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Park Cities People November 2026

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NOVEMBER 2026 VOLUME 46 NO. 11

“THE BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IN TEXAS”

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Drama students delight with production of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ PAGE 20 Sage Rockow as Dolly with members of the ensemble. TARA COSGROVE

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Armstrong inventors tackle challenges of daily life

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Contents News ............................................... 2

Schools ......................................... 16

Living ............................................. 46

Crime ............................................... 4

Sports ........................................... 30

Obituaries ...................................... 48

Home & Business ........................... 10

Community .................................... 34

Classifieds ..................................... 50


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NOVEMBER2020 2020VOLUME VOLUME1 NOVEMBER

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Coach CoachKenny KennyJ Thomas ThomasJeffers Jeffer athletes athleteswon’t won’tl from a tornado from a tornado prevent them fr prevent them up to compete. up to compete

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EXCUSES EXCUSES

yJones Jonesand and son’s rson’sresilient resilient tlet lethard hardknocks knocks and a pandemic o and a pandemic rom showing from showing . PAGE 20 e. PAGE 20

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PATRIOT PRIDE: ATHLETES STAY STRONG DESPITE SETBACKS PATRIOT PRIDE: TJTJ ATHLETES STAY STRONG DESPITE SETBACKS

Coach Jones aims to build back tornado-hampered program better stronger Coach Jones aims to build back tornado-hampered program better andand stronger thoughtful of what canwe docan for do ourfor kids tokids to thoughtful ofwe what our

maintain hope,”hope,” Jones said.“We have uphill maintain Jones said. “Weanhave an uphill battle with of these that’ s what battleallwith all ofsetbacks,but these setbacks, but that’s what makesmakes this jobthis so rewarding.” job so rewarding.” After After the storm, assistance came pourthe storm, assistance came pour-

ing in.ing Dallas ISD arranged for facilities and and in. Dallas ISD arranged for facilities equipment on short The Dallas Cow- Cowequipment onnotice. short notice. The Dallas boys opened their Frisco practicepractice facility facility to the to the boys opened their Frisco

Patriots free offree charge. And the Texas Patriots of charge. And theRangers Texas Rangers have pitched in by allowing TJ to use have pitched in by allowing TJ baseball to use baseball and softball fields at theiratMercy Street comand softball fields their Mercy Street complex inplex West inDallas. West Dallas.

Thomas Jefferson High High School athletic coordinator KennyKenny JonesJones stepped in to lead football team team Thomas Jefferson School athletic coordinator stepped in tothe lead the football “We’ve“We’ve continued to stayto calm coach afterafter the program’s coach left this (PHOTOS: CHRISCHRIS MCGATHEY) continued stayand calm and coach the program’s coach leftsummer. this summer. (PHOTOS: MCGATHEY)

By Todd Jorgenson By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers People Newspapers

losseslosses entering this season. entering this season.

on,” Jones we raise bar,the kidsbar, usually on,”said.“If Jones said. “If wethe raise kids usually find a find way to try and meet a way to try andthose meetstandards.” those standards.”

