Lifestyle

This class ideal for those who want to learn all about backpacking and for those who want to refresh your backpacking knowledge and skills. Topics include: wilderness ethics, outdoor clothing, boots, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, cookware, food, preparing for a trip and even a short, late afternoon breakout session to discuss men's and women's outdoor 'issues'.  Instructors are experienced Dallas Sierra Club leaders. There will be time for questions and a hands-on look at outdoor gear. You will also have the opportunity to learn about, and sign up for, several beginner backpacking trips. Lunch of backpacking food is included. (Feel free to bring anything else you prefer to eat.) The fee is $20 for Sierra Club members and $30 for non-members (CASH or CHECK ONLY). No reservations are necessary, just show up. The class will be held at the Dallas REI store, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, TX 75244 (north side of LBJ between Welch and Midway). Please arrive by 10:15am to register and get settled. The class will begin promptly at 10:30 AM and end about 4:45pm PM. Handouts will be provided.

Ready to help out this year? It's fun and its helpful to get out to the Cedar Ridge Preserve in Dallas to help upgrade some of the beautiful walking trails just south of Dallas. The address is 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75249. Its a great morning workout, and the scenery is exceptional. No tools are required, (maybe gloves) just show up and be ready to lend a hand or two. We'll work from 9 AM to 12 or so, and then walk around the preserve and admire the wildflowers and fauna! Bring some water for sure. Its on Saturday the 21st of January 2012, and please see their website at www.audubondallas.org/cedarridge.html  for directions and info. Their number is 972-709-7784   See you then! If you wish to carpool, then let me know, and we'll arrange a meeting spot. Come on out and stay green, people!  Trip rated: Easy.

Hike one of the most scenic Wilderness trails in Arkansas in the Caney Creek Wilderness of west central Arkansas. Saturday we’ll enjoy the views from the ridgetop Buckeye Mountain Trail. This is a great trail to work on your map skills.  Sunday we’ll hike out along the creek bottoms of the Caney Creek Trail. If it's too late for Fall colors the leaves will be down and views will open up. This trip is rated moderate and would be suitable for beginners in good shape. Both days cover about 4 1/2 miles. Saturday includes an 800 foot uphill section. We'll camp Friday night near our cars, Saturday night near a nice little waterfall. Trip rated: Moderate. Leader: Bill Greer 972-247-0446

Club members and guests will share the holiday spirit, some good Mexican food, and the company of others at this annual event. Join us for some camaraderie, door prizes, silent auction, and perhaps some surprise speakers, you never know. We'll celebrate some of our outstanding volunteers and have plenty of time to mingle. Free margaritas to the first 10 to arrive. Free bandannas to the first five. Support the Club by getting a 2012 Sierra Club Calendar or Planner- if they haven't sold out by then! Invite your family and friends. The entire menu will be available so you can order whatever you want to eat or drink, including liquid spirits. So come on out for a great party, low price, no clean up, and lots of like minded people. You can relax and share a laugh or get serious and talk about issues of the day -- air, water, veganism, hydro-fracking, coal, nuclear, whatever strikes your green fancy. What could be better? Nuthin'. See you there, and bring your appetite. More details will follow as the date gets closer, but mark you calendar now so you won't miss it. Happy Holidays!!

Phil Kline’s UnSilent Night is a free, amazing, outdoor "sound sculpture event" which is actually created by anyone who wants to participate. Definitely an event for all ages.

It consists of people who simply gather and walk along a route while simultaneously playing four different, glorious soundtracks of bells from their boomboxes.

Anyone can take part in this extraordinary experience! Simply downloads a soundtrack onto cassette, CD or amplified mp3 device.

Then, on the same day in December, on the streets of an increasing number of cities worldwide, they bring their own boomboxes, join together and become a contemplative, sidewalk-strolling procession, drifting peacefully through a cloud of resonating, echoing sound which is different from every listener’s perspective.

You can also just show up and enjoy the experience! Since 1992, this 45-minute walk has grown into a global, annual communal event which has become an essential part of many winter holiday celebrations.

The Grapevine Garden Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Social time begins at 9:30 a.m. and the program begins at 10:00.

Our meetings are open to anyone interested in learning and meeting other gardeners. 

If you are interested in joining the Grapevine Garden Club or would like more information, please contact membership@grapevinegardenclub.com

The Grapevine Garden Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Our meetings are open to anyone interested in learning and meeting other gardeners.

Fall 2011 – Spring 2012 General Meeting Programs

Dec. 6 — Christmas luncheon featuring the Grapevine Jazz Choir

Jan. 24 — Bonnie Bradshaw: Managing the wildlife in our gardens

Feb. 28 — Tim Doogs: Landscape lighting

March 27 — Charles Russ: Planting and growing irresistible irises

April 24 — Jeff Hall: Ten Myths of tree care and common tree problems

May Luncheon — date TBD

If you are interested in joining the Grapevine Garden Club or would like more information, please contact membership@grapevinegardenclub.com