Park Cities People March 2026

Bradfield Elementary first-grader Asher Hirshman with his science project. SARAH HODGES

IT’S SPRING, AND THAT MEANS IT’S SCIENCE FAIR SEASON

My sixth-grade sister decided one spring to use the army of snails devouring our mother’s garden to march toward scholastic glory.

She wanted to enter the science fair, and thought that a project on whether snails have homing instincts would be a winner.

Using her extensive nail polish collection, she marked about a dozen snail shells with different colors depending on the locations where their occupants had been found. After several days, she checked back to see whether the snails had returned to the same spots.

I read recently that garden snails do have homing abilities. But our gastropods apparently never got that memo. Despite being among the slowest land animals, they were remarkably mobile. None of them ever returned to the bushes where they had been found.

My sister recruited me and our mother in her search for missing slugs. Several must have either been devoured by predators attracted to their brightly-colored shells or taken off for distant gar-

dens. Despite a thorough search of our yard, we were never able to locate them.

The project ended several weeks later in relief for our entire family, along with an honorable mention for my sister in the county science fair.

But that wasn’t the end of our snail saga.

My sister kept the tri-fold board she decorated with shells until she went to college. More than three decades later, we still look back and laugh about her snail science experiment. Although neither of us can recall much from our elementary school science classes, we appreciate the spirit of inquiry that her project nurtured.

This spring, science fairs are in the air in Highland Park ISD schools. Although the projects have changed, students’ genuine curiosity about how the world works hasn’t.

Young scientists at Bradfield Elementary asked some of the questions about artificial intelligence at their annual science fair that have left adults scratching their heads.

One project challenged subjects to distinguish between actual photos and those that had been generated by AI. The conclusion: People can tell the difference most, but not all, of the

time. An image of a class of students painting fooled seven of 14 test subjects.

Another young scientist asked Dad and a computer to play the guessing game 20 Questions about objects in their house. Dad won. The computer was at a disadvantage because it didn’t know the child or what was in the house, explained retired Bradfield science teacher Priscilla Crow.

Crow was judging the science fair for the fourth year, but this was her first time evaluating projects on AI. “Every year it’s fun just to see what the new thing is,” she remarked, adding that she loves the classics as well.

The projects at Highland Park High School’s SciTech Festival

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Student Fair were, of course, more sophisticated than those at Bradfield. But most were still inspired by students’ personal experiences.

And rather than focusing on competition, these budding scientists supported each other through the STAR — short for Science, Technology, and Research — Club, which was founded last year by high schoolers Ellie Chong and James Hu.

As the world changes, sci ence fairs will doubtless continue to evolve. But so long as they keep giving young innovators an opportunity to put their curiosity to the test, have fun, and work to find solutions to tricky problems, they’ll be heading in the right direction.

March 28, 2026

SARAH HODGES

Sarah Hodges and her sister on the hunt for missing research subjects. COURTESY

SARAH HODGES

NEWS: Molly Mullens Honored With Sign Dedication

Crime

Jan. 12

SCHOOLS: Hyer Huskies Lead Pledges; District Introduces Therapy Dogs

Reports Jan. 12 - Feb. 8

Reported at 12:40 p.m.: A not-so-sweet swindler who said he was selling candy to support a basketball team stole credit card information from a woman’s phone in the 4100 block of Lomo Alto Drive and apparently used it to make a $1,000 “donation” without her consent.

Jan. 13

Reported at 11:24 a.m.: A driver who seemed to be fuming about how the GMC Yukon Denali next to his car in  Highland Park Village  was parked deliberately scratched and dented the Yukon.

Reported at 5:49 p.m.: A thief stole a handgun from a vehicle on University Boulevard.

Jan. 14

Reported at 12:33 a.m.: A criminal cruiser stole a locked vehicle in the 3900 block of Purdue Street.

Jan. 15

Reported at 7:10 a.m.: A troublemaker broke the rear window of a vehicle in the 6800 block of Airline Road.

Jan. 16

Reported at 7:37 a.m.: Officers recovered a Ford Raptor stolen from the  4600 block of South Versailles Avenue, as well as papers and property that the thief threw out of the vehicle.

Reported at 3:18 p.m.: A stony-hearted criminal stole landscape rocks from the front driveway area of a home on Lovers Lane.

A thief rifled through a Mercedes-Benz in the  3300 block of Dartmouth Avenue before 6:15 p.m. and stole a Tumi suitcase containing clothes and toiletries.

Jan. 17

Reported at 12:49 p.m.: A thief made a clean getaway after shattering a window to steal a Toyota Tacoma that contained a vacuum, brushes, and rollers from the  4300 block of Rheims Place.

Jan. 18

An inept auto thief may have disabled the horn of a GMC Sierra and damaged an

exterior door lock while trying to steal the vehicle before 10:30 a.m. in the  3100 block of St Johns Drive, but apparently never actually managed to break into it.

Jan. 19

Reported at 8:48 a.m.: A double troublemaker burglarized a Ford F-250 and Toyota Land Cruiser on Villanova Drive.

Jan. 21

Reported at 3:58 a.m. in the  5000 block of Airline Road: A license plate looter had removed the front plate of a Cadillac Escalade sometime in the last couple of weeks.

Jan. 22

A troublemaker shattered the rear driver side window of a locked BMW X3 near the intersection of Auburndale Avenue and Princeton Avenue  before 7:36 a.m., but nothing appeared to be missing from the vehicle.

Jan. 23

Reported at 3:08 p.m.: Electronic harassment in Snider Plaza.

Jan. 26

Reported at 2:04 p.m.: A purse pincher stole a bag on Villanova Drive.

Jan. 27

A phone and online scam was reported at 5:16 p.m. on Stanford Avenue.

Jan. 28

Reported at 2:14 p.m.: A troublemaking trespasser made themselves unwelcome in a building on Daniel Avenue.

Jan. 29

Electronic fraud via phone was reported at 1:38 p.m. on Rosedale Avenue.

Jan. 30

Reported at 10:37 a.m.: A bicycle bandit stole a bike that had been left overnight on the rack at University Park Elementary School on Amherst Avenue.

Reported at 2:29 p.m.: A porch pirate stole four packages containing a child’s cold weather face mask, toiletries, and a child’s backpack on Jan. 23 from a home in the 4700 block of Bowser Avenue.

Feb. 1

A reprehensible rascal broke into a business in the Turley Law Center on  North Central Expressway at about 3:53 a.m., causing between $2,500 and $30,000 in damage.

Feb. 2

Reported at 9:18 a.m.: A burglar struck an unlocked vehicle on Lovers Lane.

A crafty thief stole a chainsaw from a landscaper in the  4200 block of Purdue Street at about noon.

Feb. 3

Reported at 10:43 a.m.: A pedaling pilferer stole a bike on  Rosedale Avenue  on June 6, 2025.

Reported at 11:55 a.m.: A bag bandit stole a purse on Wentwood Drive.

Feb. 4

A thief who shattered the window of a Ford F-150 in the 4100 block of Lomo Alto Drive at about 2:52 p.m. and stole a backpack may have been disappointed by their loot. The backpack was filled with documents.

A thief helped himself to an Apple MacBook, leather bag, $400, and wallet containing a driver’s license, passport and credit cards from an unlocked Volkswagen before 3 p.m. in the  4100 block of Lomo Alto Drive.

Feb. 5

A troublemaker damaged a storage unit on Lovers Lane at about 7 p.m.

Feb. 6

A car crook stole a BMW containing a Lenovo laptop and two pairs of sunglasses before 8:34 p.m. in the 4200 block of Potomac Avenue.

Feb. 7

A reckless roadster kept going after hitting a Jaguar XE 300 Sport at about 11:53 a.m. in the 4600 block of Southern Avenue.

Feb. 8

Reported at 5:15 p.m.: A mischief maker broke a window in a parking lot in The Plaza at Preston Center.

SARAH HODGES

SARAH HODGES

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HPISD Sees Jump in Test Scores

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

It’s good news when Highland Park ISD students improve their scores more than expected on a standardized achievement test. It’s great news when students beat their growth projections in each subject tested, and when that’s true for every grade of students who took the test.

HPISD test-takers achieved that landmark this winter with their scores on the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth assessment from the Northwest Evaluation Association.

HPISD students take the MAP test three times annually, in the fall, winter, and spring. The assessment is designed to measure students’ achievement and to help guide their instruction.

Kindergartners through seventh graders are tested on their reading and math skills. Second through seventh graders take an additional test on language usage, and third through seventh graders are assessed on science.

In addition to scores, parents receive a report that compares how much their student’s score increased to a “growth projection,” or the average score increase for test takers in the same grade with about the same starting score.

The school district receives similar grade-level data for each subject tested.

This year, every grade of students outperformed its projected growth in every single sub-

ject. In some cases, scores increased by multiples of the projection.

Second graders, who were projected to increase their language usage scores by 5.5 points, went up by 12. Seventh graders were only projected to raise their MAP scores by 1 point in science. Instead, they went up 6.8 points. And fifth graders, whose math scores were projected to increase by 4.5 points, saw a 10.6-point jump.

The percentage of individual students who met their growth projections also increased in all but four of 25 groups of test takers when compared to the same data in 2025.

“This is the best I’ve ever seen,” HPISD board of trustees member Pete Flowers said when he saw the reading test results during a Feb. 10 work session.

“It’s shocking,” board president Maryjane Bonfield added. “What did we do?” she later asked deputy superintendent Shorr Heathcote.

“It’s all the things we’re doing, honestly,” Heathcote responded. She attributed the district’s progress to ensuring that its curriculum is uniformly rigorous and that teachers understand what it takes for every individual child to make progress.

“We’re still working through that. Are we there yet? Absolutely not,” she said, explaining that the MAP test is not directly aligned with the STAAR, Texas’ annual achievement exam. “We’re moving in the right direction.”

Screens Shape Toddlers’ Vocab

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The videos toddlers watch may be reshaping their vocabularies in unexpected ways, according to new research from SMU.

Two related studies led by SMU psychologist Sarah Kucker found that children who spend more time watching videos and TV learn different types of words than their peers, and that a child’s temperament and their parents’ personality traits help explain why some families use more digital media in the first place.

“We know media is not just good or bad, it’s much more nuanced,” Kucker said.

A study of 388 caregivers published in Developmental Science found that toddlers with higher video exposure learned proportionally fewer words for body parts like “arm,” “nose” and “ear,” but more words for people and furniture.

“Touching your leg when you say the word leg is helpful for kids learning the word leg, or you think about parents always saying things like, ‘That’s your nose,’ and they touched your nose,” Kucker said. “You don’t get that through video.”

When they analyzed summaries of the videos parents reported their children watching most, about 65% referenced people words, including characters, family members, or occupations like police officer or firefighter.

The findings matter because early vocabulary composition can predict later language development. Children who know clusters of related words, including body parts, tend to have stronger word-learning abilities and faster vocabulary growth.

A second study, published in Developmental Psychology, examined why some families use more digital media than others. Kucker and SMU graduate students Syakira Wijaya and Sneh Jhaveri, along with collaborators at Georgetown University and the University of Miami, surveyed 464 caregivers and followed up with 90 families one year later.

The researchers found that parent personality matters. Parents who scored higher in conscientiousness, a trait associated with organization and self-discipline, tended to have children who spent less time with digital media.

Children’s own temperament also mattered. Toddlers with higher “negative affect,” a temperament trait characterized by fussiness and difficulty self-soothing, watched more videos, which in turn was linked to smaller vocabularies. The finding suggests some parents may turn to screens to calm difficult-to-soothe children, inadvertently creating a cycle that affects language development. When the researchers followed up one year later, they found that the link between early media use and vocabulary held true across the board: children who used more digital media at age 2 had smaller vocabularies at age 3, regardless of their temperament or their parents’ personality traits.

Contrary to what the researchers expected, using videos for educational purposes or watching alongside children did not offset the negative relationship between screen time and vocabulary in this study.

– Compiled by staff

FROM LEFT: Syakira Wijaya, Sarah Kucker and Sneh Jhaveri at the SMU KID Lab.COURTESY SMU

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It’s Time to Turn Down the Heat on Divisive Political Discourse

In the United States, the political climate has become red hot. Increasingly, people are influenced politically by the media they consume online; sometimes a new perspective unlocks a new ideology, opening the door to political awareness and discussion. But sometimes extreme rhetoric fuels conflict. Swallowed in confusion or boiling in anger, people often are not equipped with the skills to question and communicate in a civil manner. To create a more positive and constructive political climate, we must change the way we discuss politics with each other.

The way politics is discussed and debated has changed in the last 50 years. Political values were often passed down within families, and family discussions took place around the dinner table and in front of the television. Today, according to a recent survey by the American Psychiatric Association, one in five Americans polled skipped a family event due to disagreement on controversial topics, and the same number became estranged from a family member. Eighteen-to 34-year-olds were more likely to have engaged in conflict. Almost a quarter of those polled said they had blocked a family member on social media.

The rise of social media has led to tremendous change in the 21st century. Americans under 30 are increasingly using platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok at rates far higher than those over the age of 30, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey. These platforms enable instant sharing of

information, a feat not possible 20 to 30 years ago. Social media empowers Americans to attack each other from behind their screens without having to face any repercussions for the harm they do to both to individuals and positive political discourse.

These platforms also allow politically-biased media such as right-leaning Newsmax and left-leaning Vox to push stories onto people’s social media feeds. I’ve seen this firsthand. Though most of my time on social media is spent following sports, I’m constantly hit with political campaign ads and posts from political influencers trying to change my perspective. Misinformation is often unregulated on these platforms, which only adds fuel to the flame.

Social media’s harmful effects on political discourse can be controlled, however. One tool

for finding balanced information is Ground News, which rates stories according to bias and factuality. Ground News also informs readers on the ownership of news sources. Another emerging tool is middleware software, which is designed to enable users not only to recognize whether online content is credible, but also to customize their algorithmic feeds to allow fewer inflammatory posts and more posts from friends. Governmental action is necessary. Legislation should hold media companies accountable for misinformation and extreme rhetoric.

