This April, Big D Reads will unite the city of Dallas around reading and talking about one book, S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders. The kickoff will take place on Monday, March 31 with book giveaways at DART stations throughout the city, with the official media location at Union Station DART (400 S. Houston St., Dallas, TX 75201), 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., with high school step dancers and book giveaways. Throughout the month, Big D Reads will organize book discussions, a visit by author S.E. Hinton, a book art installation, a movie screening—all related to The Outsiders. Big D Reads’ goal is to immerse Dallas in a shared reading experience, with a specific focus on increasing reading among ninth-grade Dallas ISD students.

According to Krista Nightengale, director of D Academy, the organizer of Big D Reads, “Our goal is simple. We want to make Dallas a city of readers. To that end, we’re giving a copy of The Outsiders to every ninth grade DISD student, and we’re encouraging them to read and discuss the book. We’re also encouraging all Dallas citizens to read together, so we’re giving 20,000 copies of the book to students and the community.”

A complete list of events can be found at http://bigreaddallas.org/events/, but here are some highlighted events:

Monday, March 31, 5 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Dart Kick-Off

Volunteers will ensure commuters have a great Monday by surprising them with a special-edition copy of The Outsiders. Stations participating: West End, Mockingbird Station, Union Station, and Victory. Union Station: 5-8 a.m., West End and Mockingbird Station: 7-8 a.m., Victory: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 1-8 at sundown

Light Show

The Omni Hotel, Reunion Tower and Bank of America will light up the night sky with a Big D Reads message. Grab a Stay Golden, Ponyboy cocktail and enjoy the show.

NYLO Dallas South Side’s Soda Bar, 1325 S. Lamar St.

April 1-8

Mike Stilkey Art Installation

Mike Stilkey, a Los Angeles-based artist, will transform thousands of books into a piece of art at South Side on Lamar. Sponsored by Matthews Southwest.

South Side on Lamar, 1325 S. Lamar St.

Tuesday, April 8 at 10 a.m.

Unveiling of Mike Stilkey’s Art Installation and announcement of the Librarian of the Year.

South Side on Lamar, 1325 S. Lamar St.

Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m.

DaVerse Lounge

Join more than 450 middle-schoolers as a group of KIPP students present readings from The Outsiders. Free and open to the public.

Life in Deep Ellum, 2803 Taylor St.

Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m.

Movie Screening

The Outsiders, the movie, hosts some of the biggest names in Hollywood before they were known. Watch the young actors—Matt Damon, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio and C. Thomas Howell—bring the story to life downtown.

Main Street Garden, 1902 Main St.

Saturday, April 12, 12-2 p.m.

Dallas Institute Poem Discussion

The Dallas Institute for the Humanities will lead a conversation on Robert Frost’s poem Nothing Gold Can Stay, featured in The Outsiders.

J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young St.

Thursday, April 24, 7-9 p.m.

Arts and Letter Live

When she was just 16 years old, S.E. Hinton wrote The Outsiders, based on her experiences in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She’ll talk about this and other aspects of her writing career at the Dallas Museum of Art. Tickets are sold out, but people can register for Live Simulcast Tickets to watch from the C3 Theater — http://dma.ticketleap.com/se-hinton/

Saturday, April 26, 10:30 a.m.-Sundown

Big D Reads Festival at Klyde Warren Park

Enjoy a perfect day at the park—all for free—with a discussion with S.E. Hinton and The Outsiders’ movie producer Gray Frederickson, a screening of the movie, and celebrations of all forms of storytelling.

Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy.

ABOUT BIG D READS:

Big D Reads is a community service project organized and managed by D Academy, a civic leadership training program for young entrepreneurs, media professionals, creatives, educators, members of the tech community, and others. D Academy is underwritten by D Magazine Partners, and D Magazine Partners will work with community partners to transform the Big D Reads model into an ongoing program for the city. Throughout April, Big D Reads will hold panel discussions, film screenings, theatrical readings, book discussions, DISD enrichment programs, a visit by S.E. Hinton and other various activities all devoted to The Outsiders. For more information, visit http://bigdreads.org/.

As the longest-tenured docent of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Kay Sansone has seen it all. From the wedding of President Clinton’s brother, Roger, to the wedding of her own granddaughter, Sansone said, “It’s always the place I want to be!”

Sansone was a member of the very first class of docents in 1978-79, five years before Dallas Blooms came to be. “The first Dallas Blooms wasn’t as big of a deal then as it is now,” she said, “but it was still an absolutely incredible site to see.”

