2017 May Lakewood

LAKEWOOD/EAST DALLAS

CLASS OF 2017 BREAKING AWAY

“Probably by third grade, the other kids noticed my weird tendencies. My teacher said I had friends, but I was just playing along.”

Luther Harris Jr.

Your New Address

OPENING REMARKS

By RICK WAMRE

Cultivating character

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Not long ago, I found myself face down on the scruffy front yard of a nonprofit near downtown, doing two things I generally avoid: planting and volunteering.

There are people who love getting their hands dirty; I am not one of those. Couple that with my general laziness when it comes to helping others, and it was not starting out to be a fun Saturday.

So while pondering my imminent fate and breaking in my new gloves, a young boy walked up and asked if he could help.

I looked around: Why would any kid volunteer to help a stranger plant stuff?

But he was interested in helping beautify his new home, an Exodus Ministries apartment complex for previously incarcerated women with dependent children.

Yes, you read that right. The 11 mother-and-children family units here have messed up their lives enough that they’re below the bottom of the economic food chain. The mothers all have been locked up — some of them five, six, seven times — and have dependent children, no husbands, no jobs and a small sack of belongings when they show up straight from jail/prison at Exodus, said to be the only nonprofit of its kind in Texas.

The 11-year-old boy asking to help dig in the dirt is one of those kids. Most of us spend more on lunch in a week than his mother will see in a month, and that’s if she’s lucky enough to find a job.

I would like to tell you that this young man and I shared an incredible bonding experience, that we each changed our lives for the better that day.

Instead, I showed him how to dig holes for plant balls and how to cover them up, which he did for 10 minutes or so before jumping up and running off — no good-

bye, no hug, no life-changing revelation. But the kid gave me something to think about. He has nothing except what volunteers have given him, and his mother has 12 months (the length of the Exodus program) to figure out how to make their way in a world where she’s generally not welcome, most often as a felon whose dreams no longer include college, a new car or even a basic “happy ending.”

We can say it’s her fault she’s in this predicament, but we’ve all made some big mistakes in life. Some of us pay for those mistakes forever; some of us get lucky and just move on.

Who knows why we rarely walk in others’ shoes?

If the mother graduates from the Exodus program, she has a chance: Thanks to volunteers and donors, she leaves with an apartment full of furniture, on-site education about finances and being a parent, and a close-knit family of fellow travelers.

The general recidivism rate for people in this situation is about 75 percent, Exodus says; this program reduces that to about 4 percent.

I continued digging holes, frequently glancing down the line of still-unplanted groundcover, knowing that in an hour or two, my volunteer experience would be over. When the kid returned, would his life be better because of what I had done that day?

Like the hard-luck high school seniors we’re profiling in this month’s magazine, this kid needs someone to look up to for more than 10 minutes, someone to help him and his family find their way. And there are hundreds of nonprofits here brimming with similar stories.

The high school seniors found the guidance they need. The person this boy needs is out there, too. Will he find you or me in time to make a difference?

Learn more about Exodus Ministries at exodusministries.org.

Rick Wamre is president of Advocate Media. Let him know how we are doing by emailing rwamre@advocatemag.com.

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contributing photographers: Rasy Ran, Kathy Tran

and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s viewpoint. More than 200,000 people read Advocate publications each month. Advertising rates and guidelines are available upon request. Advocate publications are available free of charge throughout our neighborhoods, one copy per reader. Advocate was founded in 1991 by Jeff Siegel, Tom Zielinski and Rick Wamre.

Can a child whose birthright is poverty and a troubled family history blossom?

MLS Data backs us up here.

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate closed out 2016 in East Dallas with:

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Lake Cir | $1,195,000

La Vista Dr | $1,275,000

Llano Ave | $809,000

7151 Shook Ave | SOLD

6909 Merrilee Ln | $749,000 5803 Richmond Ave | $699,000 5149 Miller Ave | $535,000

6931 Coronado Ave | SOLD 9722 Van Dyke Rd | SOLD

6638 Lakeshore | SOLD

6502 Lakewood Blvd | SOLD, Off Market

5915 Monticello Ave | SOLD, Off Market

‘Elbow

“It’s really too bad yet another old building in Dallas is going to be demolished. I’m all for progress and the Texas A&M Dental School. But surely, they could build next to and around it, and keep this great old building? Sad people don’t see the value of keeping historic buildings. Repurpose it perhaps, as a dental school cantina/cafeteria? Something to keep it.”

DARLENE HARRISON

17+ Years Top Producing DFW Realtor International President’s Circle Award Top 10 Individual Producer Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

are de rived from Dallas Mul ti ple List ing Service (MLS). Numbers are belie ved to be re li able, but are not guar an teed. The Ad vo cate and Coldwell Banker are not re spon si ble for the ac cu ra cy of the in for ma tion. Real estate agents affilia ted with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

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JIM LUTHER

“This is why Dallas is lacking so much character compared to most major cities, however most people here aren’t willing to pay what it takes to restore, it’s cheaper to tear down and build new.”

JUDD CAMPBELL

“This is why we can’t have historical things.”

TIM STEELE

We Get Lakewood.

Collier

Jennifer Riley Rice

9822 Galway Dr. $515,000 Collier-Rice Team

1111 S. Akard St. #406 $225,000 Collier-Rice Team

9771 Ash Creek Dr. SOLD Collier-Rice Team

5208 Everglade Rd. SOLD Collier-Rice Team

5544 Goodwin Ave. $619,000 Bart Thrasher 469.583.4819

Glenbrook Ct. $425,000 Brandon Stewart

5634 Ellsworth Ave. $569,000 Courtney Tauriac

Junius St. COMING SOON Teresa Costa

L A UNCH

MAY 20

Color run

Bring the youngsters out for a colorful day of fun and exercise. Be sure to wear white to this school fundraiser that involves a mile run through plumes of powder. The run steps off at 10 a.m.

Robert E. Lee Elementary School, 2911 Delmar Ave., releepta.org/colorrun, $12

Out & About

MAY 2-31

LAKEWOOD ART

See the talent of your friends and neighbors at the 53rd annual Lakewood Library Art Show. Local residents contributed all the pieces for this exhibit, which can be viewed any time the library is open. Lakewood Library, 6121 Worth St., dallaslibrary2.org, 214.670.1376, free

MAY 5-27

‘JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH’

The Dallas Children’s Theater tackles Roald Dahl’s whimsical tale about a boy who escapes his cruel aunts in a giant peach. The performance is recommended for children ages 5 and older.

Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman St., 214.978.0110, dct.org, $15-$28

White Rock East Garden Tour, see page 30 Swiss Avenue Home Tour, see page 34

MAY 6

BUGS AND BREWS

Spend the afternoon in Lower Greenville at an outdoor party featuring a Louisiana crawfish boil and live music from noon-8 p.m. Expect the vibe of a New Orleans jazz festival but with more eclectic music. The event benefits Promise of Peace Garden in East Dallas. Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Ave., 786.271.9033, bugsandbrews.com, $15-$75

MAY 6

ART FOR THE AGES

C. C. Young’s Spirit is Ageless Awards & Celebration highlights the creativity of local artists and writers, regardless of their age. Lily Cabatu Weiss, executive director of the Dallas Arts District, is the guest speaker. RSVP is required.

The Point at C. C. Young, 4847 W. Lawther Drive, suite 100, 214.841.2831, ccyoung.org, free

MAY 6

PLANTS AND PRAIRIES

Learn all about the wild and natural things that live and grow around White Rock Lake during the fifth annual Native Plants and Prairies Day. Take a nature walk led by experts, see local artwork and get up close with raptors and snakes from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther Drive, ntmn. org, free

MAY 19-JUNE 21

‘ARSENIC AND OLD LACE’

Homicide isn’t typically hilarious, but the dark comedy has entertained audiences for 76 years. Watch the wacky antics of Mortimer Brewster and his bloodthirsty aunts in this romp. Pocket Sandwich Theater, 5400 E. Mockingbird Lane, 214.821.1860, pocketsandwich. com, $12-$25

All square footage is NOT created equal.

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Answer: Rectangle 2 Bedroom 2

Square 1 1 Kitchen 3

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Shape and size directly affect the cost, but that’s only half of the equation. Follow the next exercise below.

This is a bit of a trick question because some assumptions would have to be made, such as the structure (walls, windows and doors) was kitchen also includes appliances which tend to be costly, making this room the one with the highest price per square foot.

without knowing all of the facts. We prefer to educate potential clients so they understand how the dollars add up by breaking down each line item. The value of your square footage is based on the content you choose. It’s important to be sure your construction team helps you maximize your investment.

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By EMILY CHARRIER

PHOTO BY DANNY FULGENCIO

Kent Stump and Michael Walter run Crystal Clear Sound in addition to fronting Wo Fat.

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From left to right

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Paul B. Taylor, M.D., board certified in family medicine

Dianne Hollon, A.P.R.N., F.N.P.-C.

Providers employed by Texas Health Physicians Group practice independenty and are not employees or agents of the hospital or Texas Health Resources © 2017

East Dallas has always been a haven for artists, and there are likely more than a couple neighborhood dads among us who dream of taking the stage like a true rock star. There are a handful who even have bands and play at local bars for tipsy soccer moms. Then there are Michael Walter, Kent Stump and Zack Busby, who have commanded the stage in front of thousands as the metal band Wo Fat.

“Originally, we didn’t think it would be anything,” says Stump. “It’s slowly built up to what it is now.”

They’re on their sixth album after forming in 2003, including their biggest sensation, “The Conjuring,” which was

named by NPR as one of the top 10 metal albums of 2014. But there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of them, unless you happen to be into “psychedelic doom” stoner rock.

“The local scene, especially Dallas, has never really been into the heavier metal stuff,” says Stump, a Casa View resident. “Or really metal at all.”

In today’s music scene, however, that matters less than ever. The band was able to build a following by targeting niche websites that cater to their particular brand of metal. Their music took off, especially across Europe where the thrashing music scene thrives.

“They are really into metal over there,”

says Walter, a Casa Linda neighbor.

Booking annual tours in clubs from Switzerland to Poland and the Netherlands to Austria helped them get on the radar of some of the biggest musical festivals in the world. Last year, they shared the bill with the likes of Black Sabbath, Slayer and Korn at Hellfest Open Air in Clisson, France, which drew 150,000 metal fans.

“Yea, I was a bit nervous for that,” Stump admits.

“It was packed,” Walter adds. “It might have been because it was raining outside, but it was just insane. I remember getting really nervous before Hellfest. But then I think, ‘This is what you always

PHOTO BY NEREA REY

wanted to do, don’t ruin it by psyching yourself out.’ ”

That’s metal, alright.

The band was the brainchild of Walter and Stump, two lifelong musicians who became friends when they lived across the hall from each other at the University of North Texas. Recently, they’ve launched a new musical endeavor by purchasing Crystal Clear Sound, a recording studio near Oak Cliff with a storied past fea-

turing big names like the Dixie Chicks, LeAnn Rimes and Kirk Franklin.

“As far as we know, it’s the oldest continually operating studio in Dallas,” Stump says, who has worked at Crystal Clear as an engineer since 1997.

It’s a full-service shop, from recording to mixing to mastering to manufacturing. Clients range from the UNT marching band, which packs the studio with 40 musicians, to jingle legend Johnny Hooper.

“One of the big things Crystal Clear Studio had was a big client list,” Walter says. “Lately we’ve had string arrangements for CeeLo Green and Meghan Trainor.”

Jumping into studio life was a bigger departure for Walter than Stump, who had long worked in the business side of music. Walter most recently taught macro-economics at Bryan Adams High School but was ready for something new when the option to buy the studio was presented.

“I was burned out of teaching,” he says. “I was there seven years but it felt like it took 20 years off my life.”

Working in music fulltime, including when they take off on their annual tour, is exactly what they always dreamed. They have no intentions of slowing down.