“We “We certainly have have resilient staff and players have responded. TJ hadTJ had certainly resilient staff and And the And the players have responded. coaches and student-athletes. They have conmore than 30 varsity players suited up for the more than 30 varsity players suited up for the coaches and student-athletes. They have continued to open our eyes to how resilient they Wins on the scoreboard are nice, but for season-opening football game against PinkWins on the scoreboard are nice, but for season-opening football game against Pinktinued to open our eyes to how resilient they coaches and athletes at Thomas Jefferson, it’s a are,” said Jones, who has been the athletic co- ston, and despite a 50-2 loss, participation coaches and athletes at Thomas Jefferson, it’s a are,” said Jones, who has been the athletic co- ston, and despite a 50-2 loss, participation victory these days just to keep playing. ordinator at TJ for eight years. “We have concontinues to rise. ordinator at TJ for eight years. “We have con- continues to rise. victory these days just to keep playing. “We would typically be going and knockAfter all, you could hardly fault anyone at tinued to not make any excuses and move our After all, you could hardly fault anyone at tinued to not make any excuses and move our “We would typically be going and knockTJ for making excuses amid all of the obsta- programs forward.” ing on doors just to get kids to come to pracTJ for making excuses amid all of the obsta- programs forward.” ing on doors just to get kids to come to praccles that have befallen the school the past year. Jones points to a handful of milestones, tice,” Jones said. “Now we’ve had just as many, cles that have befallen the school the past year. Jones points to a handful of milestones, tice,” Jones said. “Now we’ve had just as many, A tornado leveled the campus in Octo- such as Lizzet Salazar making the school’s if not more, students showing up.” A tornado leveled the campus in Octo- such as Lizzet Salazar making the school’s if not more, students showing up.” ber 2019, prompting the relocation of classes first-ever appearance at the girls wrestling state Where coaches at other schools might first-ever appearance at the girls wrestling state Where coaches at other schools might ber 2019, prompting the relocation of classes and athletic programs to an old middle-school tournament last winter. But behind-the-scenes have to manufacture character-building expeand athletic programs to an old middle-school tournament last winter. But behind-the-scenes have to manufacture character-building expebuilding nine miles away. The COVID-19 achievements are just as noteworthy. riences,TJ players live through them every day.

building nine miles away. The COVID-19 achievements are just as noteworthy. riences, TJ players live through them every day. pandemic hindered efforts to regroup teams For example, it’s challenging to keep stu“There are reasons why people could have For example, it’s challenging to keep stu“There are reasons why people could have pandemic hindered efforts to regroup teams dents coming to a school 20 minutes from left, but we’ve had to talk with parents and ask and rebuild morale. and rebuild morale. dents coming to a school 20 minutes from left, but we’ve had to talk with parents and ask The public-health crisis also caused the their neighborhood. Administrators worked them to give us a chance to grow their kids The public-health crisis also caused the their neighborhood. Administrators worked them to give us a chance to grow their kids school’s football coach to leave over the sumout a bus plan to help, but regular practice at- and support their kids. Many of them have out a bus plan to help, but regular practice at- and support their kids. Many of them have school’s football coach to leave over the summer, with boys basketball coach Kenny Jones tendance can be logistically challenging for stayed,” Jones said.“We just try to focus on the mer, with boys basketball coach Kenny Jones tendance can be logistically challenging for stayed,” Jones said. “We just try to focus on the stepping in as a last-minute replacement to athletes. positives. Eventually, we will be back at the TJ positives. Eventually, we will be back at the TJ stepping in as a last-minute replacement to athletes. lead a downtrodden squad with 27 straight we know. It will be built better and stronger.” “We’ve tried to be really mindful and lead a downtrodden squad with 27 straight “We’ve tried to be really mindful and we know. It will be built better and stronger.”

Here zes and options.


2 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

FROM THE PAGES OF OUR ARCHIVES

T

he Scots already have the cheerleaders, Belles, and band. But would a 12-footlong blimp raise school spirit to another level? Check out these picks from our 1980s archives to learn more about the ill-fated “Spirit Blimp,” the many uses of pretzels, and trouble on the Germany Park track.

Bradfield Goes Wild Over National Pretzel Week (Nov. 5, 1981) Seizing on the little-known fact that Oct. 25 to Nov. 1 was national pretzel week, resourceful third-grade teacher Carol Duff initiated a pretzel adoption program. Each member of Duff ’s class at Bradfield Elementary became the “legal adopted parent guardian” of a pretzel and was responsible for the care and feeding of their baked good. Student David Godsman overcame his initial skepticism to embrace the idea. “I adopted an entire pretzel family, starting with Pappa Pretzel,” he told Park Cities People. Godsman said the slightly stale family was now living upstairs in his room. HPISD Gets Tough on Track Trespassers (Nov. 25, 1982) Highland Park ISD athletic director Herman Bailey said it was “no more mister nice guy” time for the school district when

