2017 December Lake Highlands

KEEPING the FAITH

Photo by Danny Fulgencio

OPENING REMARKS

By RICK WAMRE

A fool’s Christmas

Finding forgiveness this season, whether it’s deserved or not

I’m guessing Louis C.K. won’t be having a particularly joyous holiday season. Harvey Weinstein probably won’t be spending much time near any mistletoe. Kevin Spacey will likely have an uncomfortable amount of “me” time between now and the end of the year, too.

It’s shocking how quickly a life can change.

These guys are getting what they deserve, you could say, but the rapidity with which they were marooned by the rest of us is still breathtaking.

I know some of you aren’t particularly “holiday” people — you don’t care much for the Christmas story, perhaps, or you don’t get along with your family, or you don’t enjoy champagne and fireworks at midnight.

But there’s a certain sense of community created by the holidays, whether you love them or loathe them, and it’s a sad thing when someone has lived a life so fraught with idiocy or abuse that he or she is forced to stand apart during a time of the year when good cheer is practically mandated.

The specter of watching someone’s life collapse is hard to turn from when it’s broadcast so conveniently on every form of media in our paths. The ubiquitousness of the stories doesn’t forgive the time we spend tuning them in, but it’s easier to forgive ourselves for being spectators than it is to forgive them for being fools.

There are plenty of people out there with desperate illnesses or strikingly sad personal lives who see the holidays as a chance — a final chance, in some cases

to right past wrongs, to say a word of forgiveness long overdue, or just to hug someone who longs to hug back.

I’ve spent a good deal of my life a thousand miles from most of my family. For

a long time, I made it back for holidays, regardless of how long it took or how hard it was to get there. That sense of family and community wiped the slate clean each year, whether I deserved it or not, and helped me prepare to tackle what was ahead.

Perhaps I don’t have that much to atone for each season, in a relative sense, but any sin is one too many, according to a book I’ve partially read, and no effort to seek forgiveness is unwelcome.

So here’s hoping our holidays are spent with people who love and forgive us, no matter what we’ve done; and that we

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find some time and space in our lives to forgive some people who may not deserve our mercy but could certainly use it.

I’ve read that “the loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly.”

I suspect most of us have been to that precipice a couple of times, figuratively speaking, and we were lucky enough to be pulled back by someone in our lives who refused to let go. Here’s hoping we don’t find ourselves there staring blankly again someday, too.

Maybe we won’t be anyone’s savior this holiday season, but that doesn’t mean we can’t extend a hand or a hug or a dollar.

There are some real dirtbags out there, for sure. But the line separating us can be awfully thin sometimes, too.

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It’s shocking how quickly a life can change.

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UNCOMMON SENSE

Innovator paves the way for a new type of neighborhood, one that could elevate North Lake Highlands

Story

Developer Diane Cheatham insists bigger isn’t always better, not that big is bad. After all, it is from her office, located on the third level of her 4,336-square-foot abode in Urban Reserve that she lays out plans for her forthcoming Urban Commons. Along the LBJ frontage road just east of Abrams, 80 or so modern homes, varying in size and cost, will exist “in harmony with our environment,” she promises. That the land is situated across the street from a low-budget motel and one of the region’s busiest highways is of minimal concern to Cheatham. Almost a decade ago she proved her property-transforming prowess when she founded Urban Reserve, built on a similarly problematic 14-acre swath. An accountant by trade, she appreciates capital and the lovely things it can buy, but she is more interested in creating a legacy and charting a path for progressive neighborhood planning. She embraces challenges, takes things a step at a time and lacerates City Hall’s red tape like a code-and-regulation-navigating ninja.

by CHRISTINA HUGHES

Photo by KATHY TRAN

Diane Cheatham has a knack for developing unique, sustainable singlefamily neighborhoods on problematic property.

Whatever bridge you’re crossing, we’re

Urban Reserve is magnificent and pricey. How will Urban Commons compare?

Commons will share the Urban Reserve essence, embracing the outdoors, the environment, natural water sources — we do not want to buy any water from the city, but use the consistently refilling creek as a source. There are no alleys; two- and three-story homes will be in rows between the creek and greenbelt. Respected architects and small firms will design the houses. They will be different from one another, but whether one of the smaller or larger homes, the architecture will be impressive — sustainable, made with a combination of modern and natural building materials. One will not see a difference in architectural integrity — only the sizes will fluctuate. I learned so much building Urban Reserve, and there are things I wanted to do better, or differently. We’re taking an even bigger step in Urban Commons to create a neighborhood feel. Here, your front lawn, so to speak, is one of 10 pocket parks maintained by the Homeowners Association, whose dues will be very low, like $25. That saves people the labor of lawn care, and, the bigger idea is that someone is, say, picnicking out at a park table or walking the trail, and others will see them and join them, come out and chat, commune with each other and the surrounding nature. That is the dream. You will have over a mile of trail, several small parks and picnic tables, a pond with wildlife, wood ducks, owls.

So, how much more affordable than Urban Reserve are we talking?

What we want is to create a more-diverse socioeconomic mix, incorporating architect-designed houses you don’t have to be rich to own. The plan is a range in size from about 1,200-2,500 square feet. About half of the houses will come without attached garages — that alone can make a $60,000 difference. We will try to build some homes in the $275,000 range. The residents without garage parking will have spaces nearby. People, we are attached to our cars, so it takes some getting used to. But it also will mean more neighbors outside, even if only on a brief walk to their front doors.

This land is hidden, previously overrun with bushes, and nearby areas are known for panhandlers

’Tis the season for gathering around the

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I initially had a bid on the Hearthwood property in the same area; this is the burned down complex on Abrams near Richland College. I showed up thinking I was the only one interested, but here’s three attorneys and they bid it up over $600,000 more, paid cash. So [my broker] found this space, which is perfect. It was covered in thick brush and inhabited by a tent city, with clothes hanging from trees, a ton of trash. When our workers began clearing the land they asked me what to do and I said to move the tents and clothing to the clearing, and when we did that, they left all of their trash behind, and moved up near the Chimney Hill neighborhood. The neighborhood watch [members] got rid of them immediately, threw away the tents. Me, I see both things. Everything these guys owned went in a dumpster, but homelessness is also just a huge, nuanced citywide problem. I would not want to be the one in charge of fixing that.

Do those issues concern you, as a builder in the neighborhood?

Entertaining family at home is a big part of what makes the holiday season special. We’ve been helping our neighbors create the perfect home for over 15 years. Whether you’re looking to spruce up with a remodel, or gift yourself with a new build in the new year, Bella Vista is here to make your holiday wishes come true.

I’ve attended neighborhood meetings [Chimney Hill] and have been impressed. They have a very active group that is quietly but surely keeping this whole area at the forefront. I think Urban Commons will help to continue to elevate and transform the area. I became a believer a long time ago in the way [beautification] can lift everything around it years back, the city was granting funds for home renovations; one project was a house on a street where everything was dilapidated and I thought, “What’s the point?” But a year later, every home on the block looked improved. And I saw the intelligence of the whole idea. I can afford to buy class-C properties [typically, locations that take extensive work to ready for development], which means things like deed restrictions and more problems to solve, in order to develop single-family residences.

Your husband mentioned you are against gated neighborhoods — why so?

True, I don’t believe in gating. It is an extra expense and it provides a false sense of security. Urban Reserve [west of Stults Road, east of Central Expressway] is open to cyclists, joggers and others passing through from surrounding neighbor-

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hoods to the White Rock Creek Trail [or DART rail station], yet there have been so few negative incidents. It will be the same at Urban Commons. People from outside will be welcome on the trail, at the parks. Certain design elements discourage crime — for example, with pocket parks in lieu of large front yards, everything is closer to the street. Everywhere else in Lake Highlands, you’re set back, which is nicer for a thief. [Urban Commons] homes will have front porches facing the parks, people are out, eyes on the street.

The signage is up, no construction yet. what sorts of holdups have you encountered?