“We’ve performed in one way or another for 30 years,” Walter says.

“And I still get butterflies,” Stump adds.

Check out Wo Fat in one of their rare Dallas performances on May 13 at Double Wide in Deep Ellum.

Wo Fat in concert at Hellfest Open Air in 2016.

THE WOODROW WAY

A new principal is finding his stride at this East Dallas high

Interview by KERI MITCHELL

Steve Ewing took a big leap last summer from Plano ISD to Dallas ISD, from leading a middle school to helming a high school. And not just any high school — East Dallas’ Woodrow Wilson High School consistently is regarded as Dallas’ best comprehensive high school (read: non-specialized, non-magnet), and among the best in the state. That didn’t scare Ewing, however. It fueled him.

So how is Dallas different than Plano?

The largest difference I have found is the sheer size. Plano has 56,000 students

and Dallas is much, much larger than that [roughly 160,000 students]. When I was in Plano, I knew who to call for everything. I’m still learning my phone tree. But I’m learning the reception and customer service is the same, it’s just a lot larger pond to cross.

You have a placard in the front office promising great customer service. What does that mean for a school, and why is that important to you?

I think it’s critical to provide that component in a very healthy and stable environment, and I think that should be one of the things, when people leave our

building, they feel satisfied in what they came for. It’s one of my core values. When you go to Disney World, you’ve spent so much money and time and planning and preparation and have this vision of what excellence should look like, and you get there and the customer service is the first thing you’ll notice is wrong with your vacation. I want to make sure we’re doing that on an educational platform, academically, but also operationally.

Woodrow alumni have drunk the Kool-Aid, so to speak. What is it like having such a powerful force involved in the school? Every single day I have a unique adventure here at Woodrow. One of my most unique experiences this year was the homecoming parade. I had not experienced a homecoming parade since I was a child. We shut down Dallas for half a day for our parade, and to see the kids and the excitement and everyone unified … as we

PHOTO BY RASY RAN

moved into the football game, the stands were full and the spirit was remarkable.

Plano is an amazing school district, and as I left Armstrong Middle School to take on this job, my daughter was coming into sixth-grade at my school, so it was a big Ewing family discussion at the house. When I got here, I was amazed at the community support and investment in the school, and that made me feel like I had made the best decision ever.

I don’t know of a high school where the alumni association has such an incredible impact on current success and future aspirations. It’s almost like a university. I think that’s very unique, and I think that’s what’s going to keep moving this school forward and ahead of the rest, to be honest with you.

Speaking of universities, Woodrow still has academies, or career paths, which are vestiges of Supt. Michael Hinojosa’s

Patient Quote of the Month:

Steve Ewing

— Kelly Alexander

first tenure. They didn’t make it to the present day in most DISD high schools. The academies are working. They’re producing. Students are being successful. We want to continue to improve, always, on everything we’re doing. When we look at school improvement, we want to look at areas of growth. We need to focus in on gen-ed [general education] classes, students who are not attending school. There are areas of improvement but the academies overall are successful.

Regardless of what academy [students] choose, we can also provide clear paths for their futures and their success, and sometimes that takes individual plans for kids that don’t fit the academy mold.

What are the academies?

IB [International Baccalaureate], which is really popular; STEM [science, technology, engineering and math], they were robotics champions and that program is really exploding; Kappa, our fine arts program, which is one of the best in the world; and the business academy, with different opportunities to learn about the world of business and finance, which I would have died to learn when I was growing up. I didn’t even know how to balance a checkbook. These kids are learning to run companies.

Hinojosa’s latest pet project is collegiate academies, which are springing up in high schools across Dallas ISD. Will one be added at Woodrow?

It’s something we’re working on to make sure we have community support, and visiting with our staff to make sure everyone is informed. We know they’re successful in other schools. I’m interested to see the data that will show whether this is the right path for our school. What we don’t want to do is to deny an opportunity that is beneficial to students. We [also] don’t want to ever just jump into anything. We want to make sure we’re collectively making the best decision for our school, and there are a lot of people invested in this school.

What’s next for Woodrow?

Our bond construction will start in January. We’ll have a new competition gym that will be very impressive, and it will be very exciting be able to host a lot of events. We’re going to gain classrooms, science labs and an engineering room as well, plus a new band hall, which is very exciting because our band is truly

growing exponentially. It’s happening because Mr. [Chris] Evetts is a first-class band director. Growth in a program like band doesn’t happen if you don’t have an outstanding leader.

Has your first year gone as you expected?

I was really hopeful for an amazing opportunity — and it really had to be an amazing opportunity. At Armstrong Middle School, where I came from last year, we had seven state distinctions [the maximum possible; Woodrow did as well]. We really took a school in six years from one place to a whole other level. The staff was happy, the students were happy, the community was happy, the principal was happy, so for me to even consider a move, it had to be something extraordinary.

I knew about Woodrow, I knew about the culture, I knew about the desire for excellence and the legacy that, certainly, many have left here. I knew it was a high-performing high school. To say I’m principal at Woodrow Wilson High School is something I’m very proud of. As a professional, you want to be able to say you have been in a place that is at the top of other high schools in the state of Texas. For me this is an amazing job, it’s an amazing opportunity. At the end of the day, it’s about helping people be successful. I’m a servant leader by nature, definitely not a dictator. I’m about working collaboratively and making us all successful. It had to be that because I wouldn’t have left if it wasn’t perfect.

So Woodrow is perfect?

It has been for me. It’s about understanding the expectations from your community, your students, understanding the diversity at the school, knowing your kids, your parents, understanding the philosophy of Dallas ISD, knowing that Woodrow parents are very invested in the school and you should be just as invested as all your stakeholders. I knew the expectations were very high. I actually thrive in that. I love the challenges that come with being a principal in general, but in a high-performing school, a community with high expectations, I love that.

I love the feel of the one-horse town. This is our town, our school. If Dallas wasn’t right there, I wouldn’t even know we were in the middle of the city. Everyone buys into the “Woodrow Way.”

Interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

Building community at the White Rock East Garden Tour

By EMILY CHARRIER

With its spacious front yards and tall shade trees, it’s clear to see where Forest Hills and Little Forest Hills got their apt names. These are neighborhoods that cherish green space, made apparent in the careful attention to detail many homeowners take in perfecting luscious gardens.

“One of the main reasons we bought the house was the garden,” Ron Balentine says of his San Fernando Way home.

Back in the 1980s, the property belonged to noted Master Gardener Delores Cullivan, the White Rock Lake resident behind Artistic Gardenscapes, which designs drool-worthy residential landscapes that range from English rose to drought-tolerant. At her own home, she carved out deliberate paths for the plants to follow, building architectural beauty from flora and fauna. According to neighborhood lore, Cullivan sold the property only after the new owner agreed to allow her to keep tending the garden she so lovingly designed for herself.

But that was years ago.

By the time Balentine bought it in 2014, the yard was dreadfully overgrown, left to flounder without a skilled hand to keep it tended. As longtime gardeners, Balentine and his wife, Julie Dunn, were eager to take on the challenge of restoring the half-acre to its former glory, albeit with their own personal touches.

“I just buy what I like,” Balentine says when asked about his plant preference. “A lot of stuff in here is from my grandmother. She was the one who taught me about gardening.”

The couple will unveil their years of hard work at the White Rock East Garden Tour, taking place May 21. You’ll find artists selling handmade creations in their garden, in addition to the annual plant sale, which is set for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Casa Linda Park.

The tour is a joint effort of Casa Linda Estates, Forest Hills and Little Forest Hills. All proceeds benefit neighborhood beautification projects along with fun holiday events like the Fourth of July celebration. Lottie Minick, a 25-year Forest Hills resident who volunteers with the tour, says the event has knit the community together in its 16 years.

“It’s brought us all together and allowed us to get to know each other,” Minick says. “It’s so nice to have a reason to meet new neighbors.”

She and other neighborhood volunteers scour the blocks looking for eye-catching gardens to showcase each May. “I walk the alley and peek through the fences,” Minick admits with a laugh.

This year’s tour is an eclectic mix, from modern and manicured to more

May 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tickets: $12.50-$15 whiterockgardentour.org

whimsical. Mallory Becker will showcase her newly installed production garden, complete with leafy greens like kale and chard, tons of tomatoes and peppers, herbs, peach trees and other edible goodies. She calls it “the farm” and has plans to add a greenhouse and a chicken coop by the pool in her mid-century modern backyard.

“We have four dogs, why not get four chickens?” she smiles. “Honestly, this is all new to me. But my boyfriend and I cook all the time and the idea of having everything fresh is just really exciting.”

Mary Crawford has been refining her polished green space for 18 years, but it will always be a work in progress to highlight her outdoor paradise. Thanks to her love of florals, vibrant colors surround her pool and hot tub. Then there’s the outdoor living space, complete with a fireplace, dining table and barbecue, all encased in mosquito netting to keep it bug-free.

“We use it even when it’s in the 50s,” Crawford says. “It stays warm as long as there’s not too much wind.”

White Rock East Garden Tour

DARLING DARCY OF EAST DALLAS

There are a lot of jokes about Oklahoma, but don’t tell Darcy. The Scottish terrier was raised by a breeder in the Sooner State before being adopted into the Lakewood home of Allison Flanagan

“Darcy and I enjoy checking out all of the dog friendly patios in Lakewood to eat and drink with our friends,” Flanagan says. “We particularly enjoy checking out all of the outside artwork in Dallas.” Flanagan chronicles Darcy’s adventures in her very own Instagram account, @darcythescottie, where she has more than 1,300 followers. “Darcy has so much personality — she is very talkative, excitable, she loves people, she’s cuddly, stubborn and wonderful,” says a clearly unbiased Flanagan.

GOT A PET YOU WANT US TO FEATURE?

MUNGER MAGIC

Built in 1905 by cotton farmer Robert S. Munger, the neighborhood was designed for luxury. Houses were all two-stories, set at least 60 feet from the property line and cost at least $10,000 a piece, a high-dollar price at the time. The newly dubbed Munger Place was so successful, it quickly was expanded and brought a wide range of

architectural styles to Dallas, in addition to the city’s first deed restrictions. For years, the stone pillars seen at left welcomed residents home at Swiss and Fitzhugh avenues. They were removed by the city in 1969 when they were deemed a traffic hazard. Today, new pillars pay homage to the past without blocking the roadway.

PHOTO BY DANNY FULGENCIO

LUXURIOUS HISTORY

Swiss Avenue home tour is like stepping back into another era

By EMILY CHARRIER

With its elegant columns and dark wooden interiors, a walk through the Aldredge House gives a hint at what life in East Dallas looked like back when the city felt more like a big town.

It was 100 years ago when architect Hal Thompson put the finishing touches on the two-story mansion at 5500 Swiss Ave., which took two years to construct. The home was built for William J. Lewis, a Maryland native who made his fortune as a rancher in West Texas before marrying 18-year-old Dallasite Willie Newberry, but the couple would live there only a year before she decided the place was too grand.

The house briefly was occupied by Lewis Mormons before one of Dallas’

most celebrated power couples took ownership in 1921.

A banker and Texaco director, George N. Aldredge was the son of George Aldredge, a prominent district attorney who read the eulogy for confederate leader Robert E. Lee when his memorial statue was unveiled in Dallas. Rena Munger Aldredge was the daughter of Robert Munger, a cotton-gin pioneer who built Dallas’ first luxury development, Munger Place, where the house sat. Moneyed, politically connected and socially active, the couple were known for their civil engagement and support of the arts, specifically the Dallas Symphony and Museum of Art.

The house played witness to dozens of family celebrations, especially weddings. It was a tradition for Aldredge brides to have their wedding photo taken on the ornate walnut staircase wearing the 1906 Belgium lace gown that Mrs. Munger had made for her daughter Rena’s wedding. Sadly, the tradition ended in December 1964, when the dress was downtown at Neiman-Marcus to be altered for Virginia Aldredge’s upcoming nuptials and a five-alarm fire broke out, destroying the delicate heirloom.

