2015 July Lake Highlands

14 White Rock Lake secrets uncovered

DART is your affordable airport connection. With convenient service to both airports, it’s your quick and easy get away.

A Lake Highlands teen invented a cool kitchen gadget.

Shore things

Odds, ends, hidden coves and peculiarities around White Rock

Head in the clouds A neighborhood artist finds success with watercolors and surrealism.

Summertime fun Parades, farmers markets, races and art displays are in our neighborhood’s near future. 22

Bar Louie

Your new happy hour destination 44

On the town center ... City planners and developers of the Lake Highlands Town Center reach a stalemate.

Photo by Danny Fulgencio

ON THE COVER: Photo of White Rock Lake’s old boathouse by Danny Fulgencio

NO BAD SEEDS

Successful growth can happen, even against all odds

The pastor was talking about a familiar parable the other day. I know some of you aren’t big Bible fans, but this particular story is worth some thought regardless of your religious persuasion.

So it seems there was a guy with seeds who decided his planting technique was pretty much to let it fly. He grabbed a handful, whipped it into the wind and let the seeds fall where they may. And then he grabbed another handful of seeds and continued throwing and grabbing until his seed bag was empty.

As with all types of planting, nothing happened at first — a good farmer is patient beyond all good sense. And not surprisingly with this haphazard technique, the seeds fell in places that weren’t necessarily conducive to healthy plant growth.

Some of the seeds fell in random spots such as well-beaten trails, and birds turned many of those seeds into afternoon lunch.

Some of the seeds fell on stony ground; without much dirt, the seeds sprouted but their roots couldn’t grow deeply, and the hot sun fried many that had grown.

Some of the seeds fell among weeds and thorns, so as the seeds grew, the weeds grew even faster, choking out what the sower had planted.

And some of the seeds fell on good soil, and that ideal growing condition yielded great crops and lots of return for the sower.

The question the pastor asked that day was simple: Why the random planting technique, knowing full well that a good portion of the seeds weren’t getting a good start in life? Why not carefully plant each seed in good dirt, ensuring a better chance of growth and success?

His conclusion (or at least my interpretation of his conclusion): The sower’s job is simply to spread the seeds, mindless of where they land, because even though the odds aren’t great for seeds that land on trails, stones or among weeds, the odds of successful growth aren’t zero, either. And, just maybe, the seeds that had to fight their way to growth may wind up heartier and produce more than the seeds that found their way onto easy street.

That was an interpretation I hadn’t considered, but it made sense. Not every seed carefully planted in good soil lives, either, so why should all of the attention go to those seeds already getting a head start in life?

The same can be said of our neighborhood, too. There are good and, shall we say, less good spots in and around us, but we aren’t called upon to decide which of our neighbors succeeds or fails. Our job, as neighbors, is to do our best to encourage success in all quarters, because just as a rising tide lifts all boats, open-minded service to our city gives all of us the best chance to benefit.

It’s frustrating, though. Look at who voted, or mostly who didn’t, in the recent city council elections: More than 9 out of 10 of us decided voting wasn’t worth the trouble. I’ve seen a few explanatory theories advanced, but the best came from a reader who suggested that too many of us have decided that no matter what we do, government and politics will continue to smother us with idiocy, greed and whining.

So why do anything?

Suppose the sower in the parable had taken that approach, giving up before he started and deciding not to plant anything?

If nothing is ever planted, at some point, nothing grows.

That doesn’t seem like a good way to begin celebrating a holiday that encourages individual freedom and celebrates those who sowed seed for us in the past.

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EDITORIAL

publisher: CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB

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senior editor: EMILY TOMAN

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BRITTANY NUNN

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senior art director: JYNNETTE NEAL

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assistant art director: EMILY MANGAN

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designers: LARRY OLIVER, KRIS SCOTT, EMILY WILLIAMS

contributing editors: SALLY WAMRE

contributors: ELIZABETH BARBEE, SAM GILLESPIE, ANGELA

HUNT, GEORGE MASON, KRISTEN MASSAD, BRENT McDOUGAL

photo editor: DANNY FULGENCIO

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contributing photographers: JAMES COREAS, RASY

RAN, JENNIFER SHERTZER, KATHY TRAN, ANDREW WILLIAMS, SHERYL LANZEL

Radiation oncologist Dr. Raquibul Hannan is offering a new approach to patients whose cancer has spread. By combining his research in immunology with a radiation therapy pioneered here called stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), he can stimulate supercharged white blood cells to help patients fight off cancer. These “i-SABR” trials are one of many trailblazing options you’ll find at UT Southwestern—where scientific research, advanced technology, and leading-edge treatments come together to bring new hope to cancer patients.

To learn more, contact:

Radiation Oncology at 214-645-8525 | UTSWmedicine.org/radonc.

Find us on Facebook

This is where we’re teaching your body’s immune system to fight off cancer.

Lake Highlands man says he was duct taped, robbed

Former Wildcat to compete on American Ninja Warrior

Major retail complex planned Steakley Chevrolet site

Summit Climbing Gym is fun, but is it safe?

School bus stolen from LHHS recovered at Louisiana poultry farm

THE DIALOGUE

Will a new councilman make a difference for the Lake Highlands Town Center? See more on page 44.

“The latest Cypress plans are beyond disappointing. They lack vision, foresight, attention to detail, appropriate use of space, an appealing aesthetic, connection to the neighborhood, longevity, and knowledge of modern design sensitivities, which are HUMAN-oriented and not likely to go out of fashion in this millennium. But by golly they don’t lack surface-level parking!” —Shmoozie

“The city could have purchased the land and built the Cypress plan ourselves with the TIF money if that’s all we were going to get out of it.” —dallasmay

“The choice is not just between West Village and a suburban style strip mall — if that is what you think your points of reference are way too limited. The goal is a town center and there are much better ways to do it than Cypress’ strip mall.”

—Justin Earl

“Looks almost as awful as the plan for the Chevy dealership lot on Skillman/ Northwest Highway.” —James Scott

Launch

community | events | food

We bought a bar

Somewhere in Dallas at this very moment someone is ordering a craft cocktail packed with crushed ice, organic produce and boysenberry infused vodka, and they are paying some $14 for it. For those who find this silly, there is Kings X, where the drinks come simple, strong and cheap.

As the bartender says, “There are no mixologists here. We have your basic liquors, beer in bottles, Natural Light in a can.”

The décor, entirely by accident, is momentarily trendy, and the company (unlike the shuffleboard competition) is friendly.

Dustin Sparks, Becky Wolford, Brandt Ince, David Pokorski and Brandon Beeson: Photos by Danny Fulgencio

Inside the small dark dive, past the oldfashioned cigarette machine and wall menu (which, without a hint of irony, offers Tombstone pizza for $6 and White Castle Burger for $1.50), regulars line the long bar. They saddle up early and watch daytime TV with Becky Wolford, the bartender/ manager who has been here 20 years.

“We watch Family Feud, Steve Harvey, Ellen, but if someone wants to play the jukebox, we will turn down the TVs and let them hear their songs,” Wolford says.

In the evenings, the crowd thickens, and, these days, groups of 20-somethings in skinny jeans and well-groomed beards, mix with the old timers and Gen Xers.

“They say they heard it was a great dive bar,” co-owner David Pokorski, a medical adhesive salesman from Lake Highlands, says of the hipster crowd.

Pokorski’s friend and co-owner Brandon Beeson says he started coming here 10 years ago. To the regulars, he and his buddies were “the suits.”

And after a decade of drinking, talking, planning and trust-building, a few weeks ago Beeson, Pokorski and three friends — Dustin Sparks, Brant Ince and Derek Ferem — purchased Kings X from Joan and Monte McDearmon, the Garland couple who had owned the place since the early 1980s, when it was just a few years old.

When asked if they’ve made any upgrades, the guys flash each other know-

ing grins. “We added a hand dryer to the bathroom,” says Beeson, a commercial real estate attorney.

“We replaced the hot water heater,” adds Sparks, also an attorney.

“And got a new TV,” chimes in an eavesdropper at the bar.

Thing is, the regulars dictate most changes, and they like for things to stay pretty much the same, explains Beeson.

Though they are not opposed to all modernity — Kings X supplies free wireless Internet, and one elderly war veteran who commonly occupies the barstool near a countertop touchscreen game reportedly is hooked on social media; he updates the Kings X Facebook page.

Beeson says he first heard of Kings X on The Ticket, a local sports radio station.

“They were interviewing Don Nelson,

who was the Dallas Mavericks coach at the time, and he mentioned that his favorite place to hang was Kings X, and I thought, ‘that’s right by my house!’”

Photographic evidence of Nelson’s patronage peppers the walls. Wolford says Nelson still comes in when he’s in town. She also confirms the rumor that actor Owen Wilson accompanied the coach on a couple of occasions.

The guys love the bar’s convenience and simplicity and the kindness of those who frequent it. There is one regular who walks the bartenders out every night, to make sure they are safe, Pokorski says.

“We all grew up with the show, Cheers. This is our Cheers.”

Kings X’s occupancy limit is 49, and it comes closest on karaoke nights (every other Wednesday), live music nights (Whiskey Pants is an especially popular ensemble) and during shuffleboard tournaments, which are intensely competitive.

Despite the posted menu, there is quality food to be had at, or at least near, Kings X.

One neighbor, Lalibela, serves Ethiopian food, and another, Thai 2 Go, offers delicious Thai and Chinese takeout.

“They both are very good restaurants,” Beeson explains, “and we hope to partner with them. Some of the regulars, you know, don’t think they would like Ethiopian food and then they try it and see how good it is.”

All of the new owners have fulltime day jobs and they say the bar definitely requires work. They credit their daytime bartender, Wolford, with keeping everything running smoothly.

“She is the enforcer,” says co-owner Ince, who nonetheless takes many an afternoon phone call when something needs attention.

They all, also, have wives who have come to embrace the idea of owning a neighborhood bar.

“I told my wife gently, but as time went on, it turned into ‘our bar’,” Ince says.