On a Dallas Blooms poster Sansone found from 1985, the festival is described as, “140,000 bulbs including the largest collection of tulips and other annuals west of Holland.” Admission was only $2. “We [the docents] were responsible for handing out these posters to area businesses to bring in visitors for Dallas Blooms,” she said.

Now with nearly half a million bulbs on display each spring and crowds pouring in day after day, Dallas Blooms has grown into one of the Metroplex’s most spectacular yearly events. “It’s amazing to see workers planting five zillion bulbs in one place,” she said. “Where else in Dallas can you visit an historic home with such an incredible garden available to the public for tours? Still, so many people don’t know about it.”

As a resident of East Dallas, visiting the Arboretum comes as second nature to Sansone. Every Thursday for the past 35 years, Sansone has shown up ready to volunteer. “Training at the Arboretum was so good and so involved,” she said. “I love the people and meeting the public. You get to talk to people from everywhere—all around the world. It’s very special to me; and of course, I’m always happy to be around so much beauty. “

“You can be in a lousy mood and you go out there, and you feel so much better,” she added. 

Over the years, Sansone recalls some distinctively “Dallas” moments taking place at the Arboretum. For instance, part of the original Dallas television show was filmed on site and several of the actors and actresses, such as Linda Gray, signed the docent book kept out front. Sansone also remembers the time Stanley Marcus came out to dedicate a garden. “It’s such a unique place,” she said. “Why wouldn’t you want to be out there? It’s so beautiful!”

As Dallas Blooms turns 30, Sansone, as well as the Arboretum, don’t show any signs of slowing down. “I would love to see more exhibits—they make it so special,” she said. “I hope the Arboretum keeps progressing and remains the special experience that it has been for so many years. It’s where I want to be.”

About Dallas Blooms:

2014 marks the 30^th anniversary of the Dallas Arboretum’s major floral festival Dallas Blooms with the theme “Birds in Paradise.” Dallas Blooms begins on February 22 and runs through April 6, 2014. The garden explodes with color as more than 500,000 spring-blossoming bulbs burst, and two beloved 13-foot tall peacock topiaries return to spread their colorful petal tails in the Jonsson Color Garden. As part of Dallas Blooms, the Dallas Arboretum also launches its Bird House Exhibit, four life-size playhouses designed by local architects to complement this year’s theme, Birds in Paradise. These architectural interpretations of bird houses are located in the Lakeside Exhibit Area. Children can learn all about birds as they play in the bird houses. Bank of America is the presenting sponsor of Dallas Blooms, with Park Place Dealerships, Celebrity Cruises, Kimberly-Clark, C.C. Young and Tom Thumb as supporting sponsors.

About the Dallas Arboretum:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under.  There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $10.  The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.   More information can be found at www.dallasarboretum.org.

The Dallas Arboretum offers a plethora of adult education programs ranging from landscaping classes to jewelry making courses. Day or night, there are programs for everyone. Members receive a 10% discount on classes. Programs fill quickly, so register today by visiting online calling 214-515-6540. For general inquiries, email education@dallasarboretum.org. 

A few highlighted programs:

An Afternoon with The Drunken Botanist: Saturday, February 22

Lecture: 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. (Tickets: $40, $36 for members) -- Lecture includes a cocktail sample, thanks to Hendrick's Gin.

Book signing: After the lecture

Workshop: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (SOLD OUT)

Mark your calendar for February 22 when Amy Stewart, author of The New York Times best-seller The Drunken Botanist, explains the array of plants that humans have distilled, fermented, infused and imbibed. Her entertaining lecture celebrates history and lore of the trees, flowers and fruits that have brought many fine cocktails to life. She discusses some of the unusual and surprisingly common plants that have produced the world’s greatest spirits and shares some of the most delicious ways to consume them. A book signing takes place after the lecture. Space is limited.

Savor Dallas at the Arboretum: March 20

6:30 – 9:00 p.m. (Tickets: $65, $59 for members)

Last year’s event sold out, so be sure to purchase tickets today. Savor Dallas and the Arboretum invite guests to delight in the breathtaking beauty of spring by strolling through the garden sampling premium wines, beers and spirits. There are also delectable food samplings from some of Dallas’ finest kitchens. Each guest receives a crystal tasting glass as a memento of this wonderful evening in the garden. Proceeds benefit the Dallas Arboretum’s Education Department.