I know [Urban Commons] is different and I understand the caution at the city level. It’s not something the city planners, especially those on the committees that deal with the nitty-gritty design elements, have seen before or feel comfortable approving, but I have my spiel ready. There are rules in place — and there should be, but it’s a Catch-22 because rules can promote mediocrity, and there are some that don’t mesh with my ideas, so we have to chart a path. Hopefully we can open the door for more creative development this way. I have been doing this a long time, I’m from the neighborhood, so I know the language and ins and outs of city code and planning — I think I have built some trust and relationships and I know how to compromise when needed. And, I don’t have this development machine, so I can go at my own pace. That’s a luxury the bigger companies don’t have.

When might we see houses going up? I’d like maybe May or June. We will build the first three near the entrance. I’d like it to move fast, for the sake of the owners coming in. I think when people actually see it, this will be a big eye opener. I would like to keep creating spaces like this, making something that will outlast me and promote a different way of living. It might not be for the masses; it is for a smaller group who thinks this is really cool.

Questions and answers have been edited for brevity.

Explore Urban Commons’ via an interactive map at urbancommons.live

PETER OVERBY Assistant Manager loves helping customers.

GEORGE Resident Rooster loves helping Peter.

DALLAS MARATHON BRINGS

BACK WHITE ROCK LAKE LOOP

Tens of thousands of runners will fill Dallas streets Sunday, Dec. 10, as they tackle the BMW Dallas Marathon, formerly the White Rock Marathon. The inaugural 1971 race included two loops around its namesake pond, but the course evolved to accommodate a boom in participation. By 2012, when the name changed, Dallas marathoners ran but a few miles along the shores of White Rock Lake. Participants have subsequently complained about long uphill miles and a departure

from the event’s historic origins.

Organizers announced recently that a large portion of the 2017 marathon route returns to White Rock Lake with a full 9.3-mile orbit.

“As one of Dallas’ most popular training spots, the lake will deliver a home field advantage for local runners and give our out-of-town participants a chance to see one of our city’s most stunning views,” notes marathon president Paul Lambert.

After a start at Dallas City Hall, contenders traverse Downtown Dallas, Vic-

tory Park, Uptown, Highland Park, Lower Greenville, Turtle Creek, Lakewood, Swiss Avenue and Deep Ellum, offering fans and spectators plenty of options for revelry and cheering. Residents who deem the event an annoyance retain ample cause for customary grumblings about street closures, crowds and noise. Since 1997, the Dallas Marathon has benefitted Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, to which it has donated more than $3.9 million.

—CHRISTINA HUGHES

“The lake will deliver a home field advantage for local runners and give our out-of-town participants a chance to see one of our city’s most stunning views.”

SUSAN RANKIN

FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST

• 12 Years Presiding Judge - 301st and 254th Family District Courts

• 2 1/2 Years Associate Judge - 301st Family District Court

•

29 Years Practicing Family Law

• Voted to D Magazine’s Top Womens Lawyers in North Texas (2010)

• Member of Texas Academy of Family Specialists

Fine Homes & Estates CENTURY 21 Nathan Grace is dedicated to Lake Highlands and its people. Our experienced and knowledgeable real estate professionals are experts in serving your community and all your real estate needs.

WHAT GIVES?

SMALL WAYS THAT YOU CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

SHOP TO FIGHT HUNGER

Employees at Half Price Books all over the nation have been busy making ornaments, which will be sold Dec. 1 and 2 to benefit the North Texas Food Bank. Each dollar spent will provide three meals for those in need in North Texas. Shop the Ornament Sale at the flagship shop on Northwest Highway on Friday, Dec. 1, from 5 to 9 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. until sold out.

TREK FOR THOMAS

Thomas Martinelli was just 19 months old when he was diagnosed with a peroxisomal disorder, a genetic condition that’s slowly causing him to go blind. Affecting just one in 4,000, it has benefited from stem cell research, and researchers are even closer to finding a cure. To help that goal, the Martinelli family hosts Trekking for Thomas, a 1-mile fun run for kids, which also includes a beer and wine garden for adults. Set for Dec. 3 from 1-3 p.m., kids can also expect an obstacle course, bounce house and other treats. Registration ranges from $25 a person to $100 for the whole family, or $10 for those who just want access to the beer and wine. All proceeds go to the Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders . Get all the details at facebook.com/ trekkingforthomas

BASICS FOR CHRISTMAS

Pamper Lake Highlands helps families in need by providing the true basic necessities. It began with diapers, but now the neighborhood nonprofit is seeking other household items like paper towels, Band-Aids and hand soap. See a complete list of needs, and where to donate, at pamperlakehighlands.org

Thomas Martinelli

DELICIOUS

SWEETS FOR THE SEASONS

After closing, The Prickly Poppy Bakery is back in home-based business

By EMILY CHARRIER I Photo by KATHY TRAN

DID YOU KNOW:

The bakery is named after the Texas wildflower, paying homage to the local ingredients featured in the desserts.

with three young daughters, Van Kirk no longer has time for custom orders. She relaunched at Halloween with bat and black cat cookie kits. Thanksgiving brought cinnamon and pumpkin spice options, look for macarons at Easter, while Christmas is always about sugar cookies.

“Cookies have always been a Christmas tradition in my family, especially for my great-grandmother, who made the best sugar cookies,” she says.

Erin Van Kirk was not expecting any orders last Christmas. She had shut down The Prickly Poppy Bakery, a custom bakery she ran out of her house, to focus on her young children. But then the Advocate included her in a list of neighbor-made gifts for the holidays, not realizing the bakery had shuttered.

“People started calling out of the blue,” she says, “and asking, ‘Are you doing cookie kits again?’ ”

Cookie kits were a signature product of Prickly Poppy, providing families all they need to decorate holiday sweets with less mess: icing, sprinkles and a dozen crumbly sugar cookies. She sold a few last year, and with support from her new business

partner and fellow Lake Highlands mom, Adrienne Ford, Van Kirk decided to get back into business this year.

Van Kirk has a long history in the baking world, having spent time in kitchens like Bolsa and Bread Winner Café. But in 2013, she struck out on her own, building her name on custom creations like wedding cakes with Prickly Poppy. The cookie kits were almost an accident, something she made to appease her friends who wanted her cookies during the holidays when she didn’t have time to do her own decorations.

“They could take them home and decorate themselves, because I was too busy with other orders,” Van Kirk says.

In its new iteration, Prickly Poppy will exclusively focus on holiday creations;

While cookie kits are made for families to enjoy together, Van Kirk will also sell a variety of gourmet fudge “as a giftable item,” she says. Expect flavors like peppermint, Texas whiskey pecan and gingerbread, all made in the Van Kirk’s Lake Highlands kitchen, likely with her young daughters huddled together on a stool “helping” mom bake.

“I have dreams of a mother-daughter bakery one day,” she says, “but I’m sure I’ll have lost my ‘cool factor’ by the time they are old enough.”

THE PRICKLY POPPY BAKERY

Price range: $30 for a kit that includes a dozen cookies, icing, sprinkles and a quick tutorial. pricklypoppybakery.com

Erin Van Kirk, left, and Adrienne Ford make The Prickly Poppy Bakery a family affair.

DINING SPOTLIGHT

Dude. Be Nice.

These neighborhood roofers are going all-in to be

In this age of Internet stranger-bashing and generally surly attitudes online, Lake Highlands lifers Rhonda and Joe Clifford are doing something to make things better. Their “Dude. Be Nice” campaign focuses on raising funds to put back into the neighborhood, particularly Lake Highlands community schools, LHHS PTA and varied Wildcat clubs and teams. “Dude. Be Nice” efforts additionally contribute to Hoops in the Highlands, the St. Patrick’s Shamrock Shootout and Harvest Festival. New, exclusive t-shirts designed by the dude be nice guys will soon be offered to aid Lake Highlands charities.

The “Dude. Be Nice” t-shirts and stickers sold for community awareness keep the Cliffords busy, as does owning C&C Exteriors, a neighborhood roofing, window and home peripherals sales and installation company.

As we all know, in Dallas it’s not a matter of “if” but “when” a weather event will damage our roof, windows or homes.

When nature crashes your party, the Cliffords say, social media isn’t where to find a trustworthy pro.

Joe and Rhonda are LHHS

sweethearts who have staffed C&C Exteriors with friends they’ve known since middle school. Their neighborhood team combined has more than 120 years’ experience.