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The Aldredges would stay in the home for more than 50 years, ensuring the family’s name would forever be associated with the property. When Rena Aldredge reached the end of her life in 1975, she made plans to donate the property to the Dallas County Medical Society Alliance, but only under the promise that it maintain the house.

Now, 40 years later, much is exactly as it was in the iconic estate, one of only three named as “nationally significant” in the 1975 Dallas Historic Landmarks Survey.

The Aldredge House is just one of the seven historically lux abodes you can see on the 44th annual Swiss Avenue Mother’s Day Home Tour, set for May 13 and 14. The weekend also includes a sumptuous brunch in Savage Park along with an art fair, car show, children’s play area, live music, free horse-drawn carriage rides and air-conditioned mini-coaches, along with plenty of food and history.

Swiss Avenue Mother’s Day Home Tour

May 13-14

$25 ($30 day of the event) sahd.org

The Aldredge House marks its 100th year on Swiss Avenue.

A HOLEY WORK OF ART

How one woman found her passion through ceramics

By NICHOLE OSINSKI

PHOTOS BY DANNY FULGENCIO

ndrea Brashier may not have her own art studio but what she does have is passion, a lot of it. What that passion is put toward is a beautiful form of art in the shape of ceramic bowls. Holey bowls, if we’re being precise.

What are these holey bowls? A simple answer is they are colorful bowls that make a nice addition to a coffee table. But there’s more to them than that — they’re intricate ceramic rings that have been forged together to create patterns that look something akin to a cluster of bubbles that have been dyed shades of turquoise, burnt orange and earthy greens.

Brashier’s creations are unique to say the least and her journey to make them is as unexpected as the bowls themselves.

An art minor in college, Brashier had worked mainly in the mediums of draw-

ing and painting but when she took a ceramics class her last year in college, she was hooked.

“I fell in love with it,” Brasheir says. “I love this medium so much.”

That was 2008. Upon graduation Brashier began taking every kind of community clay class she could get her

hands on. She eventually found herself at the Creative Arts Center of Dallas where she met another local artist, the aptly named Jo Clay, who taught Brashier how to throw clay on a pottery wheel. After a few years, Clay invited Brashier to her home studio to work on ceramics. For about the past two years

Andrea Brashier demonstrates the unique process with which she makes her ceramics.

the Lower Greenville resident has been working in in that studio making her own pieces of art to sell.

“I had kind of this sculptural functional idea in my head and started making them through a lot of trial and error and finally found a method that worked,” Brashier says. “I just made

so many of them I didn’t know what to call them and it just naturally came out from what they look like.”

The holey bowls started out as gifts, many as wedding presents for friends, and soon Brashier realized she could profit from her artwork. Art fairs ensued and just last year she did her first showing at an art gallery in Fort Worth. She currently works in the health care

industry and mainly sells her work through Instagram using the name @ holeybowls but hopes to one day make ceramics a full-time job with a studio all her own.

As for the bowls themselves, they’ve become more than just a piece of art. For Brashier, they’re an adventure, a stress reliever and a representation of

each day that passes. But most of all, they’re her passion.

“There’s always a risk but I feel like that’s a metaphor for life, you’ve just got to have the courage to go for something that you really want to do and it could turn out awesome and successful or it could turn out bad,” Brashier says. “You just pick yourself up and keep going.”

“There’s always a risk but I feel like that’s a metaphor for life.”

DELICIOUS Something for everyone

By ELISSA CHUDWIN

Photos by KATHY TRAN

DID YOU KNOW: Owner John Schmitz jokingly calls the restaurant a “Poor Man’s Lake House” because you can’t even see White Rock Lake from the parking lot.

stopped evolving. Situated a half-mile from White Rock Lake, the eatery is the local hot spot for cyclists and runners, Schmitz says. It’s a regular firstdate spot, and meet-up groups often plan events at the bar.

Lake House Bar & Grill couldn’t have come to fruition without owner John Schmitz’s family, friends and the book “Running a Bar for Dummies.”

Schmitz wasn’t new to the restaurant business, thanks to a 12-year stint at The Barley House. Even with years of bartending experience under his belt, he admits he had no idea what opening the White Rock establishment would entail.

Schmitz knew he needed help with the day-to-day operations, so he invited his family and friends to his house to pitch his idea. When he said he was quitting his career in logistics sales to open a bar and grill, his dad questioned why he would jump into a business Schmitz didn’t fully understand.

He wasn’t wrong either, Schmitz says.

“When you go into it, you figure out you don’t know anything,” he says. “Some-

LAKE HOUSE BAR & GRILL

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Price Range: $10-$20

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thing breaks. Something happens. You’re always somebody’s counselor.”

The first thing Schmitz did was head to Barnes & Noble to purchase a copy of “Running a Bar for Dummies.” But he never needed to read it, because the masterminds behind bars like Oak Cliff’s Nova and Knox Henderson’s Capitol Pub gave him advice about launching Lake House Bar & Grill.

“The cool thing about people in the restaurant industry is they don’t want you to fail,” Schmitz says. “They want you to succeed.”

Everything else was a matter of trial-and-error.

Four years later, Lake House hasn’t

“I’m happy about the location and seeing everything around it growing,” he says. “I’m passionate about this area. It’s changing, and it’s changing for the better.”

The neighborhood is one of the reasons Schmitz was adamant about quitting his sales job to open the bar and grill. It reminds him of Austin, his favorite city in Texas, because of its open spaces and walkability, but there weren’t many hangout spots north of the lake until recent years.

“The Lake Highlands/White Rock area needed something like this,” he says.

Now Schmitz and Chef Los Akins are tag-teaming to expand Lake House’s motley offerings that range from pub fare to seafood. Popular specials — such as scallops, salmon and meatloaf — will

earn a permanent slot on the regular menu. Pizza and grill items are about to become a part of their repertoire, too.

Many of the items are something you’d see at an upscale restaurant, but they’re offered in a laid-back environment. No one has to dress up to order fresh seafood, he says, and that makes it a comfortable place to be.

“I just love making everybody happy,” he says. “I love seeing something you develop on your own blossom.”

Another Broken Egg Cafe

It’s our passion to create exceptional dishes for breakfast, brunch and lunch that are “craveably” delicious with an artisanal flair. Mon-Sun 7:00 -2:00 pm

Haute Sweets Patisserie

Treat yourself and the ones you love with the finest desserts, French Macarons, cookies, cakes & more. Award winning chefs bring premium restaurant quality treats right to our neighborhood. You’ll be amazed! Paleo & Gluten-free available.

Opposite page: Shrimp and crab martini.

Above: A rich bread pudding. (Photos by Kathy Tran)

Taste of Europe

THE ST

THE STORE IN LAKE HIGHLANDS

SIMPLY SOUTHERN is here! Adorable T-shirts, caps, koozies and more. Great for gifts...or a treat for yourself!

Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 10233 E. NW Hwy@Ferndale

(next to Rooster’s) 214.553.8850

YOGA MART

Come see the new location and shop for spring. Many gift items, handbags, jewelry, clothing and more for Mother’s Day, Graduations and other events. Across from Arboretum Village Shopping Center. 2201 Tucker St. Suite 101 214-534-4469

2SHEA BABY BOUTIQUE

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(Between Bank of America & Lakewood Post Office)

DUTCH ART GALLERY

51 Years of Custom Framing & Fine Art Come out to the “Call of the Wild” Juried Art Show. Meet the artists at the Wine & Cheese Reception on Saturday, May 20th- 11am to 6pm. Show will be on exhibit through July 29th. Artist painting above is by Debbie Stevens. 10233 E. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, TX 75238 214.348.7350 dutchartgallery.net

Tucked away in an unassuming corner on Blackwell Street, you’ll find a neighborhood institution that defies the traditional restaurant curse. Since 1991, Henk’s European Deli and Black Forest Bakery has been serving up all the flavors you’d find abroad, from herring to schnitzel to leberkase.

It was the culinary brainchild of Henk Winnubst, who grew up in Holland working in delis. After 30 years with the famed Kuby’s Sausage House, he set out on his own. Winnubst decided to resurrect the old Black Forest Bakery, a European sweet shop that was run by the Dreyfuss family for years on Northwest Highway until it closed in the mid-1980s.

He took their original concept and expanded it to include full meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. He kept the flavors mostly traditional with a few American spins, like the German burger. Henk’s traditional Hungarian chicken dish has been served for decades, and remains on the menu today. It’s a classic that, like the deli, stands the test of time.

First published in the Advocate in 2000, the recipe can be served as a sandwich and makes a nice chicken salad when cut into small strips on a bed of salad greens.

HENK’S HUNGARIAN CHICKEN serves 4

4-6 ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade:

1 cup water

1 cup butter, melted and clarified

1 cup white wine

1 teaspoon of each of the following (adjust to taste):

Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, garlic salt, white pepper, sugar

Mix all ingredients for marinade. Place chicken in shallow dish and pour marinade over.

Let chicken marinate for at least 24 hours.

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Pan-grill in a little butter, using some of the fat from the marinade to brush onto the chicken to keep it moist while cooking. Sprinkle on more salt and pepper to taste while cooking, and more paprika for color. Cook until done through but tender, and serve with classic sides such as potato salad and sauerkraut.

PHOTO BY MARK DAVIS

Precymay Cabato

PHOENIXES THE

STUDENTS WHO ROSE ABOVE THE OBSTACLES TO BECOME STARS IN THE CLASS OF 2017

By Emily Charrier

PHOTOS BY DANNY FULGENCIO

NO ONE SAID HIGH SCHOOL WAS EASY.

From the social challenges to the expectations, all students in the class of 2017 have struggled for their achievements. But some students faced adversity well beyond their young years, hardships that would be tough for even seasoned adults to navigate. They had to learn to fit into a world that didn’t always accept or understand them. These are the students who could have fallen through the cracks, thrown in the towel or simply walked away from a life that seemed to take more than it gave. Instead, when the world pushed them, they fought back, refusing to succumb to the strife. Their grace in dark times made them into unlikely role models who demonstrate what it means to never give up.

PRESTON PERSEVERES

1999 should have been a banner year for the Fitzgerald family. They had a new baby boy, Preston, and their eldest, Mackenzie, was starring alongside Natalie Portman and Ashley Judd in her first leading role at just 4 years old in the film “Where the Heart is.” Mother Cristina was on set in Austin when she noticed a funny twitch in Preston’s face. It was lightning quick, but it immediately set off her motherly instincts.

“I didn’t even know what a seizure looked like,” Cristina says, but she felt something was wrong with her 7-monthold son.

She took Preston to the emergency room at Breckenridge Hospital, where a series of tests would reveal that he had tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a rare and usually debilitating genetic condition that causes tumors to form in almost any organ, most specifically the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes. Tiny tumors had taken

up residence in Preston’s brain, causing mild seizures.

“I call it my doomsday,” Cristina says.

She and her husband, Robert, faced more questions than answers. Like many genetic disorders, TSC can range from mild physical and cognitive dysfunction, to extremes where children are non-verbal, wheelchair bound and otherwise afflicted. Preston was too young to tell and there was no way of knowing how the disease would progress in his still-growing body. There was a 60 percent chance he’d never speak.

“No two cases are the same, there’s no one treatment for TS,” Robert says.

A TSC patient’s prognosis simply depends on where the tumors grow, and how large they become. “It’s like walking through a minefield, you don’t know what’s going to trigger,” Cristina says.

They decided not to dwell, and focused on giving Preston a normal childhood. They were fortunate; the condition is rarely diagnosed in infants. Early intervention meant the tumors’ growth could

be better controlled. Preston struggled to learn things the way most children do, but it was soon clear he was one of the lucky ones.

“He’s the poster child for the best-case scenario,” Cristina says with clear relief in her voice.