Young people must play a role in creating a better political atmosphere. It’s imperative that we seize the opportunity to have political conversations that drive forward positive change and promote a constructive political climate. We must push for our schools to teach civil

WHY DID HE CHOOSE THIS TOPIC?

Jack explained that our country has become a place where it is extremely difficult to have a constructive political discussion. He wanted to bring the evolution of political conversation to light and call for positive change.

discourse and include in-person discussions in the curriculum. We must push for more local political debate programs like the YMCA’s Youth & Government program, a nationally recognized civic engagement program designed to help teens navigate the world of politics. We must take advantage of the increasing number of university courses focused on constructive communication, such as “Disagreement” at Cornell University, “Democracy and Disagreement” at Stanford University, and “Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most” at Harvard University.

My generation holds the power to have meaningful and respectful political conversations. It is my greatest hope to live in a country where political discussion is fueled not by hate but by love and care for our community, and where it is our common desire as Americans to improve our society for ourselves and future generations.

Jack Sawyer is a junior at Highland Park High School. In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports and collecting trading cards. His piece is one in a series from students in the Moody Advanced Professional Studies modern media course. Visit peoplenewspapers.com to read opinion essays by students Noah Santoyo, Lane Pope, and Liliana Rodriguez that appeared in Park Cities People’s December, January, and February issues.

JACK SAWYER

SNOW DAYS GIVE NEIGHBORS A LICENSE TO CHILL

By Sarah Hodges and Claudia Carson-Habeeb

While schools and offices were closed the last week of January, neighbors got down to the serious business of having fun in the snow and ice

“School’s canceled! School’s canceled!” 10-year-old Molly Lloyd chanted happily on Jan. 27 from around her family’s firepit. It was her third day of making lots of s’mores with her brother and their friends

— so many that they’d had to make several Target runs.

When the children ran out of marshmallows, they got creative and burned graham crackers, tested how long it took for chocolate to melt, and saw who could make the deepest designs in snow with hot sticks.

Since school was closed the next day, they planned to restock and get cooking once again.

“All the kids are just playing,” Molly’s mom, Bailey, said. “It’s really fun.”

Other residents didn’t need to hit the

slopes to put their outdoor adventure gear to the test.

Sixth-grader Elliot Feinstein tried cross country skiing, while Jan and Greg Crespi used the poles they take to Sedona, Santa Fe, and New Zealand to help navigate the sidewalks.

“They work well on really sandy beaches, and on rugged mountain paths,” Greg said.

“And on Park Cities ice!” added Jan. Nearby, 8-year-old Avery Layman used a shovel to carve a snowman in her front

yard. She completed her creation with a top hat, scarf, acorn-top eyes, carrot nose, and celery mouth.

While Milan prepared to host Olympic curling events, Preston Hollow’s Amy and Dahlem Dodson were already brooming, sweeping, and sliding across Dallas ice like seasoned pros.

“My husband and I have always been fascinated with curling — so much so that he froze a couple of bowls of water, used naturally shed deer antlers for handles, and we hit our frozen street,” Amy said.

When Weather Gave Them Ice, These Residents Went Ice Skating Former

Olympian joins neighbors on Germany Park’s de facto rink.

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

A former Olympian glided across Germany Park last month — not on a track, but on a sheet of ice that transformed the practice field into Dallas’s most unlikely skating rink.

Ksenia Gonchar has competed as an ice dancer in some of figure skating’s most prestigious events, including the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.

University Park’s rink didn’t exactly adhere to international standards. (“There is no rink at Germany Park!” Gonchar said. “We just got lucky with the freezing temperatures and sleet, which created a skateable surface.”)

But the field was fit to purpose for building friendships on January’s sunny snow days.

Highland Park resident Stacey Hail discovered the Germany Park rink on Jan. 26. At first, she was skeptical that the field’s grass would have a firm undersurface. But she found that, while the frozen field wasn’t as smooth as an actual rink,

the experience of skating on it was just as fun.

“It was the biggest ice skating rink I’ve ever been on, and all by myself,” she said. “Every ice skater dreams of having an ice skating rink that big to themselves.”

After Hail shared a video of her unlikely skating experience on social media, Gonchar arranged to join her the next day.

Gonchar started skating at age 5. In her Eastern European family, it wasn’t an option to not do a sport. Ice skating eventually taught her much more than jumps and spins. She learned from an early age how to push through procrastination while practicing twice every day, six days a week. That dedication led her to top international finishes while still a teen — she placed 10th in the Junior Worlds at age 14 and won another international competition, the Golden Spin of Zagreb, at 17.

Gonchar represented Armenia in the Winter Olympics as an 18-yearold. She and her partner were the first ice dancers from their country to ever skate at the Olympics, and their

participation helped open the door for future Armenian competitors.

“The atmosphere at the Games is unreal and unlike anything else,” she said. “Everyone is supportive and friendly, it really feels like one big community, regardless of what’s going on in the world politically.”

Gonchar hasn’t had much opportunity to skate since her family relocated to the Park Cities in 2012. When she saw Hail’s post, the former Olympian was impressed by both Hail’s skating skill and her positive attitude.

“Honestly, the conditions were pretty bad,” Gonchar said. “Skating on snow and sleet takes a lot more effort and balance. But it was still so much fun, and I am very glad Stacey came up with this idea. I felt like a kid sledding in a laundry basket. I love when people get creative and work with what they have.”

By Wednesday, temperatures were rising and the Germany Park ice was starting to thaw. But Hail’s video had started a movement.

Park Cities resident Taylor Morrison arrived at Germany Park with

her husband and two small children Wednesday morning. The rink was deteriorating, but still skateable. The snowy field even had one added benefit — Morrison’s 5-and 3-year-old could run on it without slipping.

The three Germany Park skaters plan to continue their friendship by meeting up to skate in Farmers

Branch and at Galleria Dallas. Gonchar hopes to take the experience one step further — she would like to start a skating club for all levels of adult skaters.

“Skating in Germany Park with Stacey and Taylor was a sign for me,” she said. “It reminded me how much fun ice skating really is.”

FROM LEFT: Molly and Walker Lloyd at their firepit. Jan and Greg Crespi use their poles to navigate Park Cities ice. Avery Layman with her snowman. SARAH HODGES

FROM LEFT: Taylor Morrison with her daughter, Ann Margaret, and Ksenia Gonchar. KYLE MORRISON

New Editors Selected

People Newspapers has announced new leadership of its editorial and sports teams for the first time in more than eight years.

Sarah Hodges has been named editor of People Newspapers. In her new role, she will oversee editorial content in Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People, as well as in ancillary print and online publications.

Hodges replaces William Taylor, who has left North Texas to pursue opportunities in Galveston. Taylor joined People Newspapers in 2016 and has served as editor since August 2017.

Since January 2024, Hodges has directed content for Park Cities People as a managing editor of People Newspapers. She spearheaded the publication’s 20 Under 40 young achiever and University Park Centennial special sections and is the winner of seven 2025 National Newspaper Association Better Newspaper awards for column, feature, and business writing, and for an article preserving local history.

Hodges began her career at The Kansas City Star, where she was an education reporter. A graduate of Harvard Law School and former Peace Corps volunteer, she was a law firm associate before leaving the workforce to care for children. While a stay-at-home parent, she volunteered as a Girl Scout troop leader and school newsletter editor.

Hodges lives in University Park with her husband and three children.

“I had a feeling when I hired Sarah two years ago that she would be the editor here someday,” Taylor said. “I’m delighted, but not surprised, to see her earn the confidence of the publisher and ownership.”

Justin Thomas has been named sports editor of People Newspapers, where he will oversee coverage of Park Cities and Preston Hollow athletics.

Thomas replaces Todd Jorgenson, who has written for People Newspapers since 2014. Jorgenson plans to continue to contribute to the publications as a freelancer.

Thomas, a graduate of the University of Arizona, spent a dozen years as a sportswriter and community editor for Star Local Media, a Plano-based publisher of several North Texas weekly newspapers. He has also freelanced for that company and The Dallas Morning News.

“Sarah and Justin are both compelling storytellers who have demonstrated their sound news judgment,” People Newspapers’ publisher, Pat Martin, said. “Under their leadership, we look forward to continuing to serve readers as a trustworthy source of local news.”

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Celebrating Hadley Hanna’s Life on What Would Have Been Her Ninth Birthday

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Pink vanilla cotton candy with sprinkles. Rainbow unicorns painted on little faces. Glittering crosses on arms, cartwheels on a tumble track, and hearts painted in every color imaginable inside an art bus.

It was a birthday celebration any little girl would have loved — and especially Hadley Hanna, who was happy, cheerful, and her parents’ rainbow baby.

Hundreds of Park Cities residents joined the Hanna family in Smith Park on Feb. 13 to celebrate what would have been Hadley’s ninth birthday. The crowd included her classmates and teachers, friends and neighbors, families who had also lost children in the flooding,

and the Hannas’ entire block. Hadley was one of six Park Cities girls who lost their lives on July 4 during the catastrophic flooding at Camp Mystic.

“All I want is for her to be remembered and celebrated,” her mother, Carrie, said. “She loved everyone, and she loved a birthday. I want kids to have a good time.”

The day had been difficult for the Hanna family. That morning, they had finally buried Hadley at Sparkman/Hillcrest — something they were unable to do at the time of her service because her death certificate was unsigned.

“I just wanted to honor and celebrate her,” Carrie said, “and I figured why not go big?”

With help from Kristin Butler, owner of planning service Fabulous Fête, that was exactly what they did.

The celebration of life fundraiser featured a DJ, crafts, a raffle, a photo booth, and tables of treats. Rainbows appeared everywhere — on balloons, hats, shirts, and cheerful stuffed animals that smiled up from the merchandise table. Fabulous Fête donated its services to organize the event, with all proceeds benefiting Hugs From Hadley, the foundation that honors the little girl’s caring and jubilant spirit.

For children like 6-year-old Emmy Kirchstein, the celebration was pure joy. “It’s fun,” she said after a face painter decorated her forehead with a sparkly unicorn.

Emmy will attend camp for the first time this summer. Her aunt, Suzanne Steinmetz, expressed gratitude for the work the Hannas and other families

who lost children in the flooding are doing to make camps safer.

“They’re so brave,” she said. “It amazes me how strong they both are in turning this tragedy into something beneficial and helpful for everyone.”

The Hanna family are givers, said Kim Banuelos, principal of University Park Elementary, where Hadley was a student. Carrie has even continued serving this year on the board of the school’s parent-teacher association. Now the community is reaching out to support the Hannas in return.

“The parents here love their friends’ kids the same way they love their own kids,” Banuelos said. “People are not just here for themselves and their own family. They genuinely care about everybody

Mom Can’t Duck NorthPark Memories, Milestones

There’s a moment in parenting when you realize the finish line you’ve been running toward was actually the starting line for something else entirely.

It arrived for me a few days after my daughter Alexis turned 21 — not at a party, not over cake, but quietly, on an ordinary Tuesday morning at NorthPark Center. Twenty-one. I kept turning the number over in my mind. It’s not just a birthday — it’s a door. And on the other side, a future that hasn’t fully introduced itself yet. I wasn’t looking for a moment of reflection that morning. But as I walked past the duck pond, the memories came flooding back in a way I wasn’t prepared for.

If you ever spent time there with young kids, you know exactly the scene: strollers lined up like parked cars; toddlers squealing with laughter; parents crouched down,

pointing out ducks and turtles, encouraging little ones to climb just one more step.

You’d run into friends without planning to, mom groups lingered, lunches stretched long, and the whole place felt like community.

The planters were the main attraction. Reaching the top was no small feat. Kids pulled themselves up, paused just long enough to take it all in, then slid back down with pride written all over their faces. Parents cheered, phones ready, smiles wide. In that moment, it wasn’t a planter at all — it was proof of growing strength, confidence, and independence.

Watching it that morning, I could see Alexis there so clearly. I don’t remember the exact day she made it to the top — this was before phones documented every moment — but I remember who she was. Independent. Confident. Proud. She never waited for permission or applause. She reached the top and looked ahead, already ready for what was next.

Those early outings to NorthPark were part of our rhythm. Weekly walks through the mall. Gymboree visits. Corner Bakery lunches. Throwing a penny into the fountain and making a wish. Always ending with the ducks, the turtles, and the planters. Looking back, those moments didn’t feel monumental. They felt ordinary. And yet, here I am, realizing how extraordinary they were.

Parenting works that way. One stage blends into the next. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, your child moves forward. Each milestone brings excitement and pride, but it also quietly closes a chapter. It’s a constant mix of nostalgia and anticipation, whether we’re ready for it or not.

As I stood there watching those kids climb, I felt my eyes became moist — which I will blame entirely on a sudden duck allergy. But what I felt most wasn’t sadness. It was gratitude. And hope.

Alexis is stepping into a phase of life I’ve never seen before. Soon there will be

HOW TO HELP

else’s family too. And you don’t see that everywhere.”

Hadley would have loved her celebration — the bright colors, the tumble track, the art bus, the sparkly key chains — remarked Mary Lawrence, mother of a third grader at University Park Elementary.

“Our family loves the Hanna family,” she said. “They’re very near and dear to our family. We will do anything to support them and continue to support them.”

no school calendar. No familiar markers. Just possibility. A career she’ll build. A life she’ll shape. A future that will look different than anything before it — and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting.

Every stage has been special. Every single one. I wouldn’t trade a moment, even knowing how quickly it all goes.

Those planters reminded me that parenting isn’t about keeping our kids close — it’s about giving them the confidence to climb higher each time. What started with small hands pulling themselves up becomes big decisions, brave choices, and a life built entirely on their own terms. And as Alexis steps into what’s next, I feel proud, hopeful, and excited to watch it all unfold. I can’t wait to see who she becomes.

Martha Jackson, host of The Bubble Lounge Podcast, has lived in University Park for 20 years. She’s passionate about connecting with fellow moms, supporting local businesses, and finding humor in the chaos.

