There's a new restaurant on Restaurant Row (better known as Belt Line Road) in Addison, TX.  Al-Amir, a Lebanese restaurant and club opened at 3885 Belt Line Road a couple months ago.  The original Al-Amir at 7402 Greenville Avenue in Dallas is still open. Out of the blue, I got a call from Sandy Moses, the marketing director for the new Addison location.  She called to thank me for information she found useful that I had posted to Active Rain and to Localism about Addison's top companies, and she invited me and a friend to come by for the lunch buffet. Last Thursday, I took Sandy up on her offer.  The food was fabulous!  You've got to try the lemon rice soup if you get there.  Everything on the buffet was fresh and even a vegetarian won't leave hungry. In addition to the main dining ar... 07/13/2008

The real estate market in Addison, TX is still going strong!  There were 82 properties for sale in June.  Of those, 28 were single family homes, 9 were half duplexes, 19 condos and 26 townhomes.  Of the 18 homes sold in June, 5 were single family homes, 7 condos, and 6 townhomes. One home is still in the option period from June. There are 11 homes in the pending category. Three listings expired, 3 listings were cancelled, and 3 were set to Temporarily Off the Market. The numbers above are only as accurate as the listing agents make them. To buy or sell in Addison, TX contact me. I'm an Addison resident/Addison specialist! Lorrie Semler, e-PRO, GRIKeller Williams - Dallas North972-416-3417www.LorrieSemler.com 07/09/2008

Join the Addison (Texas) Pacesetters (individuals 50 years old or older) for fun, exercise, healthy competition and social interaction every Wednesday at 10:30 am this summer.  Nintendo's Wii connects to the TV and brings to life favorite games, such as tennis, bowling and golf.  A wireless handheld device takes you through the motions of the game. There is no cost (it's FREE!) but you must sign up at the front desk at the Addison Athletic Center, where the activity will be held. You can also sign up for a $10.00 boxed lunch. 06/29/2008

Guaranteed fun for the whole family!10:00 AMThe 15th Annual 4th of July Addison's Kid's Parade Bring your American flags.  Decorate your bikes, yourself, your pets. The parade begins at Lakeview Court Circle and loops the lake once, ending at the Les Lacs Pavillion where food and drinks will be served.  Come hungry for hamburgers and hot dogs.  Meet your neighbors and celebrate the birth of our country with a BANG! If you'd like to participate by helping to place flags around the lake or by bringing snacks, please contact me and I'll put you in touch with the organizer of the event!                                                06/26/2008

Strong financial management and performance, a high level of reserves, below-average property tax rate, and a healthy economic outlook are just some of the reasons why the Town of Addison is one of only five cities in Texas to attain a AAA bond rating. Over the next 10 years, two-thirds of the Town's outstanding debt will be retired.  Additional factors for the boost to the AAA rating include Addison's policies regarding budgeting practices, investments, long-term financial and capital planning, and reserves and debt management.  Way to go Ron Whitehead, our city manager, recently name the North Texas Public Administrator of the Year! 06/23/2008

Everything you ever wanted to know about Addison but were afraid to ask!  Sign up for the 5th almost-annual Addison Citizen's Academy that begins August 1st.  Have fun and learn about the town. I'm a graduate of the 4th Academy, 2006.  Twenty five of us Addison residents gave up 4 Saturdays to spend with town employees, learning about the city council, Conference & Theatre Centre, Environmental Services department, the fire and police departments, Special Events (and Addison has lots of those), parks & recreation department, and even the public works department. We got to go back stage at the WaterTower Theatre, inside a water tower, into the control tower at Addison airport, and other interesting places around town. To learn more about this program, contact Mario Canizares, Assistant C... 06/22/2008

With less than 2 weeks to go, plan your Kaboom Town celebration now!  Celebrate Independence Day, Addison style! Thursday, July 3, 20085 PM - MidnightNext to the Addison Conference Centre15650 Addison RoadAddison, Texas 75001 Enjoy live music, amazing fireworks, and a historic Warbid flyover. The schedule of events includes: Kids' Fun Zone (opens at 5:00 PM)concessions, rock climbing wall, giant slide, inflatables and more Bud Light Main Stage(5:30) Texas Music Project Showcase(6:30) Texas Army National Guard Lone Star Band(8:00) Studio 54(9:25) Presentation of Colors by Civil Air Patrol Group 3 & National Anthem(10:00) Movie Rudy - Stay for the movie and avoid the traffic! Overhead in the Addison sky(7:30) Cavanaugh Flight Museum Historic Warbird Flyover with live narration at the Bowl... 06/21/2008

