some open houses and special events, but works most of the time on improving the site of the gardens.

Gordon Wranglers. 315 Wishing Star Drive, Duncanville 75116. 298-1844. Patricia Charland, president. A small club devoted to the breeding, care and showing of the Gordon setter, a rare Scottish black setter with brown markings. Members meet informally and attend AKC shows together.

Learning About Me, A Child’s Introduction to the Arts. 7115 Lavendale, Dallas75230. 691-3093. Pamela Stone Ciaccio,director. Creative-arts school has creativemovement, art, drama and music activitiesfor children and welcomes volunteer help.Preschool classes available; creative artsday camp is offered during summer andon Saturdays through the fall.