MARTHA JACKSON

Hugs From Hadley honors Hadley Hanna’s caring and jubilant spirit. The foundation supports health and wellness initiatives, educational scholarships, and first responder and rescue groups including game warden K9 units. To donate, visit hugsfromhadley.org.

Hundreds gathered in Smith Park to honor Hadley Hanna during a celebration of life fundraiser overflowing with rainbows, sparkles, hearts, and hugs. CHRIS MCGATHEY

From strategic pricing and tailored marketing to fresh paint and thoughtful staging, we’re intentional about every detail to ensure your home makes the best first impression and attracts a wide range of buyers.

From and tailored to staging, we’re intentional every ensure your the best impression attracts wide of

Spring is right around the corner, and it’s one of the strongest times of year to sell. If you’re thinking about making a move, we’d love to help!

Spring is right corner, of times of year to sell. If you’re thinking about making a move, we’d love to help!

Camps

WHAT’S NEXT WHEN FOUNDERS GRADUATE?

Seniors recruit other teens to continue nonprofit’s camps

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

When Ziling Zhou and Christopher Guffey formed their mentoring nonprofit as sophomores, they were focused on getting creative in the moment while giving back to the community and logging their volunteer hours.

But now that senior year has arrived, Zhou, of Highland Park High School, and Guffey, of St. Mark’s School of Texas, are looking at what’s next for ZG BrightFuture, their 501(c)(3) organization.

“The main thing I’m working on right now is just trying to find more people to take over and volunteer, which is surprisingly hard,” Zhou said, lamenting that a couple of members have already graduated. “It’s a lot easier to find people over the summer. People are less willing to commit time during the school week, especially on Fridays.”

ZG BrightFuture, which also involves HPHS students Shirley Sauber, Azarel Shives, and Alex Liu, provides after-school, weekend, and summer activities for youngsters at the Arlington Park and Reverchon Park recreation centers.

HPHS junior Serena Liu plans to get involved.

“I’m good friends with Ziling — our grandmas are best friends,”

Serena Liu said. Sauber recalled how Zhou motivated her to get involved with the work three years ago.

“I really liked that she was making her own nonprofit,” Sauber said.

“I thought that was really cool.”

Sauber also was already looking for ways to get her volunteer hours and the ZG BrightFuture mission fit her well.

“I really like interacting with the kids, and we focus primarily on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and arts and crafts, which are both really pas-

sions of mine,” said the senior, who plans to study biology at Baylor University in the fall.

“I have a bunch of friends in the lower grades, so I’ve been trying to exert my influence there,” Sauber said. “I’m hoping that through Azarel and her friends she can continue this.”

As ZG BrightFuture expanded in the summer of 2025, Sauber and Shives led the Arlington Park camp, while Alex Liu and Zhou manned the new Reverchon Park location. A new group is starting at Carpenter Park Recreation Center in Plano with

sophomores Ryan Chen and Andrew Wang of Jasper High School.

“Over the summer, we volunteered at the Dallas center,” Chen recalled. “We got to see what she was doing with the kids, and that really inspired us — that impact they had on the children — to open a Plano center.”

He would like to start a robotics program next.

“It encourages STEM as well as cooperation, because you have to work in a team to solve problems using robotics,” Chen explained.

Wang noted how sales from a

Let Kids Tell You What’s Best About Camps

I have visited camps across the country — from California to Maine — and being at them, meeting the directors, watching a day unfold, and seeing how they truly run gives me a real feel for each program — something you just can’t get from a website or brochure.

One of my favorite parts of visiting camps is talking directly with the campers.

When I ask them what makes camp so special, their answers are always honest and come straight from their hearts.

They talk about the fun, the traditions,

The Ursuline story is one of tradition. It is also a story of exceptional teachers,

and

and the feeling of no pressure.

They tell me things like, “There are no cliques at camp,” “Nobody judges you here,” and “You can really be yourself.”

They laugh about shaving cream fights, making s’mores, and even sliding in the mud when it rains.

Many say camp feels like their “second home” or a “good bubble,” and that the friendships they make are even stronger than the ones they have at home.

I also hear quieter, powerful comments that stay with me:

“I feel comfortable here.”

“Everyone includes you.”

“I like who I am at camp.”

“I’m braver here.”

girls becoming effective and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.

The oldest continuously operating school in Dallas, Ursuline Academy is an independent Catholic collegepreparatory school for young women founded by the Ursuline Sisters. In this nurturing, all-girl environment, students are empowered to think critically and creatively, giving them skills they need for college and beyond.

Usuline is renowned for academic excellence, innovation, and the school’s motto, Serviam (I will serve), meeting the individual needs of each student and helping her develop intellectually and spiritually as she discovers her own unique gifts.

Ursuline educators are dedicated role models and mentors, fully equipped to move classrooms onto the digital landscape. Students learn global citizenship through educational and cultural exchanges with 11 sister schools worldwide.

“I don’t miss my phone.” (maybe one or two said this!)

Kids talk about laughing more, being outside, feeling safe, and making friends from all over the world.

Repeatedly, they say the same thing in different ways — camp is a place where they belong. You can see this on their faces and the way they interact with their camp friends.

What really stands out is the impact camp has beyond the fun.

Camp gives children a chance to slow down, unplug from technology, and step away from the pressures of everyday life. They get outside, connect with nature, try new things, and simply be kids again.

baking business at Jasper have helped with funding and opened the potential for new programs.

“We’ve made a decent amount of money, where we can fund these robotic activities,” Wang said. “Additionally, I play basketball and he plays soccer, so, we can also involve more athletic things if we need to.”

As founders Zhou and Guffey look forward to college and life beyond, it looks like their community service nonprofit does indeed have a bright future.

They build confidence, learn independence, and form real, lasting friendships in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

When kids talk about camp, they don’t mention facilities or schedules. They talk about how they feel. They say, “I can be myself,” “I feel comfortable,” and “This is my second home.”

Those simple, honest words say everything. Camp gives children space to grow, connect, and thrive — and that’s why choosing the right camp matters so much.

Reach Helene Abrams with Tips on Trips and Camps, a free advisory service that helps parents find enriching summer overnight experiences for their children, ages 7-18, at 214-6939259 or Helene@TipsonTripsandCamps.com.

it Gets GOOD!

Since 1959, Good Shepherd Episcopal School has provided a setting where children become the best versions of themselves. Our students develop independence through structured intellectual exploration, build meaningful relationships by engaging with and learning from diverse perspectives, practice empathy, grow spiritually by serving others, and honor the inherent dignity of every human being. Our graduates are equipped and eager to make a meaningful impact on the world around them!

ZG BrightFuture provides arts and crafts and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs at its camps and afterschool programs. FROM LEFT: Chris Guffey, Alex Wang, Shirley Sauber, Ziling Zhou, Alex Liu, and Azarel Shives. JOSH HICKMAN AND NANCY LING

Portrait of an Ursuline Graduate

URSULINE ACADEMY

Summer Sessions Make Perfect Pastime

Compete BP builds community of young hitters, pitchers

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

Area youngsters with a passion for baseball are finding a training oasis tucked away in the Mockingbird Central shopping center.

Founded and run by Tommy McElroy and his son-in-law Franco Broyles (nicknamed after his legendary grandfather and Arkansas Razorbacks coach Frank Broyles), Compete BP is a membership-based indoor sports complex focused on player development through technology, professional coaching, and a focused environment with batting cages and a players’ lounge. It offers private lessons, group training, and specialized sessions for hitting, speed, and agility.

“Kids like the one-on-one attention.”

Franco Broyles

“Coaching has always been in my background,” said Broyles, who got out of baseball after several injuries in college. “Two lessons led

to five, and five led to 10. And this was really a secondary gig. Then we hosted the trials for our team and 60, 70 kids showed up. We had five or six teams that first year, called the Texas Travelers. That’s now grown to 18 or 19 teams.”

Of the first class that went into high school this past year as freshmen, 55 of 58 made their high school team.

“We got a big endorsement from Chris Young,” McElroy said of the general manager of the Texas Rangers. “His son is a member

here. This past spring, Joc Pederson and Corey Seager showed up here to train. We also train two nights a week at Scotland Yard.”

Compete BP offers training camps all summer, often the most convenient and enthusiastic time for baseballers ages 8 to 15, with younger kids usually scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon and older players 1 to4 p.m. Hitting and pitching clinics feature visiting specialized coaches.

“Sometimes we’ll have camps up to 20, but most of the time they’re still a little more intimate, five to

10,” Broyles said “They’re still getting good attention with the coach. Kids like the one-on-one attention.”

The first two coaches hired were Highland Park baseball players, McElroy said. “I went to Highland Park, and my two daughters and son; my son played there.”

McElroy and Broyles are in the middle of determining whether to duplicate Compete BP up north at Stonebriar Centre.

“That’s on the table,” McElroy said. “It’s twice the size of this space, and it’s Frisco (43 el -

GET IN THE GAME

Compete

ementary schools, 1 intermediate school, 18 middle schools, and 12 high schools.) My fear is that we have to find another Franco.”

But the Mockingbird location is bustling, with its seasoned coaches, HitTrax hitting simulators, Blast Motion sensors for swing analysis, keypad entry for extended hours access, and big-league friends, the jerseys of whom adorn the walls — Smith, Neal, Smyly, Reynolds, Chinea. Yet, for all the technological advancements, it always comes back to the love of America’s pastime.

“What’s special about this place is the community that’s being built around baseball, the camaraderie with the coaches,” Broyles observed. “Everybody’s here to get back to the game. To me, it’s more than just a batting cage — the families that are coming in, people getting to know each other, the kids working and training together from different schools — it’s really encouraging to see.”

BP, 5400 E. Mockingbird Lane, will run weekly camps and skill-specific clinics for players of all ages this summer. Sessions serve beginners through advanced youth and high school athletes.

FROM LEFT: Compete BP coaches Spencer Griffin, Cam Gallagher, Franco Broyles, Jake Chapman, Luke Triola, and Nick Tovar. JOSH HICKMAN

Walnut Hill Recreation Center Offers Family Summer Fun

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb claudia.carson-habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

From fitness classes and youth camps to swimming programs and community meetups, Dallas recreation centers aim to keep residents active, connected, and engaged throughout the year.

At the busy intersection of Midway Road and Walnut Hill Road, the Walnut Hill Recreation Center remains a neighborhood hub of health, sports, and community life. Built in 1960 with funds raised by civic leader Ann Kelman, the center reflects local pride in public space. Kelman was a real estate agent and developer, the first woman to serve on the City of Dallas Board of Adjustment, president of Goodwill Industries, and chairman of the Parks and Gardens Committee of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce.

After extensive modernization, the center reopened in 2013 with updated facilities serving all ages.

The Walnut Hill Recreation Center offers a broad mix of amenities with a baseball field, a fully equipped fitness center and gymnasium for basketball and indoor sports, meeting and program rooms with a kitchen for community events, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, a playground, and an outdoor pool.

Nearby resident Maria Lopez said the center has become a meaningful part of her family’s routine. “I bring my kids here every Saturday for their tennis lessons,” she said. “It’s so convenient

having great facilities right in our neighborhood, and with the pool and classes too, it’s really become part of our weekends.”

This spring, regular offerings include youth basketball skill

all girls & boys entering grades 3-8: Join the fun this summer at Ursuline’s Adventure and Athletic Camps! Camps run weekly from June 1 - July 31.

sessions, preschool playtime and walking clubs, and classes such as yoga, speed walking, and tai chi.

Recent calendar examples show cooking classes for adults, pickleball skills sessions, ballet and

martial arts for kids, and Zumba and other group fitness classes for families and adults.

For those looking ahead to summer, the pool at Walnut Hill figures prominently in seasonal plans. The Dallas Parks and Recreation Department runs swim lessons for all ages at community pools, including Walnut Hill, along with open swim times and recreational swim teams that help kids prepare for swim competition or just build water confidence. Community pools typically offer daily open swim several days each week during summer, affordable admission, and season passes for regular visitors.

Summer also brings school - break camps with the multi-day activities structured for youth ages 5 to 12 during spring, summer, and fall breaks, blending games, art, movement, and social time in a supervised setting.

Walnut Hill’s fitness center is one of about 40 operated by Dallas Parks. Programming is open to residents and often free with a recreation access card. Standard adult memberships run about $18 per month, senior rates around $14 per month, and universal passes for access across centers are available for approximately $25 per month, with annual options providing further savings.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Walnut Hill Recreation Center includes tennis courts, a pool, and an indoor gym. CLAUDIA CARSON-HABEEB

The Most Common

ABOUT 2026 DALLAS’ REAL ESTATE MARKET

Susan Baldwin, one of the most trusted names in luxury real estate in Dallas and recently ranked #1 individual producer and #8 in Texas by RealTrends, shares what she’s seeing in the luxury real estate market for 2026. These answers are designed for discerning buyers, sellers, and investors who demand real insight, strategy, and results.

Q: IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO SELL?

A: Yes! Sellers need to be ready, patient, and strategic. Prices have fluctuated and even decreased in 2025. The market research may show the value of your home this year is different than what was expected or what it was even last year. But as prices have decreased, volume has increased, and buyers are ready to buy! Pricing is critical but move-in readiness and strong negotiations are equally important. My role is to research, analyze, and set a strategy that achieves your goals. It’s a complicated process that requires patience, market awareness, and a tailored plan to attract the right buyers for the best outcome. And we may need to keep fluid to current market conditions and stay in the market valuation. At slightly lower pricing, I am now seeing more interest and even multiple offers coming in, which is very exciting.

Q: WHY ARE SO MANY HOMES BEING REDUCED MULTIPLE TIMES?

A: There can be several reasons. The short answer may be that the market changed last year, and everyone had to adjust! Sometimes sellers enter the market with a price in mind. However, buyers are smart and also have a price in mind on what they want to pay in this market. Sometimes we like to introduce a property as an exclusive listing at a slightly higher pricing, then observe buyer response – essentially using a private “focus group” to gauge demand and adjust strategically. This approach ensures the home attracts serious buyers while protecting its value, all without compromising the seller’s goals.