They specialize in free consultations for homeowners. Here’s an example of what they see:

• Most folks aren’t aware that Texas doesn’t require roofers to be licensed.

• Folks tend to buy by price, not expertise.

• Don’t use an out-of-town vendor. If there’s a post-installation issue, you can bet the vendor won’t come back to fix it. Roof local.

•For those with historic homes, Joe and Rhonda are well versed in historic-conservation requirements.

“We don’t want to be the cheapest: We want to be the best,” Joe says about C&C Exteriors. “Neighbors hire us because we are experts.”

Rhonda adds, “People trust us to be truthful. We provide professional guidance; slight changes set apart a roof or window job, often at no additional cost.”

Stop by C&C Exteriors local showroom at 10420 Plano Road, #112, or call 469-291-7039. exteriorscc.com.

Local roofers Joe and Rhonda Clifford are behind a campaign to raise money for neighborhood groups. (Photo by Kathy Tran)

HOW WE WORSHIP

MEMBERS OF ORGANIZED RELIGIONS CONNECT WITH GODS, IDOLS AND EACH ANOTHER IN WILDLY DIVERGENT WAYS

PHOTOS BY DANNY FULGENCIO

Thousands of Dallas dwellers find weekly otherworldly ecstasy alongside compatible souls. Some pack inside billion-dollar buildings, swaying to an electric guitar, eyes and palms lifted to lofty ceilings.

Others find spiritual bliss in smaller venues, drawing comfort, perhaps, from hushed intimacy and old tradition — whispered prayers; genuflections; familiar, organ-piped hymns.

In between lies every other style of worship one can imagine. About 78 percent of Dallas churchgoers claim Christianity, according to the Pew Research Center for Religion and Public Life; dozens of Christian denominations occupy buildings, offer services and cast a wide net in and around our neighborhood. In addition, non-Christian creeds account for about 4 percent of Dallas’ hundreds of houses of worship. Regardless of their faith, 62 percent say religion is “very important” to their daily lives, and 64 percent say they pray daily.

Over the past few weeks, we observed the wide-ranging aesthetics and rituals that the faithful believe bring them closer to enlightenment.

BUDDHIST CENTER OF DALLAS

BALDHEADED MEN, LEGS folded beneath golden robes, line the temple’s sky blue walls and chant, baritone and in accord — which is what one might expect at a Buddhist service. But this is not necessarily new visitors’ initial encounter. Curious westerners sometimes discover the center through free beginner meditation classes led by Ken Goldberg, one of few there who speak English. His voice is Al Pacino. His humor, pure Larry David.

“The monks, I don’t think they like me,” he cracks.

One could imagine, after a few chats,

Walls and windows of Buddhist Center of Dallas are replete with radiant renderings of nature, the supernatural, idols and messages.

THE STORE IN LAKE HIGHLANDS

Holiday Gifts Galore! We are stocked full of an incredible selection for family, friends, teachers and everyone on your list!

WALTON’S GARDEN

Shop Walton’s today to create a sizzling home for the holidays! Christmas trees, decorations, grills and gifts for the indoors and out! 8652 Garland Rd. 214.321.2387

CITY VIEW ANTIQUE

Goldberg as the Buddhist version of “Sound of Music” Maria, driving Mother Superior to guzzle the communion wine.

He was raised Jewish, in Boston, he says. He joined a street gang and was incarcerated for a time after grappling with drugs, and he came to Buddhism through a fellow member of the 12-step program where he sobered up.

Tonight’s lesson is held in a side building because preparations were underway inside the main temple for an elaborate ceremony the following morning. Oct. 26 marked the first anniversary of the death of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej. In Thailand, a one-year mourning period precedes royal funerals. In Lake Highlands, by the time class ended, a gazebo housing a life-sized image of King Bhumibol Adulyadej faced rows of chairs. There would be a burning ceremony the next afternoon; similar services took place around the world in solidarity with the deceased king’s actual cremation in Bangkok. The next day, prayer, meditation, chants and processions, lavish rituals, plates of authentic Thai fare would fill the center as mourners, under the watchful eyes of the gods, concrete elephants and towering idols,

bid goodbye — before they symbolically set him ablaze.

Throughout the year, Buddhists observe holy days; Buddha’s birthday, Vesakha, is celebrated on the first full moon day in May. Sunday worship is followed by an authentic Thai meal — the aroma of curries calls near a rippling koi pond out back.

The Buddhist Center of Dallas spans several lots in a residential area along Stults Road in northeast Lake Highlands. Situated between The Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church and Dallas Lutheran Church, the temple’s glitzy statues and colorful flags demand attention. White, wide stairs flanked by alabaster rails lead to a gold and crimson trimmed A-frame entrance.

Less than 1 percent of Dallas residents are Buddhist, according to the Pew Research Center. The main building opened in spring 1982, founded by six Thai Buddhist Monks. The religion does not worship any deity. Even Gautama Buddha, on whose teachings Buddhism was founded, is considered a sage rather than God.

The Western Vipassana group, led by Goldberg, meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

—CHRISTINA HUGHES

SUNDAY WORSHIP IS FOLLOWED BY AN AUTHENTIC THAI MEAL — THE AROMA OF CURRIES CALLS NEAR A RIPPLING KOI POND OUT BACK.

Monks and members gather, in solidarity with Buddhists worldwide, to honor deceased Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

PRAYERS ARE ACCENTED WITH FRESH FLOWER PETALS AND OFFERINGS OF FRUIT AT THE FEET OF THE GODDESSES IN THEIR MANY FORMS.

NORTH TEXAS HINDU MANDIR

YOU WOULD NEVER KNOW IT’S THERE, tucked into an unassuming building in a residential corner of Baronne Circle. But its vibrant interior beguiles the meager façade, painted with bright lotus murals, draped in gold and turquoise silks, with garlands of flowers and a row of colorful deities lining one side, each expertly carved as its own work of art.

It is the only house of Hindu worship of its kind in the city, and members travel for miles, sometimes up to three hours each way, to attend its

Above, prayers involve the pouring of milk. At left, Alexander Sukhu is blessed for his birthday. Below, deities come in many forms.

services. Less than 1 percent of the city identifies with the faith, creating a tightknit congregation that treats each other more like family.

October brings the traditional celebration of Navaratri, nine nights that pay homage to the fierce goddess Dugra, who comes in nine forms that represent the triumph of good over evil, humility over ego and the divinity of the feminine. With unusual instruments and their own voices, the ceremonies are rhythmic and musical. Prayers are accented with fresh flower petals and offerings of fruit at the feet of the goddesses in their many forms. The holy week culminates in a beautiful ritual of flames, with a bonfire built in the parking lot as the worshippers gather around, echoing the same chant as they repeatedly toss a fine dust of wood and earth back onto the flames, sparking a burning bursts that light up their faces.

“It is about returning to the earth,” says member Indra Sukhu.

The ceremony ends with a shared meal of flavorful Indian delights that make the small room smell warm and spicy.

Known as the “oldest living religion,” Hinduism comes from the Iron Age of India. Like Christianity, it has splintered over the years, forming different factions with their own rituals. At the North Texas Mandir, worshippers find a mixture of traditional Indian customs influenced heavily by Indo-Caribbean practices,

where services are more likely to be conducted in English. But the songs and chanting are always done in the original Hindi, with the words projected on the wall to help everyone follow along.

In addition to the special events honoring holy days like Navaratri, the Mandir offers Sunday worship beginning at 9:30

THE FOREST LANEAudelia Road region of Lake Highlands is dense with low-income apartments and is infamous for high crime rates. It also is home to Nexus Community Church, which meets Sundays at 5 p.m. inside the clubhouse at The Vineyards at Forest Edge, a sprawling complex occupying the intersection’s northwest corner.

On a typical Sunday, member Mary Hamilton arranges tables and chairs, makes coffee and transforms the Vineyards’ after-school space into a sanctuary for an hour. After the service — during which children head across the hallway for snacks and activites — Hamilton cleans up.

It’s something she can do, she says, for those who made life meaningful for her again.