It hasn’t been an easy road. His kidneys are pocked with tumors, and he’s had other tumors removed from his skin. Cognitively, it’s hard for him to remember all of the steps, so learning things like math and science has always been a challenge. Extensive therapies taught him how to overcome some of the damage the tumors cause in his brain, specifically when it comes to motor skills and balance.

He started playing soccer when he was 3 and did everything else a typical kid would do, just in his own way. But the older he got, the more he became aware of the differences that set him apart from other kids.

“It made me angry that it took me longer to do things than it did the other

kids,” Preston remembers. “It was hard to fit in, I didn’t have any friends.”

By fourth-grade, he was in tears every day after school, a place he had grown to hate. His parents needed a better option. They found it in Dallas Academy, an East Dallas private school built by the Savage family of Swiss Avenue for students who learn differently, specifically their daughter, Dottie. It specializes in high-functioning autistic students and those with severe dyslexia, but prides itself on giving students a classic high school experience with sports, extra-curricular activities and school dances.

“Everyone else was different, too, so I felt OK,” Preston beams, adding that he started to enjoy school once he had teachers who taught him in a way he could understand. “The teachers, they actually wanted to help me and not just get frustrated that I wasn’t picking it up as quickly as the other kids.”

Health-wise, Preston just needs annual scans to check the size of his tumors. A daily chemotherapy pill helps to prevent new tumors from forming, and the existing ones from growing bigger.

It hasn’t held him back.

In addition to soccer, Preston picked up tennis his sophomore year and excelled at the sport, heading to the state finals last year. He’s quick with a joke and blessed with a biting wit. He loves to travel and recently returned from a school trip to Panama. Next year he’ll head to community college at either Eastfield or Richland, since he’s not quite ready to move away from home yet.

He hopes to study art and geography, two subjects in which he’s always excelled. There’s a famous story in the Fitzgerald family about the time Preston was at a friend’s birthday party when someone noticed he was spending an inordinate amount of time drawing in the corner. His parents realized he had sketched a near-perfect scale map of the entire metroplex, with such attention to details it included every highway and neighborhood boundaries.

“Everybody’s jaw just kind of dropped,” Cristina says, looking at the framed map on her wall.

“My friend was mad at me because I stole all the attention,” Preston says with a laugh.

Preston is well aware that his brain works differently than others, but it no longer bothers him.

“If I had a choice to get rid of [TSC], I wouldn’t,” he says. “because it makes me who I am today.”

“THE TEACHERS, THEY ACTUALLY WANTED TO HELP ME AND NOT JUST GET FRUSTRATED THAT I WASN’T PICKING IT UP AS QUICKLY AS THE OTHER KIDS.”

PRECYMAY’S PERSISTENCE

Precymay Cabato danced the lead role of Clara in Woodrow Wilson High School’s annual “Nutcracker Shortn-Suite” showcase this past holiday season. She worked the stage with poise and style, clearly adept in her ability to emote through movement.

Despite her starring performance, she was likely one of the only students who didn’t have a parent in the audience to congratulate her.

“My parents have never seen me dance,” the 18-year-old says. “They think it’s a waste of time.”

As immigrants from the Philippines, they’ve spent so much of their life focused on just surviving they can’t seem to understand the need for extra-curricular activities. Precymay doesn’t ask her parents for rides to dance at this point. She’d rather walk the 30 minutes to rehearsal every morning, regardless of the weather.

“I get up at 5 a.m. and start walking at 6 a.m. so I’m not late,” she says.

Precymay has always been caught between two worlds with their own sets of expectations.

Growing up in the Philippines, her parents left her and her siblings with their grandparents while they pursued work overseas. Operating a small farm in a politically charged country wasn’t enough to feed their growing family. Precymay’s memories of the first 10 years of her life are mostly of struggle.

“It was heartbreaking,” she says of her parents leaving. “I didn’t feel like I had any support at that point.”

Life was harder in almost every way imaginable. She woke up at 4:30 a.m. to walk several miles from her small village into the nearby town where she could attend school. “There were like 60 kids in a class and we’d fight over torn-up books,” she remembers.

Once they saved up enough money, her parents returned to the Philippines to bring the children to their new home in Texas, where they had family in Carrollton. Precymay was 10.

The family soon settled into a modest apartment on Gaston Avenue where the living room doubles as a master bedroom. Precymay enrolled at J.L. Long Middle School. While she grew up learning English, along with her two native languag-

es, she rarely spoke it, and classmates took notice.

“I didn’t really feel as welcomed as I thought I would,” she says. “They would mock me for the way I spoke. I was bullied to the point where I was depressed, to the point that I felt worthless.”

She didn’t find help at home. “When I talked to them about being bullied and I was crying, my mom scolded me.”

It wasn’t until she got to high school that Precymay found a place where she felt acceptance: the dance department at Woodrow Wilson High School. Dance teacher Lisa King immediately saw the potential in this new student and set out to foster her growth.

“I WAS BULLIED TO THE POINT WHERE I WAS DEPRESSED, TO THE POINT THAT I FELT WORTHLESS.”

“Her outlet has been dance to help her cope with her demons to be a normal teenager at Woodrow,” King says. “The first time I saw her dance, I realized she was a tortured soul.”

Precymay found herself in dance. It was the first place she felt free to be expressive, and she learned to use her voice through motion. She thrived, becoming an officer with the school’s Sweetheart Drill Team where she regularly choreographs routines for her squad.

While teenage rebellion is an often-celebrated American tradition, the same cannot be said for the Philippines, where obedience is demanded, especially from daughters. It took an impassioned sense of self to stand up to her parents’ disapproval.

“It’s very hard to go against them, because in the Philippines we’re taught to just do what we’re told. I know they’re doing what they think is best, but they don’t really know me,” Precymay says. “We argue a lot because of who I am as a person.”

The same can be said for her future plans. Since coming to America, military service has been a key component of the Cabato family. It’s the price the next generation has to pay for college, which her parents say is too expensive. Precymay’s older sister followed her parents’ preferred path by enlisting in the U.S. Army after graduation, where she serves in Kuwait. She’s been witness to combat attacks and a fellow soldier’s suicide, experiences Precymay does not want.

“There’s a seriousness to her that I hadn’t seen before,” Precymay says.

Despite her parents’ desires, Precymay has decided to follow her dreams to attend college. She was accepted to UNT, where she plans to study biology, although she’s not sure what she wants to be quite yet. She hopes to join the dance team, and will always keep it as a side hobby, perhaps teaching children to dance from the heart, like King taught her.

“My parents scorned the idea of me being in dance. They told me it was a waste of time and I probably wouldn’t make it anyway,” Precymay says. “I had to pick myself up and do it for me.”

TERRY’S TENACITY

Terry Carter got his first job when he was in the sixth grade, passing out sweet treats from an ice cream truck. He’s worked ever since at retail shops and eateries, anywhere that will give him a steady paycheck. He saved a portion of his money to buy chips and candy, which he sold to his classmates to make extra cash.

He does not shy away from hard work; his large family needs his support.

Terry is the third of eight children. With parents who work in a cafeteria, money was always tight. Government assistance programs such as food stamps helped fill the void, but the family constantly struggled to keep up

with the bills. When Terry’s mother was evicted, she and her children moved in with grandparents, but living quarters were tight.

“I wanted to take some stress off [my mom],” Terry says.

Soon after he graduated from Alex W. Spence Talented/Gifted Academy, Terry decided to move in with his father and attend Woodrow Wilson High School. His father didn’t live with the family because of anger issues, which Terry experienced first-hand, although he doesn’t like to talk about it.

“It wasn’t like that, it was just manto-man stuff,” he says, “[My father] always taught me right.”

Terry left after a few months to live with a friend, before moving in with his brother in Mesquite, but that house also was full. Earlier this school year, he finally found peace when he moved in with his best friend’s family in Cedar Hill, people he calls his godparents.

“He’s safe here, it’s stable,” says Felicia Richardson, his godmother.

Despite bouncing all over the metroplex, Terry kept his East Dallas roots and traveled as far as he needed to keep up his attendance at Woodrow, largely by bus for over an hour each day.

“It was hard, you never know when you’re just going to be in the same place. I knew it wasn’t supposed to be like this,” he says. “I just always told myself I wasn’t going to stop.”

He channeled the chaos of his life into rap lyrics, something he’s quick to dismiss as “just a hobby.” His words highlight the struggle he felt of growing up in poverty.

“I won’t hide/ The ways I tried/ It’s just not right/ It’s killing me tonight,” the chorus of his song “Intro” hauntingly repeats.

School was the place where he blossomed, because direct interaction with thoughtful teachers helped him flourish. He was never a standout student, but his willingness to work hard makes him memorable.

“He’s been taking care of himself most of his life,” Richardson says. “He has worked for every single thing that he’s earned, and he continues to work.”

That includes setting a family record as the first member to attend college. He initially planned on community college, but Richardson encouraged him to go for a four-year institution. Under her guidance, Terry was accepted into Prairie View A&M, although it took two tries.

“I told him to appeal the rejection,” Richardson says, “and he got in.”

Terry wants to pursue a degree in systems management, not so much because it interests him but because he knows it will be a lucrative field of study. He wants to find a good job so he can support his mom and baby sisters.

“I always thought things had to change. It has to,” he says. “I think that’s why I am so driven. To make that change for my family.”

“IT WAS HARD, YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU’RE JUST GOING TO BE IN THE SAME PLACE. I KNEW IT WASN’T SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE THIS.”

LUTHER’S LIMITLESS

Luther Harris Jr. is the kind of person you want around when you travel, especially on a road or rail trip. The Dallas Academy senior is basically obsessed with transportation, and lightning quick at memorizing entire systems, just for fun.

“Because I’m so interested in travel, I’ve always been interested in roads and trains,” he says. “My goal is to become a civil engineer and build the largest high-speed rail system in America.”

Outside of exploring new cities, Luther likes to spend his free time watching the trains roll through the Dallas Area Rapid Transit station near his White Rock Lake-area home. Or going to public meetings to learn about upcoming road projects, where he sees things most audience members can’t. At one meeting, Luther found a safer and more efficient alternative for an overpass design on I-635.

“The engineer said, ‘You know what, you’re right.’ He couldn’t believe it,” says his father, Luther Harris Sr. Sounds like a strange hobby for an 18-year-old, right? That’s Luther, he’s always been a bit of a conundrum. As a child, his intelligence was undeniable but he was constantly labeled as

“different” by his teachers. He saw the world in his own way, which had both benefits and challenges — while he was gifted in certain areas, he didn’t learn to read until middle school and struggled with loud noises.

“In first grade, they diagnosed him with a pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified,” Luther Sr. says. “Later, they put him on the autism spectrum.”

At the time, Luther was a student at St. Philip’s School and Community Center in South Dallas, where he struggled to fit in — difference isn’t often celebrated in elementary school.

“Probably by third grade, the other kids realized my weird tendencies,” Luther says. “My teacher said I had friends but I was just playing along.”

Unequipped to deal with Luther’s unique educational and social needs, his parents moved him to Vanguard Preparatory School in Farmers Branch, a school specifically designed to teach autistic students. It quickly was apparent that Luther was higher functioning than most of his classmates.

“Being in a school that was majority autistic made me realize there was a problem,” Luther says. The school was more focused on teaching life skills rather than college readiness, “students weren’t really getting an education.”

That was not acceptable to Luther’s parents, who knew he was headed to college. A Stanford University test showed that Luther was off the charts in certain areas of understanding, so they focused on finding a school that would better prepare him for the future.

“The test showed he’s a spatial genius. He is, he is a genius,” Luther Sr. says. “[Vanguard] was too easy for him, he wasn’t being challenged.”

That’s when they found Dallas Academy, a school built for people like Luther who are college-bound but struggle with learning differences.