Q: ARE BUYERS STILL COMING FROM OUT-OF-STATE?

A: Absolutely. DFW is one of the hottest markets in the country, attracting executives from the tech and financial sectors and their families from all parts of the country and beyond. That’s why I take each listing local, national, and global through The Wall Street Journal, geo-targeted ads, Zillow, and key platforms ensuring the right buyers, wherever they are, see your home.

Q: WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THE HIGHEST PRICE?

A: Presentation is everything. Before any photos are taken, I bring in my stager and create a working strategy to make the property buyer ready. It is all about ensuring potential buyers immediately see themselves living their best life in the home. It is not about the personal taste of the owner; it is about creating a welcoming atmosphere that is beautiful but neutral.

Home & Business

THIS RETIREE’S SECOND ACT IS THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE THAT HAS YOUR PUP’S TAIL WAGGING

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

After retiring from a successful career in public affairs, Marsha Lindsey decided she wanted to open a dog supply store.

The 54-year-old had plenty of determination, but no experience running a business. She borrowed against her car and home, withdrew money from her retirement account, and launched The Lucky Dog Barkery in The Plaza at Preston Center, the only retail center that agreed to give her idea a chance.

“My financial advisor at the time goes, ‘I don’t know about this.’ But he knew I was passionate about it, and I can be pretty hard-headed,” Lindsey said. “I’m like why not? It’s up to me. I’m just going to make it work.”

Twenty years later, thousands of pets and their people are grateful that Lindsey and The

Plaza at Preston Center took a risk. The Lucky Dog Barkery has become a dream destination for pet owners and the dogs they love.

The store’s approximately 2,600 square-foot space next to Muchacho is packed from floor to ceiling with dog toys, stylish clothing, nutrition-packed food, beds, and gear. There’s even a birthday section with everything a pup might need to celebrate their special day, along with some treats for their favorite kitties.

important to me … They’re family,” she said. “We take good care of our customers. We’ve got a really good, loyal base of customers, and we’ve become a part of their lives.”

“I’m like why not? It’s up to me. I’m just going to make it work.”

Marsha Lindsey

The words “My dog eats better than I do” are written on many of the shop’s bags, a phrase that Lindsey often hears from owners who purchase a selection of her high-quality products.

“I take care of my employees. That’s really

Her customers have become a part of Lindsey’s life, as well. Along with a picture of her grandson on the Barkery’s second floor, Lindsey keeps a 20-yearold photo of one loyal customer, an 18-pound Yorkie named Thor who used to carry a large bully stick from the Barkery to his home on the other side of Northwest Highway.

Lindsey can rattle off stories about the fourlegged Barkery customer who got away from a pet sitter and ended up at her back door, or the two-legged one who went hunting for presents

for three dogs and a baby on Christmas Eve.

The Barkery’s design is also personal to Lindsey. As a child, she loved visiting her uncle’s small-town store, which served as a post office, general store, gas station, and cotton gin. She’s recreated its atmosphere with a variety of antique and industrial pieces.

The Lucky Dog Barkery’s treats are stored in nail bins, and its collars are organized by size in legal file drawers.

Lindsey built the racks that hold dog harnesses and leashes out of pipes she found in the plumbing aisle at Home Depot. The Barkery’s doors, which Lindsey refinished in her driveway, have traveled to three different locations in The Plaza at Preston Center. Its chairs pay homage to her father, who would only take her shopping in stores where he had a place to sit.

Lindsey has considered opening additional stores, but she’s decided against it. What she’s built in the Plaza is unique, she said; she doesn’t want to dilute it. She also doesn’t sell anything online. The Barkery’s employees are too busy doing their jobs — taking care of the customers who come through their door.

Over the years, the Lucky Dog Barkery has given back to the community that has supported it. The store has donated to nonprofits, provided merchandise to pets in need, and participated in Partner’s Card. Recently, it funded a University Park Public Library program that helps children sharpen their reading skills by sharing stories with dogs.

“I tend to live in the moment. I don’t worry a lot about what’s down the road. I try to do the best I can every day,” Lindsey said. “But I do have to go, ‘20 years?’ I’m just kind of dumbstruck, to be honest.”

Expert Unlocks Secrets to Home Security During Library Talk

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Most residential burglars aren’t highly-skilled heisters, and protecting property from them is simpler than homeowners may think, locksmith Arianne “Tex” Thompson explained during a Jan. 31 talk at the Highland Park Library.

“Professionally speaking, I don’t so much worry about forced entry, and I don’t so much worry about what if they pick the lock, what if they bump it,” she said. “If you’ve seen security camera footage, they are not 007. They are not the A Team. They are not Ocean’s 11.”

Most burglars find their way into homes through doors that have been left unlocked, or by using keys that have fallen into the wrong hands, she explained.

Thompson, a former locksmith at Bee’s Keys who founded and owns DFW Antique Locksmith, is a certified forensic locksmith, an expert who can examine a lock or security device and testify in court

on how it may have been compromised. There are about 40 forensic locksmiths worldwide. As far as Thompson knows, she is the only one who uses the ladies’ room.

Over the course of her career, Thompson has never seen a broken glass burglary. She’s also not seen many instances of forced entry, and the most memorable of those didn’t occur because a burglar outsmarted a dead bolt.

Instead, the thief simply shouldered his way through a door that was vulnerable because its strike plate was secured with half-inch screws. This type of situation is easily avoided by using a screwdriver or power drill to check the security of a strike plate and replacing short screws with longer versions, Thompson said.

She suggested that homeowners think carefully about where they put spare keys and who has copies. Did they only give their car key to the valet, or did they include their house key as well? Did their child lose a key (again)? Are all their keys sitting

in a dump zone near the door?

To reduce the number of keys that could fall into the wrong hands, homeowners can consider smart locks, high-security keys that cannot be copied without authorization, or combination-secured key boxes to store spares.

An option for those with multiple doors would be to key one door differently and to give that key to temporary visitors (or careless children) so that misplacing a key doesn’t mean rekeying an entire home.

Thompson emphasized the benefits of layers of security, and especially neighbors who look out for each other. “Communal security is better security,” she said.

Once she’d tackled home safety, Thompson spoke about how to deal with times when homeowners are locked out of, or cannot lock, a door and a trusted locksmith isn’t available.

She said that she has had good experiences with Pop-A-Lock in emergencies. Her self-help tips included using a credit card to open

bathroom and bedroom doors without deadbolts. “This is going to save your bacon when your kid locks your bedroom or the bathroom door,” she advised, explaining that residents should slide the card between the lock and door as opposed to swiping it up and down.

Neighbors left the presentation ready to put Thompson’s tips to work.

“She attended to most practical issues that we run into, and she brought up some other things for us to think about,” audience member Rudy Moras said after the presentation, adding later “I will go back and review the locks that we have in the house, and actually rectify any issues that I think that she brought up.”

SARAH HODGES

Marsha Lindsey stands in front of some of the many treats owners can find at her Lucky Dog Barkery. SARAH HODGES

Comings and Goings

NOW OPEN

Arista Advanced Pet Care

12330 Inwood Road

The veterinarian-owned multispecialty referral and 24/7 emergency hospital group has delivered cardiology, internal medicine, surgery, and emergency and critical care to North Dallas.

Delilah Dallas

1616 Hi Line Drive

The roaring ’20s-inspired supper club brought its signature old-Hollywood glamour and high-energy nightlife experience to its largest location to-date in the Design District on Feb. 3.

Foot Locker Galleria Dallas

Hudson House West Village

3699 McKinney Ave., Suite 200

The restaurant renowned for its legendary cheeseburger, flown-in-daily East Coast oysters, and cult-favorite “World’s Coldest Martini” opened on Feb. 4 in a 5,600-square-foot location that features warm leather booths, a large wraparound bar, a spacious sitdown raw bar, and an outdoor patio.

The world’s leading global athletic footwear and apparel retailer is offering products for a wide range of activities, including basketball, running, and training, on level 2.

Little Ruby’s

2305 Cedar Springs Road, Suite 150

The New York City neighborhood staple known for its effortless blend of Sydney’s laid-back, coastal culture and New York’s vibrant energy introduced Dallasites to its warm hospitality, fresh dishes, and drinks on Feb. 2.

The Shops at Park Lane Various Stores

The Cream & Crepes Café is delighting sweet afficionados with sizzling

crepes, creamy rolled ice creams, fluffy waffles, and more at 8018 Park Lane, Suite 120.

Sneakerheads rejoice! SOLEPLIER is offering high-end sneakers and streetwear for the elite consumer between Bloomingdale’s and HomeGoods. Those ready for a sneaker switch can also sell or trade lightly worn pairs.

COMING

Cozy Earth

The Plaza at Preston Center Luxury bedding and loungewear is coming soon to the premier University Park shopping destination.

Pottery Barn

NorthPark Center

The specialty retailer will bring its casual, comfortable, and stylish home furnishings,

DISCOVER HOW TO MOVE WITH EASE!

including furniture, bedding, bath, rugs, window treatments, tabletop, lighting, and decorative accessories, to level one between Macy’s and Dillard’s.

Sueño

6600 Snider Plaza

The Richardson favorite plans to transport its vision of elevated yet approachable Mexican cuisine, heartfelt hospitality, and Mexico City-inspired design to a second location in Snider Plaza.

TEN Ramen

3699 McKinney Ave., Suite 107

The celebrated ramen spot will bring its flavorful dishes and warm hospitality to a 1,480 square-foot space this spring. The new location will feature a full-service bar seating seven and an intimate dining room seating 28.

—Compiled by Sarah Hodges

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 • 2:00PM 8523 Thackery Street • Dallas, TX 75225

Rightsizing is more than a mere change of address. Embrace the advantages of a more manageable residence, maintenance-free living and decluttering your possessions. Rightsizing also offers the liberation of financial and social burdens.

Space is limited. RSVP today at 484.699.9337 or visit edgemerelife.com/events to reserve your spot.

OLSON Marketing Director, SMM-C

Join us as Senior Living, Rightsizing Expert, Lori Olsen shares her insights on:

• How to begin the process of sorting, organizing, and downsizing.

• Planning your space.

• The positive impact downsizing has on your finances.

LORI

Delilah Dallas KATHY TRAN

Little Ruby’s ASHLEY RANDALL PHOTOGRAPHY

Hudson House SAMANTHA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

TEN Ramen

SAMANTHA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Superb First Impressions: Essential Items for the Perfect Foyer

Foyers and entryways are important areas of the home that often go overlooked. Not only are they a landing strip where you transition from public to private life, but they also set the mood and color scheme for the whole house.

MARGARET CHAMBERS

you have a shoes-off policy for your home? If so, store shoes in a chest or basket under the console. Do you drop off your mail, sunglasses, and keys as soon as you get home? Place a pretty decorative box on your console table to collect those loose items. To keep umbrellas off the floor, I recommend adding an umbrella stand made of porcelain, brass, or Lucite.

Most professionally-designed foyers will have at least one of the following: a console table, a chest, or a bench. A chest makes sense if you don’t have a lot of closet space and need extra storage for your seasonal clothes. Benches offer a place for people to put on or take off shoes. To dress up the space, hang a statement mirror or painting over your table, chest, or bench. Decorate your console table or chest as you would a coffee table, with fresh flowers, a bowl of seashells, antiques, candles, vases, or books.

“If your foyer tends to get cluttered, take note of what kinds of clutter accumulate there.”

One common problem with entryways is that they can be narrow and poorly lit. In a foyer with very little natural light, a statement chandelier is the obvious choice. Another option is to decorate your console table or chest with a single large lamp or multiple smaller ones (like candlestick lamps). To reflect the natural light coming in through your windows or door, you can also include a wall mirror.

In some homes, the entryway is small and enclosed on most sides. In an open concept home, however, the space is less defined. Homeowners with an open concept house can delineate where their foyer begins and ends using an accent rug and a few pieces of furniture, such as a bookcase, console table, or bench.

If your foyer tends to get cluttered, take note of what kinds of clutter accumulate there. Do

A beautiful and well-organized foyer will not only impress your guests, but also bring you cheer when you come home after a long day. If you take a moment to strategize and identify key items missing from your setup, you too can create a foyer that is as stylish as it is functional.

Margaret Chambers, a registered interior designer (RID) and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) member, leads Chambers Interiors and Associates. Her colleague Caitlin Crowley helped edit this column. Visit chambersinteriors.com/blog for more design advice.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: By letting in lots of natural light, you can make your foyer feel open and airy. Putting a console table, bench, and decorative mirror together will form a classic entryway vignette. This foyer has two decorative light sources: a star-shaped fixture overhead and a lamp with a faux bois base. MICHAEL HUNTER WITH DESIGN BY MARGARET CHAMBERS

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Schools

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Have you ever wondered which gas station has the cleanest bathroom, the best way to get out a stubborn ketchup stain, or whether different colored popsicles melt at different rates?

The students at Bradfield Elementary have. About 100 Bradfield Broncos put their creativity to the test during the school’s science fair on Jan. 30. The students documented their work on tri-fold project boards, then explained their methodology to four volunteer judges who evaluated them.

The projects had to be student-led — the kids were the scientists at this science fair, not their parents — and no live animals were allowed. But students were otherwise free to explore, ask questions, and think critically about the world around them, explained Shannon Piper and Caitlin Merritt, who co-chaired the fair with Jackie Coker.

“I’ve learned a few things myself,” science fair judge Nelson Beville said with a laugh as he walked through a row of firstgrade projects. “I think it’s invaluable to use your imagination, and be creative, and figure out a process and stick to it.”

When Mother Nature provided snow days, several students, including first-grader Tim Zeng, turned them into science experiments.

After watching neighbors put salt on snow, Zeng wondered whether sugar would also make ice melt. He discovered that sugar may look like salt, but it is much less efficient at melting ice.

BRADFIELD SCIENCE FAIR SPARKS CREATIVITY AND LEARNING

“You should wash your hands at gas stations, no matter how clean they look or how dirty they look.”

Ella Dowling

Other students devised experiments to help resolve their families’ daily dilemmas.