That’s the one! Margie and John Stewart watched as their son, Cory, made his choice for the family’s 1985 Thanksgiving Turkey at Kuby’s in Snider Plaza. Stewart daughters, Angela and Emily, looked on as Kuby’s Ronnie Merrilott offered a choice of holiday birds. SCOTT WILSON

it came to track trespassers. Stubborn joggers who refused to heed locked gates, warning flags, and signs telling them that the Germany Park track was closed had ruined a $40,000 track resurfacing job. This wasn’t the first time troublesome runners had created track troubles — they’d also plodded through a prior layer of latex and messed up newly-painted stripes and lanes. Next time, Bailey warned, the district would prosecute the offenders.

that attendees at a 1981 Jamboree in Virginia may have been exposed to a carcinogen found in ‘Agent Orange.’ A shed that had stored the toxic chemical dioxin from 1968-1978 had been on the Scouts’ camping grounds. Some families of the 64 Scouts and six adults from the Park Cities in attendance at the Jamboree were more reassured than others by the army’s claim that levels were so low, the area affected so small, and the length of the Jamboree so short that there was not any health risk.

Area Boy Scouts, Parents Exposed to ‘Agent Orange’ (Nov. 15, 1984) The U.S. Army told families not to worry after it announced

HP Spirit Soars Too High (Nov. 29, 1984) The Scots’ 12-foot-long, blue and gold “Spirit Blimp” went soaring through a hole in the Texas

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Neighbor Shoots Rude High Schooler (Nov. 14, 1985) A 65-year-old University Park woman was found guilty of felony aggravated assault in the shooting of a Highland Park High School senior who swore at her when she said he should be arrested for spinning his tires. But she was given a probated sentence, leaving school officials concerned about safety and the woman’s lack of remorse. The woman emphasized that she would buy another gun, which would be a violation of her probation. “I can’t promise I’m not going to do it again, if they run cars at me,” she said.

EDITORIAL Editor Sarah Hodges Print & Digital Production Emma Saldivar Managing Editor Rachel Snyder Sports Editor Justin Thomas

ADVERTISING Senior Account Executives Kim Hurmis | Tana Hunter Account Executive Quita Johnson Marketing & Client Relations Coordinator Hannah Mahfood

OPERATIONS Distribution Manager Mike Reinboldt Marketing & Administrative Assistant Jacqueline Sifuentes

INTERN Isabella Ferreri

Park Cities People: ISSN 2833-7654 (Print) 2833-7662 (Online) is published monthly by CITY NEWSPAPERS LP, an affiliate of D Magazine Partners LP, 750 N. Saint Paul St., Suite 2100, Dallas, TX 75201. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. No reproduction without permission. Submissions to the editor may be sent via e-mail to editor@peoplenewspapers.com. Correspondence must include writer’s name and contact number. Main phone number, 214-739-2244

-Compiled by Sarah Hodges

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Stadium roof during its first-ever appearance at a playoff football game against Plano. (According to witnesses, a Plano student had cut the blimp’s rope near the end of a performance by the Belles.) The Scots went on to win the game 17-7 but did not recover the $700 balloon. The next morning, HPHS principal Tom Munroe attempted to rescue the blimp after it was spotted in Las Colinas. However, his tree trimmer tool was not long enough to reach the blimp’s rope, and it sailed away before he could get help.