“I love it. It was like a normal high school,” Luther says. “I could connect with people.”

Finally, Luther found a school that would teach him the way he needed to learn. All students are prepared for college, and taught to advocate for their own success. With that support, Luther flourished, joining clubs, acting in plays and setting a record for the most college acceptance letters in the school, five in total, including Cornell University. Next fall, he’ll study pre-engineering at Missouri State because it gave him a generous scholarship. He hopes to finish his degree at the famed Missouri University of ScienceandTechnology, where he was also accepted, although with lesser financial aid. He’s excited to move to a new city and meet new people, but he admits he’s nervous about sharing space in the dorms.

“I’m most worried about roommates,” he says. He’s highly sensitive to loud sounds, which can make communal living daunting. “Boys can be hard with that.”

His mother, Andrea, admits she’s a bit nervous for Luther to move away, but Luther Sr. doesn’t have any concerns.

“The main thing that will make him successful is that he has his own drive,” Luther Sr. says, adding that he sees big things in his son’s future.

“I’m going to retire off of [Luther],” he laughs.

“BEING IN A SCHOOL THAT WAS MAJORITY AUTISTIC MADE ME REALIZE THERE WAS A PROBLEM.”

Gaby Munoz left soccer practice one December day, climbed into her car, checked her phone, and her life changed forever.

“It was so surreal,” she says, immediately correcting herself. “It was actually so overwhelming.”

It was the moment she found out her most ambitious dream to date had come true: She had been accepted to Harvard, a school that admits just 6 percent of its applicants.

Gaby is one of a record-breaking six Dallas ISD students to receive admission at the Cambridge institution. But she is the only one who came up in traditional high school, the other students came from the district’s prestigious magnet schools where such accomplishments are more commonplace. It’s been some years since a Woodrow Wilson High School student was accepted to Harvard, although no one seems to remember exactly how long.

This month, Gaby will address her classmates, teachers and the entire school community when she gives her valedictorian speech on graduation day. She has loved her scholastic career at Woodrow, where she danced with the Sweetheart drill team, played soccer, served as president of the National Honor Society and thrived in the International Baccalaureateprogram.

“I have met the most amazing people in high school, that’s what I’ll miss most,” she says.

Gaby credits her mom, Sandra Munoz, with pushing her to apply to the notoriously elite school. “I actually was never planning on applying,” she says.

“But it was my mom who told me, ‘Why not? The worst they can do is say you didn’t get in.’ ”

She was elated when she got the acceptance letter, but that joy temporarily was quashed when she considered how to pay the $70,000 annual tuition (with room and board). Her parents, immigrants who brought her to America from her native Chile when she was 3, couldn’t pay that price. Relief soon came in the form of a financial aid package from the university that will cover nearly all of her annual expenses.

“I think my parents have to pay, like, $2,000 a year,” she says. “We couldn’t believe it, we were so excited.”

Harvard requires students to select a focus of study, and Gaby first considered law but ultimately decided she wanted more direct control over helping others. She will study human development and regenerative biology with plans to go on to medical school after she graduates Harvard.

“I want to be a surgeon, and I really like kids. So possibly a pediatric surgeon, that would be amazing,” she says. “The world needs more doctors, there can never be enough.”

She’s excited about her bright future ahead, but sad to leave her close-knit family, especially her mom, who has been her biggest supporter and the first person she called when she read her acceptance letter.

“She said, ‘I knew you’d get in.’ I said, ‘Mom, it doesn’t work that way, you don’t just get into Harvard.’ ”

But she did.

CITY

East Dallas’ Villa Santa Maria apartments are Dallas’ first certified green business, a program that was established to decrease the city’s waste. The 70-unit apartment complex showed initiative by continuously requesting recycling bins for residents. It may seem like a small accomplishment, but only 30 percent of the city’s 2,300 apartment complexes offer recycling.

Fun fact: If you are frustrated with the parking situation on Lower Greenville, it offers free and communal valet for visitors. “[Private valets] really don’t work in a high-foot traffic area, because usually people who come to Greenville go to more than one place during their visit,” says Sammy Mandell of Greenville Avenue Pizza Co. “[Communal valet] was a move the city did to make Greenville more pedestrian friendly.”

PEOPLE

Lake Highlands native Katie Norris released the short film “Shine: The Griffin Shaw Story” about a Lakewood 5-year-old boy with special needs who drowned in 2016. The film was shown at Northwest Bible Church in late March to honor his life.

PLACES

Lakewood neighbors are rallying to protect one of the city’s most endangered properties at the corner of Carroll and Reiger. Commissioned by Italian sculptor Didaco Bianchi and his wife, Ida, in 1912, the home was on the cutting edge of technology with a closet in every room, modern plumbing and an advanced ventilation system. It even earned a spot in the “Houses of the Future” showcase at the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition at Fair Park. In 1984, current owner Richard Leggio bought the iconic home in 1984 and later secured its spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Then he disappeared, leaving the home in disrepair. Newly launched endeavor Dallas Endowment for Endangered Properties is working to repair the property.

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

By PATTI VINSON

Uking it out

From juggling to building ukuleles for Edie Brickell

The soft strum of a ukulele conjures feelings of cool and kitsch, like the “Arthur Godfrey Show” and “Laugh In.” Tiny Tim and his “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” nearly killed it, before Jake Shimabukuro breathed new life into the Hawaiian hit-maker. This humble little instrument, a small, fourstring version of the guitar, is booming in popularity. Just ask neighbor Logan Daffron, he custom builds ukuleles.

It was juggling which led Daffron to the path of the ukulele. Perhaps an explanation is in order.

Flashback to the early 1980s. Daffron was making a living in photography, mostly shooting weddings, when he hears about a gig for jugglers at a Greco-Roman faire in East Texas. Though he had limited experience, he made it through the faire with a little instruction from a friend.

He, apparently, was a natural.

He quickly found representation in the form of an agent and worked full-time tossing objects in the air at parties. No slouch at juggling, Daffron opened for the likes of Leon Redbone and Melissa Etheridge, and taught classes. He even instructed a few Dallas Cowboys, who sought out his expertise to improve their hand-eye skills.

Around 2000, Daffron was teaching a class at Half Price Books when he crossed paths with a ukulele group meeting at the same time. “I already played guitar, so the fingering and chord shapes were familiar. They had an extra uke for me to play, and after a couple of weeks, I bought my own,” he says.

Daffron points to ukulele artist Jake Shimabukuro’s viral video — a crazy good rendition of George Harrison’s

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” — as a turning point for the instrument. “The ghost of Tiny Tim’s influence on the uke had passed and it was becoming cool to play one again. Four fingers and four strings make an easy, happy, fun sound. I was hooked.”

When a two-week intensive ukulelebuilding course in Hawaii landed in his lap, Daffron jumped at the chance. “I had always wanted to build an acoustic guitar but there was nowhere to learn.” He

with Steve Martin on Americana music. Daffron met Brickell when she performed frequently at a bar he owned a while back. A few years ago, she was performing at Club Dada, and Daffron was there with his ukulele. Chatting backstage with Brickell’s husband, singer-songwriter Paul Simon (who, by the way, also is a juggler), Simon admired his ukulele. Soon Daffron was at work in his shop, cutting out koa wood for the first of several ukuleles he would build for Brickell. In fact, he is currently working on a new instrument for her, which he’ll deliver in person when she is in town to perform this month.

laughs, “It seemed like a good reason to go to Hawaii without having to get married.”

He returned home with his own creation: a beautiful ukulele made of mahogany with an ebony soundboard, abalone inlay and zebra wood headstock. “It was so much fun building my first uke I decided to keep doing it when I got home.”

Daffron set up shop in the garage of his home near White Rock Lake and went to work, building instruments for friends and others as word spread. Among his customers is singer-songwriter and Dallas native Edie Brickell, who tours with the New Bohemians and collaborates

“The ukulele is a simple instrument, but it can be complex [to build]. It’s like a person: It has a head, a neck and a body.” He laughs, “It’s not like Frankenstein. All the pieces are individually and happily made and cobbled together.”

Using his own template, Daffron cuts out the soundboard (front) from carefully chosen wood, maybe golden mango or Hawaiian koa or mahogany. “It’s the most important part; it’s where sound is made. Vibration makes the sound, not the strings.” He adds, “The wood has to be firm and strong but still vibrate.”

Those curved sides? He uses a side-bending machine which basically

“It’s not like Frankenstein. All the pieces are individually and happily made and cobbled together.”

PHOTOS BY DANNY FULGENCIO

Logan Daffron makes ukuleles by hand in his White Rock Lakearea studio, each with its own custom design.

uses steam to create the lovely curved shape.

After attaching bracing, the soundboard and back are attached to the sides, creating a box. Lots of cutting and trimming commences. “I make a lot of sawdust, but it starts to look like a ukulele after a while.”

He meticulously cuts out and shapes the neck, heelstock and headstock; once attached to the box, the fret board is added.

Tuners are added to the headstock; the bridge is attached. “Then I string it up.” Voila: Ukulele.

Each instrument is personalized. In one, Daffron fashioned the letter “K” into the headstock; in another, he spelled out the recipient’s name in wooden letters inside the body, positioning it so was only visible through the sound hole.

Yes, his finished product is beautiful. But that’s not the point. “In the end, you just want it to play well and sound great.”

Daffron calls it a “labor of love. It’s not a money-making venture for me.” His advice for uke-building wannabes: “You need a lot of patience and time.”

The best thing about building ukuleles? “Playing them once you finish,” grins Daffron as he picks up his firstborn uke and strums the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine.”

Patti Vinson is a guest writer who has lived in East Dallas for over 15 years. She’s written for the Advocate andReal Simple magazine, and has taught college writing.

SUPER-SIZED CAMPAIGN CASH

The group flooding District 14 with money isn’t affiliated with any council candidate. But it’s clearly targeting one of them.

BY KERI MITCHELL

Which candidate has spent the most money in the District 14 council race?

None of the above.

As of press time, a registered Super PAC calling itself “For Our Community”has spent more than $33,000 on digital advertising and mailers in an attempt to unseatDistrict 14 Councilman Philip Kingston, according to the most recent campaign finance reports.

That’s more than any of the three can-

didates in the race have spent trying to promote themselves. The Super PAC, by law, is not directly associated with any local politician or candidate.

District 14 includes the M Streets, Lower Greenville and Old East Dallas. All candidates and PACs are required by the Texas Ethics Commission to file campaign finance reports at various points before the election. According to the April 6 reports, challenger Matt Wood, who lives in Junius Heights, had raised nearly $46,000 and spent

ELECTION BY THE NUMBERS

MAY 6 Election Day MAY 2 last day to cast an early ballot

THREE candidates $51,859

total political contributions for incumbent Philip Kingston since January $94,240.54

total Kingston had in his campaign coffers on April 6, including pre-2017 donations

$45,705

total political contributions for challenger Matt Wood since he announced his campaign Feb. 17

$0 total political contributions for challenger Kim Welch since he filed to run Dec. 12

$271,000

total political contributions to a Super PAC opposing Philip Kingston and supporting Matt Wood along with five Dallas City Council incumbents as of April 6

$33,256.53

amount the Super PAC has spent on research, mailers and digital advertising to unseat Kingston, more than 1/3 of its $95,000+ in expenditures

$852.64

amount the Super PAC has spent on advertising consulting and courier fees to support Matt Wood

THREE East Dallas races, two city council, one Dallas ISD board of

9.6 percent of East Dallas residents who voted in the 2013 election

TWO candidates

$15,160

total political contributions for incumbent Mark Clayton since January

$23,527.38

total Clayton had in his campaign coffers on April 6, including pre-2017 donations

$0

total political contributions for challenger Arthur Adams, Jr.