In her project, “The Pain of the Stain,”

first-grader Margaret Rowling put ketchup on her shirt, then experimented with stain removers to see which one worked most effectively. She recommends Sprouts Farmer’s Market Laundry Stain Remover. With Q-tip in hand, second-grader Ella Dowling tackled the question of which gas station has the cleanest restrooms. She swabbed around toilets, then wiped her Q-tips on petri dishes which she popped into an oven. Dowling found that QuikTrip gas station restrooms were the cleanest. (Buc-ee’s, the travel-stop famed for its immaculate toilets, was not part of the experiment.)

Dowling was surprised by the results. Some restrooms weren’t as clean as they

HPISD Musicians Earn All-State Recognition

looked. “You should wash your hands at gas stations, no matter how clean they look or how dirty they look,” she advised.

Classmates crowded around the young scientists, who explained their methodology to their peers. One popular project was second-grader Prescott Gage’s experiment on whether organic or non-organic sugar stuck better to rock candy sticks.

“I thought it would be cool and it would taste good. But it was so successful, I can’t get it out,” Gage said, explaining that his candy had grown to be so large that it was now stuck to the sides of the glasses where he had made it.

The science fair’s judges included pediatric dentist Beville, Hola HP owner Katherine Herron, mental health provider Chandler Sinclair, and retired Bradfield science teacher Priscilla Crow, who was judging the science fair for the fourth year.

“It’s always been fun. Every January I look forward to it,” Crow said. “It’s good to see the kids excited about science.”

Nine Highland Park band, orchestra, and choir students have been named all-state musicians, the highest honor a Texas music student can receive.

About 2% of high school musicians earn all-state honors. The top students were chosen through an audition process that began this fall with more than 70,000 high schoolers from around the state. Only about 1,800 of the highest-ranking musicians were named to Texas Music Educators Association ensembles sponsored by the band, orchestra, or vocal divisions.

The all-state musicians from the Highlander Band were Sam Stobaugh, Carson Critcher, and Ryaan Khan.

Singing Scots selected for the all-state choirs were Caroline Davidson, Jaron Pierce, Raj Luthra, and Luka Anderson.

Orchestra all-state students were Alec Fang and Raymond Wu.

—Compiled by Sarah Hodges

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: First-grader Nico Revol with her project on which color popsicle melts the fastest. Judges Nelson Beville, Priscilla Crow, Katherine Herron, and Chandler Sinclair. First-grader Kennedy Bray with her rainstorm in a jar project. Second-grader Prescott Gage with his project on making rock candy. SARAH HODGES

We’ve Got Problems. These High Schoolers Have Ideas That Could Help

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Private speech therapy can cost $100 an hour or more, and a critical scarcity of speech-language pathologists means that it can be difficult for some families to access care at all.

But what if parents and speech pathologists had an artificial intelligence tool able to model correct speech for children who stutter or have speech impediments, one that maximizes learning by reproducing a child’s speech in that child’s original voice?

Thanks to the work of Highland Park High School junior Ethan Li, they may soon. Li was inspired by his own struggles to be understood as a young Chinese speaker to create SpeakWise, an AI tool designed just for children that would be free, fast, and easy to use.

“I hope it can help people,” Li said. “But I also hope it can inspire other people to try to help.”

Li showcased SpeakWise during the high school’s SciTech Festival Student Fair. During an award ceremony on Feb. 4, the project won first prize in the technology division and the Jay Ingram Award, a $500 scholarship given in memory of a beloved Highland Park physics teacher.

SpeakWise was one of 10 projects on display from inquisitive and hard-working high schoolers who met as a club to support each other through the scientific process. If they had questions, they could turn for assistance to advanced placement biology teacher Jennifer Giannou-Moore and Highland Park ISD STEAM lead Bridget Myers.

“They came up with a project, and they followed the breadcrumbs so to speak,” Myers said. “It’s honestly very impressive the depth they go to.”

The students’ projects included a study from junior Antony Moussa, who found that even though they’re calorie-free, artificial

sweeteners can still affect blood glucose levels, a particularly concerning finding for those who may be diabetic.

Sophomore Katie Kipp found that cooling strategies for young female athletes aren’t only useful on hot days — they also improve recovery in moderate temperatures.

Sophomore Andrew Martinelli won first place in the science division for his study of an environmentally-friendly method of filtering microplastics out of water. Microplastics, his project explained, form when plastic waste breaks down. Plastic is everywhere,

and so are the contaminants. Martinelli’s work was inspired in part by his own experiences volunteering at Restorative Farms, a South Dallas nonprofit environmentally affected by contaminants.

Martinelli studied fenugreek polysaccharides, which can be used as filters because they cause microplastics to clump together and sink. He found that the all-natural filters worked better for some microplastics than others. They were most effective with contaminants that derived from PVC pipe, and worked less well with artificial turf.

FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS

Martinelli plans to continue exploring different applications of his process.

“Right now, I’m just working on drinking water, so we’ll have to see where that takes me,” he said. “I really found it interesting while researching.”

The projects were judged by a panel that included experts who took part in the high school’s Science and Technology Festival. La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas funded more than $10,000 in student scholarships for the five top projects in the technology and science categories.

All of the students who meet its requirements have the option of competing at the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair on Feb. 28. But Giannou-Moore said that she hopes their spirits of inquiry take them even further.

“I want them to continue to ask the questions and find solutions to real world problems, and to be constantly looking at their environment and asking why. And to be like, ‘hey, I wonder if,’” she said. “And then to try to pursue the wonder if, and see if they can come up with a solution.”

Creation Studio Helps Special Artists Share Ideas, Sell Their Work

I had the good fortune to visit and interview

Creation Studio founder, director, and Preston Hollow native Hunter Lacey on opening day in January 2025.

The art studio and gallery, just off Southwestern Boulevard, serves artists with disabilities. With a roster that includes popular University Park painter Reese Gould among others, it has had a busy year of impressive progress and accomplishments.

“As far as enrollment, it’s been perfect,” Lacey said of the seven artists. “We’ve had two shows, a couple of markets, and we have another show coming up on March 7.”

UT Southwestern Medical Center reached out to Creation Studio for help with a July 2025 celebration of the 35th anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“We went and showed some art, and I spoke in front of all of them, which was a very weird experience, but it went well,” Lacey said,

chuckling about presenting to doctors and medical students. “I think what we’re doing really resonates with people. They really enjoyed it, and it helped spread awareness to a community that otherwise maybe wouldn’t have heard of us.”

Creation Studio also participated in the neighborhood Christmas Market this past December, and in-

terest, sales, and donations continue to grow.

“There are people in the community who have become somewhat collectors,” Lacey noted of buyers often interested in folk art and outsider art. “They develop their favorite artist here; everyone has such a different style. It seems like about two-thirds of the art

listed in each show sells, which is pretty impressive, I think, for an art show. It definitely helps pay for art supplies.”

Lacey’s sister, Annabelle Folsom, is the chief art teacher.

“We’ve expanded from just painting and drawing to sculpture, printmaking, papier-mâché, collaging, tracing, all kinds of things,”

Folsom said. “With some of our artists who are not as communicative verbally, just being able to sit down and get a bunch of information that’s in their head out on paper, then stepping back and looking at it is super rewarding. Being able to put it down on paper — and it looks beautiful and you love it — is a very fulfilling act.”

Wandering amongst the colorful and inspired pieces, I chatted with Gould about recent work, eyed Rachel Frederick working on a rainbow of hues in oil pastel, and spied Emily Morrow painting a flowery pastoral landscape.

“It’s hard to know of, in a few years, we’ll be the same size or of we’ll have more artists,” Lacey said. “But I do think if we have more, we have to be open more days or find a bigger space. It would be sad to leave the village, because it’s the perfect space for us.”

Josh Hickman, a Park Cities musician, artist, and author of such humorous novels as “I Am Luney: The Untold Story of The World’s Naughtiest Man,” is a frequent contributor to People Newspapers. Visit joshhickmanbooks.com.

JOSH HICKMAN

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Reese Gould, of University Park, is one of the better-known artists at Creation Studio. Hunter Lacey with her sister Annabelle Folsom. COURTESY HUNTER LACEY AND JOSH HICKMAN

OP: Andrew Martinelli with Highland Park High School parent teacher association president Neely Thrash and HPISD STEAM Lead Bridget Myers. Ethan Li with Thrash and advanced placement biology teacher Jennifer Giannou-Moore. SARAH HODGES

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Major Change on the Menu for Highland Park High School’s Cafeteria

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

What’s cooking in the Highland Park High School cafeteria this spring?

The kitchen closed after lunch on Feb. 13 so Highland Park ISD could whip up the café’s first renovation since 2002. When the major redesign is complete in early August, students can look forward to faster service and even more flavorful dining options.

“We’re excited for renovations to begin in mid-February and have a great plan to keep serving our students,” parent teacher association president Neely Thrash said. “We are thankful for our wonderful parent volunteers who will help make this possible during the renovation.”

The high school’s menu already includes mouthwatering, healthy options such as garlic and herb grilled salmon, white cheddar roasted poblano soup, and Cuban pork tenderloin. One goal of the renovation is to give students more time to savor their favorites.

To formulate the new layout, the PTA, school district, and high school cafeteria manager worked with an architect and kitchen designer on ways to improve the cafeteria’s use of space in its existing footprint.

By reworking the back area of the kitchen, the team was able to create room for a fifth serving line dedicated to a robust salad bar. A fourth entrance to the serving area will also be added to help improve the flow of students into the space.

The Market, which offers graband-go options such as sandwiches, wraps, drinks, and snacks, will be relocated from the dining area to the serving area, while cashiers will move from serving lines to the area’s exits to speed checkout, explained PTA cafeteria finance chair Ashley Blanchette.

“Enhancing the student experience has been a key focus through-

out the entire planning process, with even more flavorful menu options, reduced wait times, and the flexibility in several lines to transition between hot and cold offerings — creating a more efficient and enjoyable dining experience for our students,” she said.

Students won’t go hungry while the kitchen is closed. Breakfast will be available daily, and the Market will serve freshly-made sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruits, and snacks. High schoolers will have daily catered options from Domino’s, Subway, Chick-fil-A, and Goff’s Hamburgers. Juniors, who usually are required to stay on campus for

“I am most excited about the new charbroiler that will allow us to cook our existing grilled items with more flavor. We are planning on using it to offer jerk chicken, salmon, and cod, just to name a few new items.”

Brenda Vardell

lunch, will be able to eat out.

The dining area will remain open for students this spring before closing in the summer for upgrades including new flooring.

But the cafeteria’s redesign isn’t limited to its serving and dining areas — the replacement of outdated kitchen equipment is also on the menu.

“I am most excited about the new charbroiler that will allow us to cook our existing grilled items with more flavor,” cafeteria manager Brenda Vardell said. “We are planning on using it to offer jerk chicken, salmon, and cod, just to name a few new items.”

The redo is funded by about $3 million from the bond approved by voters in November 2024, along with an additional donation from the high school’s PTA for dining room furniture, lighting, and acoustic panels.

Teachers, students, staff, and parents have all been enthusiastic about the upgrades.

“Everyone seems very excited about the improvements being made to our kitchen and cafeteria,” principal Kevin Hunt said. “We are very thankful to our community and PTA for supporting this and other projects that benefit everyone here at HPHS.”

Maja Lardner Takes Goal-Scoring Prowess to NWSL Former HP star, college standout optimistic about rookie year

By Todd Jorgenson Special Contributor

Maja Lardner admits she’s never been the best judge of her own talent. And until recently, she wasn’t sure whether professional soccer was in her future.

With two degrees from Georgetown University, including a master’s in real estate, she was prepared for a new career. But her coaches with the Hoyas, where she was the Big East conference offensive player of the year in both 2024 and 2025, insisted that she keep her goals focused on the field.

“Every year, being surrounded by such great talent allowed me to rise to a new level and get better and better.”

Maja Lardner

Sure enough, the former Highland Park standout signed her first pro contract in January with Racing Louisville FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. The

deal is for two years with a mutual option for the 2028 campaign. Louisville begins its season on March 14.

“I wasn’t aware of how good of a player I was,” Lardner said. “Playing professional had always been a dream of mine, but I

never knew how tangible it would actually be. I knew if the opportunity presented itself, I would take it.”

Lardner is a 2021 HP graduate who has spent the last five seasons as a striker at perennial power Georgetown, where she recorded

31 goals and 20 assists in 91 games.

She helped Georgetown win three conference titles and was the top scorer for a team that reached the third round of the NCAA tournament in November before falling to eventual national champion Florida State. After that, she signed with an agent and spoke with a few teams.

“I had a really good senior year, and that’s when I considered it,” Lardner said. “I’ve always had more of an underdog mentality. Every year, being surrounded by such great talent allowed me to rise to a new level and get better and better.”

Said Racing Louisville coach Bev Yanez: “Maja brings versatility across the front line and is relentless in her press. She works extremely hard, and we’re excited to welcome her to the group.”

Lardner played four years for the Lady Scots, highlighted by a Class 5A state title in 2019, when she was named the championship game MVP. She cited the foundation and culture with both the Lady Scots and Hoyas as reasons why Louisville was the right fit.

“I chose to sign with Racing Louisville because of the incredible culture they’ve built and the clear vision for where the club is headed,” she said. “I felt so supported and excited about the opportunity to learn and grow alongside such a competitive group. It became a no-brainer that this was the best spot for me.”

Groundhog Day Brought Changes for HPHS Sports Schedules Scots football

scrambles to add two more non-district games for this fall

By Justin Thomas People newspapers

Highland Park discovered its future foes on the gridiron and hardwood Feb. 2 when the UIL unveiled new district alignments for the 2026-28 school years.

The biennial realignment released pertains only to football, volleyball, and basketball, with districts for other UIL sports set for release later this spring.

HP football recently completed a two-year cycle competing in Class 5A Division I District 7 (Region 2) in football alongside Burleson Centennial, Cleburne, Joshua, Midlothian, Red Oak, and Tyler.