She joined Nexus a few years ago, when the group began assembling where she lived, at the Jackson Branch complex across the street.

Hamilton had been raised a churchgoer, she says, but, over the years, she lost her connection with God. Of churches she attended, she says, “I didn’t fit in.”

Nexus’ founding members shared a goal of serving Dallas’ poor and figured that meant heading south. But it didn’t take long to see that they already were in the correct place. “God had led us to one

of the areas of greatest need in our city,” leaders explain on the church website, nexusdallas.org.

In San Francisco, where the Rev. Jamie Coleman ministered to white suburban middle-class churches, the thin, blonde, perpetually smiling, soft-spoken believer, who is now Nexus’ pastor, says he felt misplaced. Having studied religions around the world, he was “more alive” in multicultural settings.

Coleman was drawn to Nexus immediately, he says. “I thought they were prioritizing the right things.”

The church is non-traditional with limited resources. Its congregants are a motley crew, with people of different races, classes and even native languages worshipping together. About 10 core families make up the congregation, Coleman says, but he feels a shift, an increase in this sort of ministry, where, in sacrificing the comforts of a contemporary church, participants find satisfaction in bringing church to the spiritually empty, like Hamilton.

“I felt my life was worthless,” she says. “Finding them, volunteering, coming to church — now I feel purpose.”

Logistics matter, too. She doesn’t need to find a ride to church.

“And I like that you don’t have to dress up,” she adds with a grin.

—CHRISTINA HUGHES

NEXUS COMMUNITY CHURCH

“GOD HAD LED US TO ONE OF THE AREAS OF GREATEST NEED IN OUR CITY.”

Members of Nexus Community Church bring worship to an apartment complex at Forest Lane and Audelia Road. Below, members and guests break bread together and receive communion, a Christian tradition.

VICKERY MEADOW IS ONE OF THE MOST dense and diverse areas in all of Dallas. Developed in the 1970s as apartments and condos for young professionals, it now houses more than 50,000 people from all over the world in about 5 square miles.

Many of the residents are refugees, settled by aid organizations alongside friends and family. Vickery Meadow contains a large number of Muslim residents from the Middle East, Africa

and Southeast Asia, but the area is not home to any public mosques.

Because many lack transportation, traveling to the nearest mosque in Richardson is not a viable option, and they are unable to worship or have a place to say their daily prayers. Rohingya Muslim Relief (RMR) stepped in to fill the void. The organization emanated from Myanmar refugees, who were persecuted and denied rights by the government and have been

ROHINGYA MUSLIM RELIEF

forced to flee violence against their faith.

RMR created a space in The Ivy apartments so that Muslim neighbors can worship close to home. It also provides religious education for 180 Muslim children during the week.

With permission of the management, they transformed an old storage unit into a place to pray. Islamic art decorates the windowless room, and rugs line the floor and spill into the parking lot for worshipers to practice Salah, the five

In a former storage unit, faithful Muslims pack in shoulder-toshoulder for prayer five times a day, spilling over onto prayer mats in the parking lot.

daily prayers Muslims recite. The space also is outfitted with running water for the residents to ritually cleanse their face, hands and feet, a practice called Wudu.

In Myanmar, the Rohingya must worship in secret or risk a violent rebuke from the anti-Muslim government, according to Shaukat Salleh, RMR’s president. Refugees often risk their safety to escape their homeland and spend years in camps waiting to be resettled in a land with little resemblance to home. The

RMR space provides them a chance to reconnect with their culture and faith.

RMR also serves more than 300 families by providing transportation, rent, furniture, clothes and food for those in need. They fund English as a second language and computer classes to help Vickery Meadow residents find jobs. Their services are not specific to religion or culture; they help anyone in need.

“We don’t see religion,” Salleh says. “We see only people.”

—WILL MADDOX

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH

WHILE IT WAS BUILT IN the 1990s, the main sanctuary looks more like something you’d find in the English countryside. Its white stone frame and shimmering stained glass pay homage to the mainline denomination’s roots in the Church of England.

On a Sunday morning, the pews are dotted with worshipers of all ages, from casually clad young families and single millennials to gray-haired folks in their best dress. The two-story organ booms its welcoming chimes, and the deacons, draped in traditional white robes, walk with candles ahead of the Rev. Rebecca Tankersley, who holds a glittering gold holy book above her head while the congregation sings the hymn, “For All the Saints, Who From Their Labor Rest.”

There are readings and songs, and plenty of standing, sitting and kneeling. But today’s service has a special focus, the baptism of two new babes, Winifred Louise and John Wilson. After reciting the traditional vows and a sprinkle of holy water, they are presented to the congregation.

“I give you, the newest Christians in the world,” beams Tankersley, the

Above, Assistant Rector Rebecca Tankersley leads Sunday worship.

Below, Winifred Louise is baptized. At right, members receive communion.

church’s assistant rector.

This is one option for worship, for those who prefer the classics. Those who seek a more condensed and slightly more chaotic holy hour head to the circa 1956 chapel, where the church has added a new service that is popular with families. There, “all the different worship jobs are done by children,” Tankersley says.

The stately church is the first thing you see when you turn onto McCree Road from Audelia, a beacon of the faith since 1968, which now serves around 220 parishioners. While its services are traditional, following the same rituals every Sunday, the campus is unusual for two reasons. First, it is home to one of the city’s only religiously affiliated Montessori schools. Second, it’s become a preferred house of worship for a growing population of Karen refugees, who fled oppression in what was Burma.

“They were Anglican at home and enjoy keeping that faith,” Tankersley says, explaining that it shares an origin, and rituals, with the Episcopal faith. “Even though it’s not in their language, the steps are the same.”

Christmas Day (Monday, December 25th)

• Monday garbage and recycling collections will take place on Tuesday the 26th.

• Tuesday garbage and recycling collections will take place on Wednesday the 27th.

• CLOSED: McCommas Bluff Landfill, City transfer stations, Administration office

New Year's Day (Monday, January 1st)

• Monday garbage and recycling collections will take place on Tuesday the 2nd.

• Tuesday garbage and recycling collections will take place on Wednesday the 3rd.

• CLOSED: McCommas Bluff Landfill, City transfer stations, Administration office

Effervescent Amanda Payne, the church’s minister to children and youth, bubbles over with stories of the young refugees finding their place in her youth group.

“Our attendance grew by 425 percent with the refugee kids,” she says.

Church leaders were happy to see the congregation expand, especially in a way that better reflected our diverse neighborhood.

“The church is meant to look like the world,” Tankersley says.

Payne adds, “Not like a country club.”

St. James hosts a shorter Sunday worship at 8 a.m., followed by the sanctuary and chapel services at 10 a.m. Youth group is every Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m.

“THE CHURCH IS MEANT TO LOOK LIKE THE WORLD.”

12

days of

CHRISTMAS in Lake Highlands

By THOMAS A HAYDEN

THRUJAN. 8

The12DaysofChristmasexhibit attheDallasArboretumwill featureelaboratelydecorated gazebos,costumedcharacters andclassicChristmastunes.Pro tip:Goatnighttoseetheglowing lights.Theexhibitwillbeopen from6-9p.m.,inadditionto normalarboretumhours.

THRU DEC.23

Visit the Dallas Children’s Theatre for the hit holiday special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Showtimes are 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., with a sensory friendly showcase set for Dec. 2 and a show for deaf audiences on Dec. 3.

THRU DEC. 21

Kathy Burks and the Dallas Children’s Theatre partner to present “Frosty and Friends,” the Christmas special. Presented entirely in puppetry, the show offers a new way to see this beloved story.

NOV.24-DEC.23

THRU JAN.

8

Christmas hits NorthPark Center with villages of trains and gingerbread, holiday singers and a cranky yet hilarious Scrooge puppet throwing insults.

Atraditionaltalegetsanunusual twistwith“JoeDicken’sEbenezer Scrooge,”amusicaladaptation of“AChristmasCarol.”This neighborhoodclassicmarksits 36thyearatPocketSandwich Theater.ShowsaresetThursday throughSundayduring theholidayseason.