TWO candidates

$54,892

total political contributions for incumbent Dustin Marshall since Jan. 17

$4,180

total political contributions for challenger Lori Fitzpatrick since she filed to run Feb. 10

Source: Campaign finance reports as of April 6, required to be filed 30 days prior to the May 6 election by the State of Texas Ethics Commission. Updates of donations and expenditures are required April 29, seven days prior to the election, which is too late for our print edition but can be viewed at lakewood.advocatemag.com.

DISTRICT 14 COUNCIL RACE

DISTRICT 9 COUNCIL RACE

DALLAS ISD DISTRICT 2 BOARD OF TRUSTEES RACE

roughly $6,000. Kingston, who lives in the Belmont Addition Historic District, hadraised more than $50,000since January and spent a little less than $20,000. Challenger and Downtown resident Kim Welch had not reported raising or spending any money.

Combined with Kingston’s previous donations, the almost $95,000 in hiscampaign coffers going into the May 6 election wasmore than double Wood’s $40,000.

For Our Community had $185,000 going into 2017 and, since January, solicited another $86,000, bringing its grand total to $271,000 30 days prior to the election. (Super PACs, unlike candidates, don’t have limits ondonations they can accept from individualsor corporations.

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HIGHLANDER SCHOOL

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LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931 / lakehillprep.org

They’re often involved with state and national political races; they typically haven’t been involved in individual Dallas political races.)

For Our Community’slatest campaign finance reportmakes explicit its support of five City Council incumbents and one challenger — Monica Alonzo, Rick Callahan, Casey Thomas, Erik Wilson, Tiffinni Young and Matt Wood.

Kingston is the only candidate For Our Community appears to be spending money to oppose, and he seems to be a big focus of the donors’ efforts. Of the roughly $95,000 the Super PAC has spent so far, more than a third of the money has been directed toward anti-Kingston efforts.

“If the message is, ‘Philip is not effective,’ then no, that message will not sell. My record speaks for itself,” Kingston says. “If you’re a popular incumbent with a really great track record, the only way to beat me is to lie. Those fliers say moreabout them than they do about me.”

The mailers and digital ads mainly have criticized Kingston’s disparaging remarks to council colleagues and belittling of city staff (the latter, he says,

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ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

848 Harter Rd., Dallas 75218 / 214.328.9131 / stjohnsschool.org

Founded in 1953, St. John’s is an independent, co-educational day school for Pre-K through Grade 8. With a tradition for academic excellence, St. John’s programs include a challenging curriculum in a Christian environment along with instruction in the visual and performing arts, Spanish, German, French, and opportunities for athletics and community service.St. John’s goal for its students is to develop a love for learning, service to others, and leadership grounded in love, humility, and wisdom. Accredited by ISAS, SAES, and the Texas Education Agency.

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ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL

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“If you’re a popular incumbent with a really great track record, the only way to beat me is to lie.”

are quotes taken out of context). Wood, stumping at a meet-and-greet recently, similarly critiqued Kingston’s “tenor and divisiveness, over the last two years in particular.”

Wood says, however, that even though “some of the folks supporting [For Our Community] are supporting me,” he and his campaign “had nothing to do with that.”

“I understand their frustration, and

I’m hearing it more and more as I’m meeting with residents in District 14 and people who are in the business community in District 14,” Wood says. “It’s really not what I’m about, though. I’d just as soon things not get dirty and people vote based on what they hear.”

In addition to the mailers attacking Kingston, For Our Community funded at least one of Wood’s April promotional mailers. It reinforced the challenger’s

THE market

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SUNSTONE FIT

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URBAN THRIFT

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“positive change” campaign motto. Taking issue with Kingston’s approach to city politics is one of the main ways Wood is distancing himself from the incumbent.

“I’m not snarky. You’re not going to get any interesting Facebook or Twitter comments from me,” Wood told the crowd at the meet-and-greet. He advocated “using our diversity as a common starting point from which differences can be settled. The last couple of years, I feel like we’ve

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EYEVENUE DALLAS

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Fax: 469.320.1889

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MAKERS CONNECT

Find locally made gifts from over 80 artisans

10242 E. Northwest Highway (next to One90 Meats) Dallas, TX 75238

972.803.8890

Join us in celebrating all things ‘Mother’ during the month of May! Sign up on our mailing list to find out about upcoming events, classes, and promotions. www.makersconnect.org or call 972-803-8890

Instagram: Chris_Makers_Connect Facebook: Makers Connect

lost that from this district. We don’t have someone who’s trying to get things done.”

Kingston, however, believes his success on City Council is exactly why he’s under attack.

“I think what you see is that the money from inside the district is coming to me, and the money from outside the district is going to ‘DoorMatt’,” Kingston says, using his new nickname for Wood after someone at a campaign event asked whether the district wants a leader or a doormat. “We all looked at each other and said, ‘Oh my gosh, his name is actually Matt!’ ”

Kingston’s latest campaign finance report shows a number of out-of-district along with in-district donors, as does Wood’s. For Our Community’s reports don’t list addresses, only zip codes, so it’s not clear who does or doesn’t live in the district, but the substantial number of donors with Park Cities and Preston

BIZ BUZZ

COMING SOON

WHAT’S UP WITH NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESSES

Alamo Drafthouse is coming to fruition after months of waiting. The shopping center near the old Tom Thumb at 6780 Abrams Road will carry the Advocate-reader selected name Creekside, and the theater and surrounding restaurants are under construction. Retail Plazas Inc. is responsible for the center’s redevelopment.

Shaved ice addicts have a new spot to satisfy their frozen dessert cravings. Bahama Buck’s found its home in the Creekside shopping center and is slated to open in 2017.

Mrs. Gridiron is opening a few doors down from Bahama Buck’s. Founder Caroline Hattemer creates made-fromscratch meals for delivery throughout East Dallas, as well as Lake Highlands and Preston Hollow.

New York City-based food truckturned-restaurant will have a home on Greenville Avenue, along with Slater’s 50/50- Burgers by Design, a California franchise. It takes the space once oc-

Hollow zip codes certainly don’t.

Even more interesting is that anti-Kingston mailers have been sent to homes beyond District 14. Homes in Councilman Mark Clayton’s District 9 and and in Councilwoman Jennifer Staubach Gates’ District 13 have received them too, Kingston says.

“They want to prevent me from winning any other office,” Kingston says.

Asked if he’s referring to the mayoral race he is widely rumored to pursue in the future, and whether the tens of thousands in his campaign coffers may come in handy for that race, Kingston says, “I’m not free to comment on that at this time.”

However, when asked if he was interested in the mayor’s seat by another Advocate editor in March, he replied, “Of course I am.”

Go online to lakewood.advocatemag. com for links to each candidate’s donor list and up-to-date election reporting.

cupied by Greenville Bar and Grill, an on-and-off again neighborhood staple since the 1930s. There’s been no word yet about what will happen to the iconic neon sign that used to light up Greenville, but as of press time it was still standing.

NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The coffee shop/bar hybrid Halcyon opened its first Dallas location at 2900 Greenville Ave. The Austin-based chain replaces Café Brazil and offers coffee-based adult beverages, along with salads, sandwiches, wraps and light bites.

SHUTTING DOWN

The Elbow Room , once arguably East Dallas’ most iconic dive bar, will soon be a pile of rubble, to be replaced by a Texas A&M dental school. The university used emient domain to obtain the 1933 building, which was named by Preservation Dallas as one of the city’s “Most Endangered” properties last year. The owner is seeking another location for the 19-year-old bar, so regulars can partake in Thursday night trivia while devouring cheese fries once again. Unrefined Bakery is saying goodbye to its Old Lake Highlands store, but fans of gluten-free goodies shouldn’t fret. Its new location in the Medallion Center at Northwest Highway and Abrams is expected to open in the near future.

By GEORGE MASON

Good riddance, mom

Mother’s Day is near and dear to nearly all of us. Most of us will either honor our mothers on that day or remember them fondly.

Unless our mother was like the woman whose children memorialized her with an epitaph on a headstone in a Sedona, Ariz., cemetery. A friend of mine who walks her dog there can’t stop wondering about this family:

“To Our Mother, Mona Herold Vanni, October 14, 1912 to April 11, 1996.

“You spent your life expressing animosity for nearly every person you encountered, including your children. Within hours of his death, you even managed to declare your husband of fifty-seven years unsuited to being either a spouse or a father. Hopefully, you are now insulated from all the dissatisfaction you found in human relationships. —Buddy, Jackie and Mike”

Ouch! Pain carved in stone.

I referred to this in a sermon on Mother’s Day 2014. I recently received an email from Mike, the son who oversaw the $10,000 installation of the tombstone for their mother memorialized above. Apparently, Mike did an Internet search and read my sermon that included my allusion to this. He wrote to share some backstory to the epitaph that was fueled by agonizing memories of his childhood.

Mike wrote his memoir, “Predestined for Reformation: My Lifelong Quest for the Noble Path,” under a pseudonym, Tony Roletti, because of the “somewhat unkind references to living members of a Christian church who have been, in my view, less than honorable throughout their lives.” That pains a pastor’s heart.

The author is 77 years old now, and although he has had a successful career,

he still bears the scars of a childhood filled with domestic horror and lacking in expected gentle and generous maternal care. The book tells of his watching his two older sisters enduring their mother’s beatings and terror, until they ran away from home to find safety. Mike himself left home immediately upon high school graduation.

Mona’s son has struggled with anger management throughout his life and has always held authority figures with suspicion and disdain. He was never able to function well in a team-oriented structure and has struggled to embrace the world with love and compassion, despite his work with young people as a teacher and sociologist.

Mothers provide us with our first hint that the world is a friendly place and we are welcome in it. Or, they don’t. For those with mothers like Mike’s, it’s a life-

WORSHIP

ANGLICAN

ALL SAINTS EAST DALLAS / allsaintseastdallas.org

Sunday worship 5:00 pm / Live in God’s Presence. Live Out His Love.

Meeting at Central Lutheran Church / 1000 Easton Road

BAPTIST

PARK CITIES BAPTIST CHURCH / 3933 Northwest Pky / pcbc.org

Worship & Bible Study 9:15 & 10:45 Traditional, Contemporary, Spanish Speaking / 214.860.1500

WILSHIRE BAPTIST / 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

Pastor George A. Mason Ph.D. / Worship 8:30 & 11:00am

Bible Study 9:40 am / www.wilshirebc.org

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

EAST DALLAS CHRISTIAN CHURCH / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185

Sunday School 9:30 am / Worship 8:30 am - Chapel

10:50 am - Sanctuary / Rev. Deborah Morgan-Stokes / edcc.org

LUTHERAN

CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA / 1000 Easton Road

Sunday School for all ages 9:00 am / Worship Service 10:30 am

Pastor Rich Pounds / CentralLutheran.org / 214.327.2222

FIRST UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH / 6202 E Mockingbird Lane

Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am / Call for class schedule. 214.821.5929 / www.dallaslutheran.org

METHODIST

GRACE UMC / Diverse, Inclusive, Missional

Sunday School for all ages, 9:30 am / Worship, 10:50 am 4105 Junius St. / 214.824.2533 / graceumcdallas.org

LAKE HIGHLANDS UMC / 9015 Plano Rd. / 214.348.6600 / lhumc.com

Sunday Morning: 9:30 am Sunday School / 10:30 am Coffee Worship: 8:30 am & 11:00 am Traditional / 11:00 am Contemporary

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

LAKE POINTE CHURCH – WHITE ROCK CAMPUS

Classic Service at 9:30 & Contemporary Service at 11:00 am lakepointe.org / 9150 Garland Road

long challenge to overcome a start with a malformed heart.

Mothers who do their work of love and nurture forge solid souls in their kids. They teach us to be tough and tender both, and when to be which. Mothers who are themselves deeply damaged will deeply damage their offspring, unless they find the healing and help they need in time to parent well.

A mother bears her children, and forever thereafter her children bear their mother. Bearing our mothers can be a burden or blessing. Let’s all pray for blessings to abound.