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3


4 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

By Rachel Snyder

rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

An unsolved series of August vehicle break-ins in University Park has left residents and police with lingering questions. Over the month of August, the University Park Police Department received 34 burglary of motor vehicle reports, according to crime statistics on the city’s website. That total is 161.5% higher than the number of burglary of motor vehicle reports made in August 2025, when there were 13 reports, according to the statistics. In August 2024, there were nine burglary of motor vehicle reports, according to the city’s crime statistics. August of 2026 is the most recent month for which the city of University Park has published crime statistics. The University Park Police Department has requested that residents share any information as well as doorbell camera or surveillance footage they may have in connection with a string of burglary of motor vehicle reports Aug. 15-17 between Stanford Avenue and Southwestern Boulevard. University Park Police Chief Bill Mathes said no arrests had been made in connection with those vehicle break-ins as of Sept. 25. He encouraged residents with any information to share it with police. “The City of University Park periodically experiences increases in certain types of offenses, including burglary of motor vehicles. In addition to officers conducting proactive, visible patrols in commercial and residential areas, we regularly encourage residents not to leave items of value inside their vehicles at any time,” City of University Park community information officer Paige Ruedy said in a statement. “We haven’t identified a specific factor driving the recent reports.” Residents with any information about the burglary of motor vehicle reports are asked to email policecid@uptexas.org. Highland Park has also seen an uptick in burglary of motor vehicle reports year over year. The Highland Park Department of Public Safety took 39 burglary of motor vehicle reports in August of this year. In August of 2025, the HPDPS reported 14 burglaries of motor vehicles.

Crime Reports Sept. 7 - Oct. 10 Sept. 7 Reported at 5:05 a.m.: Crooks concealed by hoodies or ski masks smashed a window of a Toyota Tundra parked in the 4700 block of Douglas Avenue and stole a set of Milwaukee power tools from the truck.

Sept. 8 Reported at 8:11 p.m.: A sneaky stealer broke into a vehicle in the 4200 block of Oak Lawn Avenue outside The Shops of Highland Park and stole a fanny pack with a bag valve mask used by lifeguards from inside. Sept. 9 Reported at 5:59 a.m.: A mischief maker damaged property at a restaurant in The Plaza at Preston Center.

Sept. 10 Reported at 5:09 p.m.: A crook stole a bicycle from a home on Southwestern Boulevard.

Sept. 11 Reported at 1:55 p.m.: A schemer used someone’s credit card to rack up a $30,310 charge at the Dior store in Highland Park Village. Sept. 12 Reported at 1:25 p.m.: A mischief maker damaged a gate lock at a home on Villanova Drive. Sept. 13 Reported at 6:11 p.m.: A stealer wheeled away with a bicycle from a home on Bryn Mawr Drive.

Sept. 14 Reported at 10:42 p.m.: A careless driver hit a “no parking” sign on McFarlin Boulevard. Sept. 15 Reported at 10:59 a.m.: A burglar got into a Lexus GX in the 3600 block of Crescent Avenue and stole a Glock firearm and $100 in cash from the console, as well as a King Ranch bag with $500 inside from the back of the vehicle. Sept 16 Reported at 9:22 a.m.: A stealer took things from a vehicle parked at The Plaza at Preston Center.

Sept. 17 Reported at 6:34 a.m.: A porch pirate picked up a package from a home in the 4600 block of Fairfax Avenue.

Sept. 19 Reported at 6:39 p.m.: A burglar broke a window of a Lamborghini in a parking lot in the 4200 block of Oak Lawn Avenue and made off with two designer bags, three pairs of designer shoes, men’s shoes, two Hermes belts, and more from inside. Sept. 21 Reported at 11:45 a.m.: A crook got into a vehicle on Rosedale Avenue.

Sept. 22 Reported at 12:17 p.m.: A fraudster

scammed someone on Lovers Lane.

Sept. 24 Reported at 12:13 a.m.: A shoplifter stole items from a store on Mockingbird Lane. Sept. 25 Reported at 10:31 a.m.: A scammer got into the American Airlines account of a resident in the 3500 block of Princeton Avenue and transferred $690 worth of points from it.

Sept. 26 Reported at 1:17 a.m.: A careless driver hit an Audi Q5 parked in the 4700 block of Abbott Avenue, pushing the Audi into a Lexus NX 300 in front of it, and left the scene without providing information. Sept. 27 Reported at 3:39 a.m.: Robbery at a restaurant on North Central Expressway. Sept. 28 Reported at 10:23 a.m.: A destructor damaged a vehicle on Grassmere Lane.

Sept. 29 Reported at 8:09 a.m.: An opportunistic stealer drove off in a Lincoln Navigator belonging to a resident in the 4500 block of Westside Drive that may have had a key in the center console. The vehicle was later found in Dallas. Sept. 30 Reported at 2:31 p.m.: A thief took things from a CVS store on Preston Road.