DEC.1- DEC.30

WhygoChristmassight-seeing Skyinacarwhenyoucanfly? holidayHelicoptersisoffering lighttoursbeginning MondayonDec.1.Tourswilltakeplace throughSaturdayfrom 6-9p.m.

Atraditio twistwScroo

NOV.

26

NOV.24- DEC.30

EnjoydecadentchocolatesandDallastastywineasyoutourthe DallasareaChristmaslightswith

Dallasastywin area C toursDallasByCho willbefro whileweekendto from to 30-9 m

y omours6:30-10p.m. takeplace-9p.m.

ByChocolate.Weekday whiletourswillbefrom6:30-10p.m. weekendtourstakeplace from5:30-9p.m.

Join the Lake Highlands Junior Women’s League at 6 p.m. as they Light Up the Highlands. The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place at the Lake Highlands North Recreation Center and will also include free food, entertainment from local performers and, of course, guest appearance by Santa.

gue pp

SIMPLE TRUTH By 2050, there may be more plastic in the ocean than marine animals.

THRU DEC. 31

markAdozenhouseswillonceagain

Highl more t a known wn C Ch ca can be

12daysofChristmasthisyear in Timberhollow Circle. This Lake moreHighlandsneighborhoodtraditionis than two decades old and will feature all the favorites from the well-knownChristmascarol.Thedisplay canbefoundintheOakHighlands Estates located one block southofRoyalLaneoffAbramsRoad on Moss Haven Drive.

Change Happens Here.

EARTHx.org

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D forgotthethehusband Theannual e than$2mi and DEC.

10

Journey Through Bethlehem at Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church begins at 6 p.m.

This immersive experience recreates the night Jesus was born, complete with a marketplace and choir.

he ervers. raised more forscholarshipsareanonprofits.

TheHolidayintheHighlands hometourwillbeheldbytheLake HighlandsWomen’sLeagueonFriday, Dec.1from9:30a.m-8p.m.Don’t forgotthesignatureluncheon,where thehusbandsfillinasservers. Theannualeventhasraisedmore than$2millionforscholarships andareanonprofits.

DEC. 17

AscensionEpiscopalChurch helpsbringtheChristmasannualstorytolifewiththeir reenactment.liveNativityscene Therewillbe performancesatboth5and 6p.m.andincludes apettingzoo.

Coming April 20-22, 2018

ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRIAN SMITH

New nook for little readers

GOLDENE TETER was a passionate reader. As a substitute teacher at Lake Highlands Elementary in the 1960s and ‘70s, she regularly shared that love with her students. She also managed her husband’s business Direct Fashions, which sat on Park Lane for years.

When Goldene died last year, her family didn’t want flowers. They wanted to build a lasting monument to their mother at the elementary school where she taught and where her children learned. After a year of collecting donations, the family pitched Principal Becky Stevens on their idea: Goldene’s Reading Nook.

“We wanted to make some place comfortable for kids to read,” Stevens says. “That’s why we bought all the poufs.”

The “poufs” are exactly what they sound like — fluffy clouds on which children can read and adventure in their

imaginations. They were also able to purchase new shelves, a rug and a lamp to create a cozy corner for the kids.

“The Teters family sent me a list of their mother’s favorite children’s books to add to our collection,” Stevens says, adding that it included classics like “Where the Sidewalks End,” “Stone Soup” and “Where the Wild Things Are.”

“My mom always believed a child’s potential was in their reading and education,” says Shelley Quatruopolo, Goldene’s daughter.

She laughs at the memory of her mother’s teaching days, noting how she wasn’t one to allow students to slack off just because she was a substitute at Lake Highlands, Wallace and White Rock elementaries.

“My mother was not a favorite sub,” she says. “They called her Ms. Teter-Toter.”

Story by EMILY CHARRIER I

Photo by DANNY FULGENCIO

LAKE

WADE SMITH

HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1999

During his 12 seasons with the NFL, Wade Smith was signed with the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles. But he cut his teeth as a Lake Highlands Wildcat, taking part in the 1998 Cinderella season when the team made it to the state semifinals. These days, he’s more focused on giving back with his namesake nonprofit, which focuses on supporting youth, specifically through literacy programs and sports. He also writes children’s books with a moral, tackling issues like bullying.

Three things to know:

1 He calls our neighborhood a “football factory,” telling the Advocate in 2009, “There’s guys that throughout my travels, going to different teams, that know all about Lake Highlands.”

2 He made history in 2011 while playing for the Texans as the only offensive lineman to ever recover a loose ball and score a touchdown.

3 He attended Wallace Elementary and Lake Highlands Junior High, and is happy to joke about LHJH’s neighborhood rivalry with Forest Meadow.

PHOTO BY DANNY FULGENCIO

STUDENT SPORTS

When Dallas United Crew asked for a place to store its boats on White Rock Lake, part of the deal was creating opportunity for youth to explore the sport. That included both recruiting events on campus, and scholarships to cover the cost of participating. As the Park Board’s Administration and Finance Committee considered the proposal, Lake Highlands representative Robb Stewart came with his own list of demands, which largely focused on including Richardson ISD students, who were not named in the city contract like Dallas ISD.

“I’d like to focus not just on DISD, but on students of Dallas,” Stewart said, which DUC quickly agreed to. The proposal still needs the blessing of the Dallas City Council. Lake Highland High School’s football team is staring at the end of a Cinderella season. While it has been up and down throughout the year, a strong finish landed the Wildcats in the play-offs.

LEARNING AL FRESCO

Northlake Elementary students will soon get lessons outdoors (weather permitting, of course) thanks to generous community donors. The Outdoor Learning Center includes tables and a shade structure, and was made possible by Herb’s Paint and Body, The Exchange Club of Lake Highlands , Northlake’s Excellence in Education Fund , the Patmore Family , Lake Highlands Square Neighborhood Association , Friends of Lake Highlands Square , Lake Highlands Estates Neighborhood Association and the Northlake PTA.

TEACHING HEALTHY CAREERS

Richardson ISD’s is preparing its students for one of the fast-growing fields in America: health care. Part of the Career and Technical Education program, students head to Methodist Richardson Campus for Continuing Care for hands-on classes, where they observe then perform basic medical procedures. Some students opt to earn dual credit through El Centro and can achieve licenses and certificates to work as phlebotomists, patient care technicians, certified medical assistants, licensed pharmacy technicians, EKG techs or certified nurses’ aides.

STAND-OUT STUDENTS

Zhanirina Hall and Matthew Hughes received Character Counts awards, and Katie Gray and Jacob Seddelmeyer were named Students of the Month by the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands in November.

OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN

School of Dallas 7611 Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75225 214.368.1371 / ORDallas. org

On a beautiful campus just across from NorthPark Center, Our Redeemer encourages working above level, but without the atmosphere of anxiety and pressure. We’re nationally accredited through NLSA with our students historically scoring 2.5 years above level in nationally normed testing. PK 2 – 6th graders are provided a faithbased education of co-curricular Fine Arts and Language enrichment, strong academics, daily PE and recess and interscholastic athletics. Before and aftercare options are offered for PK3 and up. Private tours by request.

• Age PK2 through 6th grade programs

• Low student – teacher ratio • Nationally accredited

• Test score average 2.5 years above national norm

214-368-1371 | ORDallas.org

7611 Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75225

Dallas United Crew

PHOTO BY DANNY FULGENCIO

JOIN

December 6, 9:30 a.m. (Pre-k-8th)

Or

www.stjohnsschool.org www.facebook.com/sjesdallas

p.214.328.9131

ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL

6121 E. Lovers Ln. Dallas / 214.363.1630 ziondallas. org

Toddler care thru 8th Grade. Serving Dallas for over 100 years offering a quality education in a Christ-centered learning environment. Degreed educators minister to the academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of students and their families. Before and after school programs, athletics, fine arts, integrated technology, Spanish, outdoor education, Accelerated Reader, advanced math placement, and student government. Accredited by National Lutheran School & Texas District Accreditation Commissions and TANS. Contact Principal Jeff Thorman.

Yesterday, Today, Forever.

Hebrews 13:8

Open House January 18 5:30-7:00pm

WHITE ROCK NORTH SCHOOL

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas/ 214.348.7410 WhiteRockNorthSchool.com

Zion Lutheran School provides a quality Christ-centered education.