But HP’s district will take on a vastly different look in 2026-27 with the Scots shifting to District 6 (Region 2) and matchups with Carrollton programs Creekview, Newman Smith, and R.L. Turner, as well as Richland and Birdville of North Richland Hills and Garland Naaman Forest.

The new look is similar in volleyball and basketball (District 12) where the Carrollton-Farmers Branch and Birdville ISD programs remain, but the Scots and Lady Scots will instead be joined

by Colleyville Heritage and Grapevine rather than Naaman.

HP had spent the past two years grouped with Carrollton-Farmers Branch, Lewisville, and The Colony plus Frisco ISD programs Wakeland, Reedy, and Lone Star in basketball and volleyball.

“The biggest change for us is going to a seven-team district in football,” said Jeremy Gilbert, HP director of athletics. “We were kind of shocked by that, and it left us scrambling for non-district

games because we not only needed another one by losing a district game, but we already had a game set up with Richland and now that’s a district game.”

But the Scots were able to set up games with Tyler and Argyle to round out the non-district slate for the next two years.

Logistically, football fans will be doing flips upon seeing the new alignments.

Gone are hour-plus treks west (or east) for road games, at least

not for district action, with commutes to Standridge and the Birdville and Garland stadiums all estimated between 25-35 minutes.

The new district also means HP could have more Thursday night games because of district foes having to share a stadium.

Travel for volleyball and basketball, meanwhile, remains similar if not shorter.

Competitively, HP figures to get its biggest test on the gridiron from Richland.

The Royals have qualified for the playoffs in each of the past four seasons, including advancing to the third round in each of the last three.

Birdville, meanwhile, has posted just one season above .500 in its past six. And while the C-FB ISD programs found success advancing to the playoffs in their previous configuration, it has been some time since the Mustangs, Trojans, or Lions won a postseason game.

Plenty remains to be decided on the basketball court this season with Birdville having the strongest showing amongst incoming programs a year ago.

In volleyball, Grapevine and Colleyville have had strong seasons in the past, including a stateranked campaign for the Lady Mustangs in 2025.

“The Carrollton schools are close and from previous experience we know they’re really just class acts to work with and compete against,” Gilbert said. “And we know Grapevine and Colleyville are going to be very competitive. It’s an exciting time, and it’s fun for us to be able to face some new teams and see some fresh faces.”

Head coach Randy Allen and Highland Park’s football team will be competing in District 6-5A in 2026-27. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Maja Lardner was a standout striker for Highland Park before heading to Georgetown, and now the NWSL. CHRIS MCGATHEY

‘Player-Led’ Scots Seeking Return to Playoff Success

Baseball team to field deep, experienced roster loaded with returning stars

By Justin Thomas People newspapers

Following consecutive bi-district postseason losses, Highland Park’s baseball team is hoping 2026 proves to be the year the Scots return to their traditional postseason success.

With a slew of returning all-district performers, including seven first teamers, the Scots appear equipped to do just that.

“We have a lot of all-district talent coming back,” said head coach Travis Yoder. “But we also have a good mix of talent coming up, and it’s a really exciting time for us.”

There’s so much talent that Yoder has decided to roster 25 players on the varsity team.

“It’s about six or seven more than I usually keep on the roster,” he said. “I think that competition within the team is really going to make us better, and it should also help prepare us to deal with any injuries, which is something that has kind of derailed us the past couple of years.”

Key players returning include District 12-5A Reliever of the Year and Swarthmore College signee Tripp Mattison, Offensive Player of the Year Cole Flashnick, and first-teamers Isaac Hutchin-

son (Murray State), Parker Yoder, Adam Richey, James Siegler, and Martin True.

In 2026, Mattison will shift from a reliever role to starting pitcher, and Yoder believes he will slot in as HP’s ace.

Joining Mattison on the mound

figures to be Hutchinson, Virginia commit Ryan Donahoe, and Brown commit Henry Gahagan.

“We have a few others that will be vying for spots,” Yoder said. “And we’re playing one of the tougher non-district schedules we’ve played in a while, so those games and our

SCHEDULE

are first basemen Siegler, Charlie Flint, Donahoe, and Charles Brewer, second baseman Richey, shortstop and Arkansas commit Cole Flashnick, and third basemen Hutchinson and Siegler.

“First base is really our deepest position,” Yoder said. “We have Siegler playing third right now while Isaac is recovering from a football injury, and a few of the other positions will just depend on who is pitching.”

Outfielders include Leif Richey in left, True and Gabe Nowak in center, and a combination of Gahagan, Danilo Chan, and Ronan Moreland.

“We really have a deep team, and I think we’re going to be very sound in all three phases,” Yoder said. “Offensively, we have a good mix of power hitters and contact hitters, and we really have a lot of lefty batters this season. We have the ability to score a lot of runs, but with our pitching hopefully that’s not always needed.

tournaments are really going to give us a chance to see what we have and determine our rotation.”

HP’s backstop will be Yoder, and around the horn in the infield

“We really have a lot of tools in our bag, and it’s my job to unlock them and put us in the best position to win,” he said. “It really is a player-led team, though. We have great leadership and a lot of the time I can just sit back and let them do their thing.”

Cole Flashnick is back for Highland Park’s baseball team after garnering District 12-5A Offensive Player of the Year honors a year ago. CHRIS MCGATHEY

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Living

FURRY AND FEATHERED NEIGHBORS

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BUILD COMMUNITY Group documents Park Cities wildlife with photographs, videos

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

There are some wild Park Cities residents, and they’ve got the whole neighborhood talking.

A Texas bow-legged bug was caught exploring a children’s play set. An unidentified bright green insect — possibly a grasshopper, katydid, or bush cricket — was spotted on a patio waiting for the rain to stop. A great egret helped himself to some treats during a child’s fishing birthday party in Caruth Park.

And multiple bunnies, owls, ducks, and coyotes have been caught on film everywhere from front yards to the tops of road signs thanks to ever-vigilant security cameras and alert Park Cities residents.

Their footage has been shared on the Park Cities Wildlife Facebook Group, which has grown to include more than 1,000 members since it was created in 2021 by resident Charles Leary.

“Highland Park and University Park and SMU are about seven square miles,” he said. “My hope is that it showcases what’s in our backyard or in our neighborhood.”

Leary had the idea to start the group after he captured a young coyote on video while driving down the road.

There were already Park Cities Facebook groups for high end yard sales, garage sales, and gen-

eral neighborhood discussions. Why not, Leary thought, start a forum for people who cared about local wildlife? But he never imagined his creation would grow to be this popular.

“I think people are interested in their community in this way,” he said, “and surprised by some of the stuff they see.”

The more unexpected Park Cities visitors include a ringtail, which

was captured on alley camera making itself at home atop a gate. Ringtails are solitary mammals and rarely observed in the wild. But the presence of this nocturnal visitor is good news for University Park and Highland Park residents concerned about pests — ringtails aren’t picky eaters and will munch on rats, which have also been documented on Park Cities Wildlife.

Images of a bobcat have been

shared multiple times, including a video of the animal giving itself a bath on a doormat, then glaring at the filmmaker when it was interrupted.

During the recent January storms, wildlife watchers posted photos of tracks in the snow, which provided clues to the identities of even more furry and feathered neighbors.

Highland Park resident Amy

Five Signs Your Aging Parents May Need Help

When I started thinking about caring for my own mother as she got older, I’ll admit I was a little nervous.

Although I’m a social worker and aware of community resources, it doesn’t make the emotions of caring for aging parents any easier. And it made me wonder if other people know what signs to look for that indicate when a loved one needs a little extra help.

Often, the signs can be subtle, but paying close attention to these changes is a loving way to ensure your parents’ safety and well-being, while still respecting their independence. Here are five key ways to know if your aging parents may need a helping hand with day-to-day living.

1. Changes in activities of daily living

This is often one of the most telling signs. Pay attention to basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals. Changes in your parents’ personal appearance or eating habits may signal they are beginning to struggle with these essential daily activities.

2. An unsafe or unkempt home environment

Look around their living space. Is there an unusual amount of clutter or a general lack of cleanliness? Are there potential safety hazards, like an overflowing trash bin that could cause a fall?

3. Difficulty managing finances and medications

If you’re noticing unopened bills stacking up on the table, or your parents seem confused about their finances, it’s a significant red flag. Another serious concern is

medication management. Are they having trouble remembering to take their prescriptions? This can pose a serious risk to their health and is a clear sign they need support.

4. Changes in driving habits

Safe driving is crucial for your parents and others on the road. If you spot new dings on their car, or if they mention getting lost on a familiar route, it’s a sign that their driving abilities may be declining, and it may be time to explore alternative transportation options.

5. Social isolation and shifts in mood

Have you noticed your parents withdraw from hobbies or social events they once loved? Do they seem more sad, withdrawn, or irritable than usual? This isolation can lead to depression, making it crucial to engage with them and explore ways to keep them connected to friends and community.

GO ON SAFARI

Genender, who has posted images of critters including an unusual white possum, called Park Cities Wildlife her favorite Facebook group.

“It gives people something positive to focus on,” she said. “It makes people pay attention to what’s going on around them as they’re walking or driving around the neighborhood.”

Her favorite posts include images of a mother owl and her adorable babies on a bird bath. “I wish they’d come to my house,” she said with a laugh.

The group benefits from the expert advice of Dallas Birdman, who is actually David Hurt, the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited on Lovers Lane. Hurt weighs in when there are questions about bird identification and enriches his answers with more information about the species.

The friendly group has shown that those who think there isn’t much wildlife in dense, urban areas are wrong, Hurt said.

“There’s just not a lot of room left for wildlife,” he remarked. “One of the nice things about Park Cities Wildlife is that it does show that some of this urban wildlife is still doing just fine.”

Next steps

Noticing these signs is a loving and proactive step. It’s an opportunity to start a conversation about what kind of help would be most beneficial — not to take away their independence, but to ensure their safety and dignity as aging parents. There’s no need to face those questions alone. Contact The Senior Source’s Caregiver Support Program at 214-823-5700 or csp@theseniorsource.org If you need help or have questions.

Kimberly Knight, director of The Senior Source’s Caregiver Support Program, is a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT) and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP). The Senior Source assists approximately 25,000 older adults and their families each year. Learn more at theseniorsource.org.

in the Park Cities Wildlife Facebook Group is open to current and past Park Cities residents. To join, search for “Park Cities Wildlife” on Facebook.

Gratitude Is on the Menu at Grandparent Volunteer Luncheon

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Grandparents spend hours serving students in Highland Park ISD’s cafeterias each week. But on Feb. 3, middle-school helpers left their aprons behind while they enjoyed brisket and conversation at the first-ever Raider Café grandparent volunteer luncheon.

“Grandparents are my go-to people in the cafeteria,” said Katherine Issel, cafeteria volunteer cochair at McCulloch Intermediate School/Highland Park Middle School. “They’re so selfless. They show up all the time. I’ve always wanted to do something for them.”

Issel hosted the luncheon in her home to thank grandparent volunteers and give them an opportunity to get to know each other.

Volunteer Jean Allmon arrived at the luncheon still wearing her nametag. She had just finished serving in the drinks and desserts window at Boone Elementary, where she’s volunteered for the past five years. She added serving in the hot line at McCulloch Intermediate School to her schedule this year when her oldest grandson started fifth grade.

Allmon said her favorite part of volunteering is interacting with HPISD’s kind and courteous students. She also appreciates the opportunity to stay involved with her grandchildren and the knowledge that she’s helping the schools they attend.

Raider Café volunteers save the district about $425,000 in operating expenses annually. Those funds can be directed to other essentials, such as providing competitive teacher salaries. But families need to join the cafeteria team to make the system work — it takes more

than 20 volunteers to feed hungry MIS/HPMS students every day.

Despite years of giving back, Allmon didn’t expect to be rewarded for her work with a luncheon.

“This is really quite an honor,” she said. “To be invited, for this lady to open up her home.”

About 20 grandparents attended the event, and Kitty Tillman was among the longest serving. She can count more than a decade as a volunteer lunch lady in HPISD schools. The friendships she’s made and thank yous she’s received have kept her on duty. Her service, she

said, is “always a good time.”

Tillman’s grandchildren have mostly moved on, but she hasn’t. Although she only has one grandchild left in HPISD, a freshman at Highland Park High School, she still typically helps out about once every other week.

Luncheon attendees Nancy Barragan and Gail Keene went to high school and the University of Texas together, joined the same sorority, and were bridesmaids in each other’s weddings. Now, they both have fifthand seventh-grade granddaughters and volunteer together in the MIS/

PUT ON YOUR APRON HPISD schools run on volunteer power. Families with students at MIS/HPMS can sign up for lunch duty by emailing cafeteriavolunteer@mishpmspto. org. To find out more about serving on other campuses, visit the parent teacher association or organization website for the school where your child is a student.

“I just love seeing my granddaughters. I love the energy and the excitement, and seeing the teachers, and just getting the feel of the school and the school spirit,” Barragan said. “It keeps me young.”

Issel, who organized the event with help from her cafeteria volunteer co-chair Tracy Port Melech, said she hopes the luncheon becomes an annual get-together.

Grandparents are valuable members of the team that keeps HPISD’s cafeterias going, said Whitney Donaldson, who co-coordinates Friday volunteers.

“We’re just the Park Cities. It’s such a community place,” she said. “It takes everybody, and it’s so much fun.”

Centenarian Celebrates Birthday, 30 Years at Moody Family YMCA

What does a 100-year-old’s fitness routine look like? Ask Joan Eichner.

On Feb. 2, Eichner celebrated her 100th birthday at the Moody Family YMCA, where she attends three aqua fitness classes a week.

“I love the water, but I love the friendships,” she said. “We sit here in the corner in the morning after we have been in the pool, we drink coffee, and we talk.”

Eichner joined the Y 30 years ago after moving to North Texas to help take care of her grandchildren, who also learned how to swim at the Moody Y and eventually joined the swim team.

At the party, she ignored instructions while offering up her secret to a long life.

