Provided By Planet Rockwall
As if there weren't enough reasons to love living in Rockwall, a new study just released ranks Rockwall County as one of the top ten healthiest counties in the state. Not a trivial accomplishment given that there are over 250 counties in Texas.
In a study which considered statistics gathered over a ten year period, researchers from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute ranked Texas counties on health outcomes, which represent how healthy a county is, and health factors, which influence the health of the county. In each category Rockwall County came in 6th and 4th respectively among the 221 counties ranked in the study.
The health outcomes rankings look at mortality rates, percentage of low birthweight births, and self-reported fair or poor health. Rockwall's ranking of 6th overall indicates that we enjoy a far higher than average life span along with a greater percentage of those years spent in good, rather than poor, health.
Health factors ranking looks at the items that contribute to the good or poor health rankings of a particular population segment. These include health behaviors, availability of clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. Health behaviors include measures of smoking, diet and exercise, alcohol use, etc. Social and economic factors consider education, employment, income and community safety. Physical environment looks at environmental quality and infrastructure. Rockwall's ranking in these factors was 4th overall.
Studies like this one can be used in any number of ways. A county ranked near the bottom could use the factors listed to develop programs to improve health in the community. A county such as Rockwall, which is rated highly, can use the information to see what they are doing right, and to encourage programs to keep our health consciousness at a high level.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
RPA ‘s Top 15 Favorite Places to Bring the Kids
Provided By Planet Rockwall
Rockwall Preschool Association's Favorite Local Outings.
Chosen by members and their children.
1. Harry Myers Park – 30 acres of park with pool, community building, playgrounds, walking trails, baseball fields and spray zone.
2. Rockwall County Library – Story time and crafts located in the spacious children’s area.
3. Open Gyms– ASI and United Elite
4. A Day at the Zoo – Dallas Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, and Caldwell Zoo located in Tyler, Texas.
5. RPA Children’s Christmas & Spring Parties – Twice a year Rockwall Preschool Association members and their children get together for children’s parties that include food, crafts, and entertainment specially designed with preschoolers in mind.
6. Michaels, Home Depot, and Lowe’s craft activities – Check local stores for activities.
7. Ham Orchards – Located in Terrell, Ham's is THE place to purchase fresh peaches in North Texas. Don’t miss the blackberry patch and ice cream too! (www. hamorchard.com)
8. Museums at Fair Park – Located in Dallas, The Museum of Nature & Science is the result of a 2006 merging of three Fair Park museums. (http://www.natureandscience.org/)
9. Summer Movies in Rockwall & Garland - At Rockwall Cinemark and AMC at Firewheel in Garland.
10. The Harbor in Rockwall – Watching boats, playing in the fountains, visiting the lighthouse, concerts by the lake, and enjoying ice cream at Twisty Treats.
11. Trains at Northpark – Children and adults alike marvel at The Trains at NorthPark Mall located in Dallas during the holidays. (http://www.rmhdallas.org/)
12. The Children’s Play Place at the Galleria – Located on the third floor of the Galleria Mall in Dallas is a jungle-themed play area for tots and toddlers.
13. Bass Pro Shop in Garland – Looking at the fish tanks, watching the fish being feed, visiting Santa Claus and holiday crafts at Christmas time.
14. Rockwall Pumpkin Patch – A Rockwall tradition! Pick out your pumpkin, enjoy the hay maze, and take your picture with the scarecrow.
15. Downtown Rockwall Events – Farmers Market, Aspasians Art Fair, and Scare on the Square.
Rockwall Preschool Association's Favorite Local Outings.
Chosen by members and their children.
1. Harry Myers Park – 30 acres of park with pool, community building, playgrounds, walking trails, baseball fields and spray zone.
2. Rockwall County Library – Story time and crafts located in the spacious children’s area.
3. Open Gyms– ASI and United Elite
4. A Day at the Zoo – Dallas Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, and Caldwell Zoo located in Tyler, Texas.
5. RPA Children’s Christmas & Spring Parties – Twice a year Rockwall Preschool Association members and their children get together for children’s parties that include food, crafts, and entertainment specially designed with preschoolers in mind.