Additional adult programs include:

February

2/15   Greener Grass

2/15   Curb Appeal

2/15   Using Harvested Rain Water

2/15   Power of Perennials

2/22   An Afternoon with the Drunken Botanist

March

3/1     Landscape Design Presentation

3/1     Farming 101- From Seed to Soil

3/1     Landscape Design Consultation

3/1     Tons of Tomatoes

3/8     The Spring Garden

3/8     Mosaic Stepping Stones

3/8     English Gardening   

3/8     Good to the Last Drop                      

3/11   On the Prowl

3/11   Glass Jewelry in the Garden: Earrings and Pendent

3/11   For the Birds Ceramic Birdbath                             

3/15   Drought Tolerant Design

3/15   Butterflies & Plants

3/15   Plant This NOT That!

3/15   Spring Garden Ornaments

3/18   SLR Photography Basics

3/18   Fused Glass- Pair of Art Glass Plates

3/20   Savor the Arboretum

3/22   Paper Collage

3/22   Artist Books from the Garden

3/22   Having it All!

3/29   Gelli Printing

3/29   Graphite & Botanicals

3/29   Texas Tough Plants

April

4/3-6  Photographing Texas Wildflowers – SOLD OUT

4/5     Fairy Gardening

4/5     Farming 101-Food Preservation

4/5     Shady Characters

4/8     Vase/Candle Holder

4/8    Good to Last Drop!

4/10   Times Ten Wine Tasting

4/12   To Dye For - Shibori Fabric Dying

4/12   Art Deco of Mesh

4/12   Sustainable Rose Gardening

4/12   Phone-tography

4/17   Times Ten Wine Tasting

May

5/1     Times Ten Wine Tasting

5/3     Hummingbirds

5/3     Farming 101-Greenhouse Production

5/3     Xeriscape Plants

5/8     Times Ten Wine Tasting

5/10  Concrete Leaf Casting

5/10  Petite Fleurs – Mosaic Flowers

5/10   Jam Making

5/17  Soft Block Carving – Inspired by my garden

5/17  Concrete Leaf Casting

5/17  Mixed Media- Inspirations, Dreams and Gardens

5/17   Cacti & Succulents for the Landscape

5/31   Creative Containers: Shade

5/31   Designing a Xeriscaped Landscape

5/31  Anthotype & Lumen Prints

June

6/7     Farming 101-Urban Farm Animals

6/7     Felted Soap

6/7     Birds on the Water

6/7     Cyanotype

6/14   Creative Containers: Sun

6/14   Painting Flowers and Landscapes           in Watercolor

6/14   Birds on the Water

6/14   Bottle Cutting

6/21   Painting Flowers in Oils

6/21   Leather Field Guides

6/21   Painting From Your Heart & Soul

6/28   Plant a Living Picture - Vertical Succulent Garden

About the Dallas Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under.  There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $10.  The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.   

To celebrate President’s Day on Monday, February 17, the Dallas Arboretum is planning an all American celebration themed “America the Beautiful.” Admission is $5 at the gate, and active and retired military get in complimentary with identification. The discount applies only to those purchasing tickets onsite at the ticket booth.

“It’s a beautiful day to come to the Dallas Arboretum and to enjoy some all American fun with something for everyone,” said Mary Brinegar, president of the Dallas Arboretum. “All children are also encouraged to dress as their favorite president and participate in the costume contest with an all American judge.”

Special children’s activities include face painting, a petting zoo, Presidential trivia and a tree scavenger hunt.  There is also a costume contest for children coming dressed as their favorite president and prizes for the best costumes. The judging begins at 12:00 p.m. at the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage.  The celebrity judge is Miss Texas Ivana Hall who was crowned in 2013. A Cedar Hill native, she competed in the 2013 Miss America competition.

Throughout the garden, patriotic music will greet visitors, and when hungry, guests can purchase $1 hot dogs, $1 popcorn and $1 fried cherry pie.

Guests can also watch the horticulture staff build the two 13-foot peacock topiaries that will be ready for the opening of the 30^th anniversary of Dallas Blooms on February 22. That date also marks the reopening of the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, which has been closed for winterizing and maintenance.

About the Dallas Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under.  On-site parking is $10.  The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.    

The Dallas Arboretum's 66 acre gardens received a wonderful wintry mix today.  For more information, visit www.dallasarboretum.org or call 214-515-6500.