“I often say wine and chocolates, but my

laugh.

The daughter didn’t seem to mind too much.

“This is how she lives her life,” Deborah Eichner said of her mother. “She has a plan for every day for what she wants to do. It may be we go to the arboretum. It may be we come to the Y. It may be we do something with her church; she’s active in projects. But every day she wakes up, and she has things that she wants to do.”

Joan Eichner volunteers at her church every month and credits staying active with keeping her motivated.

“When you don’t want to get out of bed in the morning, get up, keep going,” she advised. “That’s the best thing I can say.”

– Compiled by staff

HPMS cafeteria.

daughters said, ‘Don’t say that today, you’re at the YMCA,’” Eichner shared with a

Highland Park Middle School/McCulloch Intermediate School current and future grandparent volunteers gathered for lunch on Feb. 3. SARAH HODGES

Friends surround Joan Eichner (standing between the zero balloons) during a party at the Moody Family YMCA. COURTESY MOODY Y

By Josh Hickman

Special Contributor

Highland Park musician

Brice Beaird played what was to be his final gig at Poor David’s Pub with a tinge of sentimental nostalgia and a nod of thanks.

The longtime Dallas music institution is said to be closing its doors sometime this summer after 49 years in business — though a plan may be brewing to keep it open.

Beaird started playing his brand of song there in 2001 after his first solo album, Another Side. But his musical journey goes much further back than that.

Born in Dallas, Beaird starting writing music at age 10, with the help of his mentor, renowned choirmaster Dr. Paul Thomas at St. Michael and All Angels.

In high school, Beaird teamed up with a young Willis Alan Ramsey for more songwriting and performing. After graduating from Texas Tech, Beaird co-founded the rock group The Coconuts, which became popular on college campuses, in local club venues, and on tours of the Southwest.

He performed at Los Angeles’ famed Troubadour and got signed by Jimmy Gilmer to a Nashville songwriting contract. But when prospects of a major LA record deal seemed to dry up, he moved back to Dallas.

“I came back and ended up opening my own ad agency

in '81,” he said of The Beaird Agency. “But I kept playing. And on occasion I could work my writing into my ad work — writing radio spots and performing. And that was a lot of fun.”

At age 74, he remains passionate about his music.

“Last Friday I felt like I was

25,” he said of the gig at Poor David’s. “Music has a way of making me think that.”

Beaird praised club owner David Card for nurturing the music careers of so many performers.

“That’s the greatest thing about David,” Beaird said. “The Dixie Chicks started playing

or applause, and only a camera to stream performances online, Beaird recalled.

“It was very eerie, very strange,” he said. “It pushed every one of us to be innovative in some way or fashion and try to make a living at the same time.”

Beaird has a few new recordings in the works — “It’s probably not going to be a full album, more like an EP — and looks forward to playing in other venues such as Opening Bell Coffee and The Kessler.

there; Lyle Lovett start ed playing there. The list would just go on and on.”

One of the more unusual times to take the stage there was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was no audience

As Beaird took to the stage with his acoustic guitar the chilly Friday night that seemed to be his last performance there, there were murmurings from David that daughter Amelia might just take over the reins of the club.

As the intimate crowd of friends and fans chuckled and applauded in the amber dimness, Beaird said what might not be his final words at Poor David’s Pub. “This thing about David saying he’s going to close, then now keeping it going again, makes me think, is this like The Eagles?”

Brice Beaird had songs for a Poor David’s Pup audience and praise for the landmark venue’s owner, David Card, during a recent gig there. COURTESY BRICE BEAIRD

Shlesinger Taps Decker for Passion Project About Growing Up

Greenhill, HP grads collaborate on comedy set in Dallas but filmed in Missouri

By Todd Jorgenson Special Contributor

Iliza Shlesinger recently revisited an email she wrote to herself back in 2018, just before she got married, about living with regrets from her high school days.

Almost 25 years after she graduated from the Greenhill School, the comedian’s personal sense of nostalgia resonates throughout Chasing Summer , a throwback saga about arrested development and reliving adolescent awkwardness.

The heartfelt film is a passion project that Shlesinger has been working on for several years, and it all traces back to that internal correspondence.

“As an artist and a person, it felt like closing a chapter in my life. In your mid-30s is when it starts to get different,” Shlesinger said following the film’s world premiere at the recent Sundance Film Festival in Utah.

“All of the trappings of youth, whether it was a summer crush, or a random job, or getting to go home and still be a brat in your parents’ house — when you start to get older and you get married, you kind of close the door on that stuff,” she said. “In saying

“There is something so ephemeral about a summer at home.”

Iliza Shlesinger

goodbye to that, I was also saying goodbye to a lot of my favorite summers, and just the comfort and excitement that has to do with youth and being home.”

In the film, which is seeking distribution, Shlesinger plays an international relief worker who retreats home to the suburbs after being dumped. That forces her to navigate a dysfunctional family and confront some past baggage, including a run-in with

her ex-boyfriend (Tom Welling). Then a younger guy (Garrett Wareing) causes Jamie to wonder if she had it all wrong.

A producer sent Shlesinger’s screenplay to filmmaker Josephine Decker, a Highland Park graduate best known for her offbeat 2020 literary biopic Shirley.

With the start of production looming, Decker didn’t have much time to decide whether it was the right fit. Enter her partner, film -

maker Malik Vitthal, who added some perspective — and a hunch.

“He was like, ‘I saw Iliza perform live one and a half weeks after she gave birth. She’s electric. You have to say yes. You’re going to make something special together,’” Decker recalled.

“I had been really wanting to make a comedy,” she said. “I got connected to the script. I fell in love with the idea of doing something in my hometown that felt so

Exquisite service. Extraordinary

resonant to my own experience.”

Both women agreed that authenticity was essential — including visual references to Whataburger and Buc-ee’s — although production took place last year in St. Louis for tax-incentive reasons. Still, it brought back memories.

“We were very specific. There is something so ephemeral about a summer at home,” Shlesinger said. “I needed people to feel this, even if they’re not from Texas.”

Iliza Shlesinger tapped into her Texas upbringing for her performance in Chasing Summer. MOONTOWER PRODUCTIONS

Speaking of Tasty: The Lingua Franca of Food

The Thursday night after Dallas’ four-day ice and snow-related shutdown, 57,000 other people in my neighborhood and I decided to go for Mexican food.

I think each of us has our go-to spot. Maybe it’s Mesero, José, or Mi Cocina. Regardless, they were each packed. Mexican restaurants seem to be our collective go-to for good food and drinks, community, the last meal before a long trip away and the

first meal after the plane lands. Sharing a meal together, whether at home or at a restaurant, is as American as apple pie. Except, apple pie originated in England and was perfected by German and Dutch bakers. I personally prefer cake to pie but recently had the most amazing pie ever on an Amsterdam food tour. Dutch Apple Pie is deep dish and deeply delicious. You can try one yourself at Emporium Pies or Hive Bakery. I digress.

Expressions of culture in food and music can be presented purely or diluted by adaptation, neither of which is a bad thing. I was thinking, if food literally spoke

the language of its origin, which language would our favorite foods speak?

I’ve been craving chicken fried steak lately. On my quest to find the best, I considered Celebration Restaurant, Jonathon’s, and Bubba’s. I went with Bubba’s and ordered a big plate of German-speaking chicken fried steak. My sides were coleslaw, which speaks Dutch, and fried okra, which speaks Amharic. I dipped my okra in Ranch dressing which speaks English with an Alaskan accent.

Like many of you, I attended a Super Bowl party and enjoyed all sorts of snacky foods that go hand in hand with the best (in

Irish Stew Becomes a Year-Round Favorite

Thanks to a recent visit to Ireland, I’m looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day more than ever.

In October, my husband Randy and I met a ship in Dublin for an epicurean cruise where I would be a guest chef. We decided to extend our trip by spending nine days exploring Ireland before boarding. This was our first time on the Emerald Isle and we loved every moment. We flew nonstop from DFW to Dublin, spent the night in the elegant and historic Merrion Hotel, then boarded a train the next afternoon for Killarney.

This charming town became the base from which we explored Ireland’s rugged coast, tiny towns, historic ruins, lush forests, lochs, and gardens. We dined primarily in Killarney’s pubs — festive meeting places for both locals and tourists where the food was hearty, the bars dispensed Guinness and local brews at lightning speed, and music set toes to tapping.

We returned to Dublin for our final three days in Ireland.

Thank heavens for comfortable shoes because we walked everywhere. We strolled in beautiful parks, stopped in churches, museums, small shops, and an intriguing food pavilion where I purchased Irish milled flour for the scones I would make onboard the cruise. We had lunch in the famous Temple Bar where every platter was piled with fries, visited the fascinating Guinness Museum, dined in an elegant hotel restaurant where waiters served each course wearing white gloves, and savored the gastronomic experience of a Michelin star restaurant.

my opinion) American sport ever created. A friend brought the most divine deviled eggs that speak in a Roman dialect but cannot understand a word spoken by the thin-crust pizza from Naples. From the same country but different languages.

Though I speak a little Italian, it was hard for me, too, to communicate with some of the foods, so I was relieved the chicken wings speak English, although some with a bracing upper New York accent while others have a soothing southern drawl. I dipped the accompanying celery sticks, which speak Arabic since it originated in North Africa, and Persian-speaking carrots, in hummus, which also speaks Arabic but a different dialect than the celery.

Dessert was equally indulgent. The Chantilly cream king cake appeared to parle en Français, of course, some condescension on Louisiana’s version of Galette des Rois. We laissez the bon temps rouler, anyway.

I eat Mexican food two or three times a week. It’s comfort food. Next time I visit my favorite Mexican restaurant, my combo plate will speak to me in indigenous languages and Spanish, and my orange cheese taco topping will surely address me in the King’s English. Cultural silos benefit no one. America is more like a salad bowl than a melting pot, with distinct identities of ingredients blending without losing their uniqueness. That feeds bodies and souls.

Kersten Rettig, a freelance writer with leadership experience in the food and travel industries, resides in the Park Cities, where she is known as “the restaurant sherpa” for her expert recommendations. Follow her on Instagram @KerstenEats.

No visit to Ireland is complete without tasting Irish stew. This peasant dish is traditionally made with lamb, onion, carrots, and potatoes — ingredients readily available throughout Ireland. Historically, the meat used was 2-year-old mutton which required long, slow cooking over a fire to transform it into palatable fare. My version features lamb leg or shoulder meat which forms the basis for a tender stew with a savory, rich broth.

A splash of red wine, beef broth, a dash of Worcestershire, carrots, and fresh rosemary contribute amazing flavor, while potatoes help

to thicken the stew. This dish takes only 30 minutes on the stove, followed by slow braising in the oven, so it can easily become a yearround, go-to recipe.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Christy Rost is a cookbook author, host of Celebrating Home cooking videos, and longtime resident of the Park Cities and Preston Hollow. Her ‘At Home with Christy Rost’ cooking series for Eat This TV Network airs on AmazonFire, AppleTV+, Roku, Samsung TV, and YouTube. Visit christyrost.com for details and recipes.

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds lamb leg or shoulder meat, trimmed

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 large sweet onion, peeled and coarsely chopped

4 large cloves garlic, peeled and minced

½ cup dry red wine

1 ¾ cups beef broth or stock

½ teaspoon Worcestershire

1 sprig fresh rosemary, rinsed

4 carrots, rinsed, peeled, left whole

1 pound small red potatoes (about 10)

1 sprig fresh rosemary, rinsed, and chopped, for garnish

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Cut meat into 1-inch pieces and season well with salt and pepper. Preheat an ovenproof Dutch oven over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon oil, and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Brown half of the meat in the oil and transfer it to a plate. Add remaining oil, brown the remaining meat, and remove it from the pot.

Add onion, sauté 3 minutes until it begins to soften, stir in garlic, and sauté 1 minute more. Deglaze the pan with wine, scraping brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in beef broth and Worcestershire. Return meat and any meat juices to the pot, add rosemary sprig, and place whole carrots on top. Cover and transfer the pot to the oven. Braise 2 ½ to 3 hours until the meat is almost tender. Add potatoes and cook 30 minutes more, or until they are knife tender. Remove the pot from the oven, adjust seasonings if needed, sprinkle with chopped rosemary leaves, and serve.

Yield: 4 servings

KERSTEN RETTIG

Expand your palate, enrich your life. SHUTTERSTOCK

Irish Stew

CHRISTY ROST

CHRISTY ROST

When your family, future, and finances are on the line, you need more than legal advice—you need a team that knows how to fight for you. At Mueller Family Law Group, we combine compassion with unrelenting advocacy. From complex divorces and high-asset property division to custody disputes and mediation, our mission is clear: protect what matters most. Led by Jim Mueller—Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a member of The American College of Family Trial Lawyers (An organization consisting of the nation’s top 100 family trial lawyers) — our team brings proven skill, efficiency, and focus to every case. Clients trust us to deliver results while safeguarding both emotional and financial well-being. At Mueller Family Law Group, we don’t just handle cases. We stand beside families through life’s toughest transitions.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Love Where You Live: Divine Homes for Sale

Neighborhood experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates specializing in find the right community for their home buying clients.

When looking for your forever home, it’s pivotal to make sure you’ll love your neighborhood for years to come.

Do you dream of walking from your house to the water each day, or is the privacy and prestige of Westlake what you crave? Whatever your luxury preference, the expert agents of Allie Beth Allman & Associates have beautiful offerings across all neighborhoods to share.

In the heart of Preston Hollow, a stone stunner built in 2019 awaits. Poised to impress no matter the occasion, 6440 Brookshire Drive is filled with chic design touches and amenities you’ll soon never want to live without. Just imagine mingling in your sleek great room during holiday parties or birthday celebrations, with views of the pool and glassy wine room adding glamour to every moment.

If you want to live elegantly minutes from Highland Park Village, 4417 Lorraine Ave. could be the perfect find. Designed in 1937 by architect Hal Yoakum, the 5,506-square-foot abode displays a mesmerizing blend of modern remodeling in the kitchen and bathrooms and historic character. Custom trellis ceilings and walls, classic woodwork, and stately fireplaces are just a few magnificent elements to look forward to.