George Mason is pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church. The Worship section is underwritten by Advocate Publishing and the neighborhood businesses and churches listed here. For information about helping support the Worship section, call 214.560.4202.

PRESBYTERIAN

NORTHRIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / 6920 Bob-O-Link Dr. 214.827.5521 / www.northridgepc.org / Welcomes you to Worship 8:30 & 11:00 am / Church School 9:35 am / Childcare provide d.

ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN / Skillman & Monticello Rev. Rob Leischner / www.standrewsdallas.org

214.821.9989 / Sunday School 9:30 am, Worship 10:45 am

UNITY

UNITY ON GREENVILLE / Your soul is welcome here! 3425 Greenville Ave. / 214.826.5683 / www.dallasunity.org

Sunday Service 11:00 am and Book Study 9:30 am

An unusual epitaph speaks to the crucial legacy of mothers

Mothers provide us with our first hint that the world is a friendly place and we are welcome in it. Or, they don’t.

AC & HEAT

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CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING

CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable. Chris 214-770-5001

EDMONDSPAVING.COM Asphalt & Concrete Driveway-Sidewalk-Patio-Repair 214-957-3216

FLAGSTONE PATIOS, Retaining Walls, BBQ’s, Veneer, Flower Bed Edging, All Stone work. Chris 214-770-5001

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com 50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333

BRIGHT LIGHT ELECTRIC • 214-553-5333

TECL 31347 Brightening Homes and Businesses

EXPERIENCED LICENSED ELECTRICIAN Insd. Steve. TECL#27297 214-718-9648

LAKEWOOD ELECTRICAL Local. Insured. Lic. #227509 Call Rylan 214-434-8735

TEXAS ELECTRICAL • 214-289-0639 Prompt, Honest, Quality Service. TECL 24668

FENCING & DECKS

#1 COWBOY FENCE & IRON CO. Est. ‘91. 214-692-1991 www.cowboyfenceandiron.com

4 QUALITY FENCING • 214-507-9322

Specializing in Wood, New or Repair.

AMBASSADOR FENCE INC. EST. 96 Automatic Gates, Fences/Decks, ambassadorfenceco.com 214-621-3217

FENCING & WOODWORK oldgatefence.com . 214-766-6422

HANNAWOODWORKS.COM

Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers. 214-435-9574

KIRKWOOD FENCE & DECK New & Repair. Free Estimates. Nathan Kirkwood. 214-341-0699

LONESTARDECKS.COM 214-357-3975

Trex Decking & Fencing, trex.com

All Wood Decks, Arbors & Patio Covers

EST. 1991 #1

COWBOY

FENCE & IRON CO.

214.692.1991

SPECIALIZING IN Wood Fences &Auto Gates

Serving your Neighborhood Since 1993

Repairing: Refrigerators •Washer/Dryers • Ice Makers •Stoves • Cooktops • Ovens 214✯823✯2629

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

Five Rings Financial has part-time opportunities! JR@FiveRingsFinancial.com 214-702-0033 x502

BUY/SELL/TRADE

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models. 2000-2016. Any Condition. Running Or Not. Top $$$ Paid. Free Towing. We’re Nationwide. Call Now 1-888-985-1806

COMCAST HI-SPEED INTERNET $29.99/mo (for 12 mos.) No term agreement. Fast downloads. Plus ask about TV (140 Channels) Internet bundle for $79.99/mo (for 12 mos.) 1-844-714-4451

RANGERS, STARS & MAVS

Share front-row Texas Rangers, Stars & Mavs seats. Tickets are available in sets of 10 games (sets of 2 or 4 tickets per game available). Participants randomly draw numbers prior to season to determine a draft order fair to everyone. Call 214-560-4212 or rwamre@advocatemag.com

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

Cabinet Refacing, Built-ins, Entertainment/ Computer Centers. Jim. 214-324-7398 www.squarenailwoodworking.com

CLASSES/TUTORING/LESSONS

ART: Draw/Paint. Adults All Levels. Lake Highlands N. Rec. Ctr. Days: Mon & Wed. Students bring supplies. Nights: 1xt month workshop, supplies furnished. Jane Cross. 214-534-6829,

Since ‘98. Insured. amiramaid.com

Dependable Service. References

CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133

FATHER, SON, GRANDSON

Window Cleaning. Free Est. Derek. 682-716-9892

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM

Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS

AT ODDS WITH YOUR COMPUTER? Easily Learn Essential Skills. Services include Digital Photo Help. Sharon 214-679-9688

BILL’S COMPUTER REPAIR

Virus Removal, Data Recovery. Home/Biz Network Install. All Upgrades & Repairs. PC Instruction. No Trip Fee. 214-348-2566

COMPUTER HELP! Viruses, Data Recovery, Upgrades, WiFi Problems, Onsite Tech. 214-533-6216 • WebersComputers.com

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let a seasoned pro be the interface between you & that pesky Windows computer. Hardware/Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $60/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 972-639-6413 / stykidan@sbcglobal.net

CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING

BRICK & STONE REPAIR

Tuck Pointing / Crack Repair. Mortar Color Matching. Don 214-704-1722

BRICK, BLOCK, Stone, Concrete, Stucco. Gonzalez Masonry. 214-395-1319

BRICK, STONEWORK, FLAGSTONE PATIOS Mortar Repair. Straighten Brick Mailboxes & Columns. Call Cirilo 214-298-7174

Online at Classifieds.advocatemag.com

TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658

WHITE ROCK ELECTRIC All Electrical Services. Lic/Insd. E795. 214-850-4891

CONSUMERS CHOICE AWARDS 2007-2016 Making Homes Safer One

972-926-7007

arrowelectric.net

Phones Answered 24/7

EMPLOYMENT

PET SITTERS, DOG WALKERS reply to http://www.pcpsi.com/join

ESTATE/GARAGE SALES

TRANSITIONING? MOVING? Have years of accumilation? We can help. Call Pat 214-802-2781 AllPointsEstateServices.com

WANT TO MAKE MONEY? Richardson Mercantile is looking for dealers who want to join one of the best antique malls in DFW. Need details? Go to richardsonmercantile@gmail.com

EXTERIOR CLEANING

G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/Exterior. 214-808-8925

cowboyfenceandiron.com

FLOORING & CARPETING

DALLAS HARDWOODS 214-724-0936

Installation, Repair, Refinish, Wax, Hand Scrape. Residential, Commercial. Sports Floors. 30 Yrs.

FENN CONSTRUCTION Manufactored hardwoods. Stone and Tile. Back-splash Specials. 214-343-4645

HASTINGS STAINED CONCRETE New/Remodel. Stain/Wax Int/Ext. Nick. 214-341-5993. www.hastingsfloors.com

Restoration Flooring

Hardwood Installation · Hand Scraping Sand & Finish · Dustless restorationflooring.net

25+ Years Experience Willeford

469.774.3147

floors Superior Quality: Installation • Refinishing Repair • Cleaning & Waxing Old World Hand Scrape 214-824-1166

FOUNDATION REPAIR

GARAGE SERVICES

IDEAL GARAGE DOORS • 972-757-5016

Install & Repair. 10% off to military/1st responders.

ROCKET GARAGE DOOR SERVICE - 24/7. Repairs/Installs. 214-533-8670. Coupon On Web. www.RocketDoor.com

UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned.214-826-8096

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS

JIM HOWELL 214-357-8984 Frameless Shower Enclosures/Custom Mirrors. Free Estimates

LAKE HIGHLANDS GLASS & MIRROR

frameless shower enclosures • store fronts replacement windows • mirrors 214-349-8160

PRO WINDOW CLEANING prompt, dependable. Matt 214-766-2183

ROCK GLASS CO Replace, repair: windows, mirrors, showers, screens. 214-837-7829

HANDYMAN SERVICES

ALL STAR HOME CARE Carpentry, Glass, Tile, Paint, Doors, Sheetrock Repair, and more. 25 yrs. exp. References. Derry 214-505-4830

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

HANDY DAN The Handyman. ToDo’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

HANDY MANNY PAINTING/HOME REPAIR Int./Ext. Manny 214-334-2160

HANDYMAN SPECIALIST Residential/ Commercial. Large, small jobs, repair list, renovations. Refs. 214-489-0635

HOME REPAIR HANDYMAN Small/Big Jobs + Construction. 30 Yrs. Exp. 214-875-1127

HOMETOWN HANDYMAN All phases of construction. No job too small 214-327-4606

HONEST, SKILLED SERVICE With a Smile. General Repairs/ Maintenance. 214-215-2582

WANTED: ODD JOBS & TO DO LISTS Allen’s Handyman & Home Repair 214-288-4232

Your Home Repair Specialists

Drywall Doors Senior Safety Carpentry Small & Odd Jobs And More! 972-308-6035 HandymanMatters.com/dallas

HOUSE PAINTING

1 AFFORDABLE HOUSE PAINTING and Home Repair. Quality work. Inside and Out. Free Ests. Local Refs. Ron 972-816-5634

A+ INT/EXT PAINT & DRYWALL

Since 1977. Kirk Evans. 972-672-4681

BENJAMIN’S PAINTING SERVICE Professional Work At Reasonable Prices. 214-725-6768

RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT

Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513

TONY’S PAINTING SERVICE Quality Work

Since 1984. Int./Ext. 214-755-2700

TOP COAT 30 yrs. exp. Reliable, Quality Repair/Remodel Phil @ 214-770-2863

VIP PAINTING & DRYWALL Int/Ext. Sheetrock Repair, Resurfacing Tubs, Counters, Tile Repairs. 469-774-7111

KITCHEN/BATH/TILE/GROUT

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

LSI LAWN SPRINKLERS “Making Water Work” Irrigation system Service & Repair. Specializing In Older Copper Systems. LI #13715. 214-283-4673

MAYA TREE SERVICE Tree Trim/Remove. Insd. CC’s Accepted. 214-924-7058 214-770-2435

TAYLOR MADE IRRIGATION Repairs, service, drains. 30+ years exp. Ll 6295 469-853-2326. John

TRACY’S LAWN CARE • 972-329-4190

Lawn Mowing & Leaf Cleaning

U R LAWN CARE Maintenance. Landscaping. Your Personal Yard Service by Uwe Reisch uwereisch@yahoo.com 214-886-9202

YOUR TREES could look like a WORK OF ART, I Guarantee It.

MAY SPECIAL

$200 OFF 4 man crew/4 hours

Just Trees

Everyone wants to save on their home energy bill. Keeping your A/C unit running at peak efficiency can cut your costs by 20%. Follow these tips and watch that energy bill drop.

1.Clean or change the filter once a month, not just when it is hot already.

2.Keep the outdoor unit clean. Clean plant growth, debris from unit.

3.Check and maintain fan belts on the outdoor unit.

4.Schedule a pre-season tune-up by a professional. They can inspect, unclog and upgrade your system. The only thing that’s left is to enjoy being cool and keeping that cash for summer fun.

classifieds.advocatemag.com

KITCHEN/BATH/TILE/GROUT

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS LLC

Complete Kitchen And Bath Remodels. Tile, Granite, Marble, Travertine, Slate. Insured. 214-563-5035 www.blake-construction.com

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

MELROSE TILE James Sr., Installer, Repairs. 40 Yrs. Exp. MelroseTile.com 214-384-6746

STONE AGE COUNTER TOPS

Granite, Quartz, Marble For Kitchen/Bath-Free Est.. stoneage.brandee@gmail.com 940-465-6980

TK REMODELING 972-533-2872

Complete Full Service Repairs, Remodeling, Restoration. Name It — We do it. Tommy. Insured. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

#1 WHITE ROCK TREE WIZARDS

Professionals, Experts, Artists. Trim, Remove, Cabling, Bracing/Bolting. Cavity-Fill Stump Grind. Emergencies, Hazards. Insd. Free Est. 972-803-6313. arborwizard.com

A BETTER TREE MAN Trims, Removals, Insd. 12 Yrs Exp. Roberts Tree Service. 214-808-8925

BURRIS TREE SERVICE | 469-939-3344

Expert tree service. | Prune. Stump grind. Plant.