6121 E. Lovers Ln. (@ Skillman) Dallas, TX 75214 214-363-1630/ ziondallas.org

6 Weeks through 6th Grade. Our accelerated curriculum provides opportunity for intellectual and physical development in a loving and nurturing environment. Character-building and civic responsibility are stressed. Facilities include indoor swimming pool, skating rink, updated playground, and stateof-the-art technology lab. Kids Club on the Corner provides meaningful after-school experiences. Accredited by SACS. Call for a tour of the campus.

WHITE ROCK NORTH SCHOOL

A one of a kind school In the Lake Highlands area! Awesome After School Program!

6TH GRADE TO INFANTS - APPLY TODAY!

Now offering specialized services for students with: ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, & Speech/Language challenges.

COME TO OUR OPEN HOUSE!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25TH

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

LATEST AND LEGACY

A LOOK AT THE PAST AND PRESENT OF LAKE HIGHLANDS’ BUSINESSES

LATEST: Andy’s Frozen Custard’s sugar high

Since it opened this summer, Andy’s Frozen Custard has become a neighborhood juggernaut. Its front stoop is usually crowded with kids, while its drive-thru is packed with sweet-seekers. The chain was birthed in Osage Beach, Missouri, in 1986. It grew from a single family-run store into the world’s largest dessert-only franchise, with more than 50 locations in 10 states. When it opened in our neighborhood, it found itself on the delicious corner of Walnut and Audelia, alongside the likes of Shady’s Burger Brewhaha and Resident Taqueria. It is the first of its franchise in the City of Dallas.

Do you know of a noteworthy, long-standing Lake Highlands business?

Email editor@ advocatemag.com

BY

PHOTO

KATHY

Taylor Harmon LHHS ’08

LEGACY: SafeHaven Pest Control saves the bees

Twenty years ago, when people found a hive of bees tucked inside their wall, fumigation was the only answer. They were pests, something to be gotten rid of swiftly and chemically.

But today is a new day.

Colony collapse disorder, in which all of a hive’s worker bees disappear, has become a hotly discussed phenomenon that experts say could leave our food crops at risk. Some areas have lost over 50 percent of their hives, stirring a global movement to protect honey bees.

“When we do find a beehive, now people want to save them and not just kill them,” says Michael Bosco, president of SafeHaven Pest Control. “If we find it’s honey bees, the homeowner can decide to open up the wall to save the bees.”

Bosco says they adapted to this growing trend by becoming bee experts, taking classes in how to safely handle the hive for relocation. While they’ve offered green pest services since 1991, he’s seen a shift in his customers in the past decade.

“People’s mentalities have changed and they want safer products,” Bosco says.

Another change, he notes, is that people are far less willing to live alongside insects than they once were, and he should know, having been part of the family business since he was 12 years old. The sight of one roach leads to a full pest treatment, which is just fine for the Bosco family.

His great uncle Paul Turner opened RID-ALL Pest Control in a small corner of Lakewood in 1955. The business was later rebranded as SafeHaven Pest Control and relocated to Lake Highlands in the early 1980s, where it has resided ever since. Michael Bosco learned the industry on the job, crawling under houses and spraying down houses as a child working for his dad, Larry Bosco, who took over after Turner retired.

Michael Bosco also raised his family in Lake Highlands, and gives back by supporting the Moss Haven Farm, both financially and with pest services.

A Warm Thank You

Bronze Sponsors

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Blackwell, Blackburn, and Singer, LLP

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Vanderbrook Family Dentistry

Dallas’ billion-dollar bond package included a proposition for libraries, with $7,790,000 earmarked to replace the Forest Green Branch Library. It passed easily, with 75 percent of the vote. Friends of the Dallas Public Library board member Karen Blumenthal says the next step will be updating the architectural plans drawn a decade ago so that work can move forward.

TRUE CRIME

Stealing Santa’s sleigh is a good way to ensure you get coal for Christmas. Freddie and Amy Halstead were stoked to find a massive sleigh in a storage locker auction, which they planned to spruce up and place outside their business, Lake Highlands Mathnasium, where children could take photos. The 5-foot sleigh was stolen from their Covemeadow home , and they are hopeful the culprit will cough it up before Christmas.

Former Richardson ISD employee Mel Fuller was arrested last month for possession of child pornography, and booked into the Denton County Jail. According to his LinkedIn profile, Fuller was employed by RISD as executive director of RISD’s College and Career Readinessprogram from August of 2012 to June of 2016.

Intruders beware, Lake Highlands is armed and does not hesitate to protect its property. For the second time this year, a homeowner shot an intruder. Early on Oct. 30, the man heard a knock on the door of his home in the 9500 block of Moss Farm Lane. The suspect first said he was at the wrong house and left, only to return moments later to kick in the door. The homeowner fired multiple shots and the suspect was found bleeding in the street, and was booked into jail after receiving medical treatment. In January, a homeowner shot a 15-year-old in the leg who had illegally entered his Estate Lane property.

Three fatalities were reported in one month on the highways that surround our neighborhood, and all involved crashes into disabled vehicles. The National Safety Council recommends drivers get out and away from the car if it breaks down, if possible, especially if visibility is poor due to darkness or weather.

MARKETPLACE

ECHO BOUTIQUE

Upscale resale & unique gifts

Festive Fashions

For The Holiday Season

Upscale Resale - Unique Gifts - Women’s Designer Consignment

Hand Picked VintageWork By Local Artists

9020 Garland Road (Between The Arboretum & Casa Linda) Dallas, TX 75218 214.370.4444

MAIDPRO

Because your standards aren’t standard

There are plenty of reasons to choose MaidPro. We work with you to build a cleaning plan, tailored to your needs and budget. We allow you to choose when and how often we clean. Cleaning is our passion and it’s what we bring to each and every home we touch.

10228 E. Northwest Hwy. Dallas, TX 75238 214-396-4070 maidpro.com

LAKE HIGHLANDS ACUPUNCTURE

Now offering evening and weekend appointments!

Lake Highlands Acupuncture welcomes our newest acupuncturist

DALLAS NAILS SPA

20% OFF All Services (mention this ad)

9090 Skillman St. Suite A180 Dallas, TX 75243 469.930.9233

Appointments or Walk Ins Welcome. Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Facial and Lashes Treatments Available. Mention this ad for 20% OFF! Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm Sat: 9:30am-7pm Sun: 12-6pm

MY OFFICE

Shipping and Office Supplies

9660 Audelia Road, Suite 123 214.221.0011 myofficelh.com

Here at My Office, we have Christmas covered. From stocking stuffers to gift wrapping to shipping. Fedex, USPS or LSO, Domestic & International & APO’s. The kids can mail letters to Santa in our special mailbox while enjoying hot cider & cookies. For the more adventurous, Bitcoin is available for purchase.

Tracy Lynn Tucker L.Ac., MAOM. Tracy treats chronic pain, gynecological issues, allergies, anxiety and depression, insomnia, chemo side effects, and much more!

10252 E. Northwest Highway 214.267.8636

lakehighlandsacupuncture.com

ADVOCATE ORNAMENT

Home decor

Own the Advocate Foundation’s limitededition, numbered, and hand-painted ornament; perfect gift for the new home owner or long time resident.

email: foundation@ advocatemag.com or call 214.292.0486

Peace W ill Come

Mourning Light Service

December

Christmas Eve Service

December

“Sing Noel” December 3 · 10:30 am Worship of Lessons & Carols by local community college choirs

December 6

Soup Supper 6 pm, Live Nativity 7 pm

December 10 · 10:30 am Worship

Bach Cantata; “Sleepers Awake” by Central Sanctuary Choir

December 10 · 3:30 pm

Bach Cantata; “Sleepers Awake” at Museum of Biblical Arts

7500 Park Lane

December 13 and 20

Soup Supper 6 pm, Vespers 7 pm

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship 7 pm

Looking

BIZ BUZZ

NEW HOUSES

The Richardson ISD school board approved the sale of its property at 9601 White Rock Trail. The contract price is $5.7 million. The buyer, PSW Real Estate LLC, develops single-family, zero-lot line homes. In April of 2016,RISD bought the property, which included two office buildings, as part of a plan to reduce overcrowding at White Rock Elementary. RISDabandoned plans to build a new school in the face of opposition, voting instead to expand the popular, yet still overcrowded, elementary.