5347 Montrose Drive

5347 Montrose Drive in Greenway Parks, represented by LeeLee Gioia and Anne Goyer of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $3,900,000

In bucolic Greenway Parks — one of Dallas’ rare conservation districts, known for its tree-lined streets, shared greenspaces and architecturally significant homes — is this impeccably preserved 1939 Traditional, overlooking one of the neighborhood’s cherished greenbelts. A charming entry courtyard leads to a gracious foyer, which spans the length of the house. The sun-drenched great room features a beamed cathedral ceiling, walls of French doors, built-in shelves and a brick fireplace. The kitchen is outfitted with Bosch, SubZero and Wolf appliances, quartzite countertops and a farmhouse sink, with a breakfast room and living area sitting opposite.

In the primary suite, French doors open onto a private patio that leads to the backyard and adjacent greenbelt. The formal living room features multiple seating areas centered around a second fireplace, while the formal dining room offers ample space for large gatherings. Upstairs are two en-suite bedrooms, one with an adjoining sitting room and balcony overlooking the great room. A separate staircase leads to a fourth bedroom and bathroom, offering maximum privacy. This one-of-a-kind home is reminiscent of “the way life used to be,” blending superior craftsmanship with charm and comfort.

THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP

Expansive Floorplan in Briarwood

4623 W. Amherst is currently being offered for $1,695,000.

Nestled in the heart of Briarwood, this exceptional residence seamlessly blends timeless charm with sophisticated, family-friendly living. From the moment you step inside, the home offers a serene retreat infused with modern luxury and thoughtful design.

The expansive floor plan features four bedrooms, three full baths, three distinct living areas, and two dining spaces, enhanced by vaulted and decorative ceilings throughout.

Three striking stone fireplaces anchor the home’s warm, inviting aesthetic, while outdoor living is elevated by a covered patio and elegant stone walkway—ideal for both quiet evenings and lively gatherings.

The chef’s kitchen is a true centerpiece, complemented by a butler’s pantry and outfitted with premium stainless steel appliances, pot filler, wine chiller, oversized built-in refrigerator-freezer, and dedicated ice maker. The primary suite is a private sanctuary, offering generous proportions and spacious closets.

A rare opportunity in one of Dallas’ most desirable neighborhoods, this home is perfectly positioned near premier shopping and dining and is truly an entertainer’s paradise.

Contact Matt Malaise (214.533.7142) or more information or to set up a private showing. Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more.

MARKETPLACE

Ave., the primary suite is a dream for indulgent everyday moments while the pool and covered patio with fireplace promise elegant fun, no matter the season.

Employer: Dallas Periodontics and Dental Implants

Location: 7557 Rambler Rd, Ste 918, Dallas, TX 75231

IRS: 854260752

Contact: drrabe@periodallas.com, +1(214) 238-8323

Job Title: Dental Assistant – Periodontics

Job Location: 7557 Rambler Rd, STE 918, Dallas TX, 75231

Duties: Assist periodontist in surgical and non-surgical periodontal procedures, including dental implants and grafts; prepare and sterilize instruments; take dental x-rays; maintain patient and medical records; provide pre- and post-operative instructions; ensure infection control and patient comfort.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, or related field, plus 24 months of experience as a dental assistant. Must be licensed as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in Texas with Radiology certification and CPR/BLS. Wage: $50,440 per year. OCC Code: 31-9091, Dental Assistants. Send resumes to: drrabe@periodallas.com Scan the QR code for complete job description and contact information.

DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE

Flexible Floorplan, Prime Location

Discover a stunning 2023 single-family attached home in a prime Park CIties location – just minutes from the Dallas North Tollway and great shopping/dining. Designed for modern living, this 4-bedroom home at 4200 University Boulevard (4200universityboulevard.daveperrymiller.com) is offered by Trina Rothwell for $1,895,000.

On the first level, enjoy an open living area anchored by a cozy gas fireplace and an open study. The kitchen features a breakfast bar, oversized island, stainless steel appliances and a spacious walk-in pantry. You’ll also find a convenient powder bath and a covered patio for relaxing outdoors.

Upstairs, the primary suite impresses with two walk-in closets and a luxe bath with dual vanities, soaking tub and walk-in shower. Three secondary bedrooms offer ensuite baths and walk-in closets. This home also includes a versatile bonus/flex room that can serve as a true fourth bedroom.

To schedule a showing, contact Trina at 214.284.7338 | trinarothwell@dpmre.com.

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate (dpmre.com) is a division of the Ebby Halliday Companies, specializing in Preston Hollow, Park Cities, North Dallas, Lakewood, East Dallas, Uptown, Kessler Park, plus lake homes and Farm & Ranch properties in the North Texas region.

and designer wall coverings make this two bedroom, 2,255 sf a move-in ready pied de terre in a premier location!

Spacious combined living and dining room with gas fireplace and Juliet balconies overlook the pool and water garden. Kitchen features built-in SubZero refrigerator & freezer, double convention Thermador ovens, six-burner Wolf gas cooktop and Asko dishwasher. Additional space off the kitchen provides space for a home office. Primary suite and bath has dual vanities, custom built-ins, walkin closet, separate shower and spa tub. Guest bedroom has an en-suite bath with built-in cabinetry and a balcony. The boutique Park Highlander luxury condominiums are located across the street from The Shops of Highland Park and within walking distance to numerous restaurants and The Katy Trail. Building amenities include on-site manager, 24-hr Concierge, updated lobby and fitness center as well as a pool and gardens. Residence 4D has two assigned ingarage parking spaces (#59 & #60).

EBBY

Park Cities Polish & Park Views

This beautifully appointed 4-bedroom, 5-bath residence at 3409 Villanova Street (3409villanova. ebby.com) – across from Coffee Park and zoned to Hyer Elementary – delivers polished Park Cities living with effortless style. The open floor plan is designed for entertaining, anchored by a showstopping kitchen featuring a paneled Sub-Zero refrigerator with wine fridge and drink drawers, Thermador, Wolf, and Miele appliances, and a striking Danby marble slab. A separate dry bar vignette adds another layer of sophistication.

The downstairs owner’s suite is a true retreat, complete with a sitting area, spa-inspired bath, and an extraordinary custom closet. Upstairs, three vaulted bedrooms join a generous game room with wet bar and a fully equipped media room with recently added projection equipment.

Wood floors, designer lighting, recessed lights with dimmers, a private office (or optional fifth bedroom), covered patio, party-ready pool, spacious laundry and mud room, and attached three-car garage complete the picture.

Listed by Kate Mote with Ebby’s Little White House, this home pairs chic design with an exceptional lifestyle for $3,450,000. Schedule a showing with Kate today at 214.562.4444 | kate@ebby.com.

BRIGGS FREEMAN 3711 Lexington Avenue

3711 Lexington Avenue in Highland Park, represented by Ralph Randall of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $29,900,000

Serenity on Surrey Circle

5420 Surrey Circle unfolds as a masterclass in warm, livable contemporary design.

Tucked quietly into the beloved Upper Devonshire neighborhood and set on nearly a half-acre across from a tranquil lake, 5420 Surrey Circle unfolds as a masterclass in warm, livable contemporary design.

Now offered by Allie Beth Allman & Associates, 5420 Surrey Circle is looking for its next chapter. If a home is the canvas and backdrop to the lives of its dwellers, the architect is its artist. And Bernbaum/Magadini Architects designed a home worthy of a legacy.

With only one previous owner, 5420 Surrey’s next owners are poised to write a beautiful next chapter. It is a home that feels both expansive and deeply peaceful. It’s a place where architecture, light, and landscape work in effortless harmony.

One of the home’s most-striking elements is the foyer, where a cantilevered staircase appears to float effortlessly along the wall – a sculptural statement that sets the tone for the design beyond.

Indoor-outdoor living is truly the soul of the design, a nod to the current owners’ second home in Costa Rica and their passion for integrating the lifestyles. A covered patio—fully equipped with roll-down screens, ceiling heaters, fans, and even supplemental air conditioning—functions as a true extension of the year-round living space.

THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP Three-Story Modern Home in Northern Hills

3619 Springbrook is currently being offered for $3,300,000

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Leading luxury brokerage sells Highland Park

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents specialize in selling homes in Highland Park.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates have sold more homes in Highland Park than another other brokerage year after year, according the Multiple Listing Service.

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At 3801 Potomac Ave., Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents worked on both sides of the sale. Aaron Carroll and Blake Eltis represented the sellers, listing the grand brick home for $6,500,000, while Fiona Richards brought the buyer. With the firm’s wide network and strong communication, these types of deals happen frequently and create a smooth, seamless experience for all involved.

Allie Beth Allman marketed 4308 Belclaire Ave. for $5,750,000, which resulted in another successfully book-ended deal. Molly Thomas and Lauren Shuford Laughry represented the buyer, who gains a classic yet impeccably renovated four-bedroom gem dating back to 1938.

List your Highland Park home with the luxury leaders at Allie Beth Allman & Associates. Call to connect with an expert agent: https://www.alliebeth. com/roster/Agents

On legendary Strait Lane, Casa Magnolia has changed everything. It is North Dallas’ most modern estate — an escape every day to a uniquely personal resort. Behind dual entry gates, it is a sequestered world crafted with travertine and limestone walls, monumental custom windows, white oak millwork and custom cabinetry. Life unfolds amidst multiple living spaces, a sunlit living room with a bar, a formal dining room, a glorious chef’s kitchen, a private office with built-ins and rooms for wine, media and games. The exquisite first-floor primary suite is its own world, too, with a spa-inspired bath and an expansive custom closet with a dressing island.

Outside? Think covered loggia, outdoor kitchen, pool and firepit — all surrounded by contemporary landscaping contrasted with mature trees. This is it. Timeless materials. Intentional design. And an entirely new way of living along one of Dallas’ most storied streets.

Exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance define this majestic Tudor-style manor in the heart of Old Highland Park. The final project designed by the late, great classicist Cole Smith of Smith, Ekblad & Associates, 3711 Lexington Avenue is a piece of Dallas architecture history. The home, completed in 2012, was built by Cole Smith Jr. of Crowbar Constructors, with interiors by Sherry Hayslip Smith. Thoughtfully designed to emphasize its lush surroundings, the home features expansive views of the greenbelt and scenic trails along neighboring Hackberry Creek.

Sited on a 1-acre corner lot, this four-story residence offers five bedrooms, seven full baths and six half-baths across 20,485 square feet. Anchoring the house is a two-story great room with walnut-paneled walls, built-in bookcases, alcoves, hidden pocket doors, intricate crown moldings and a coffered ceiling. The dramatic great room opens onto a screened porch, which overlooks the adjacent creek and park. The double-island kitchen features marble countertops, double ovens, a Wolf gas range, a Miele steamer and a double Sub-Zero refrigeratorfreezer. The basement level houses a catering kitchen, pub and playroom. Other highlights include multiple living and dining rooms, seven fireplaces, a commercial-grade elevator, a conservatory, a butler’s pantry, a heated indoor pool, a six-car garage and a four-car porte cochere.

Discover an exquisite three-story modern home in Northern Hills that offers luxury living just steps from the Katy Trail, the high-end Knox Street boutiques and restaurants, and the site of the upcoming Auberge hotel and residences. This recently built, meticulously maintained home in the coveted Northern Hills neighborhood seamlessly blends modern elegance with thoughtful design, and even includes a home elevator for easy access to all levels.

On the first floor, a versatile bedroom or home office features a chic metal sliding door opening to a beautifully turfed backyard, creating a private indoor-outdoor retreat.

The second floor is a light-filled haven designed for entertaining. This level also boasts a sleek wet bar and a gourmet kitchen with high-end finishes, premium appliances, and an open layout – perfect for dinner parties or casual family gatherings.

The third floor hosts a lavish primary suite complete with dual vanities, an oversized walk-in shower, and a generous closet. Down the hall, a secondary en-suite bedroom provides comfort for guests or family.

This home delivers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and urban convenience – all in a prime location near Dallas’s best outdoor recreation, dining, and shopping.

Contact Valerie Dillon (214.755.3036) or more information or to set up a private showing. Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more.

Perched high above the vibrant Dallas Arts District, the Gallery Penthouse at HALL Arts Residences is more than a home: It is the backdrop for a life welllived. With its harmonious balance between strong architecture and quiet, inviting spaces, the full-floor penthouse on level 26 has been meticulously designed by nationally renowned Abeyta Tibbs Architecture. Within its 7,688 square feet, the residence offers four bedrooms, four full baths, two half baths, thoughtful luxuries and effortless elegance.

For those who value both privacy and grandeur, the Gallery Penthouse offers spaces for both. The library, just off the foyer, is a haven for quiet contemplation, in a setting that speaks to your refined taste. The formal living room, meanwhile, stands as the heart of the residence, offering expansive panoramic views of the Dallas skyline, a grand fireplace and a unique bronze floor pinstripe. The kitchen is its own masterpiece, with the finest in German design. Gaggenau appliances and sleek Bulthaup cabinetry ensure that every culinary endeavor is executed to the highest standards. In the primary bedroom suite, complete with a private terrace, wake up each morning to sprawling views of the city stretching out beneath you like a work of art.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN URBAN

Exquisite, recently updated corner residence at the Park Highlander! Direct elevator access into a private foyer and entry hall with powder bath. Stone, hardwood flooring

by Ani Nosnik & Kyle Crews

HALLIDAY

BRIGGS FREEMAN Gallery Penthouse at HALL Arts Residences

1747 Leonard Street #2601 in the Dallas Arts District, represented by Kyle Richards and Cindi Caudle of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $17,500,000

BRIGGS FREEMAN

10920 Strait Lane

10920 Strait Lane in North Dallas, near Preston Hollow, represented by Lisa Besserer and Oscar Andujo of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $11,999,000

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Clear agreements upfront can prevent emotional and expensive disputes later. When expectations are defined early, there’s far less to fight about.

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