6. Michaels, Home Depot, and Lowe’s craft activities – Check local stores for activities.
7. Ham Orchards – Located in Terrell, Ham's is THE place to purchase fresh peaches in North Texas. Don’t miss the blackberry patch and ice cream too! (www. hamorchard.com)
8. Museums at Fair Park – Located in Dallas, The Museum of Nature & Science is the result of a 2006 merging of three Fair Park museums. (http://www.natureandscience.org/)
9. Summer Movies in Rockwall & Garland - At Rockwall Cinemark and AMC at Firewheel in Garland.
10. The Harbor in Rockwall – Watching boats, playing in the fountains, visiting the lighthouse, concerts by the lake, and enjoying ice cream at Twisty Treats.
11. Trains at Northpark – Children and adults alike marvel at The Trains at NorthPark Mall located in Dallas during the holidays. (http://www.rmhdallas.org/)
12. The Children’s Play Place at the Galleria – Located on the third floor of the Galleria Mall in Dallas is a jungle-themed play area for tots and toddlers.
13. Bass Pro Shop in Garland – Looking at the fish tanks, watching the fish being feed, visiting Santa Claus and holiday crafts at Christmas time.
14. Rockwall Pumpkin Patch – A Rockwall tradition! Pick out your pumpkin, enjoy the hay maze, and take your picture with the scarecrow.
15. Downtown Rockwall Events – Farmers Market, Aspasians Art Fair, and Scare on the Square.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Family Fun Fridays!
Provided By City of Rockwall
Friday, September 24, 2010, 7 – 10pm
Northshore Park, 609 Highland Drive in front of Reinhardt Elementary
Bring your blanket or lawn chair and an FM radio to tune in to the movie. The fun starts at 7:00 PM with games, bounce house and lots more! Movie: "Snow Buddies"
Friday, September 24, 2010, 7 – 10pm
Northshore Park, 609 Highland Drive in front of Reinhardt Elementary
Bring your blanket or lawn chair and an FM radio to tune in to the movie. The fun starts at 7:00 PM with games, bounce house and lots more! Movie: "Snow Buddies"
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Instant Guitar
When: Thursday, September 23
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: Utley Middle School
Details: Crash course will teach basic chords & get you playing!
Can't find the time to learn guitar? In just a few hours you can learn basic guitar chords and start playing along with your favorite songs. Playing the guitar can give you years of enjoyment.
Bring your acoustic guitar ~ Class is limited to 15 students.
Note: Materials fee of $29 will be collected in class for book and DVD.
Class: Thursday, Sep 23 or Nov 4
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm.
Room 118 / Utley Middle School
Fee: $25
Instructor: Kerry Brown
Rockwall Independent School District
Community Education Dept.
105 Williams Street
Rockwall, TX 75087
Phone: 972-771-0605
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: Utley Middle School
Details: Crash course will teach basic chords & get you playing!
Can't find the time to learn guitar? In just a few hours you can learn basic guitar chords and start playing along with your favorite songs. Playing the guitar can give you years of enjoyment.
Bring your acoustic guitar ~ Class is limited to 15 students.
Note: Materials fee of $29 will be collected in class for book and DVD.
Class: Thursday, Sep 23 or Nov 4
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm.
Room 118 / Utley Middle School
Fee: $25
Instructor: Kerry Brown
Rockwall Independent School District
Community Education Dept.
105 Williams Street
Rockwall, TX 75087
Phone: 972-771-0605
Thursday, September 16, 2010
LET'S GO TO THE HOP!
Provided By A Love for Dance
The Candy Jar Malt Shop and A Love for Dance Studio are joining together tbring you a genuine 1950's
The Malt Shop is located at 109 S. Goliad in Rockwall, Texas. Parking is available on the square or at the Rockwall Center (just south of the Malt Shop).
POODLE SKIRTS ARE OPTIONAL!
The Candy Jar Malt Shop and A Love for Dance Studio are joining together tbring you a genuine 1950's
SOCK HOP AT THE MALT SHOP!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
6:30 to 9:00 PM
Come to downtown Rockwall for all of your Malt Shop favorites and lots of 1950's Rock 'n Roll. Free swing dance lessons will be given every half hour!
