Free astronomy program planned for July 26, 2008

Lewisville Parks and Leisure Services will hold a free Stargazers astronomy program from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at Memorial Park, 1950 S.
Valley Parkway. The program will be conducted by astronomer John Olson using electronically controlled 10-inch and 12-inch telescopes to view such celestial features as open and globular star clusters, distant galaxies, planets, moons and nebulae. Early visitors can use a special filter to view the sun. For information, call 972.219.5061.

Media contact: Recreation Specialist Monica Winters, 972.219.5061

Purple Martin Landlords schedule Aug. 9, 2008 workshop, roost viewing

The public is invited to attend a free presentation on Aug. 9 by the Purple Martin Landlords of North Texas about the Purple Martin roost in Lewisville. The 6:30 p.m. presentation will be followed by a live viewing of the roost at 7:30 p.m., guided by members of the Landlords group.

The local roost is the largest in North Texas and one of the largest in the state. It is estimated that more than 50,000 birds return each year to Lewisville, choosing a roosting area near Main Street and Civic Circle since at least the year 2000. The roost can start in the second half of July and last into the early part of September, depending on weather conditions and food supply. Hundreds of bird-lovers visit Lewisville each year near sunset to view the roost and watch the aerial acrobatics of the Purple Martins.

Landlords president Gisela Fregoe will talk to attendees about the birds, their annual round-trip migration to Brazil, and the long history of human fascination with Purple Martins that dates back at least 10,000 years.

Registration is not required for the Aug. 9 presentation in the Glenmore Savage Community Room of the Municipal Annex, 1097 W. Main Street, or for the roost visit. For information, call 972.219.3550. For more information about the Purple Martin, visit www.//northtexasmartins.org.

Media contact: Parks and Leisure Services Director Bob Monaghan,
972.219.3552
Media contact: Purple Martin Landlords President Gisela Fregoe,
972.641.2981

Visual Art League schedules exhibit by artist David Mask

The Visual Art League of Lewisville will hold its Annual Juried Members Show, “Fresh Ideas 2008,” from July 12 through Aug. 16 at the VAL Gallery, 701 S. Stemmons Freeway. The opening reception will be 7-9 p.m. Saturday, July 12. Juror for this show is Laurie Weller, Adjunct Faculty for Graduate Painting, Watercolor, & Printmaking at Texas Woman’s University in Denton.

The gallery is located in the Lewisville West Shopping Center, on the west side of Interstate 35E between Main Street and Fox Avenue. Gallery hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Visual Arts League (VAL) is one of six local groups receiving funding from the Greater Lewisville Arts Council through the City of Lewisville grant program designed to foster cultural and fine arts in the community.

For more information, call 972.420.9393 or visit www.visualartleague.org.