CHUPIK TREE SERVICE

Trim, Remove, Stump Grind. Free Est. Insured. 214-823-6463

DALLAS GROUNDSKEEPER Organic Lawn Maintenance designed to meet your needs. 214-504-6788 dallasgroundskeeper.com

DALLAS K.D.R.SERVICES • 214-349-0914

Lawn Service & Landscape Installation

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061

Call Mark Wittlich 214-332-3444

”WE CARE ABOUT YOUR TREES”

MOVING

AM MOVING COMPANY Specialty Moving & Delivery.469-278-2304 ammovingcompany.com

PEST CONTROL

A BETTER EARTH PEST CONTROL

Keeping the environment, kids, pets in mind. Organic products avail. 972-564-2495

MCDANIEL PEST CONTROL

Prices Start at $85 + Tax

For General Treatment.

Average Home-Interior/Exterior & Attached Garage. Quotes For Other Services. 214-328-2847. Lakewood Resident

PET SERVICES

DOGGIE DEN DALLAS Daycare, Boarding, Grooming, Training. 6444 E. Mockingbird Ln. 214-823-1441 • DoggieDenDallas.com

HOUSE CALLS OF DALLAS Personalized Care

For Your Pet Or Home. Everything from traveling or away for the day. Insured/Bonded.214-505-2525. housecallsofdallas.com

THE PET DIVAS Pet Sitting, Daily Dog Walks, In Home/Overnight Stays.Basic Obedience Training. thepetdivas.com 817-793-2885. Insured

PLUMBING

A2Z PLUMBING 214-727-4040

All Plumbing Repairs. Slab Leak Specialists. Licensed & Insured. ML# M36843.

AC PLUMBING Repairs, Fixtures, Senior Discounts. Gary Campbell. 214-321-5943

ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521

# M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues. plumberiffic69@gmail.com

Sewers • Drains • Bonded 24 Hours/7 Days

*Joe Faz 469-346-1814 - Se Habla Español*

HAYES PLUMBING INC. Repairs. Insured, 214-343-1427 License M13238

M&S PLUMBING Quality Work & Prompt Service. Jerry. 214-235-2172. lic.#M-11523

NTX PLUMBING SPEC. LLLP 214-226-0913 Lic. M-40581 Res/Com. Repairs & Leak Location

10 SOME

PLUMBING

THE PLUMBING MANN LLC

All Plumbing! Since 1978. Family Owned. RMP/Master-14240 Insured. 214-FAST-FIX/ 214-327-8349

We Solve Your Plumbing Problems

HUNTER PLUMBING 214-324-2733

POOLS

LEAFCHASERS POOL SERVICE Parts/Service. Chemicals/Repairs. Jonathan. 214-729-3311

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ACCOUNTING, TAXES

Small Businesses & Individuals. Chris King, CPA 214-824-5313 chriskingcpa.com

BOOKKEEPING NEEDS? Need Help Organizing Finances?No Job Too Small or Big. Call C.A.S. Bookkeeping Services. Cindy 214-577-7450

LICENSED PHYCHOLOGIST Academic, behavioral, ADHD, emotional testing. Children, adolescents, adults. Therapy. Dr. Katherine Pang 214-531-7624 lighthousepsychtesting.com

PARADIGMFAMILYHEALTH.COM Affordable Family Medicine. Healthcare you deserve! 214-810-3553

WORRIED? ANXIOUS? Relaxed, effective professional counseling for anxiety in teens, adults & seniors. dallascounselor.com 214-489-7774

NEED

AdvocateWebDesign.com 214.292.2053

REMODELING

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

Complete Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths, Additions. Hardie Siding & Replacement Windows. Build On Your Own Lot. Insured. www.blake-construction.com 214-563-5035

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Remodeling Dallas For Over 17 Years www.ObrienGroupInc.com 214-341-1448

renovatedallas.com 214-403-7247 214-341-1155 bobmcdonaldco.net 30+ Yrs. in Business • Major Additions Complete Renovations • Kitchens/Baths Bob McDonald Company, Inc. BUILDERS/REMODELERS ROOFING & GUTTERS BERT ROOFING INC. Family owned and operated for over 40 years • Residential/Commercial • Over 30,000 roofs completed • Seven NTRCA “Golden Hammer” Awards • Free Estimates www.bertroofing.com 214.321.9341 Residential • Commercial (214)

503-7663

CALL 214.560.4203

& Sun Tunnels

Re-elect

Philip

Dallas City Council District 14

Philip Kingston takes the lead every time in protecting neighborhoods and fighting for the public interest. It says plenty that the promoters, grifters, and elitists who make a living off City Hall are paying for a misleading campaign to defeat him.

Philip Kingston is a voice for our neighborhoods and an advocate for smart, common sense government. He's also an independent leader who stands up to backroom deals and extravagant spending. We can count on Philip to focus on the needs of our neighborhoods, to uncover corruption and waste, and to shift City Hall's focus from boondoggles to basics.

Kingston has bravely served the citizens of Dallas as principled opposition to some of the mayor's high profile projects. I truly believe that Kingston is what Dallas needs to change a City Hall culture that has failed to protect its residents for far too long. Kingston deserves reelection to the City Council.

www.kingstonfordallas.com

Dallas City Council Election: May 6, 2017

Early Voting: April 24 - May 2

- Hon. John Bryant

- Hon. Angela Hunt

- Hon. John Carona

COMMENT

Visit advocatemag.com and search Angela Hunt to tell us what you think.

Getting the grease

Why squeaky wheels are needed on the Dallas City Council

“Why can’t you just get along?”

I remember being posed this almost-but-not-quite rhetorical question when I served on the Dallas City Council. More than once. More than twice, actually, but who’s counting? It was usually when I was expressing an opinion about some proposed city project, and my opinion differed from the majority of the council.

When I was accused of “not getting along,” it wasn’t that I was banging my shoe on the lectern. Or shouting expletives into the City Hall mic. Or engaging in personal attacks or making up “facts” or otherwise flying off the handle. No, I had simply arrived at a different conclusion from my colleagues after independently researching an issue and listening to my constituents.

In Dallas, expressing an alternative viewpoint from the majority of the council – particularly one that is in opposition to the mayor – is oddly perceived as “not getting along.” It is considered impolite, a breach of etiquette. One is labeled a “maverick” at best, a less kind moniker at worst.

This was made clear to me during a council discussion about gas drilling in parks. In 2013, the city council was debating limits on urban gas drilling. Many residents were particularly concerned about fracking in city parks. Then-City Manager Mary Suhm and her staff had repeatedly assured the council that there would be no gas drilling in parks. Yet Councilmember Scott Griggs and I had

uncovered a letter from Suhm in which she had simultaneously assured a gas drilling company that her staff would do their utmost to allow park drilling. So which was it?

During a council briefing, I took the opportunity to challenge Mary Suhm on these irreconcilable statements. I didn’t raise my voice. I presented the conflicting documents and pointedly asked Suhm, the city’s most powerful

By ANGELA HUNT

appointed official, to explain this chasm of a discrepancy.

I wasn’t surprised when Suhm dodged my questions. But I was surprised by the reaction of my colleagues. I expected them to be similarly outraged by the deceit, or at the very least, concerned. Instead, many of them expressed offense at my interrogation. (One even likened Suhm to Jesus Christ and me to Haman, the Biblical killer of Jews, but I suspect that even Suhm found that a smidge over the top.) Others were less theologically extravagant but nonetheless chastised me for my public questioning. It simply was not done. I half expected to be challenged to a duel.

Whether it was gas drilling, the Trinity Toll Road, convention center hotel financing, protecting neighborhoods from bad development, or a range of other issues, I remember the suggestion, at times posed by the city’s daily paper, that those of us who challenge the status quo or question the opinion of the majority should work harder to “get along.”

What they really mean, of course, is that we ought to work harder to go along to get along. Not rock the boat. Fall in line with the majority. Ask our tough questions behind closed doors, beyond the delicate ears of the public who might swoon at the unpleasant sound of intellectual debate.

The disturbing truth about those who wag their fingers and admonish council members to be nicer is that they fundamentally misunderstand both etiquette and politics. In the realm of politics, manners properly exist to discourage ad hominem attacks, to lower raised voices, and to enforce adherence to the civility of parliamentary procedure. Manners do not, however, mandate a blind acceptance of bad governance, nor do they insist on ideological unanimity.

Glad-handing and back-slapping aren’t going to fix Dallas’s very real problems. Something to keep in mind when you head to the polls on May 6.

Angela Hunt is a neighborhood resident and former Dallas city councilwoman in East Dallas. She writes a monthly opinion column about neighborhood issues. Her opinions are not necessarily those of the Advocate or its management. Send comments and ideas to her ahunt@advocatemag.com.

In Dallas, expressing an alternative viewpoint from the majority of the council – particularly one that is in opposition to the mayor – is oddly perceived as “not getting along.”

6019 Velasco · $799,900 Mysti Stewart 214.213.3537

7022 Westlake · $1,225,000 Nancy Johnson 214.674.3840

6848 Clayton · $599,900 Scott Jackson & Lauren Moore 214.827.2400

5942 Vanderbilt · $979,000 Karen Fry 214.288.1391

5111 Tremont · $525,000 Marissa Fontanez 214.789.9187

10926 Lubbock · $394,900 Amy Malooley, Nancy Johnson Group 214.773.5570

#1 residential broker in Lakewood & East Dallas with almost double the sales of any competitor.

2531 Winsted · $2,199,000 Nancy Johnson 214.674.3840

6120 Velasco · $789,500 Nancy Johnson 214.674.3840

6339 McCommas · $589,000 Laura Reynolds 770.617.7735 & Amy Sack 214.725.8204

10838 Carissa · $479,000 Scott Jackson & Laura Reynolds 214.827.2400

9420 W. Lake Highlands · $948,000 Janice Parson 214.208.1801 & Eric Holmes 214.395.1183

9803 Winding Ridge · $455,000 Amy Malooley, Nancy Johnson Group 214.773.5570

6509 Blue Valley · $1,400,000 Kim & Taylor Gromatzky 214.802.5025

©2017 Equal Housing Opportunity

6227 Anita · $849,000 Heather Guild, Heather Guild Group 214.563.2385

11340 Earlywood · $220,000 Susan Nelson Wheeler & Wes Wheeler 469.878.8522

1922 Hope · $474,900 Suzanne Altobello 214.335.8219

SOLD

SOLD

710 Monte Vista · $645,000 Keith Callahan 214.675.6777

5518 Matalee · $599,900 Kelli Taylor 214.790.8867

6310 Martel · $499,900 Amy Sack, Heather Guild Group 214.725.8204

6103 Kenwood · $525,000 Nancy Johnson 214.674.3840 & Alex Simpson 214.883.1149

#1 residential broker in Lakewood & East Dallas with more than double the sales of any competitor.

6908 Kenwood · $1,750,000 Scott Jackson 214.827.2400

6630 Gaston · $1,075,000 Nancy Johnson 214.674.3840

7039 Coronado · $1,195,000 Heather Guild, Heather Guild Group 214.563.2385

6975 Santa Maria · $950,000 Paige & Curt Elliott 214.478.7099

9918 Galway · $649,000 Scott Jackson & Tucker Bomar 214.827.2400

7111 La Vista · $875,000 Nancy Johnson 214.674.3840

8326 Garland · $2,150,000 Scott Jackson 214.827.2400

69 Pa

6512 Anita · $1,199,500 Nancy Johnson 214.674.3840

6910 Coronado · $1,200,000 Heather Guild, Heather Guild Group 214.563.2385

5843 Monticello · $765,000 Heather Guild, Heather Guild Group 214.563.2385