Forty-eight homes are proposed on a 5-acreundeveloped patch of propertynear Rockmount Drive . The land is already zoned single family, but developer Forward Living Homes is seeking city approval to create a Planned Development District, which allows for more flexibility in yard setbacks, building height and landscaping.

NEW BUSINESSES

Jersey Mike’s opens at the Lake Highlands Town Center Dec. 6. Dalton Stewart will operate the sandwich shop with partner Joey Fluette. You can find it between Ideal Dental and Hollywood Feed

Speaking of Hollywood Feed, it is also a new tenant of the town center. The pet shop sells everything from “gourmet pet food” to collars and toys. Find it at 7150 Skillman, suite 100.

A yet-to-be-named “gentlemen’s club” got its sexually oriented business license last month. Planned for 10995 Petal Lane , the proposal for a BYOB adult cabaret includes hours of 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. seven nights a week.

BUSINESSES FIGHTING CRIME

The North Lake Highlands Public Improvement District launches Dec. 1, covering a swath of businesses north of LBJ. Like its sister PID to the south, its main purpose is to fight crime by building community. The PID is funded by a 12-cent business tax for every $100 of valuation, resulting in an annual budget of $360,000 for 2018.

DON’T GO CHANGING

A proposal from Councilman Adam McGough to change the name of Plano Road to Lake Highlands Drive met staunch resistance from neighborhood businesses, and was withdrawn from city council consideration.

BAPTIST

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

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

ROYAL LANE BAPTIST CHURCH / 6707 Royal Lane / 214.361.2809

Christian Education 9:45 a.m. / Worship Service 10:55 a.m.

Pastor - Rev. Dr. Michael L. Gregg / www.royallane.org

WILSHIRE BAPTIST / 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

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

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

BIBLE CHURCHES

NORTH HIGHLANDS BIBLE CHURCH / nhbc.net / 9626 Church Rd.

Sun: LifeQuest 9:00 am / Worship 10:30 am / 214.348.9697

Wed: AWANA and Kids Choir 6:00 pm / Student Ministry 6:30 pm

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

EPISCOPAL

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH / 9845 McCree Road / 214.348.1345

Worship 8 & 10 am / Family Service 10 am / Sunday School 9 am

Nursery Open for All Services. / StJamesDallas.org

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH / stjd.org

Worship: Sat 5:30 pm, Sun 8 & 10:30 am / Christian Ed Sunday Morning & Weekdays, see calendar on website / 214.321.6451 / 848 Harter Rd.

LUTHERAN

CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA / 1000 Easton Road

A Welcoming and Affirming Church / Pastor Rich Pounds

Sunday School 9:00 am / Worship 10:30 am / CentralLutheran.org

FIRST UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH / 6202 E Mockingbird Ln.

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

METHODIST

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RICHARDSON

503 N Central Exwy / fumcr.com / 972.235.8385 / Dr. Clayton Oliphint

8:45, 9:45, 11:00 am sanctuary / access modern worship 11:00am

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

PRESBYTERIAN

LAKE HIGHLANDS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / 214.348.2133

8525 Audelia Road at NW Hwy. / www.lhpres.org

9:00 am Contemporary, 9:55 am Christian Ed., 11:00 am Traditional

NORTHRIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / 6920 Bob-O-Link Dr.

214.827.5521 / www.northridgepc.org / Sundays 8:30 & 11:00 am

Sunday School 9:35am / All Are Welcome

Though Wilshire Baptist Church isn’t in our neighborhood, a good number of Lake Highlanders attend the church — or did, before Wilshire voted at the end of 2016 to allow LGBT members to marry and be ordained as ministers. The ensuing fallout was a loss of hundreds of members and hundreds of thousands of dollars. Read about what happened and where things stand at Wilshire now at lakewood.advocatemag.com

Is Christmas worth the wait?

By GEORGE MASON

Carole King might have been talking about the Christmas season we are heading into. In the Christian tradition, Advent is the worship season that leads into Christmas. Advent is a season of waiting, of longing for what is promised.

People once kept better time by a spiritual calendar. Christmas began on Christmas Day. They trimmed their trees on Christmas Eve, drank their eggnog and read the Christmas story. Then children went to bed with anticipation, “while visions of sugar plums danc’d in their heads.” Christmas lasts 12 days on the true liturgical calendar, beginning with December 25 and ending on January 5, just before Epiphany (the Magi) on January 6. But who knows that today? Who observes that? Even more, who cares? Nowadays, we have flipped the “Twelve Days of Christmas” — complete with true loves and turtledoves — to the 12 days leading up to Christmas. It’s become a secret elf-like tradition. But why?

Because we can’t wait. We have become accustomed to having things right now. And, of course, marketers and merchandizers have made gift giving-and-receiving the heart of the season. That’s not all bad if we tie our giving and receiving to the spiritual self-giving of God to the world out of love that Christmas represents. Mostly, we don’t.

Remember layaway? (Unless you are Medicare age, you probably don’t.) Before the advent of credit cards that allow you to buy something now and pay it off later, department stores permitted you to select an item, have them set it aside for you, and then you could pay it off in installments for weeks or months until you had enough to get the item and take it home. Layaways built anticipation and

added a sense of the value of the thing you were working for.

Our Christmas spirituality often falls victim to our instant gratification, consumer culture. We’ve gone from layaway to credit, and not wholly to our credit. The financial cost of living in a credit culture is great, but the spiritual loss should be counted, too. We have lost the anticipation that a season of prayer played in making our souls ready to receive anew the greatest gift of all from God.

Fasting precedes feasting in the healthy spiritual heart, although both

must always be present to experience the full range of relationship to God. Sorrow and joy, penitence and presence, anticipation and celebration: these pairings are the warp and woof of authentic spirituality. And that is true for Jews and Muslims and people of other faiths, too, each their own contexts.

Putting the genie back in the bottle is hardly possible (probably the wrong metaphor there), but putting the child back in the manger is. It takes imagination and intention, a faith that waits and a promise worth waiting for. A more disciplined season of delaying spiritual gratification for the greater good of our souls will spill over into a holier experience of the life of faith.

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.

“Anticipation, anticipation is making me late, is keeping me waiting …”

Judging by our December practices, no, it’s not

We’ve gone from layaway to credit, and not wholly to our credit.

AC & HEAT

CLASSES/TUTORING/LESSONS

DYSLEXIA THERAPIST/CALT/TEACHER

Individual or Group Tutoring for Reading. Grades K-12. References. Lindsay 214-566-4622

VOICE TEACHER with 40+ years experience. M.M. LSU • www.PatriciaIvey.com trilletta@msn.com • 214-769-8560

CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING

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

EXTERIOR CLEANING

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

FENCING & DECKS

4 QUALITY FENCING • 214-507-9322

Serving the Dallas area for over 30 years

We raise our kids here, too!

Family Owned & Operated 214-330-5500

ClassicAirandHeat.com

TACLB29169E TACLA29042C

APPLIANCE REPAIR

JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE

TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898

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

GOT AN OLDER CAR, RV, BOAT? Do The Humane Thing. Donate It To The Humane Society. 1-855-558-3509

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

CABINETMAKER Design/Build Custom Furniture. Repair, Refinish. 40 yrs. exp. Jim 214-457-3830

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

CREATIVE ARTS CENTER

More than 500 adult art classes/workshops from metal to mosaic! www.creativeartscenter.org

CLEANING SERVICES

A MAID FOR YOU Bonded/Insured.Park Cities/ M Streets Refs. Call Us First. Joyce 214-232-9629

AFFORDABLE CLEANING Insd./Bonded. Move In/Out. Routine Cleaning. Reliable. Dependable. Residential/ Commercial. References. 28+yrs. Delta Cleaning. 972-943-9280.