At a recent send-off party for the outgoing proprietors, the new owners’ wives showed up in “My Husband Bought A Bar” T-shirts.

Ince says his wife put into words what he thinks they all are feeling: “’We didn’t just buy a bar, we bought a family,’ is what she says. And that’s true. The regulars, the former owners, the staff — we consider all of them friends.”

His partners nod in agreement.

—Christina Hughes-Babb

MORE INFO

King’s X is located at 9191 Forest Lane.

SEE PHOTOS

Visit lakehighlands.advocatemag.com for a slideshow.

Young Einstein

What happens when you give a 12-year-old perfectionist a messy stack of pancakes?

When said adolescent is Lake Highlands neighbor Justin Yarbrough, you get Pancake Perfection, an invention that

Inventor Justin Yarborough and his Pancake Perfection: Photos by Danny Fulgencio

cuts pancakes into perfect squares and slathers them with syrup at the same time — no batteries needed.

Today Yarbrough is a junior at Lake Highlands High School, and he just received a patent for Pancake Perfection, which wowed judges back in 2009 during the Richardson ISD Invention Convention.

Yarbrough was a sixth-grader at White Rock Elementary when he entered Pancake Perfection in the convention, which has been held in Richardson for 30 years and is open to all RISD students from kindergarten through 12th-grade.

He built a prototype out of a pizza cutter with a syrup bottle stuck to the handle. Then he set up a booth, where he demonstrated his device over and over again for the judges and other students. Children and adults alike loved the device (and the pancakes) and Yarbrough won Best in Show, Best Invention Related to Storage and Organization, and the Rube Goldberg award. Best of all, he won the Most Patentable Award from the worldwide law firm Baker Botts LLP, which has been the driver behind the five-year journey to patent Yarbrough’s creation, although there’s never been a guarantee.

“They didn’t know it could be patented for sure,” Yarbrough says. “The attorneys are trying to see which [version] has the most potential, because if they get to a certain stage and it doesn’t work out, that’s a lot of money wasted.”

But the journey recently came to a close when Yarbrough received an official patent from the director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Interesting side note: Yarbrough isn’t the only one in his family with a patent. His great uncle invented a no-sag gate in the ’50s, and his dad invented cardboard furniture for college students.

As for what’s next for Yarbrough, it’s hard to say. But regardless, his friends already are eager to share in his success.

“They’re like, ‘Can we star in your infomercial?’ ” he says with a laugh.

—Brittany Nunn

Dream come true

Before he says “Salvador Dali” you practically know how Daniel Angeles is going to answer the question: “By which famous artist are you most inspired?” before he says “Salvador Dali.” In his visually sharp and

otherworldly paintings, Angeles reanimates the spirit of the great surrealist. A vintagelooking streetlamp with a glowing bird for a bulb, a set of Louboutin heels whose bloodcolored bellies match dripping red flowers

sprouting from one forest-green upper — Angeles’ subjects are the things of dreams, placed with exceptional precision and skill on canvas.

Before this watercolor series — exhibited Kim

or  Out-­of-­the-­ordinary  Venue

Birthday  Parties •  Staff  Appreciation  Events • Baby  Showers • Group  Play  Dates        Holiday  Get-­togethers • Creative  Socials • Scout  Badges • Group  Date  Nights   Artistic  Pot  Lucks • Wedding  Reception  Projects • Whatever  you  have  in  mind!

 Pottery  Painting (White  Bisque)

 Clay  Workshops &  Handprint  Impression  Plaques

 Drawing  Lessons (Group  &  Private)

kim@artisticgatherings.com    •    214.821.8383    Since  2004!

P.O.  Box  141380  Dallas  TX  75214       www.artisticgatherings.com

Artistic  Gatherings  will  close  its  Casa  Linda  shop  on  June  30th,  transforming        into  a  mobile  art  business  serving  White  Rock  Lake  and  surrounding  areas.        And  Kim  will  spend  more  time  being  an  active  local  artist!!! 

Daniel Angeles with his King Charles Spaniel: Photo by Kathy Tran

in a sold out Craighead Green Gallery show Angeles worked with acrylic on canvas, an “entirely different medium,” he explains.

During his acrylic era, launched about four years ago, Angeles was timid, and he feared putting his mind’s abstractions on canvas.

“Afraid that if I put those images on paper, people wouldn’t understand, wouldn’t respond,” he says.

But after completing “Illuminate” (the one with the bird lamp) he knew he was on the right path.

“I loved it more than anything I’d ever created,” he says. Working in watercolors was different from anything he’d done before. “I don’t know exactly what it is the way the paper absorbs the color, there is something finite about it.”

In four short years, the 28-year-old’s work has been well received in Dallas and around the country. Before seriously picking up painting, he worked a 9-5 job as an accounts manager at a motor club company.

Angeles’ partner, Ken Morris with whom he shares a Lake Highlands home encouraged him to pursue his art career. Business minded and sensible, Morris did not encourage this lightly.

enlightened by a life event that inspired the painting.”

One particularly sad painting called “The Gift” was for Ken, after his dog died — a red collar surrounded by butterflies with that dripping red flower sprouting from its center.

As part of an upcoming fundraiser for the SPCA, Angeles will sell 1,000 prints of “The Gift” and donate 25 percent of the proceeds to the animal welfare agency (visit craigheadgreen.com for details).

Angeles’ deep love of animals and nature is evident in most of his work — certain birds, butterflies, elephants, whales, eggs and flowers appear and reappear.

“At first he thought I should keep [the day job], but after he saw my work he said, ‘you actually are a good artist. You should do this …’”

Each piece has a personal meaning behind it, Angeles says.

“This is my journal … the dripping and illuminating subjects represent how I literally pour myself into my artwork or am

“Anyone who sees my art can tell I derive inspiration from nature and especially birds, which I see as free and not bound by the rules of gravity,” Angeles writes in his artist statement. “This speaks to my desire to free my mind of inhibitions, let go of logic and reason, and allow my imagination to come to life.” —Christina

Hughes Babb

SEE MORE of Daniel Angeles’ art at artbydangeles.com

Out & About

July

4

Fourth of July parade

The big parade, from the Lake Highlands Exchange Club, starts at Lake Highlands High School at 9 a.m. It ends at a carnival with live music, food trucks, face painting, bubble soccer, a splash park and more. Lake Highlands High School, 9557 Church, lakehighlands4th.com, free

JULY 1

Engineering challenge

Children can create structures with a variety of materials and then see how they hold up to pressure in this 11 a.m. event that is part of the Mayor’s Summer Reading Program.

Forest Green Library, 9015 Forest, 214.670.1335, dallaslibrary.org, free

JULY 2-AUG. 22

Time cops

“Chrono Cops: Elite Time Patrol,” chases villains who have stolen the key to time travel. Our heroes must travel into the past and back to an alternate future to stop them and save the planet.

Pocket Sandwich Theater, 5400 E. Mockingbird, 214.821.1860, pocketsandwich.com, $12-$25

JULY 3-AUG. 1

‘Irrational City’

Dwayne Carter curates this exhibit of paintings, digital art, video, interactivity, installations and performance art that “focuses on constructions of identity amid an imagined post-apocalyptic cultural landscape.” An opening reception is from 7-9 p.m. Friday, July 3. Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther, dallasculture.org/ bathhouseculturecenter, 214.670.8749, free

JULY 3, 10, 17, 24 AND 31

Fun Fridays

Summer at the Arboretum includes fairy tale flower houses with a Texas twist, a replica of the Rio Grande, a covered

ool at 9 a.m. and more.

more LOCAL EVENTS or submit your own

LAKEHIGHLANDS.ADVOCATEMAG.COM/EVENTS

chuck wagon, two topiary longhorn cattle and a hay-bale maze. On Fridays, the arboretum also has face painters, a petting zoo and music for the little ones. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland, 214.515.6615, dallasarboretum.org, $10-$15

JULY 5, 12, 19 AND 26

Farmers market

The Good Local Market at Vickery Meadow is from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday. The market features organic, seasonal produce, flowers, meat and dairy, as well as jewelry, décor and crafts. Good Local Market, 5803 E. Northwest Highway, goodlocalmarket.org, free

Photo from lhexchangeclub.org

JULY 12

Too Hot To Handle

Can you handle the heat? If so, run this race — 5k or 15k — with the Dallas Running Club.

Norbuck Park at White Rock Lake, runproject.org, $20-$65

JULY 17

Jimmy LaFave

The Texan singer-songwriter, who grew up in the Dallas area and has lived in Austin for 20 years, performs an 8 p.m. set.

Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse, 9555 N. Central, 214.363.0044, unclecalvins.org, $8-$16

July 20-26

Parade o f Playhouses

Dallas CASA celebrates its 20th-annual Parade of Playhouses The event at NorthPark features a magnificent display of custom-built children’s playhouses, which are entered in a raffle Raffle tickets cost $5-$20 NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central, 214.363.7441, dallascasa.org, free

BAR LOUIE

8166 Park Lane

469.248.1760

barlouieamerica.com

AMBIANCE: CASUAL

PRICE RANGE: $6-$18 FOR FOOD

HOURS:

11 A.M.- 2 A.M. MON.-SUN.

DID YOU KNOW?

BAR LOUIE WAS FOUNDED IN CHICAGO

25 YEARS AGO AND NOW HAS MORE THAN 90 LOCATIONS, 10 OF THEM IN TEXAS

Ifyou are looking for a place where everyone knows your name, head to Bar Louie.

“It’s a great place to meet up with old friends and make new friends,” kitchen manager Jessica Carolyn says of the Shops at Park Lane hangout. “We are kind of like the new ‘Cheers.’ ”

The restaurant opened in December of last year and serves traditional bar food. You will find familiar items like chicken wings and nachos on the menu, but Bar Louie also has options for more adventurous palettes. Panko sesame fish skewers, crispy calamari, and blackened chicken covered in the restaurant’s special “voodoo” sauce all make the cut.

