City of Rockwall Press Release: Shores golf course sale off
Press Release Issued by the City of Rockwall on September 3, 2010.
Due to financing and bonding company limitations, Landscapes Unlimited Golf Group has advised the City of Rockwall that they will not be able to purchase The Shores Golf Course from IRI Golf Group, the current owner of The Shores.
Landscapes Unlimited Golf Group owns and operates more than 20 golf courses nationwide. They had reached a preliminary agreement with IRI and Hillcrest Bank on terms for purchasing the course after IRI had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
News that Landscapes Unlimited would not continue to pursue the purchase came as city officials had started working with the company on terms for a lease agreement on that portion of The Shores Golf Course located on land controlled by the City, which includes the back nine holes along with portions of another four.
Hillcrest Bank has filed a motion with the bankruptcy court asking the court to lift the stay that has prohibited its foreclosure on the property owned by IRI Golf Group. At this time, the City does not know the timeline for the court’s action on the motion or a timeline for reopening of the course.
IRI filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closed the golf course in July.
City Manager Julie Couch said the City of Rockwall will continue to support the efforts of others to secure reopening of the course as a quality golf facility.
“We will also continue to insure that the areas of the course that are currently maintained by the City will continue to be irrigated, mowed, and maintained,” she added. “The Rockwall City Council remains committed to improving conditions at the course and to get it reopened.”
Social Media presented to the Granbury Chamber of Commerce
Glen Farris, owner of Adfinity.biz, is the guest speaker for the Granbury Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon on May 21st, 2010. Internet marketing and social media will be the topic of Glen’s presentation. Adfinity.biz is a cutting edge internet development company specializing in website development, search engine optimization, online marketing, and social media solutions.
The Granbury Chamber of Commerce is a robust chamber located 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth. This is a strong chamber with over 860 members from the City of Granbury and Hood county. Luncheons usually draw anywhere from 90 to 150 members. The chamber website is a great resource if you are a local business or plan to visit Granbury Texas.
Granbury Texas is an exciting destination with plenty of entertainment venues, shopping opportunities, historical and cultural exhibits and up-to-date accommodations including numerous B & B’s. Located on scenic lake Granbury, this is truly a charming town.
Granbury and Hood County are rich in frontier folklore and Texas history. Granbury is a door to yesterday with its Victorian architecture and charming country spirit that celebrates the culturally diverse. You’ll find that historic preservation has been a priority of our proud community.Involvement with the “Texas Lakes Trail” initiative and the Texas/Oklahoma “Wind Power Trail” consortium keeps our heritage in the forefront and make today’s efforts our building blocks on the foundation of our heritage.
For more information on the chamber or the luncheon call 817-573-0805.
Lunch at the Central Perk, Hamilton Texas
By: Glen Farris, Rockwall, Texas.
I have been deer hunting in Hamilton County for over 20 years. Last year I noticed an old house was being renovated into a restaurant of some kind and it perked my interest. In early December 2009 I finally had time to stop by the restaurant now know as The Central Perk, A place where friends meet. I was greeted by Mark Sepolo, who along with his wife Blanca, own and operate the restaurant. Mark made me feel at home and gladly told me about the Central Perk.
The first thing I noticed was the charming atmosphere with a Texas charm inside and out. Located in a historic house in downtown Hamilton, Texas the Sepolo’s renovated it in 2008 to become a healthy eatery. There is a huge wraparound porch that is well utilized during favorable Texas weather. The day I visited was snowy but on the inside an old stove served as the heat on this cold day. Mark stoked the stove several times and made sure all of his patrons were comfortable. The interior was nicely done in Texas Hill Country décor and added to the charm of the restaurant. The day I visited the place literally filled up with locals and transients like me.
The kitchen is Blanca’s territory. She is the Cook, Phone answerer, and anything else she need to do to make the kitchen work. The blackboard menu is located over the order window and specials are served every day. There is a large choice of sandwiches, wraps and Panini’s as well as stuffed avocados and a salad choice. I had the Janice, a turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, homey mustard, and ranch wrap. Sandwiches come with a choice of chips, salad or soup of the day. The day I visited it was homemade baked potato soup. The Baked potato soup was homemade with chunks of potato and plenty of flavors and was outstanding. The sandwich presented well and was tasty as well as healthy. Don’t forget to check out the homemade pies and cakes sitting on a sideboard by the order window. The restaurant makes breakfast tacos and delivers over 100 every morning. The tortillas are handmade and you can choose scrambled eggs with migas, sausage, bacon, or chorizo.
Mark and Blanca were Houston natives for over 30 years. About 5 years ago they decided to pull up stakes and move to Hamilton. The house was originally going to be for their parents but after they decided they didn’t want to live in the house, the Sepolo’s decided it would be a great location for a healthy restaurant since there were none near Hamilton. After facing adversity, and some opposition, the Sepolo’s opened the restaurant. If you have time ask Mark his story, it is really quite interesting. Things are great now and Mark is involved in the community. He is a graduate of Leadership Hamilton, on the Dove Festival committee, a member of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and serves on his church board.
If you are ever in the Texas Hill Country driving down Highway 281 in Hamilton it is well worth the stop. The food is great, and it is refreshing to step into an eatery with personable owners and local color. Mark and Blanca are great and fun to talk to if you, and they, have the time. Don’t forget to look at the autograph wall. It is a story in itself. It took me over a year to check out The Central Perk. I guarantee it won’t be near that long until I return.
Rockwall Road Closing
The City of Rockwall announced that beginning Monday, January 4, Emma Jane will be closed at the FM-740 and SH-205 intersection due to TXDOT construction. This closure should be the last of the major intersection closures. Texas Department of Transportation will open portions of the intersection as the construction allows. For more information, please call City Engineer Chuck Todd at (972) 771-7746.