ALTOGETHER CLEAN

Relax ...We’ll Clean Your House, It Will Be Your Favorite Day! Bonded & Insurance. Free Estimates. 214-929-8413. www. altogetherclean.net

AMIRA MAID 972-840-8880

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

WANTED: HOUSES TO CLEAN: WINDOWS to Wash: Wkly & Bi Monthly. Great Prices $$. Honest & Reliable. Family owned 15 years. Excellent references. Call Sunny @ 972-487-6599

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS

ALL COMPUTER PROBLEMS SOLVED MAC/PC Great Rates. Keith. 214-295-6367

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

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

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

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

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

Northlake Fence and Deck

Locally owned and operated by the Mccaffrey family since1980 214-349-9132

www.northlakefence.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

CONSUMERS CHOICE AWARDS 2007-2016 Making

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

WILLEFORD HARDWOOD FLOORS 214-824-1166 • WillefordHardwoodFloors.com

FOUNDATION REPAIR

TECL20502

arrowelectric.net

Phones Answered 24/7

EMPLOYMENT

AVON AGENTS WANTED StartAvon.com. Reference Code; CHASKIN

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

ESTATE/GARAGE SALES

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

• Slabs • Pier & Beam

• Mud Jacking • Drainage

• Free Estimates

• Over 20 Years Exp. 972-288-3797

We Answer Our Phones

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

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

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

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

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

HONEST, SKILLED

General Repairs/

WANTED: ODD

Allen’s Handyman

Your Home Repair Specialists

Safety

HOUSE PAINTING

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

855-349-6757

HOME SECURITY

SAFES For Guns, Home or Business. We Offer a Large Selection Plus Consultation & In-Home Delivery. Visit Our Showroom. 972-272-9788 thesafecompany.com

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

• Tubs, Tiles or Sinks

• Cultured Marble

• Kitchen Countertops

214-631-8719

WE REFINISH! www.allsurfacerefinishing.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

That nip in the air means winter has made its arrival. Here are some easy ways to keep in good spirits during the dark months:

1. Get grounded — Reduce the rushing. Draw your energy inward.

2. Feed your soul — See what foods are in season. This season is all about hearty, nutritious and warm foods.

3. Find your rhythm — Sticking to meal and bedtimes help create balance and will ground you.

4. Don’t lose your glow — Dry skin is all too common, so break out the moisturizer.

5. Treat yourself — Self massage will soothe the lingering stress. Start with the soles of your feet and work up to your head. Now you’re ready to embody the season.

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

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

CALL A TREE EXPERT - 469-939-3344

Prune. Stump grind. Plant. Burris Tree Service

CHUPIK TREE SERVICE

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

DALLAS GROUNDSKEEPER Organic Lawn Maintenance designed to meet your needs. 214-471-5723 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

MAYA TREE SERVICE Tree Trim/Remove. Insd.

CC’s Accepted. 214-924-7058 214-770-2435

PAT TORRES 214-388-1850 Lawn Service & Tree Care 28 Yrs. Complete Landscape Renovation.

RED SUN LANDSCAPES • 214-935-9779

RedSunLandscapes.com

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

WHERE CAN I FIND LOCAL ...?

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

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

PLUMBING

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

ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521 # M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues.

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

THE PLUMBING MANN LLC

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

POOLS

CERULEAN POOL SERVICES Family Owned/ Operated. Weekly maintenance, Chemicals, parts & repairs. CeruleanPro.com 214-557-6996

LEAFCHASERS POOL SERVICE Parts/Service. Chemicals/Repairs. Jonathan.

PROFESSIONAL

ACCOUNTING/TAXES

Chris King, CPA 214-824-5313

BOOKKEEPING NEEDS?

Finances? No Job Too Small Bookkeeping Services. Cindy

PARADIGMFAMILYHEALTH.COM

Family Medicine. Healthcare you 214-810-3553

NEED A NEW WEBSITE?

Mobile. SEO Friendly. Maintainable.

AdvocateWebDesign.com 214.292.2053

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE & INT. DESIGN SERVICES contact John Cramer, Realtor w/ FireHouse Real Estate Services 214-212-6865

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

ADVOCATE PUBLISHING does not pre-screen, recommend or investigate the advertisements and/or Advertisers published

REMODELING

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

RENOVATE

SERVICES

A PLACE FOR MOM The Nation’s Largest Senior Living Referral Service. Contact Our Trusted Local Experts Today. Our Service is Free/No Obligation. 1-844-722-7993

SERVICES FOR YOU

DISH NETWORK. 190+ Channels. Free Install. Free Hopper HD-DVR $49.99/month.(24 months) Add High Speed Internet. $14.95 (where avail.) Call Today & save 25%. 1-855-837-9146

LIFELOCK Identity Theft Protection. Do Not Wait. Start Guarding Your Identity Today. 3 Layers Of Protection. Detect, Alert, Restore. Receive 10% Off. 1-855-399-2089

SKYLIGHTS

Bob

ROOFING

BERT

COMMENT

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

A grateful 2017

Is the city finally making headway on some of its biggest issues?

It’s the end of the year, and I’m torn. Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us and I am conflicted as to how to evaluate this past year in our fair city. Is it better to look at 2017 through the mindful lens of Thanksgiving gratitude? Or should we take a cue from Santa and drop some coal into a few Dallas stockings? Do we count Dallas’ many blessings? Or list who’s been naughty and nice?

A naughty and nice list sure would be fun, but this has been such a good year for Dallas, why don’t we start with the good stuff?

The first goodest stuff, the bestest stuff: The death of the Trinity Toll Road. Almost 20 years after voters narrowly approved a vision of lakes and parks in our floodway, and a full decade after voters narrowly defeated the toll road referendum, the Dallas City Council finally voted to kill the Trinity Toll Road once and for all. The road had delayed our park for a generation. With the toll road gone, we can finally move forward in building an accessible, natural and flood-hardy Trinity Park.

Next up on our gratitude list is Dallas’ City Manager TC Broadnax. Broadnax has been shaking things up at 1500 Marilla since he came to Dallas in February, bringing in a slate of top professionals from across the country to run Dallas City Hall. He’s completely overhauled several city departments, including housing, economic development, and transportation. His new police chief has initiated a top-to-bottom review of the police force. With his focus on process, transparency and community engagement, Broadnax

has brought much-needed change to our city government.

Dallas also can be grateful that our city is moving in a new direction when it comes to transportation and mobility. It started with last year’s CityMAP, an incredible project led by the Texas Department of Transportation that evaluated improvements to downtown Dallas highways. CityMAP wasn’t just trying to figure out how to move more cars faster. It evaluated how different

OUR CITY

By ANGELA HUNT

highway scenarios impacted inner-city neighborhood redevelopment, community preservation, economic growth and walkability. It’s a remarkable first step in re-engineering central Dallas highways for future generations.

In other positive transportation news, the Dallas City Council shook up the Dallas Area Rapid Transit board, selecting a group of Dallas representatives who are pushing DART to focus on smart, pragmatic transit priorities, like overhauling our inefficient bus system. And the recently approved $1.05 billion City of Dallas bond package includes $20 million to construct the Loop Trail, which will connect more than 50 miles of offstreet trails in central Dallas. That’s going

to be a game-changer.

Some of our city’s most challenging financial and legal issues also were put to bed this year. Thanks to some great leadership on our city council, the police/ fire pension crisis has been averted, and it also looks like we’ll finally see some resolution to the police pay referendum lawsuit that has loomed over the city for years. Some closure and finality on these issues is important to our city’s financial health as well as to the morale of our first responders.

Lastly, our city can be grateful for the great strides the Dallas ISD has made over the last year. For the second year in a row, DISD added three new national Blue Ribbon schools, leading the state both times. Over the last four years, district has reduced the number of schools rated “improvement required” from 43 to 13. The school district also made great gains in the state math assessment, and under DISD’s Teacher Evaluation System, the district has been able to retain good teachers while losing those less qualified.

There’s so much good stuff to be grateful for in our city over the last year that I’ve run out of space. What a wonderful problem to have.

I guess we’ll have to wait until January for that naughty list. In the meantime, may your holidays be merry and bright.

Angela Hunt is a former Dallas city councilwoman. 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.

A naughty and nice list sure would be fun, but this has been such a good year for Dallas, why don’t we start with the good stuff?