Carolyn says that from time to time Bar Louie tests out new dishes to see how they go over. Right now, the kitchen is experimenting with pig and pepper sliders. Customers are encouraged to offer feedback so she can pass it along to company headquarters in Addison.

Bar Louie also hopes to establish itself as a neighborhood happy hour destination. Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. draft beer is $3.25, wine is $4.25, and signature martinis are $5.25. This is a great time to try out a flatbread because they are all half price. With a large indoor bar and sizable terrace patio, you’ll be sure to find a seat. The restaurant has a lot going on, including a Blues & Brews event every Thursday night, but its motto is as simple as its casual vibe — “Eat. Drink. Be happy.”

—Elizabeth Barbee

SEE MORE PHOTOS

Visit lakehighlands.advocatemag.com

Voodoo chicken at Bar Louie: Photo by Kathy Tran

And the winner is …

Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House near White Rock Lake at Garland and Peavy — with its ample, alwaysbuzzing patio, happy hour specials and hearty selection of local brews — is Lake Highlands Advocate readers’ favorite bar, according to our recent poll. Opened in 2011 by Matt Tobin and Josh Yingling, Goodfriend helped

Best Bar IN LAKE HIGHLANDS

Casa Linda Plaza-Northeast Corner 9540 Garland Rd. #407 214.584.6261

DuggBurger.com

Dugg Burger

Now Open at Casa Linda Plaza! A whole new way to do burgers.

DUGG OUT – We dig out your bun

FILL UP – We fill it with toppings you choose (all one price)

DIGG IN – Enjoy with a local craft beer and bread pudding

Best Thai

LH 7-15

brighten up a blighted retail pocket bordering Lake Highlands. “I used to drive by that corner every day. It was a dark, crimeridden area — it looked miserable,” Tobin has said. “We decided to join the team at Good 2 Go Taco (which opened in the same strip earlier in 2011) in an effort to improve the surrounding area and make it a safer place for our neighbors to enjoy.” The bar and grill serves up $4 drafts and wells and $5 wine by the glass Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m. and noon-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Beer lovers can choose from

some 16 American taps and five local taps. Come for the spirits but stay for the food; the menu by Chef Eric Salome contains 100 percent local-meat burgers, innovative sandwiches, mouthwatering sides and a fruit crisp dessert worthy of a raised glass.

Runner up: Go 4 It Sports Grill

Third place: The Royal Pour

NEXT UP FOR ADVOCATE’S 2015 BEST OF CONTEST: Best Place for Kids. Vote for your favorite at lakehighlands.advocatemag.com/bestof2015

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SUMMER SIPPING

A backyard summer barbecue is the perfect place to sip on a refreshingly fizzy homemade soda. Although this fruity drink is called Italian cream soda, it was originally created in the United States, flavored with well-known Italian syrups. This recipe gives the option to make your own syrups from scratch, which provides endless flavor possibilities for a quick and easy summer drink.

GROCERY LIST

2-3 tablespoons homemade blueberry or strawberry simple syrup

½ cup sparkling water

1 tablespoon half-and-half

SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPE

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup water

1 cup fresh strawberries or 1 cup fresh blueberries

DIRECTIONS

Combine granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil.

Once sugar has dissolved, add fresh fruit and boil for 10 minutes or until syrup thickens.

Strain the mixture to remove fruit, and keep the juice.

Allow the simple syrup to cool completely before using.

Add 2-3 tablespoon of simple syrup to a glass filled with ice.

Pour sparkling water on top of the simple syrup until the glass is almost full. Top off the soda with a splash of halfand-half.

Stir to combine, and enjoy immediately.

Kristen Massad writes a monthly column about sweets and baked goods. The professional pastry chef graduated from the French Culinary Institute in New York City and owned Tart Bakery on Lovers Lane for eight years. She blogs about food and lifestyles at inkfoods.com.

THINGS YOU HAVEN’T NOTICED AT WHITE ROCK LAKE

Sure, you know White Rock Lake like you know your own backyard. But in all those days you’ve birdwatched, picnicked, jogged or biked, there must be something you’ve missed.

Maybe it was one of these odds, ends, hidden coves, slices of history or peculiarities. >>>

STORY BY CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB • PHOTOS BY DANNY FULGENCIO

THE OFFLAKE PARKS

Flag Pole Hill is a popular destination for picnics, concerts and fireworks-watching in the spring (and for clumsy rides on makeshift sleds when it snows). It became Flag Pole Hill in 1936. Before that, it was Doran’s Point, named for William Doran (18471931), the city commissioner responsible for negotiating to purchase the 2,292 acres of land that would become White Rock Lake Park, according to historian Sally Rodriguez.

A photo of the hilltop pavilions in the Dallas Municipal Archives shows that the waters of White Rock Lake once reached the very base of Flag Pole Hill. Today, Northwest Highway separates the hill from the main lake.

High school cross-country runners from around the region know Norbuck Park, across the road from Flag Pole Hill, for a steep, tree-lined incline and a flat finishing stretch. For the less competitive, the cross-country course suits more pleasurable pursuits such as hiking and nature-watching. Pay homage here to the late Rowland D. Adams (1917-1962), who is remembered on a plaque near the playground as a man “whose love of God and life inspired him to appreciate the beauty of the world and his fellow man. To be a coach and counselor to boys and girls. To be a friend and example to all.” According to his obituary, Adams organized the White Rock Churches Athletic Association in 1956. In 1962 alone there were more than 2,000 youngsters participating in baseball and basketball programs, many of whom Adams himself coached. He died at age 44 following a long illness.

UNTRAVELED TRAILS

White Rock Lake increasingly attracts pedestrians and cyclists slow and fast, competitive and recreational, friendly and aggressive. And, with apologies to The Notorious B.I.G.: mo’ people, mo’ problems. The west side of the lake offers a wide, smooth trail — alongside a road for faster cyclists and motor vehicles. East of the lake, however, nearly all traffic opts for the public street over the narrow, deteriorating pedestrian path above it. This creates a situation in which cars, runners, strollers and cyclists all share space. Since rules for trekking a trail (stay right) differ from road rules (stay left, facing oncoming vehicular traffic), pedestrians are generally confused, occupying both sides of the road. Yelling happens. Fights ensue. People fall down. Children cry. To quell the chaos, a $7.2 million effort to improve the pedestrian trail from the base of the Mockingbird Bridge (Mockingbird Point) to Emerald Isle on the south side of the lake is underway. The Dallas Park Department is rebuilding the existing broken trail as opposed to constructing a new shoreline trail as they did west of the lake. Also included in this three-phase project are parking lot and playground improvements, new picnic areas, and native grassland designation for select areas.

Lawther is named for Joe E. Lawther, a Dallas mayor and park board president credited with making White Rock the park it is today.

THE BATHROOM MURALS

Along the 9.5-mile or so route around White Rock Lake, there are ostensibly several potential pit stops, mostly in the form of portables. Permanent restroom buildings exist at The Stone Tables, Big Thicket, near the old boathouse and kitty-corner from Celebration Tree Grove. Some of these feature painted murals and artistically detailed windows. The restrooms at Poppy Drive and East Lawther, for example showcase cheerful paintings of fish, turtles and birds collectively called “White Rock Rush Hour” by the late artist Joseph Korngut (an animal lover who died in 2011 after a long illness, according to his obituary). The problem: these structures are locked several months out of the year.

The official reason for locking down the restrooms is “winterizing,” according to Shana Murff with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. “After the first freeze, we turn off everything with running water, because if one pipe bursts, the whole system goes down.”

All of the turning on and off of water must be done manually, which is why parkgoers might find fountains dry, even on a warm and sunny afternoon.

Also of note: Locked restrooms possibly mean less work for police patrolling the lake. At one time, the restroom buildings at White Rock were popular meeting spots for sexual deviants, making them problematic for law enforcement and an unassuming public. According to a Dallas Morning News article, undercover Dallas police officers made 153 arrests for public lewdness in 2002, prompting authorities to warn parents against allowing children in the bathrooms unaccompanied. Today the prettily painted stalls all feature signs warning against “unlawful activity.”

THINGS YOU HAVEN’T

AT WHITE ROCK LAKE

THAT PECULIAR TREE SHRINE

Built in the 1930s Big Thicket, across from the sailing clubs on East Lawther, once was a concession building serving dinners, drinks and sandwiches. Today it is a venue that can hold 50 people, available for rental. A plaque on the outer wall pays homage to recently deceased Tal Morrison, the founder of the Dallas Running Club (then the Cross Country Club of Dallas) and the Dallas Marathon (then the White Rock Marathon).

An old tree shading the parking lot features a tattered shrine made up of photos, a broken Dallas Running Club Frisbee and other peculiarities — this reportedly is the work of a rather closed-lipped trio of runners who regularly sit and chat under the tree after their Sunday run. They say the impromptu display happened after a friend declared he was through running forever. It’s essentially a memorial recognizing the death of a running career.

‘WHIRL’ AND THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN

In the early days the area near the Bath House was a beach, and people splashed with impunity in the White Rock waters. Today swimming at White Rock Lake is illegal, but the Bath House offers multiple forms of entertainment. The building, an Art Deco-style historical landmark, plays host to theatrical productions and art exhibitions. Outside are a few public art projects worth noting: the Water Theater, a series of poles where birds perch and “perform.” The city’s Public Art Committee recently recommended the removal of the high-maintenance piece and called for the artists to recreate the artwork at a different site. A sculpture called “Whirl” made in 2008 by artist John Christensen became the centerpiece of a butterfly garden donated and maintained by the Dallas County Master Gardener Association. In the 1980s, artist Branford Graves donated a stone sculpture called “Resaca,” which doubles as a seating area with a magnificent view.

THE GOOSE COMMUNITY AT SUNSET BAY

From 1943 to 1945 Mary Jane Hart operated The Sunset Inn, a restaurant where, according to a salvaged menu, she cooked, baked and performed odd jobs. Hart and her two young children lived in a small cottage behind the diner. Hart marketed her patios as the best place to watch the sun set over White Rock Lake, and the spot is still a strong contender today.

