PETPAUSE think inside the box

Ah, it’s the simple things that make life worthwhile when you’re a cat sticking your head in empty boxes, especially tissue boxes, and fetching, for example. That’s what JINX loves to do most, says his owner KRIS ANDERSON, a Lake Highlands resident.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR?

Highly educated and experienced in religious ministry, Lowell Martin has worked all over the world, mentoring those seeking to know God. And though some say he’d make a darn good pastor or teacher, Martin figures the best way to serve his maker is to help others in the way that Jesus did. “The people who mentored me when I was young, they served. That’s what the Lord did. To be authentic and not just religious is a big challenge in life. I’m working at it, and I am not perfect. I struggle just like everybody.” In this spirit, 13 years ago he jumped at the opportunity to work on the custodial staff at Scofield School and Church in Lake Highlands, where he had been a member since the early ’90s. Martin has been there for the Scofield community when toilets get clogged or kids hurl up their lunches, when a light goes out or a school-play stage needs props. He also fields some of the complaints from neighbors when balls fly off the playground into yards, for example, and he is always gracious in receiving them, says Wanda Campbell, who works in the school’s administrative office. “You will not find a more selfless, kind and understanding person,” Campbell says. “He is a knowledgeable and educated man who has, remarkably, chosen this life of service.” He could have taken a variety of career paths, says Pastor Jim Cassidy, Martin’s supervisor. “He quietly and humbly does his job and the whole community is better for it.” Campbell says she has never once heard a complaint from Martin. “Just yesterday in the freezing cold, he was out changing letters on the sign. In fact, nothing happens here that Lowell isn’t somehow a part of, or that he isn’t helping with in some way. But it’s not what he does so much as the great care with which he does it. That sense of service and giving is an oddity these days.” —CHRISTINA

HUGHES BABB

SPRINGTIME AT THE ARBORETUM $6-$9.50

For the past four years, ArtScape has been a highlight of the Dallas Arboretum’s annual floral festival, Dallas Blooms. The art show and sale, which takes place the weekend of March 20 and 21, highlights work by more than 80 artists from around the nation. All art in the show is either made of things found in nature or has nature as a theme, and the featured pieces include paintings, photographs, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, mixed media and more. Dallas Blooms, the springtime celebration at the arboretum, features about 500,000 spring-blooming bulbs, as well as a petting zoo, and arts and crafts. Admission to the Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland, is $6 for children, $8 for seniors, and $9.50 for adults. For more information, call 214.515.6500 or visit dallasarboretum.org.

—TYLER TERRELL

Deja And Dessert Free

Music ranging from Gershwin to the TV hit “Glee” will be performed by Lake Highlands United Methodist Church adult, youth, children’s and men’s gospel choirs. A gourmet dessert silent auction will benefit the church’s youth choir. Complimentary dessert will be served to those with tickets, available from the Rev. Nicki Lyford; contact her at 214.348.6600, ext. 108, or nlyford@lhumc.com. 9015 Plano, lhumc.com.

HOOPS IN THE HIGHLANDS $64

This three-on-three basketball tournament is open to first- through eighth-grade players. Team entries are $64, due by March 7. The tournament, at Highland Oaks Church of Christ, 10805 Walnut Hill, benefits Lake Highlands, White Rock, Wallace and Northlake elementary schools and Lake Highlands Junior High. It also features food, live music and a “fun zone” for little kids. hoopsinthehighlands.net.

Seafood Done Right

TUCK ED A W A Y IN A NONDES C RI P T shopping center off Walnut Street is a treasure trove of crawfish, crab legs and shrimp all bathed in finger-licking-good Cajun seasoning, which comes in spiciness levels that range from “plain n’ simple” to “I can’t feel my mouth”. Good eating here is all about getting messy. You’ll need that bib they give you, and your hands will get soiled while cracking those shells, but it’s all so worth it once you taste that sweet, sweet crabmeat. The dining experience is made all the more awesome by the ’80s hair band music playing, and the fact that you’re encouraged to write on the walls with markers. At this come-as-you-are joint, it’s all about “laissez les bons temps rouler”, that is, letting the good times roll.

—MARLENA CHAVIRA-MEDFORD

T HE B OILING CRAB WA LN U T & PL ANO 972.272.7086

THEBOILING C RAB.C O M

Pictured: crawfish, shrimp, blue crabs, Dungeness crab, king crab legs, snow crab legs

VIEW A VIDEO at advocatemag.com/ lake-highlands/dining

Three more spots to reel in a fresh catch

Go for the fried frog legs and fried alligator tail — or, if you’re watching your weight, try the seared ahi tuna salad.

AUDELIA & WALNUT HILL 214.503.1012

OFFSHORESNE X TDOOR.COM

Get your fill of fried catfish at this buffet, always served up with fixin’s like hush puppies, pickled okra, corn fritters and collard greens.

GREENVILLE & LBJ FREE WAY 214.575.8552

Go for an ice-cold beer and oysters on ice, preferably enjoyed on the patio.

MOCK INGBIRD & ABRAMS 214.887.6353 BIGSHUCK S.COM