NEIGHBORHOOD HEROES

DR. MARY ELLEN BLUNTZER

Someone shot darts at bobcat kittens in Frisco, according to NBC-DFW/Channel 5. Luckily, neighbor Dr. Mary Ellen Bluntzer was part of the team to rescue one of them. The kitten, shot in the eye, was named “Miracle” and is at the National Bobcat Rescue and Research Center in Terrell. Support the center at NBRR.org.

RYAN “BIRDMAN” PARROTT

Preston Hollow neighbor Ryan “Birdman”

Parrott is founder, president and CEO of Sons of the Flag, an organization whose mission is to revolutionize burn care and quality of life for veterans, first responders and families. The organization presented a $100,000 grant to UT Southwestern. The fellowship will fund the education and training for a burn surgeon for one year. Parrott is a Navy Seal veteran.

PHYLISS AND TOM MCCASLAND

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden held its Great Contributors Gala fundraising event, honoring neighbors Phyliss and Tom McCasland. They have been instrumental in the expansion of the Arboretum, funding the renovation of the Sunken Garden, providing the seed money for the Chihuly exhibit, as well as envisioning and providing funding and support for “The 12 Days of Christmas” celebration, among other things.

Calloway’s Nursery is planning a 33,341-square-foot store at the former Braniff Airways complex at Dallas’ Love Field, according to the Dallas Morning News. A development partnership that includes Lincoln Property Co., Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and aviation company The Arnold Cos. has been working on the $140-million Braniff Centre mixeduse development at Lemmon and Lovers for almost two years. O’Brien Architects designed the new building. The firm protected the front of the old buildings, which were originally designed by international architects William Pereira and Charles Luckman and local designer Mark Lemmon.

DID YOU KNOW?

Dallas Dodgeball hosts Open Play Dodgeball at the Walnut Hill Recreation Center. Here’s the deal: All balls are made of no-sting foam. There’s music, and some of the co-ed players wear crazy costumes. Players typically head to Fuzzy’s Taco Shop afterward. You must be 18 or older to play. Just show up. The cost is $6 or $1 with a Dallas recreation card. The annual fee for a recreation card is $15 for Dallas residents and $25 otherwise ($10 for those 55 and older). For more information, go to dallasparks.org.