44 April 2022 | parkcitiespeople.com
EarthX’s Green Gathering Returns With Artsy New Location Move over COVID-19. Earth Day fun is back. The world-renowned green gathering hosted by the international environmental organization EarthX returns in person for the first time since 2019. Earthx2022 will run from April 20 to 24 in the Dallas Arts District. The 11th annual event brings together world leaders, government officials, NGOs, scientists, business executives, youth advocates, educators, and experts to inspire action toward a more sustainable future worldwide. “Earth is our home, and each of us must play a part to ensure that it is here and inhabitable for future generations,” said founder Trammell S. Crow. Earthx2022 is also the exclusive host for the United Nations SDG Media Summit, UNFCCC Global Youth Summit, and United Nations Family Offices for Sustainable Development Summit, as announced at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland. “The reach of our annual event surrounding Earth Day grew by going virtual over the past
two years, due to the pandemic, and we are excited to offer rich in-person and online experiences this year,” Michael Fletcher, EarthX CEO, said. Exhibitors/sponsors include AAA, City of Dallas, Columbia University’s Earth Institute, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Half Price Books, The Nature Conservancy, Hilton Worldwide, Rainforest Trust, State Farm, Texas A&M University, Yale School of Forestry, Trust for Public Land, TXU, and UPS. Highlights of Earthx2022 include three UN summits addressing climate change: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Youth Summit, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Media Summit, and United Nations Family Offices for Sustainable Development Summit. Visit www.EarthX.org or follow @earthxorg on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. – Staff report
The annual festival brings people together through fun activities, exhibits, and educational experiences focused on how to help the environment. (PHOTOS: COURTESY EARTHX).
OBITUARIES
RICHARD ALFRED FURST
1953 –2022
R
ichard Alf red Furst, son of Harry Furst and Magie Furst, peacefully passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022. Richard graduated from W.T. White High School in 1972. He then attended the University of Texas at Austin—majoring in Economics. He was a member of the AEPI fraternity, where he made lifelong friends. After college, Richard was first employed by Commercial Metals Co. Thereafter, he formed his own business, Furst Metal Co. He then pursued a career in the sports agency business—where he lived out his dream of scouting and prospecting
NFL players. He enjoyed all sports, especially Football, Baseball, Running, and Skiing—and loved nothing more than watching and playing with his two sons. He was a lifelong Cowboys fan. His sons, Augie and Manie, were the joy of his life. Richard loved the Almighty and lived his life in devotion to God. The Jewish Holidays and family get-togethers were the highlights of the year. The family received loved ones and friends for visitation and burial services at Shearith Israel Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Richard is survived by his mother, Magie Furst, his sons Augie Furst and Manie Furst, his daughter-in-law Shannon Furst, his granddaughter Blakelee Furst, his sister Robin (David Boden) Furst, the mother of his children Debbie Furst, along with many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Harry Furst. If desired, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Dallas Holocaust Museum and Center for Education, Hadassah, or the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
GEORGE A. FILAK 1932-2022
G
eorge A. Filak, 89, passed away at home on January 31, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. For 65 years, he was married to the love of his life, Georgann, who preceded him in death. They lived in Dallas, London, and Virginia before retiring to Houston. After graduating from MIT, George began a successful career at Texas Instruments. He and Georgann were active members of Highland Park United Methodist Church and Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church. They served on the Dallas Opera Guild and were avid fans of classical music. He also received an MBA from SMU. George enjoyed watching football games with family, fixing everything with
machine shop precision, adding a second level to their home, solving crossword puzzles, and traveling around the world with Georgann. George is survived by his daughter Stefani J. Filak MD and wife Barbara Rice; son Blanten Filak and wife Diane Tanking; daughter Carolyn Royan and husband James Royan; and grandchildren Austin Filak, Leonie Royan, and Kai Royan. A private funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to MIT in memory of George Albert Filak. Checks may be made payable to MIT and mailed to Memorial Gifts Office, 600 Memorial Drive, W98-500, Cambridge, MA 02139, or processed using MIT’s secure online giving website.