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Sunsets aside, the most magical things at Sunset Inn’s Sunset Bay are the noisy, friendly, practically domesticated birds who live there.

Neighborhood humans Charles Fussell and Annette Abbott, among others, care for the waterfowl — a mix of Canada, African, Chinese, Toulouse, Pilgrim and Emden geese, an ethereally gorgeous mute swan named Katy and (sometimes) pelicans.

Fussell, a plumber by day, drives his pickup truck most evenings to Sunset Bay and distributes some 200 pounds of food. He also frequently rescues geese from dealers and relocates them to the bay. Most of them acclimate quickly, he has said.

“They immediately take to the lake and become a part of the community. It’s such a good life for them, plus, the people at the lake enjoy them,” he says. “[The geese] almost have the sensibilities of a dog in the way that they gravitate toward and relate with people.”

THINGS YOU HAVEN’T NOTICED AT WHITE ROCK LAKE

THE CCC WORKER

In the 1930s, the field near Winfrey Point housed dozens of wooden yellow barracks, a mess hall and the hundreds of young men who served the Civilian Conservation Corps, a public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942 as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. Later on, those barracks housed German prisoners of war. Outside Sunset Inn, which is just north of Winfrey Point, a statue honors CCC Company 2896, which built Sunset Inn, Winfrey Point, the pavilions at Flag Pole Hill, and White Rock Lake entrance signs and bridges, to name a few things. “Using shovel, trowel, hammer and spade they moved earth, planted trees, crafted stone and built structures that remain a lasting legacy of service to their community and nation,” reads the plaque.

THE DIRT TRAILS AT THE OLD FISH HATCHERY

Those days when the trails are too crowded and you feel like going off the beaten path, look for the entrance to the Old Fish Hatchery, which is less traveled, near the filter building on the southwest side of the lake. This “environmentally sensitive area” (according to a sign out front) offers a quiet network of dirt trails and a protected wildlife habitat. It is a favorite spot of bird-watchers, wanderers and, apparently, architects of amazing teepee huts.

BEN’S BENCH

The Mayor of White Rock Lake — that was what lake-goers nicknamed Benjamin Arkowitz, according to a Dallas Morning News article from the 1990s. He told the paper he liked to test out all the benches, fill his water bottle at every fountain, and talk to anyone who would listen. More than 120 people showed up at his funeral at Temple Emanu-El in 2000, after he died of cancer. The war veteran and New York City native reportedly lost more than 70 pounds (“and gained a ton of friends”) once he started his daily jaunts around the lake. One of his favorite benches, near Dalgreen and W. Lawther, now is branded “Ben’s Bench” in gold letters. “In Memory of Benjamin Arkowitz Mayor of White Rock Lake.”

PLAZA SOLANA

Across a bay from the old boathouse is a partly shaded plaza, fenced in stonework similar to that used by the CCC workers in the ’30s and featuring sunny mosaic signage by artist Sonia King. The overlook includes two free binocular telescopes, one at wheelchair level. The plaza was dedicated in 2004, donated by Hampton Hodges.

He and his first wife, Buffy, moved to the neighborhood after falling in love with White Rock Lake, according to a 2001 Advocate article. Buffy died a few years later of ovarian cancer, and he began exploring ways to contribute something meaningful to White Rock Lake in her honor.

Colorful tiles near the base of the plaza spell out “Hamp and Buffy.”

Dec. 3, 1995 — Mayor Ron Kirk proclaimed the day For the Love of White Rock Lake Day. The formal proclamation sits east of the old boathouse. The text reads more like a poem than a municipal document, featuring lines such as, “WHEREAS, White Rock Lake offers the souls of young and old alike the emotional refreshment of curving shoreline, green spaces, cool thickets, gentle breezes, bridal paths, diamond reflections of sun on water, pastel dawns and blazing sunsets, all against the striking silhouette of our downtown skyline … ” and “WHEREAS, White Rock Lake lays claim to the lore of the Lady of the Lake …”

DON OSTROFF’S FOUNTAIN

The family and friends of Don Ostroff dedicated a fountain and seating area on the east White Rock Lake Trail, not far from the old boathouse. Ostroff was a prolific endurance athlete who competed in more than 20 marathons and numerous triathlons. In 2007, he was running at White Rock Lake when he suffered an aortic dissection, which ended his life. He was 58.

Landscape of the future: Dallas United Crew plans to build a $4 million, 9,000-square-foot boathouse on the east side of the lake between the White Rock Boat Club and the Corinthian Sailing Club. Based on a 2012 agreement, the City of Dallas would own the building and earn 10 percent of the rowing club’s revenue. Josh Theodore, a principal at the architectural firm Page, designed the future boathouse; his plans have already received critical acclaim. Visit advocatemag.com for more renderings and project updates.

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Path resistance

Debate heats up over planned expansion of an informal trail system at Flag Pole Hill

Story by Brittany Nunn | Photos by Sheryl Lanzel

Controversy is brewing at Flag Pole Hill near White Rock Lake, where some residents want to develop an existing but informal series of nature trails, improving access for hikers and cyclists.

Opponents say the plan is destructive to the habitat and intrusive to the surrounding neighborhood.

After weeks of debate among neighbors, the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department recently decided to take matters into its own hands.

The terrain in question winds through a roughly 10-acre plot of prairie and forested parkland northeast of Flag Pole between White Rock Trail, Lanshire and Shoreview.

As it is, horseback riders, with a few exceptions, have the crude trail system to themselves; some hikers who don’t mind braving mosquitoes and poison ivy also enjoy the pathways.

Prompted by petitions from potential trail users, the Park and Recreation Department in the coming months plans to upgrade these

trails, widening and clearing some that wind through the trees.

Oscar Carmona, the assistant director of the park department, insists there are “not going to be any new paths built, and there won’t be any disturbance to vegetation or wooded areas.”

The park department might protectively reduce human accessibility in other areas — “nurse some of the paths back to a natural state,” as he puts it, if they are unnecessary

or disturbing areas that are “environmentally sensitive.”

Areas heavy with poison ivy are a concern.

“We might just try to bypass those altogether and try to get those areas to grow back up to what they used to be,” he says, adding that volunteers might be asked to pull patches of poison ivy to improve footpaths in areas where the plant is less likely to grow.

In order to accommodate users with disabilities and provide access for people with strollers, the useable trails will be raked out and widened to approximately 18-24 inches, Carmona says, and then covered with natural groundcover, like leaf litter or dirt.

The city also will correct any erosion problems that might be causing damage to the pathways.

“In those areas we might put in a water bar or some steps or something,” Carmona says. “If we do that, it’ll be natural, like maybe decomposed granite or some logs or something.”

The city plans to work with a trail-build-

ing organization on the project. Carmona says the park department has had “some good initial conversations with Groundwork Dallas.” Volunteers also may be invited to help with initial labor, as well as future maintenance.

This plan has evolved over several months and is still a work in the early stages.

It started back in November, when White Rock-area neighbor Ken Coutant approached the city with a request to expand the existing network of trails in the park.

Coutant has lived near White Rock Lake for 26 years, and he says he regularly runs, hikes and bikes at Flag Pole Hill. While using the primitive foot trails already available, he “came up with the idea to expand the trail system into the trees on the northeast corner of the park.”

He wanted to do the labor himself with a group of friends. His hope was to enhance the current foot trails and create new ones by raking out the underbrush. The trails would be about 12-inches wide and no trees

Lake Highlands resident Ken Coutant says he came up with the idea to expand the trail system at Flag Pole Hill.

would be removed, he said.

He already had the approval of his neighborhood, the White Rock Valley Neighborhood Association, and the park department told him he had to earn the approval of the White Rock Task Force as well. Coutant took his proposal before the task force and received its stamp of approval.

The city also required him to host an online petition to gather the signatures and addresses of 1,000 neighbors, which he did, and he quickly received at least 382.

But when neighbors got wind of the proposal through the online petition, some were not happy about it. Then the task force first learned Coutant planned to make the pathways into multi-use trails, more friendly for mountain bikers as well as hikers (technically, bicycles are already allowed on the trails; according to the city code, only motorized vehicles are not allowed on park grounds. Bicycles are classified as vehicles by Texas code, but they are not motorized and therefore are allowed on park property).

In May, task force leadership asked Coutant to once again go before the task force.

Coutant explained he still wanted 12inch dirt trails, but he wanted them to be multi-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, similar to the dirt trails at Harry Moss Park. In fact, he helped build the trails at Harry Moss Park through Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA), which he emphasized would not be heading up the Flag Pole Hill project because the area was too small to be worth DORBA’s time. Instead, he would be the lead on the project — taking responsibility for the initial labor and the upkeep (any weed eating and the removal of downed timber after storms and the like).

During the task force meeting, several neighbors presented their concerns. Some were worried about the wildlife within the largely untouched area. Neighbors who live on Shoreview and whose houses back up to the property in question were concerned new trails could possibly lead users straight to their backyards. The task force called for another vote and then proceeded to revoke its previous approval.

Coutant says he didn’t know where to go from there. What he saw as a public service, others saw as a threat to what was already available at Flag Pole Hill. Neighbors who

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ride horses on the paths expressed specific concern about the prospect of more bicyclists using the trails. “Horses and bicycles don’t mix,” says neighbor PattyJoan Hines, who has been patrolling the area on horseback for decades. “This is a horse trail. We need some protection,” she insists. “Horses made these trails.”

At the end of May, the Park and Recreation Department announced it planned to take over the project.

“We thought it would be within our best interest to take the lead on this,” Carmona says.

“We always saw the need to somewhat enhance those trails out there, then once we started to get some feedback from people who were both for and against it, we decided we’d be able to control it a lot better if we just manage it ourselves and focus on those areas that already exist and not build new trails.”

He says Coutant and people like him are “more than welcome to join as volunteers.”