The Malt Shop is located at 109 S. Goliad in Rockwall, Texas. Parking is available on the square or at the Rockwall Center (just south of the Malt Shop).
POODLE SKIRTS ARE OPTIONAL!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Rockwall teacher going to Australia with Oprah
Provided By WFAA
The end of an era started Monday: The first episode of Oprah Winfrey's 25th and final season on WFAA.
In case you missed it, her silver anniversary is already off to a big surprise. "We're going to Australia!" the host told her elated studio audience.
One of Oprah's biggest fans, Rockwall High School teacher Tosha Ridgeway, was in that audience and is going on the trip Down Under in December. She watched the show with some of her friends at the high school Monday afternoon, and talked to News 8 about her plans.
"The Oprah Winfrey Show" is broadcast weekday afternoons at 4 o'clock on Channel 8.
The end of an era started Monday: The first episode of Oprah Winfrey's 25th and final season on WFAA.
In case you missed it, her silver anniversary is already off to a big surprise. "We're going to Australia!" the host told her elated studio audience.
One of Oprah's biggest fans, Rockwall High School teacher Tosha Ridgeway, was in that audience and is going on the trip Down Under in December. She watched the show with some of her friends at the high school Monday afternoon, and talked to News 8 about her plans.
"The Oprah Winfrey Show" is broadcast weekday afternoons at 4 o'clock on Channel 8.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Rockwall Police Vehicle Collision
Provided By Planet Rockwall
Source the City of Rockwall
A Rockwall police officer and bystanders at the scene of an accident were almost killed by an 18-wheeler as it skidded onto the scene. Inside the stranded vehicle was a woman who had already been involved in one accident. As seen toward the end of the video, the 18-wheeler crashes into the three vehicles, completely destroying the Rockwall patrol car in the process. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in this incident.
Source the City of Rockwall
A Rockwall police officer and bystanders at the scene of an accident were almost killed by an 18-wheeler as it skidded onto the scene. Inside the stranded vehicle was a woman who had already been involved in one accident. As seen toward the end of the video, the 18-wheeler crashes into the three vehicles, completely destroying the Rockwall patrol car in the process. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in this incident.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Tornadoes, Rain and Wind Hit Rockwall County
Provided By Planet Rockwall
Tropical storm Hermine brought Rockwall and the surrounding area their share of excitement Wednesday afternoon, as tornadoes touched down in Heath and Forney. The Heath storm damaged several houses in the Meadow Creek neighborhood.
In Rockwall a funnel cloud was seen as it floated over The Shores neighborhood. From an alley on Crestway Drive, Shores resident Donny Lauderback used his cell phone to capture footage of the funnel cloud. Lauderback said, "It was down for about 2 minutes, and was south of us, towards the clubhouse."
Funnel Cloud Over The Shores:
The National Weather Service placed rain totals for the county from 2.5 inches in southeast Rockwall County to over 4 inches in the northwest part of the county. Water levels in Lakes Lavon and Ray Hubbard are slowly beginning to rise as tributary flows spiked near flood stages overnight. Lake Lavon is currently at around 5 feet below normal, and Ray Hubbard is at 3 feet below, having risen about 1.5 feet since Wednesday.
Tropical storm Hermine brought Rockwall and the surrounding area their share of excitement Wednesday afternoon, as tornadoes touched down in Heath and Forney. The Heath storm damaged several houses in the Meadow Creek neighborhood.
In Rockwall a funnel cloud was seen as it floated over The Shores neighborhood. From an alley on Crestway Drive, Shores resident Donny Lauderback used his cell phone to capture footage of the funnel cloud. Lauderback said, "It was down for about 2 minutes, and was south of us, towards the clubhouse."
Funnel Cloud Over The Shores:
The National Weather Service placed rain totals for the county from 2.5 inches in southeast Rockwall County to over 4 inches in the northwest part of the county. Water levels in Lakes Lavon and Ray Hubbard are slowly beginning to rise as tributary flows spiked near flood stages overnight. Lake Lavon is currently at around 5 feet below normal, and Ray Hubbard is at 3 feet below, having risen about 1.5 feet since Wednesday.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
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