Oct. 1 Reported at 3:35 a.m.: A crook stole a cell phone from a convenience store on Hillcrest Avenue.

from the 4700 block of Abbott Avenue transfer $4,349.91 via Venmo.

Oct. 9 Reported at noon: A thief made off with multiple packages from a home in the 3700 block of Normandy Avenue that included about $2,370.68 worth of jeans and boots, a $415 pair of sneakers, $2,529.39 worth of blazers, a belt and jacket, and a coat and pants worth $666.82. Oct. 10 Reported at 12:15 p.m.: A ne’er do well broke the window of a vehicle in the 4500 block of Beverly Drive, stole a purse from the front passenger seat, and tried to make a fraudulent $1,100 purchase at a Target store. of the

MONTH:

GIFT CARD GRIFT

Reported at 1:09 p.m. Sept. 28: A swindler pretending to be from the sheriff’s office seeking to collect money for an outstanding warrant took $3,600 via gift cards and money transfers from a resident in the 4200 block of Lomo Alto Drive. For more crimes, visit peoplenewspapers.com/ category/crime/

CRIME STATS Property Crimes

Oct. 2 Reported at 11:47 a.m.: A burglar took something from a vehicle on Purdue Street.

UNIVERSITY PARK August 2026 46

Oct. 3 Reported at 10:13 p.m.: A crook took a Trek Marlin 5 bicycle from a home in the 3500 block of St. Johns Drive.

August 2025

Oct. 4 Reported at 1:03 p.m.: A thief took things from a home on Centenary Drive.

Oct. 5 Reported at 6:38 p.m.: A burglar found easy pickings in an unlocked vehicle on Wentwood Drive.

Oct. 6 Reported at 8:36 p.m.: A crafty porch pirate stole a package containing about $25 worth of sewing items from a home in the 3400 block of Potomac Avenue.

Oct. 7 Reported at 11:27 a.m.: A crook took construction equipment from a home on Northwest Parkway.

Oct. 8 Reported at 12:47 p.m.: A trickster purporting to be a bank representative had a resident

38

HIGHLAND PARK 42 August 2026 August 2025

15

Violent Crimes

UNIVERSITY PARK 3 August 2026 August 2025

5

HIGHLAND PARK 2 August 2026 August 2025

1

Property crimes include burglaries, thefts, and vehicle thefts. Violent crimes include assaults and robberies. Sources: Highland Park Department of Public Safety, University Park Police Department.

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Vehicle BreakIns in the Park Cities Rose in August Year Over Year

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5


6 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY DAY

Flock Cameras: How Many Are in Dallas, UP, HP?

This map shared with the Dallas City Council’s Public Safety Committee shows the general location of Flock cameras around the city. AARON OF L.A. PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM AND CITY OF DALLAS

By Rachel Snyder

rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

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Automatic license plate readers, such as those from tech company Flock Safety, have sparked debate as officials weigh privacy concerns against potential public safety benefits. Flock Safety cameras capture license plates and vehicle characteristics, such as make, model, and color, as drivers pass the cameras. Dallas, Highland Park, and University Park are among the municipalities that utilize the automatic license plate reader system. The Dallas Police Department has said in a statement that the cameras are “an important investigative tool” used to “develop leads, identify vehicles associated with criminal activity, and assist in solving crimes.” The technology has also sparked concerns about surveillance and allegations of misuse in Texas and beyond. “I’m real sensitive to the concerns of my neighborhood, my district, who are really concerned about privacy invasion,” Dallas District 11 City Council member Bill Roth, who represents part of North Dallas, said at a September Dallas City Council Public Safety Committee meeting about resident concerns. “To the extent that this is a valuable technology to our police force, I want them to have it. However, this is a slippery slope if it is not handled properly.” After Gov. Greg Abbott halted state grant funding for Flock cameras in late August, the Dallas Police Department announced that the city’s 321 grant-funded flock cameras would be shut off. But following a meeting between Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux and

Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley, those grant-funded cameras will remain on for now, keeping the total number of cameras citywide at about 690. “Technology can be an important tool in keeping Dallas safe, but we also have a responsibility to understand how that technology and the information it collects are being used and protected,” Comeaux said in a statement after the meeting with Langley. “(The) conversation allowed us to address our concerns directly and better understand the safeguards Flock has in place.” The city of Dallas retains data collected from the cameras for 365 days. A map shared in Dallas Public Safety Committee materials shows the highest concentration of cameras downtown and south of downtown. The Highland Park Department of Public Safety reports there are 11 cameras in the town, with data retained for 30 days. The town’s proposed budget information, which was released prior to approval by the town council, includes $58,800 for license plate reader cameras and system upgrades. According to town council meeting materials, the council initially approved the installation/implementation of the cameras last year. University Park’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes $57,750 for ongoing software agreements, licensing, and other costs related to the existing Flock camera system in the city, a spokesperson said. University Park Police Chief Bill Mathes said the city has 10 Flock cameras. Their data is stored for 30 days unless saved in direct connection to a case.


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

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Plano (By Appointment Only) 5801 Tennyson Parkway, Suite 440 Plano, Texas 75024

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7


8 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Saying Goodbye to Neiman Marcus The lights went out on Main and Ervay the way they go out on a certain kind of American dream — quietly, with a soft click of JOSH HICKMAN the locks on those great glass doors. September 30, 2026. The last of the original major department stores still breathing in downtown Dallas simply ceased. The end of an era that had once seemed as permanent as the red-brick-andwhite-stone Renaissance Revival pile itself, raised in 1914 by George Dahl after the first little specialty shop burned down. One can still see them — the ladies who lunched, ascending that double staircase or the opulent escalators Stanley Marcus installed as if money itself were vertical transportation. Up to the sixth floor, to Eleanor LeMaire’s Zodiac Room, that celestial blue dream where the carpet was deep enough for snowshoes. Popovers with strawberry butter. Chicken consommé in demitasse cups. Models drifting between tables like elegant ghosts. High society made visible, edible, purchasable. Stanley Marcus understood the theater of it all. Weekly fashion shows, the first in America for a specialty store. The Neiman Marcus Award that lured Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent. The Christmas Book with its his-and-hers fantasies. Fortnights that turned the store into a temporary embassy of distant glamour. Dallas suddenly had a claim on the world’s attention, wrapped in tissue paper and tied with a ribbon the color of money. “I had measurements for every case and column there,” Gale Sliger recalled of setting up the celebrated Fortnights during the store’s 1970s-80s heyday with Bill Reed and designer Alvin Colt. “We’d load in on Saturday afternoon, they’d lock the doors, the trucks went away, and we started putting stuff together. When they opened Monday morning, it was done.” “I think it’s a real mistake not to have that anchor of history,” she lamented. “I hate to see it close.”

C R Y S T A L C H A R I T Y B A L L’ S 10 BEST DRESSED The last Crystal Charity Ball fashion show and luncheon held at the more-than-century-old Neiman Marcus downtown Dallas flagship store drew a sold-out crowd that included everyone from Carolina Herrera’s creative director to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and family. The 52nd annual event, honoring the 10 most fashionable and philanthropic women in Dallas, was held Sept. 17, less than two weeks before the downtown flagship closed its doors after more than a year of uncertainty. The Crystal Charity Ball supporting eight local charitable organizations will be Dec. 12. It’s unclear where the 10 Best Dressed fashion show and luncheon will be held going forward.

The final Crystal Charity Ball fashion show and luncheon at the Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas flagship was held on Sept. 17. It is unclear where the event will be held in future years. TAMYTHA CAMERON PHOTOGRAPHY

Harvey Haigh started helming the store’s chic salon in 1970 and continued for over 50 years. “There was something magical about that store, you know,” Haigh noted of Neiman Marcus. “There was always something going on. You never knew what was going to happen. Stanley had this saying, ‘Everything under one roof.’ That was beauty and clothing and shoes and service and so on. I’d never met anybody like him.”