East Dallas neighbor and neighborhood activist Ted Barker isn’t satisfied with the city’s plan, saying there “continues to be some shifting on what is planned.”

Hines says she believes the city’s claim to simply enhance the current trails and not add any new ones is a “smokescreen.”

“That makes no sense,” she says. “If that’s the case they shouldn’t be doing anything to it.”

But there’s a chance the Parks and Recreation Department will actually ban bicyclists from using the trails, which is exactly what Hines wants.

Once the property dries out after the heavy rains, a city employee will visit the site with a GPS unit to map out the current trails. Then maintenance will begin sometime this summer, possibly August. After the trails are updated, the Park and Recreation Department will determine whether or not bicycles should be allowed on the trails.

“We are really going to have to wait and see what our end result is and see what that trail can support,” he says. “If it’s an ecosystem where you don’t want a lot of users, then we can limit it to pedestrians and equestrian only. But that’s going to take some research on our end.”

All over the town center

The City of Dallas and developers seem at a stalemate regarding the Lake Highlands Town Center’s design. Might our new mediation-savvy councilman help things along?

Story by Keri Mitchell

Mixed-use. Transit-oriented. Dense. Vertical. Urban. Since the idea of a Lake Highlands town center was proposed a decade ago, this jargon has been used to describe the future development.

The City of Dallas wants town center developer Cypress Equities to make good on this vision, considering that the city and other government entities already have invested $24 million in the project. Cypress argues, however, that the commercial real estate market isn’t compatible with the city’s demands.

The two sides are at a stalemate.

And neighbors, who have watched the 70-acre Skillman-Walnut Hill project languish for 10 years, find themselves somewhere between exasperated and resigned to whatever may (or may not) come.

The fact that urban planners use an elitist vocabulary is unfortu-

nate, says Kevin Sloan, an architect who co-chairs the city’s Urban Design Peer Review Panel, because it keeps residents from feeling like they can engage in the conversation.

“Urbanism is somewhat hard to understand at a verbal level,” Sloan says, but whether or not neighbors know the terminology, “when they see it, they know whether it’s right or wrong.”

“A real urban building is like a puzzle piece,” he continues. “You put it in, and all of a sudden, you understand the rest of the puzzle.

“Our cities are an incomplete puzzle, and we are all city builders. Every building makes or unmakes the city.”

That last sentence is a mantra that adorns Sloan’s office. He takes this into consideration when developers’ projects come to the panel of architects and urban planners for review, usually because they are

Lake Highlands Town Center rendering based on developer Cypress Equities’ plans

seeking millions of city tax dollars as part of their financing. And in return, Sloan believes, we the taxpayers should expect projects that don’t just benefit the city economically but also benefit our quality of life.

In the case of the Lake Highlands Town Center, the city’s Urban Design Peer Review Panel took issue with the “suburban character” of Cypress Equities’ proposal.

“There’s nothing close to urban about this project,” Sloan says. “It wasn’t designed with the end first, which is you, the person. If you don’t begin with the end, you’re gonna get what you’re gonna get.”

Urbanity doesn’t necessarily mean density, a reference to how many people live in a certain area. Density in cities often takes the form of apartment complexes, condominium developments, even duplexes or zero-lot homes.

Most Americans yearn for a more lowdensity urbanism, Sloan says, like the kind evident in a French town or English garden village — “all of the essential pieces and parts of urbanism are there,” he says, “not in multiples but in singles and doubles, where you can get to know all the people in your environment.

“Lake Highlands wants to be low-density, but it still wants a physical center, that if there was a reason to congregate, there’s a place we would all go to congregate.”

The town center project’s Wildcat Way, an interior street running parallel to Skillman, is a natural parade route or strolling avenue, for example. Already, when events such as Oktoberfest or the Art and Play Festival use the town center property, Wildcat Way is the main drag, so to speak.

But if buildings are arranged around a pond of parking with their backs to that street, as they are in Cypress’ plan, it loses that feel, Sloan says. The panel suggested

“Urbanism is somewhat hard to understand at a verbal level ... when they see it, they know whether it’s right or wrong.”

DO YOU HAVE THE BEST PET IN THE

leaving the property along Wildcat Way vacant for now, and rather than spreading out buildings, concentrating the retail “in a way that makes a space and a place, then the parking field can be used as deferred investment,” Sloan says.

The panel also decried the project’s skinny sidewalks, not even wide enough for two people to stroll side-by-side. It’s a “low level problem that gets in the way of things happening correctly,” Sloan says. “Sidewalks shouldn’t create confrontation.”

In urban design, sidewalks should be not only wide and inviting but should run between streets and storefronts, not parking lots. The panel would like to see “a more continuous retail edge” along both Skillman and Walnut Hill, with parking toward the center that, again, could give way to future development.

Ultimately, the panel conveyed its belief that “the short term realities of retail leasing should not precede the attainment of the long-term vision of a true town center development.” With $24 million in tax dollars invested, another $38 million hanging in the balance, and both sides refusing to budge, that’s where the town center stands.

A few days before the June runoff election, Lake Highlands Councilman-elect Adam McGough said he hopes to draw on his training in conflict management and

“What the community is asking is, ‘What will this place have to offer us?’ That’s a very profound question.”

mediation, and try to find middle ground “somewhere between” the original urban vision and a suburban shopping center.

“This is a negotiation,” McGough says, and there is “tension and emotion.”

He says one of his first orders of business will be to host a meeting with the stakeholders, including City Design Studio, the peer review panel, Cypress, community leaders and interested citizens.

“Communities need to trust their intuition,” Sloan says. “Be articulate. Say what you see. Architecture does not have a Hippocratic oath of ‘do no harm,’ and fortunately or unfortunately, we live in an economy that can benefit from some pretty big mistakes.”

One of the problems with America in general and Texas in particular, Sloan says, is viewing land through the lens of extraction — take the oil out of the ground, plant the cotton in the field.

It shouldn’t be about “speculation, shortterm gain, ‘here is what this place can do now,’ ” Sloan says. “City making is about investment, where what you build is directly related to the qualities of what it has to offer.

“What the community is asking is, ‘What will this place have to offer us?’ That’s a very profound question, and it’s different than saying, ‘Well, it’s better than the nothing that’s there.’ ”

Additionalreportingby SamGillespie

Cypress Equities’ plan for the Lake Highlands Town Center submitted to the Urban Design Peer Review Panel

BUSINESS BUZZ

The lowdown on what’s up with neighborhood businesses

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Big boxes for Steakley site

Houston-based developer Ainbinder Co. has purchased the old Steakley Chevrolet at Abrams and Northwest Highway with plans to turn it into a major retail complex. The site, to be called High Point Center, stretches 13 acres almost to Skillman. Though no leases have yet been signed, big box and junior anchor retailers are expected for the roughly 160,000 total square feet of space. Steakley Chevrolet opened in 1962 and closed in early 2008. Since then it’s been an eyesore, hosting Dallas Furniture Mart for a while in the showroom and a variety of occasional vendors in the parking lot. No date was given for the start of construction.

Starbucks rumors

The shopping centers around Ferndale and Northwest Highway make up a quietly blossoming hub of food, art, recreation and wellness. It is home to a bicycle shop; an upscale patisserie; a hardware store that sells baby chickens and specializes in organic home repair and urban agriculture; a nationally renowned art gallery; an herbal acupuncture center; a makers co-op and trendy shops. But what about a coffee shop? Darren Backus, whose family sold the shopping center and Backus Shell last year, said the new owners had been working on a deal with Starbucks. One of the guys involved with the investment group that owns the property, Grey Stogner, says he can’t confirm any Starbucks action, but he says he will keep us posted if anything happens. “We do not have any definitive plans at this time,” he writes in email. “We obviously feel this is a fantastic area with great potential.”

Summit Climbing Gym Lawsuit

On behalf of his 7-year-old son, a Lake Highlands dad is suing Summit Climbing Gym after, he says, the gym failed to provide adequate staff for supervision of the 10-12 children at a rock-climbing party where his son was badly injured. Only one Summit employee was present to assist the young partygoers, so he asked three fathers to help with supervision, according to the lawsuit.

The father of the injured child was assisting other children on a climbing wall, he says, when his son fractured an elbow while coming down a slide used for descending the wall.The father says that the slide upon which his son was hurt was slick and lacked proper padding, conditions which he says created “substantial risk.” The injuries have required two surgeries, have been expensive to treat,

and are potentially permanent. The counsel for Summit Gym Jennifer Aufricht disputes that Summit’s slide was unsafe, calling the slide in question “safer than typical … (with) walls along each side and padding at the landing.” She did not comment on the staffing issue since, at press time, she had not yet received the filing, but she did say that “Summit Gym wants children to have fun, and it is not a policy to have an employee standing at the bottom of the slide to catch the child as he slides.” All Summit users are supposed to sign a waiver before climbing. Summit had a waiver on file for the child in this case prior to the day of the accident, says his father. The waiver climbers receive today is largely “beefed-up” compared to the one the plaintiff signed in 2014, says the father of the injured child.

Wine bar near White Rock

Bodega Wine Bar is back in business and this time near White Rock Lake. For 10 years it operated on Travis Walk, but closed in 2012. Owner AmierTaherzadeh tried other things for a while, but he has now reopened Bodega at Abrams and Mockingbird. The concept is the same as the original location: wine. Drink it by the bottle ($15-$120), by the flight ($10-$25) or by the glass ($7-$12). There’s a $5 cork fee. You’re welcome to bring your own bottle of wine for a $10 cork fee. You can also bring your own food, or order a cheese and meat plate. Bodega is open 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and it’s open until midnight Friday-Saturday.

Bodega Wine Bar

Politics

The State of Texas in June announced the formation of a I-635 East Legislative Caucus, which aims to expedite construction and improvements along I-635 from Central to 1-30, and to do so without any managed toll lanes. The group reportedly will meet “frequently and regularly” to “analyze and develop a number of options for the continued development of the I-635 East project.