It's not too early to subscribe for the upcoming season at The WaterTower Theatre at the Addison Theatre Center! WaterTower Theatre, completed in 1992, is the resident theatre company of the Addison Theatre Centre, a 32,000 square foot state-of-the-art, custom-designed space. It was designed to be used in a myriad of configurations. Whatever the production, the entire space can be adapted to create the ambience of a performance, putting the audience directly into a thrilling experience. The theatre is easy to get to.  The address is 15650 Addison Road, Addison, TX 75001. It's across from the fuel tanks at Addison airport. The 2008-2009 season:  Doubt, A Parableby John Patrick ShanleyOctober 2 - 26, 2008Area Premiere: Fathr Flynn, a charismatic young priest, is adored by his students; Si... 06/18/2008

Pool Flix!  It's annual movie night at the Town of Addison's Athletic Center's outdoor pool!  Showing Friday night, June 27th, 2008: Enchanted 8:30 pm Free to Addison kids and Addison residents of all ages! Come float in the pool or lounge on the deck and watch the movie. Last year's event was rescheduled 3 times before the weather cooperated.  Let's hope this year it goes off without a hitch (or a lightening bolt). 06/16/2008

Who is FIFI? FIFI is the world's only airworthy B-29. She will be back in the air soon, according to Jim Cavanaugh of Addison's Cavanaugh Flight Musuem.  Mr. Cavanaugh pledged $1.2 million in sponsorship with the Commerative Air Force for the re-engine project.  "The B-29 played such a significant role in history that it is important that this airplane be preserved. I felt the need to get FIFI flying again," said Cavanaugh. The Cavanaugh Flight Museum is an Addison Texas attraction that shouldn't be missed! 06/15/2008

A museum?  In Addison?  There are actually two.  Mary Kay Cosmetics, headquartered in Addison has a museum.  And the other is the Cavanaugh Flight Museum, located at 4572 Claire Chennault (phone: 972-380-8800). The mission of this non-profit museum is to: promote aviation studies perpetuate America's aviation heritage restore, operate, maintain and display historically significant vintage aircraft collect materials related to aviation history The museum contains not only aircraft, but aviation art and artifacts.  There is even a gift shop. You can schedule a 30-minute flight in a real WWII warbird, with 48 hours notice and subject to weather conditions.  Select from a N2S-4 Stearman open cockpit biplane ($195) or an AT-6 Texan ($275).  Allow for an hour's time, total. Admission to the m... 06/15/2008

From zero lot (garden) homes to mansions, Addison has it all.  Here's what is currently on the market in Addison, Texas, by subdivision.  Some of the areas have required HOAs, others don't.  I recently uploaded a list of condos, a list of townhomes, and a list of duplexes. Subdivision Street Sq Ft Bed/Bath/Gar Price Addison Place Vinland 1425 2/2/2 $159,900 Addison Place Planters Row 1571 3/2.5/2 $169,900 Addison Place Planters Row 1330 2/2/2 $173,000 Addison Place Westgrove 2072 3/3/2 $199,900 Midway Meadows Le Grande 1929 3/2.5/2 $225,500 Midway Meadows Winter Park 1606 3/2.5/2 $239,900 Midway Meadows Bobbin 1714 3/2/2 $258,500 Midway Meadows Dome 2508 3/2.5/2 $299,900 Grand Addison Windsor 1991 3/2.5/2 $250,000 Grand Addison Aspen 2360 3/2.5/2 $292,500 Grand Addison Cambridge 2488 3/... 06/15/2008

If it's a half duplex you're after, here's what's available in Addison, Texas.  Subdivision Street Bed/Bath/Gar Sq Ft Price Midway Meadows Sopras Circle 2/2/2 1752 $191,000 Midway Meadows Sopras Circle 2/2.5/2 1948 $199,900 Midway Meadows Morman Lane 3/2/2 1832 $199,900 Midway Meadows Morman Lane 3/2/2 2038 $209,900 Midway Meadows Morman Lane 2/2.5/2 1900 $219,000 Midway Meadows Sopras Circle 3/2.5/2 2143 $227,000 Midway Meadows Sopras Circle 2/2/2 2334 $229,900 Midway Meadows Morman Lane 3/2.5/2 1918 $234,500 Midway Meadows Morman Lane 3/3/2 2286 $238,500 The Midway Meadows subdivision is the only part of Addison with duplex homes.  There are also zero lot (garden) homes in the subdivison.  The Pecan Square condos are nearby, but not part of the subdivision. Please call if you have an ... 06/14/2008

Looking for a townhouse in Addison, Texas?  You have several choices.  Those in Asbury Circle are under construction and the Stanford Court Villas are partially completed.  If you prefer a mixed use community, District A is for you.  Town Homes Addison and Towne Lake are in more residential areas. Townhouse Complex Street Bed/Bath/Gar Sq Ft Price Town Homes Addison Oberlin Way 2/2.5/2 1601 $226,900 Town Homes Addison Berklee Dr. 3/3/2 1914 $241,900 Town Homes Addison Berklee Dr. 3/2.5/2 1781 $249,900           Towne Lake Towne Green 3/2/2 1659 $239,900 Towne Lake Towne Lake 3/2.5/2 1849 $285,000 Towne Lake Towne Green 3/3/2 2118 $307,110 Towne Lake Towne Lake 4/3/2 2076 $308,000           Asbury Circle Sugar Tree Way 3/2.5/2 2584 $286,661 Asbury Circle Sugar Tree Way 4/3.5/2 2326 $292,7... 06/14/2008