November Never Stood a Chance

Poor November. It used to have a purpose. There was football, Thanksgiving, and a respectMARTHA able amount of time JACKSON to recover from Halloween before anyone started talking about Christmas. Not anymore. Now November is basically December with a turkey in the middle. Somewhere between putting away the Halloween decorations and thawing the Thanksgiving turkey, we’re expected to take the family Christmas card photo, attend charity events, go to football games, start Christmas shopping, decorate the house and respond to holiday party invitations that begin arriving before we’ve finished the Halloween candy. November isn’t a month. It’s a monthlong game of “What am I forgetting?” The Christmas card alone can consume a good portion of it. First, you have to find one evening when every member of the family is available, which becomes

nearly impossible once your children are old enough to have their own schedules and opinions. Then there are the outfits. Everyone needs to coordinate without looking coordinated, which apparently means assembling five people in varying shades of beige and blue and pretending it happened naturally. Then comes the photo shoot, where someone is irritated, someone hates what they’re wearing, someone asks how much longer this is going to take, and the dog is the only one genuinely happy to be there. If you get one photo where everyone’s eyes are open and nobody looks actively annoyed, you’ve succeeded. A week later, a beautiful card arrives in everyone’s mailbox suggesting your family spends its free time standing peacefully together in flattering light. Nobody needs to know what happened five minutes before that picture was taken. While you’re creating this fictional version of family life, Thanksgiving negotiations are underway. Who’s hosting? What time are we eating? Who’s bringing what? Is it lunch or dinner? And why

“Nothing was pretend,” he said of the store. “If it looked like a 15th-century chaise longue, that’s exactly what it was, because he wouldn’t have anything that wasn’t up to his standards.” Haigh recounted illustrious visitors: Sophia Loren, the Queen of Thailand; Princess Grace of Monaco came three times. “His door was always open,” Haigh recalled of Marcus. “We became friends — a great pleasure of my life. Going to that

store every morning was like going home.” And so, the glass doors lock. The Zodiac’s blue migrates to NorthPark. Sixty-seven jobs scatter. Downtown loses its last original temple of aspiration. One walks past the darkened windows and feels the peculiar ache of something that was never supposed to end — something clean, modern, quietly classy — suddenly revealed as mortal after all. Harvey smiled sadly, “I don’t think it’ll ever happen again.”

does coordinating one meal require a text thread longer than the Constitution? Every family also has dishes that cannot be touched. Someone can suggest a new recipe, but replacing the traditional mashed potatoes your family has eaten since 1996 will be treated as an act of aggression. Thanksgiving is not the time for culinary innovation. Bring the same pecan-topped sweet potato soufflé you’ve brought for 20 years and nobody gets hurt. The kids’ table has changed, too. The children who once needed their turkey cut into tiny pieces are now coming home from college with restaurant recommendations, opinions about cocktails, and surprisingly sophisticated tastes. They have apartments, jobs and credit cards. They are practically adults. Yet they still walk into the kitchen, open a fully stocked refrigerator and ask, “Do we have anything to eat?” Of course, Christmas has no intention of waiting its turn. Black Friday now seems to begin around November 3, and my inbox spends the rest of the month warning me that THIS IS

MY LAST CHANCE to save 30% on something I didn’t know I needed. Christmas lights start appearing on Park Cities houses before the Thanksgiving turkey has been ordered, and holiday parties begin while there are still pumpkins on the porch. At this point, Thanksgiving is basically just trying not to get run over by Christmas. By Thanksgiving Day, we’ve coordinated schedules, taken the family photo, ordered the cards, planned the meal, attended the events, started shopping and somehow transitioned the house from pumpkins to Christmas trees. Then we finally sit down, eat too much and make the rookie mistake of thinking we can relax. Until someone asks the most terrifying question of November: “So, are you ready for Christmas?” 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. You can find her at bubblelounge. net and on Instagram @bubbleloungepodcast.