People

Dr. Jennifer Raad has joined the dental practice of Dr. Davis H. Grinsfelder. Raad is a Dallas native who graduated from SMU with a soccer scholarship and graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Raad was a patient of Dr. Grinsfelder, who has been practicing for more than 50 years.

Founder of the White Rock Marathon and the Dallas Running Club Tal Morrison died last month of congestive heart failure. He was 93 years old.

Jake Gaba, Lake Highlands High School’s 2012 senior class president, competed on NBC’s television show American Ninja Warrior. The episode aired last month.

Education

The Lake Highlands Women’s League awarded 29 scholarships this spring. The winners were Mary Arrey, Kayla Banks, Brittany Beck, Derrick Boateng, Tennessee Bonner, Jean Dossou, Hannah Gray, Semien Hagos, Thalia Harnett, Susporiea Harris, Rahel Harrison, Fredrickia Jackson, Genice Johnson, Esther Kariuki, Alex Little, Allyson Livingston, Caroline Livingston, Diana Monyancha, Katie Norris, Claire Parry, Jeffrey Reyes, Adriana Rodriguez, Abighail Seghid, Tyler Squires, DeMarkus Taylor, Reed Thomas, Madison Wachel, Symone Watson and Dara Wemida

Sports

Lake Highlands High School senior Jamarice Preston jumped 6 feet, 6 inches to win second place a the UIL State Track & Field Championship at the University of Texas at Austin recently. Preston also competed in the long jump, 400-meter dash and four-by400-meter relay. Aside from track, he played football and basketball. Earlier this year, he ran 400 meters in 47.97 to break the school’s record. Stanley Redwine, head track and field coach at the University of Kansas, held the old record for 36 years.

HAVE AN ITEM TO BE FEATURED?

Please submit news items and/or photos concerning neighborhood residents, activities, honors and volunteer opportunities to editor@advocatemag.com. Our deadline is the first of the month prior to the month of publication.

BAPTIST

LAKESIDE BAPTIST / 9150 Garland Rd / 214.324.1425

Worship — 8:30 am Classic & 11:00 am Contemporary

Pastor Jeff Donnell / www.lbcdallas.com

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

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

PRESTONWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH / “A Church to Call Home”

Sundays: Bible Fellowship (all ages) 9:15 am /Service Time 11:00 am

12123 Hillcrest Road / 972.820.5000 / prestonwood.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 / www.nhbc.net / 9626 Church Rd.

Sunday: LifeQuest (all ages) 9:00 am / Worship 10:30 am

Student Ministry: Wednesday & Sunday 7:00 pm / 214.348.9697

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 Ln.

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

METHODIST

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 & 10:50 am Traditional / 10:50 am Contemporary

WHITE ROCK UNITED METHODIST / www.wrumc.org

1450 Oldgate Lane / 214.324.3661

Sunday Worship 10:50 am / Rev. Mitchell Boone

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

LAKE HIGHLANDS CHURCH / 9919 McCree / 214.348.0460

Sundays: Classes 9:30, Coffee 10:25, Assembly 10:45

Home groups meet on weeknights. / lakehighlandschurch.org

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 / Welcomes you to Worship

Summer Worship: May 24 - Sept. 6 / 10:00am / Childcare provided.

UNITY

UNITY OF DALLAS / A Positive Path for Spiritual Living

6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230 / 972.233.7106 / UnityDallas.org

10:30 am Sunday - Celebration Worship Service

SEE THE UNSEEN

Sight depends on our vantage point

With the Fourth of July upon us, we think anew about America when it was new and ask about its renewal.

I had the privilege of being in New York City in May, the same month two new sites opened with the intent of raising our sights on America. The new Whitney Museum of American Art, designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano (who also designed Dallas’ Nasher Sculpture Center) sits stunningly along the Hudson River. It houses an inaugural exhibit titled “America Is Hard to See,” based on a line from a Robert Frost poem. It traces key works of art from the 20th century that attempt to give insight into the character of our country.

Frost’s poem includes this stanza (the “he” is Columbus): “America is hard to see./ Less partial witnesses than he/ In book on book have testified/ They could not see it from outside—/ Or inside either for that matter./ We know the literary chatter.”

The Whitney wants to move us from literary chatter to artistic matter. It hopes to show that painting and sculpture have an eye for America that gets to its heart more than words can.

The next day I visited the new observation deck of 1 World Trade Center. The 104-story building tells its own story about America’s rising again from the terror and tragedy of the 9/11 attacks that brought down the twin towers and our sense of invulnerability. The edifice is a triumph in many ways, defensively steeled against future attack by inner steel reinforcements, and adorned by outer glass glamor. Its spire aspires, reaching heavenward along with the hopes of a nation. One only hopes that it doesn’t portend to fly too close to the sun and suffer again the Icarus ignominy of coming down hard.

From above the city, you sense you are looking down on the world. America may be hard to see, but it is easier to get an overview from that height. In doing so, though, we risk overlooking things that make America up close.

We tend to see only what we are looking for. And even then, seeing depends also on our vantage point and on the looking glass-

es we use to magnify our vision.

Which turns us to the spiritual. The spiritual mind looks for enduring things: goodness, truth and beauty; faith, hope and love; peace, justice and mercy. It isn’t moved by material or commercial achievement; it seeks that meeting place of the divine and human where we become more of what we are all meant to be — living likenesses of the eternal God in time.

To see that invisible realm in this visible world requires a stance of faith to begin with. Faith is the faculty that allows us to see evidence of things not seen. We all see as through a glass darkly, St. Paul said. But faith turns a light on, if ever so dimly.

When we live the faith ourselves, we put on spectacles of the spirit that give us clearer vision of what is otherwise hard to see. And yet, because it is faith that helps us see, we are always also reminded of what we yet do not see.

Both the seeing and the not seeing keep us looking all the harder.

We tend to see only what we are looking for.

George Mason is pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church. The Worship section is a regular feature underwritten by Advocate Publishing and by the neighborhood business people and churches listed on these pages. For information about helping support the Worship section, call 214.560.4202.

OUTSTANDING WOMEN in BUSINESS 2015

JENNIFER ASHY

OWNER & STATE LICENSED ADMINISTRATOR Visiting Angels

CERTIFICATIONS:

Department of Aging

& Disability Services

Licensed Administrator, Certified Senior Activity Planner, Visiting Angels

Palliative Care Certified, Alzheimer’s Life Care

Navigation Certified

AWARDS: Only home care agency to ever win Angie’s List Super Service Award.

BBB A+ rated

Visiting Angels is a senior home care agency focused on keeping the elderly safe and independent in their own home. Providing in-home senior care is a 24x7 endeavor. There is no closure to the day as our agency does not use an on-call service. Having the opportunity to impact an entire family makes the mission worth it, and warms my heart.

KELLY HARRIS INSURANCE AGENT Farmers Insurance

Describe your business:

I help people with their auto, home. life, and business insurance.

What makes your business unique?

My father and I started the agency together in 2001 as a

family business, and I have continued to run it that way after his retirement. I have a great staff of 3 licensed professionals that are like family and we strive to treat our customers in the same manner.

presented by

DENA T. ROBINSON, DDS, FAGD

FELLOW OF THE ACADEMY OF

GENERAL DENTISTRY (2004)

OWNER, DIRECTOR

Robinson Dentistry (Owner), Aspire Dental Assisting School (Director)

DEGREE: DDS- Doctor of Dental Surgery

Dr. Dena Robinson and Robinson Dentistry have been serving the East Dallas community for nearly 11 years. While owning her own practice has brought long hours and personal sacrifices, her passion for cosmetic dentistry and the joy of transforming smiles has made building and growing her practice immensely rewarding.

In order to share her knowledge and passion, Dr. Robinson opened the Aspire Dental Assisting School 5 years ago to help young women and men begin their careers in dentistry. Dr. Robinson believes the best education in dental assisting is not learned in the classroom, but rather chair side with her patients.

ROBINSON DENTISTRY 8940 GARLAND RD., SUITE 200 DALLAS, TX 75218 214.321.6441

www.drdenarobinson.com www.dallasdentalassistant.com

White Rock North School

whiterocknorthschool.com

214.348.7410

White Rock North School has been thriving for 50+ years by providing students with experiences they won’t get at other schools. It’s not just the campus amenities that set this school apart, but the attitudes about teaching and learning that make us different! We know that children learn by experiencing things for themselves and that’s why we created such a unique campus with indoor swimming, Outdoor Environmental Center and a skating rink, just to name a few amenities.

A curious school environment challenges students to inquire into their surroundings and making those connections is key to our students being lifelong learners!

Traditional at its core, we layer our curriculum with what interests our students! Engineering? Art? Literature or Technology? You bet! We want our students enjoy what they’re learning and use that knowledge in their lives away from campus…again, making connections.

A nurturing, accepting climate is what makes prep schools love our students, because our scholars are built into confident, eager learners who are motivated and independent!

Come see why families love our school and what we can do for your precious child!

