Dallas affiliate renovates local gardens.

Apartment Association of Greater Dallas (AAGD) members contributed materials and skilled labor to renovate three of the most popular areas at Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park in Dallas. The improvements include stone retaining walls, a pergola foundation, irrigation system, signage, fencing and nursery benches.

The AAGD Board of Directors and AAGD's Community Services Committee selected Texas Discovery Gardens, which has more than 180,000 visitors annually, as the recipient of AAGD's community service efforts for spring 2005. Ann Cox of Fath Properties was Chair of AAGD's Community Service Committee and the 2004-2005 project.

"It has been such an honor to work with Texas Discovery Gardens," Cox said. "For us, Texas Discovery Gardens was a hidden treasure, waiting to be discovered. AAGD members are excited that many will benefit from our contribution, while making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people--especially children."

Mary Schoeffel, Executive Director of Texas Discovery Gardens, home to more than 45 species of butterflies, said, "The AAGD's renovation of the gardens will be enjoyed by thousands of schoolchildren and members of the general public for many years to come. We're extremely grateful to AAGD for their generous support."

Texas Discovery Gardens is a certified organic public garden, featuring native and adapted plants grown using sustainable methods that conserve water and protect the environment.

Southwest Florida Names New President

Heather Chapman-Wagner was named President of the Southwest Florida Apartment Association (SWFAA).

Melissa Cannata, Senior Vice President of Property Counselors Management Group (PCMG), a Fort Myers, Fla.-based management company with apartment, condo and home divisions, was named Vice President of SWFAA and is a delegate to the FAA board.

Kelly Shuffett, America 1st Properties, is SWIM Secretary.

Greater Hudson Valley Changes Name

The Greater Hudson Valley Apartment Association has changed its name to the New York Apartment Association. Sharon Hart, Bay Property Management Inc., is President.

AMA Certifies 100th Property in FIVE STAR Program

A Tucson apartment community became the 100th apartment community in Arizona certified in an innovative neighborhood partnership.

Sponsored by the Arizona Multi-housing Association (AMA), the FIVE STAR outreach program encourages cooperation and ongoing communication between managers and renters of apartments, homeowners and businesses in neighborhoods.

Cottonwood Creek received its AMA FIVE STAR certification for teaming with its residents and the Miramonte Neighborhood Association to help make the one-half-mile square area safer, cleaner and more vibrant and inviting for all who live, work and play there.

In a letter in support of its certification application, Miramonte President Ruth Beeker wrote, "Cottonwood Creek has a reputation as a good place to live in our area ... It is evident to me that the management is being proactive in establishing the type of environment that is good for all of us."

Among those who attended a neighborhood gathering at the 102-unit rental community were representatives of Miramonte, Tucson Sixth Ward Council Member Fred Ronstadt, Arizona Legislative District 28 Rep. David Bradley and Tucson Police Department Midtown Division Commander Capt. Michael Garigan.

Hosting them were the residents and staff of Cottonwood Creek along with its owner HSL Properties, its management company MEB Management Services and AMA officials.

Cottonwood Creek is among 29 Tucson apartment communities certified in AMA FIVE STAR. To obtain the voluntary designation, a rental community affiliated with the AMA must meet certain requirements, including a higher standard of management practices and neighborhood involvement than basic AMA membership.

San Angelo Donates $3,000 to Charity

The San Angelo Apartment Association (SAAA) in Texas donated the proceeds of its annual golf tournament to Meals for the Elderly, a local group that feeds aged and homebound San Angelo residents. Four teams of 25 participated in the tournament, which helped raise $3,000 for the charity.