If you're looking for a condo in Addison, TX, you have lots to choose from today. Condo Complex Street Bed/Bath/Gar Sq Ft Price Brooktown Townhouses Brookhaven Club 2/2.5/0 1373 $90,000 La Mirada Proton Dr. 1/1/5/1 920 $97,900 La Mirada Proton Dr. 3/2.5/1 1473 $174,900 Pecan Square Beltway Dr 2/1.5/1 952 $124,900 Pecan Square Beltway Dr 2/1.5/1 987 $127,000 Valley of Bent Tree Ledgemont Ln. 2/1/5/0 978 $110,000 Valley of Bent Tree Ledgemont Ln. 2/2/0 1076 $105,000 Aventura Addison Circle 1/1/2 1296 $212,000 Aventura Addison Circle 2/2/2 1735 $240,000 Aventura Addison Circle 2/2/2 1735 $245,000 Aventura Addison Circle 2/2/2 1735 $245,000 Townhomes of District A Sebolt 2/2.5/2 1667 $255,000 Townhomes of District A Sebolt 2/2.5/2 1844 $272,000 Townhomes of District A Spectrum 3/3/2 2173 $4... 06/14/2008

There's new construction in Addison!  Ashton Woods Homes is building 3-story townhouses in a new subdivision on Belt Line Road between Marsh Lane and Midway Road on the south side of the street. There will be only 72 homes built.  All are 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath and 2-car garage.  Several on Sugar Tree Way are already listed in MLS and others on Asbury Lane, Amberwood Lane and Everwood Lane will follow.  There are 2 different floor plans available: the 2326 sq ft Stillwater plan, and the larger 2573 Clearwater plan.  The pre-construction prices are $278,900 and $288,900 respectively. Interior features include GE stainless appliances, granite counters, tile backsplash, 42" cabinetry in the kitchen; garden tub, designer fixtures, separate shower in the master bath; pedestal sink, ceramic tile... 06/12/2008

Firemen, city council members, and residents of the Addison Timbers Home Owners Association gathered 'round the fountain Friday evening for food, comraderie and fun.  ATHOA is in the Midway Meadows subdivision. EMS and firefighters arrived in style in the ambulance and fire truck and drew looks from non-residents driving past on their way to the dog park.  Outgoing ATHOA board members Virginia, Val and Evelyn and remaining members Rhonda and John were on hand to welcome new board members Jerry, Dick, and Lorrie. Councilman Greg Hirsch and his son stopped by for a cookie and splash in the fountain.           If this looks like a neighborhood you might enjoy living in, let me know!  There are currently 2 homes for sale in the ATHOA. 3/2.5/2, 1929 sq ft, listed at $228,500 3/2/2, 1865 sq f... 05/18/2008

It's true.  Every vote does count! Four candidates ran for three seats on the the Addison (Texas) city council in yesterday's election.  The field included three incumbents, Tom Braun, Dennis Kraft, and Roger Mellow, plus Blake Clemens, last year's loser by 29 votes. The unofficial tabulation (which becomes "official" after being canvassed by the town council on May 20th) looks like this: Candidate Precinct 1600 & 1601 (Fire Sta. #2) Precinct 1602 (Fire Sta. #1) Early Voting  Totals Tom Braun 251 58 193 502 Roger Mellow 175 66 177 418 Dennis Kraft 176 49 165 390 Blake Clemens 142 60 176 378 Congratulations to the returning councilmen!  And BRAVO for getting elected without taking donations from any individuals or from any special interest groups. Should Mr. Clemens choose to run again n... 05/11/2008

Mother's Day, Addison TX Style Check out these 3 ways to show Mom how much you love her!  Reserve an evening after-dinner carriage ride for you and Mom with Addison's only carriage company.Lotsa Spotswww.lotsaspotscarriage.com   Schedule a rejuvenating day spa trip for a facial and massage to relax Mom's mind, body and spirit.Benessere5039 Addison Circle972-490-7546     Order a beautiful bouquet of flowers and have them delivered right to Mom's door from this family-owned shop serving the Addison area.Celia's Floral4151 Belt Line Roadwww.celiasflorist.com   Happy Mother's Day! 05/11/2008

If you are a parent in Addison Texas, there's a Google Group you'll want to investigate.  It is a private forum designed to give Addison parents a simple and interactive platform in which to share ideas and to communicate with each other.  Parents of Addison children will grow and work together to form bonds in the community in order to enrich the experiences of the children's lives together.Consider joining the group.  Once you are a member, you can post ideas and invite new members.Here's the Addison! Parents Google Group site: http://groups.google.com/group/addisonparents 05/07/2008