Amy Adams Principal

Natalie Alfrey Juliette Bouchard Jodie Boutilie r Ashley Co x Michele Cox Sharon Co x

Bess Dickson

Jennifer McClai n

Nancy Garcia

Jovanna Moreno

Dani Hann a

Sara Parke r

Nancy Guerriero

Amanda Rosande r

Janelle Law

Kimberly Sawyer

Britt Lope z

Lori VanMete r

Allie Beth Allman & Associates Honors Our 2015

972.655.9356 diane.bearden @alliebeth.com

Mary Garrison Sales Associate

214.543.7075 maryalice.garrison @alliebeth.com

Maribeth Peters Senior Vice President

214.566.1210 maribeth.peters @alliebeth.com

Kelley Willis Vice President

214.532.1413

kelley.willis @alliebeth.com

214.674.5518 susan.bradley @alliebeth.com

Heather Hicks Sales Associate

214.763.5585 heather.hicks @alliebeth.com

Ashley Rupp Sales Associate

214.727.4992 ashley.rupp @alliebeth.com

Victoria Wiman Sales Associate

214.770.0695 victoria.wiman @alliebeth.com

PHOTO NOT AVAILABLE: Mary Anne Chapel Sales Associate

469.371.8418

maryann.chapel@alliebeth.com

Local Resources

TO ADVERTISE 214.560.4203

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,

ARTISTIC GATHERINGS

Casa Linda Plaza. Art Classes & Drop In Pottery Painting For All Ages. 214-821-8383. Tues-Sat 10am-6pm

GUITAR OR PIANO Patient Teacher. Your Home. 12 Yrs Exp. Reasonable rates. UNT Music Grad. Larry 469-358-8784

MAKERS CONNECT Craft Classes & Workshops. Led by & for Local Makers. Check Schedule: makersconnect.org/classes

MATHNASIUM has a new Math Learning Center at 7324 Gaston mathnasium.com/dallaslakewood 214-328-MATH (6284)

CHILDCARE

LOVING, CHRIST-CENTERED CARE SINCE 1982 Lake Highlands Christian Child Enrichment Center Ages 2 mo.-12 yrs. 9919 McCree. 214-348-1123.

Exchange Club scholars

The Lake Highlands Exchange Club awarded 16 academic scholarships to Lake Highlands High School students in May. Front row, from left to right: Grace Wedding , Bailey Sward , Elizabeth Burroughs , Elizabeth Reimer , Bethany Vangoethem , Elizabeth Hurt , Alexander Ricker and Emily Hughes Back row, from left to right: Chloe Myers , Ryan Bernard-McClenan , Mason Murray and Reid Curnutt

Local BULLETIN BOARD

EMPLOYMENT

AVIATION GRADS Work with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and Others. Start Here With Hands On Training For FAA Certification. Financial Aid If Qualified. Aviation Institute Of Maintenance. 866-453-6204

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES 3108 Seeking Bar Staff. Apply In Person. @ 8500 Arturo Dr. 75228 TABC Cert Reqrd.

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

SERVICES FOR YOU

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

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let A Seasoned Pro Be The Interface Between You & That Pesky Computer. Hardware & Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $60/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 214-660-3733 or stykidan@sbcglobal.net

LEGAL SERVICES

A SIMPLE WILL. Name a Guardian for Children. Katherine Rose, Attorney 214-728-4044. Office Dallas Tx.

A WILL? THERE IS A WAY Estate/Probate matters. Free Consultation. 214-802-6768 MaryGlennAttorney.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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

LOWEST COSTS

Life, Medicare Supplement, Health Insurance. Jim. 30 Yrs. Exp. dis2insurance.com 214-507-3304

HAVE YOU COMPARED

Happy graduate

Lake Highlands High School graduate

Rahel Harrison poses with her dad and brother at the Lake Highlands Women’s League reception for awards winners in May.

Local BULLETIN BOARD

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PET SERVICES

DEE’S DOGGIE DEN Daycare, Boarding, Grooming, Training. 6444 E. Mockingbird Ln. 214-823-1441 DeesDoggieDen.com

POOP SCOOP PROFESSIONALS Trust The Experts. 214-826-5009. germaine_free@yahoo.com

SKILLMAN ANIMAL CLINIC Is Your Friendly, Personal, Affordable Vet. 9661 Audelia Rd. #340. 214-341-6400

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

NEXGEN FITNESS Call Today For Free Session. 972-382-9925 NexGenFitness.com 10759 Preston Rd. 75230

UFC GYM WHITE ROCK Workout Blues? Train Different. Power/ endurance/results. 469-729-9900 ufcgym.com/WhiteRock

PET SERVICES

ADORABLE GROOMS PET SALON New Salon. Grooming, medicated/flea baths. 11111 N. Central Expy 972-629-9554

In-Home Professional Care

Customized to maintain your pet’s routine In-Home Pet Visits & Daily Walks

“Best of Dallas” D Magazine Serving the Dallas area since 1994 Bonded & Insured www.societypetsitter.com 214-821-3900

BUY/SELL/TRADE

CASH FOR CARS Any Make Or Model. Free Towing. Sell It Today. Call for Instant Offer. 1-800-864-5784

BUY/SELL/TRADE

FOR SALE 2015 Dallas Cowboy Club Tickets - Section C132, Row 9, Seat 4-5. Parking Pass, Bond, Tickets Available. Call Steve 214-369-8389

OLD GUITARS WANTED Gibson, Fender, Gretsch, Martin. 1930s-1980s. Top dollar paid. Toll Free 1-866-433-8277

TEXAS RANGERS AND DALLAS STARS

front row seats. Share prime, front-row Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars tickets (available in sets of 10 games). Prices start at $105 per ticket (sets of 2 or 4 tickets per game available) Seats are behind the plate and next to the dugouts for the Rangers: seats are on the glass and on the Platinum Level for the Stars. Other great seats available starting at $60 per ticket. Entire season available except for opening game; participants randomly draw numbers prior to the season to determine a draft order fair for everyone. Call 214-560-4212 or rwamre@advocatemag.com

ESTATE/GARAGE SALES

CLUTTERBLASTERS.COM ESTATE SALES

Moving & DownSizing Sales, Storage Units. Organize/De-Clutter Donna 972-679-3100

APPLIANCE REPAIR

JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE

TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898

Serving your Neighborhood Since 1993 Repairing: Refrigerators •Washer/Dryers

• Ice Makers •Stoves

• Cooktops • Ovens 214✯823✯2629

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

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

CARPENTRY & REMODELING

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

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. www.dallastileman.com Back Splash Specials! 214-343-4645

GREENGO Vinyl Siding,Windows & Doors. 903-802-6957, 25 Yrs Exp.

O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Remodeling Dallas For Over 17 Years www.ObrienGroupInc.com

214-341-1448

RENOVATE DALLAS renovatedallas.com 214-403-7247

Unique Home Construction

- Design, Build, Remodel - Kitchens & Baths

- New Construction or Additions

Many references available

- Licensed, Insured, Member of BBB www.uniquehomebuild.com

214.533.0716

CLEANING

SERVICES

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

AFFORDABLE, PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

A Clean You Can Trust

Staff trained by Nationally Certified Cleaning Tech. Chemical-free, Green, or Traditional Cleaning. WindsorMaidServices.com 214-381-MAID (6243)

ALTOGETHER CLEAN

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

AMAZON CLEANING

Top To Bottom Clean. Fabiana.469-951-2948

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

CLEANING SERVICES

DELTA CLEANING Insd./Bonded. Move In/Out. General Routine Cleaning. Carpet Cleaning. Refs. Reliable. Dependable. 28+yrs. 972-943-9280.

MESS MASTERS Earth friendly housecleaning. 469-235-7272. www.messmasters.com Since ‘91

WANTED: HOUSES TO CLEAN Windows, too! Great Prices $$. Family owned. 20 yrs. Reliable. Excellant Refs. Call Sunny @ 214-724-2555

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

BILL’S COMPUTER REPAIR

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

IT SOLUTIONS/SUPPORT For Home & Small Business. Parental Controls Speciality. 8 Yrs. Exp. Husband & Wife, Licensed Minister called to His Work. Texas Tech Guru. 214-850-2669

CONCRETE/ MASONRY/PAVING

BRICK & STONE REPAIR

Tuck Pointing / Crack Repair. Mortar Color Matching. Windows And Door Cracks Etc. Call 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

CONCRETE REPAIRS/REPOURS

Demo existing. Stamping and Staining Driveways/Patio/Walkways

Pattern/Color available Free Estimates 972-672-5359 (32 yrs.)

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

CONCRETE/ MASONRY/PAVING R&M Concrete

Concrete Retaining Walls Driveways Stamped Concrete 214-202-8958

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com Family Owned/Operated. Insd. 214-328-1333

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

GOVER ELECTRIC Back Up Generators. New and Remodel Work. Commercial & Residential. All Service Work. 469-230-7438. TECL2293

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

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

EXTERIOR CLEANING

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

FENCING & DECKS

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

4 QUALITY FENCING Call Mike 214-507-9322 Specializing in Wood, New or Repair.

AMBASSADOR FENCE INC.

Automatic Gates, Iron & Cedar Fencing, Decks. Since 1996. MC/V 214-621-3217

FENCING & WOOD WORK oldgatefence.com charliehookerswoodwork.com 214-766-6422

HANNAWOODWORKS.COM Decks, Fences, Pergolas, Patio Covers. 214-435-9574

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

Swimming Pool Remodels

• Patios Stone work

• Stamp Concrete 972-727-2727 Deckoart.com

LONESTARDECKS.COM 214-357-3975

Trex Decking & Fencing, trex.com All Wood Decks, Arbors & Patio Covers

SPECIALIZING IN Wood Fences &Auto Gates

cowboyfenceandiron.com

FLOORING & CARPETING

ALL WALKS OF FLOORS 214-616-7641 Carpet, Wood, Tile Sales/Service Free Estimates

CLIFTON CARPETS 214-526-7405 www.cliftoncarpets.com

DALLAS HARDWOODS 214-724-0936

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

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. www.dallastileman.com Back Splash Specials! 214-343-4645

THE TEXAN FLOORING SERVICES

Wood, Laminate. Remodel Showers, Bathrooms. thetexanflooringservices.com 214-680-0901

CARPET HARDWOODS CERAMIC Quick, Reliable Installation John: 972.989.3533 john.roemen@redicarpet.com

Reinventing

GARAGE SERVICES

GARAGE ORGANIZATION / Design / Remodel DFWGaragePros.com 303-883-9321

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

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

HANDYMAN SERVICES

A R&G HANDYMAN Electrical, Plumbing, Painting, Fencing, Roofing, Light Hauling. Ron or Gary 214-861-7569, 469-878-8044

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

FRAME RIGHT All Honey-Dos/Jobs. Crown mold install $125/rm. Licensed. Matt 469-867-9029

GROOVY HOUSE Is A Different Handyman Experience! Find Out Why At www.groovyhouse.biz 214-733-2100 • 19 Year Lakewood Resident

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

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

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Your Home Repair Specialists

Drywall

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

HOME

Certified·Licensed·Insured

KITCHEN/BATH/ TILE/GROUT

TK REMODELING 972-533-2872

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

TOM HOLT TILE 30 Yrs Experience In Tile, Backsplashes & Floors. Refs. Avail. 214-770-3444

HOUSE PAINTING

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

#1 GET MORE PAY LES

Painting. 85% Referrals. Free Est. 214-348-5070

A+ INT/EXT PAINT & DRYWALL

Since 1977. Kirk Evans. 972-672-4681

A1 TOP COAT Professional. Reliable. References. TopCoatOfTexas.com 214-770-2863

ABRAHAM PAINT SERVICE A Women Owned Business 25 Yrs. Int/Ext. Wall Reprs. Discounts On Whole Interiors and Exteriors 214-682-1541

ALL TYPES Painting & Repairs. A+ BBB rating. Any size jobs welcome. Call Kenny 214-321-7000

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

RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513

TEXAS BEST PAINTING • 214-527-4168

Master Painter. High Quality Work. Int/Ext.

TONY’S PAINTING SERVICE Quality Work Since 1984. Int./Ext. 214-755-2700

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

KITCHEN/BATH/ TILE/GROUT

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. www.dallastileman.com Back Splash Specials! 214-343-4645

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

STONE AGE COUNTER TOPS Granite, Marble, Tile, Kitchen/Bath Remodels. 972-276-9943.stoneage.dennis@verizon.net

• Tubs, Tiles or Sinks

• Cultured Marble

• Kitchen Countertops

WE REFINISH! www.allsurfacerefinishing.com 214-631-8719

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

A BETTER TREE COMPANY • JUST TREES Complete tree services. Tree & Landscape Lighting! Mark 214-332-3444

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

A&B LANDSCAPING Full Landscape & Lawn Care Services. Degreed Horticulturist. 214-534-3816

AYALA’S LANDSCAPING SERVICE

Call the Land Expert Today! Insured. 214-773-4781

BLOUNT’S TREE SERVICE

Trees, Landscaping, Sod. 45 Yrs. Exp. Insured. blountstreeservicedfw.com 214-275-5727

CHUPIK TREE SERVICE

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

DALLAS K.D.R.SERVICES • 214-349-0914

Lawn Service & Landscape Installation

GARDEN LIGHTS BY SEAN MADDEN dallasledlight.com 214-660-3465

GREENSKEEPER Winter Clean Up & Color. Sodding, Fertilization. Lawn Maintenance & Landscape. Res/Com. 214-546-8846

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

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

LIGHT IT UP DALLAS

Your lighting specialists. 972-591-8383 Parties, Weddings, Patios, Landscape.

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

ORTIZ LAWNCARE Complete Yard Care. Service by Felipe. Free Est. 214-215-3599

PERRONE’S • 214-502-2296

Pros at: - Tree Trimming - Full Landscaping - Sodding - Year Round Lawn Care

RONS LAWN Organic Solutions. Not Environmental Pollution. Landscape & Maintenance 972-222-LAWN (5296)

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

WHITE ROCK TREE WIZARDS Professionals, Experts, Artists. Trim, Rmv, Cable Repair, Cavity-Fill Stump Grind. Emergency Hazards. Insd. Free Est. 972-803-6313

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

PLUMBING

A2Z PLUMBING 214-727-4040

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

ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521

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

Sewers • Drains • Bonded 24 Hours/7 Days

*Joe Faz 214-794-7566 - Se Habla Español*

ARRIAGA PLUMBING: General Plumbing

Since the 80’s. Insured. Lic# M- 20754 214-321-0589, 214-738-7116, CC’s accepted.

CAMPBELL PLUMBING Repairs, Fixtures, Senior Discounts. 214-321-5943

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

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

ADVOCATE PUBLISHING does not pre-screen, recommend or investigate the advertisements and/or Advertisers published in our magazines. As a result, Advocate Publishing is not responsible for your dealings with any Advertiser. Please ask each Advertiser that you contact to show

PLUMBING

NTX PLUMBING SPEC. LLLP 214-226-0913

Lic. M-40581 Res/Com. Repairs & Leak Location

SPECK PLUMBING

Over 30 Yrs Exp. Licensed/Insured. 214-732-4769, 214-562-2360

UPTOWN PLUMBING. Serving Dallas 40 + Yrs. 214-747-1103. M-13800 uptownplumbing.com

POOLS

ADAIR POOL & SPA SERVICE

1 month free service for new customers. Call for details. 469-358-0665.

ROOFING

A&B GUTTER 972-530-5699 Clean Out, Repair/Replace. Leaf Guard. Free Estimates. Lifetime Warranty

Allstate

BERT

•

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

STOLEN SCHOOL BUS FOUND ABANDONED AT LOUISIANA POULTRY FARM

Police in East Texas chased (and gave up on) an out-of-control Richardson ISD school bus in May before recovering it at a Louisiana poultry farm the next day.

Witnesses told 911 operators the bus was out of control on Interstate 20 between Longview and Marshall. The bus reportedly was stolen from the Lake Highlands High School lot the weekend before school let out for summer. A Harrison County Sheriff spokesman told news station KPLC in Lake Charles, La. that the police were not sure if the bus was stolen, so they engaged in a slow speed pursuit only to county lines.

Demarquis Black, a spokesman with the Dallas Police Department, confirmed the bus was found and abandoned at the House of Raeford, a poultry farm in Arcadia, La.

“A supervisor at the poultry farm said the vehicle was found abandoned around 4 a.m., but did not get the call until around 8 a.m.,” Black said.

RISD communications manager Tim Clark told reporters that school personnel noticed the missing bus at about 11 p.m. Sunday, May 31, and reported it early the following morning. The bus reportedly was last accounted for at about 8 p.m. the previous Friday.

No one had been arrested as of press time.

CRIME NUMBERS | 2

men wearing masks, hoods and gloves plowed a Chevrolet Suburban through the front of a CVS pharmacy near Presbyterian hospital $0

was stolen as the would-be burglars were unsuccessful in several attempts to remove an ATM from the store 2

minutes of surveillance video, published by the Dallas Police Department, show the whole ordeal. Anyone with information on the crime should call Crime Stoppers at 214.373.8477

SOURCE Dallas Police Department

REMARKABLE RUNOFF

Did the Trinity Toll Road issue bring more voters to the polls?

You remember last month, when I was all like, “Hey, you really need to go vote in the Dallas City Council runoff election,” and you were like, “Naw, I’m too busy sitting on the couch eating Fritos,” and then I was like, “No, for real, go vote,” and then you did? Well, kudos. Your civic-mindedness paid off.

Usually, there’s a precipitous drop in the number of people who vote in a runoff compared to the general election.

Reyes by 35 votes. A razor thin margin for sure, but recall that Reyes was the favored candidate going into the runoff, having surpassed McGough by more than 250 votes in the general election. How did McGough make up the deficit and then some?

My theory is that it has to do with the Trinity Toll Road (but then again, I say that about most things). I think that in the recent council elections in Districts 9 and 10, a candidate’s position on the toll road served as a key differentiator for voters.

Gough nor Reyes would do so.

As expected, turnout fell 20-40 percent in the three City Council runoff races in southern Dallas.

But voter turnout was remarkably high in the Lake Highlands runoff. In District 10, about a third more people showed up to the polls in the runoff than the first time around. That’s practically unheard of. And nearly as many people voted in District 10’s runoff election as voted in all three of the other runoff races combined.

In the end, Adam McGough beat Paul

Dallas City Council elections are nonpartisan, and that is as it should be. But that also means that there are no capital letters following a candidate’s name on the ballot to serve as shorthand for their core values. This can make it hard for voters to distinguish among a multitude of candidates, all of whom are vowing to fill potholes, hire more police, and lower taxes.

Enter the Trinity Toll Road. Certainly it wasn’t the only issue, and it wasn’t even the most important issue, but in Districts 9 and 10, many voters looked at a candidate’s opposition to the toll road as a measure of political independence — an affirmation that they wouldn’t fall in line with the old business establishment, an assurance that they would be more attuned to neighborhoods, that they would be smart fiscal watchdogs.

In District 10, McGough and Reyes had avoided the toll road issue altogether until James White joined the race and forced the discussion. A staunch opponent of the toll road, White pledged to kill the larger version of the toll road if elected. Neither Mc-

But with White in the race, District 10 voters began asking the other two candidates where they stood on the toll road, demanding definitive answers. A poll came out showing that nearly two-thirds of Lake Highlanders oppose the Trinity Toll Road. Then on Election Day, James White, the long-shot, lastminute candidate with little money or name ID, secured an impressive 23 percent of the vote, or 1,300 votes. How would runoff candidates Reyes and McGough respond to these clear indicators that District 10 voters opposed the Trinity Toll Road?

In the runoff, Reyes stuck to his position, but McGough announced that if elected, he, too, would vote to eliminate the massive, $1.5 billion toll road plan. As a result, James White threw his support behind McGough and worked to turn out his 1,300 voters (and full disclosure: so did I). In the end, McGough got about 1,000 more votes in the runoff than he did in the general election, while Reyes only picked up an additional 600 votes. That allowed McGough to pull ahead by a critical 35 votes.

With the election of McGough and Mark Clayton, as well Carolyn King Arnold in District 4, there are now at least seven out of 15 votes on the Dallas City Council who oppose the Trinity Toll Road. More importantly, this group of seven may also prove to be a coalition of smart, independent leaders who will fight for neighborhoods, who will reject shiny boondoggles, who will throw off the cobwebbed shackles of the Dallas Citizens Council. How great would that be?

Angela Hunt is a 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 at 6301 Gaston, Suite 820, Dallas 75214; FAX to 214.823.8866; or email ahunt@ advocatemag.com.

I think that in the recent council elections in Districts 9 and 10, a candidate’s position on the toll road served as a key differentiator for voters.