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

#1 Real Estate Team in Texas LANCE HANCOCK

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4009 Gillon Avenue

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9


10 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Home & Business

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Yo-Chi COURTESY

Lafayette 148 CHASE HALL

OPEN

Ball and Buck 5370 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 325 The outdoor lifestyle brand’s Inwood Village store offers heritage-inspired menswear, womenswear, and outdoor gear, along with destination-worthy attractions, such as a full-service barbershop, hidden gun room, and restored vintage Jeep. Jellycat Ranch Nordstrom NorthPark Center The British brand has taken a roadtrip to the Old West. It’s set up camp on the second floor of Nordstrom in a Texas ranch-inspired space. Lafayette 148 NorthPark Center The New York brand that pairs clean lines and warm materials with intimate spaces for one-on-one styling is offering Dallasites a closer connection to its personalized service

Toastique THE SHOPS AT PARK LANE

and the craftmanship it has spent 30 years refining.

LiftHER - Women’s Strength Studio 5550 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 146 The woman-only strength studio has brought its small group lifting with expert-led programming to Inwood Village. Meraki Pilates and Physical Therapy 6160 Sherry Lane, Suite 110 Meraki is delivering high-quality, individualized care that combines the principles of Pilates with evidence-based physical therapy techniques in this space just south of Preston Center. Yo-Chi 5710 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 101 The Australian frozen yogurt brand recently made its U.S. debut, drawing a crowd of 5,000 over its opening weekend. A second Dallas location is in the works for NorthPark Center later this year.

Toastique 8060 Park Lane North, Suite B116 The gourmet toast, juice, and coffee bar known for its chef-crafted, nutrition-forward menu brought its vibrant açaí bowls, nutrient-packed smoothies, and other delicious and wholesome options to The Shops at Park Lane on Oct. 10.

COMING

Go Greek Yogurt 6401 Hillcrest Ave., Suite 102 Go Greek is slated to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to the Park Cities with the opening of this location across from SMU, which will offer classic and frozen yogurt, Greek bowls, and smoothies. LAKE Pajamas Inwood Village The beloved pajama store will offer sleepwear, loungewear, and daywear in its first Texas location, which is scheduled

to open just in time for cooler temps on Nov. 6.

Pause Studio Park Cities 5643 W. Lovers Lane The studio founded in Venice Beach, California, in 2016 is slated to begin offering Dallasites a transformational wellness experience and space for rest, reflection, and recovery next to Fifth Third Bank.

CLOSED

Starbucks 6733 Hillcrest Avenue The coffee chain closed this location, along with about 250 others nationwide, in September. Coffee afficionados can find their caffeine fix nearby in Snider Plaza coffee shops Kilo Coffee and White Rock Coffee, as well as several cafes. —Compiled by Sarah Hodges

Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church Dedicates New Home By Lisa Petty

People Newspapers Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church marked the culmination of a multiyear, $78 million project on Sept. 27 with the formal dedication of its new home. Soaring skyward above a tree-lined plaza, the transformed central building gathers church, chapels, parish halls, a café, and many additional areas for fellowship and learning across four levels. The project increased the footprint of the nearly 80-year-old campus by 65%. However, the Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata, church Rector since 2016, noted that this transformation was about far more than square feet. “Space, although important, was never the highest good,” he said. “The highest good is the way that the building helps to ‘build up’ our community.” Funding for the project came from the community itself through the St. Michael’s Building Our Future capital campaign, which was launched in September 2023. The campaign laid a three-part foundation to ensure a future-focused result: physical and infrastructure upgrades for long-term

Campaign leadership celebrated the grand opening and dedication of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church’s new campus. ALLISON REIMSCHUSSEL (A&A CREATIVE)

sustainability; expanded community spaces to encourage gathering and deeper fellowship; and enhanced educational spaces, including many within the neighboring Saint Michael Episcopal School. The project broke ground in December 2023. As construction progressed, Building Our Future culminated in March 2025 with more than $76 million raised. Upon

reaching that milestone, Girata lauded the humbling “faithfulness and generosity” that had enabled the success of the largest capital campaign ever undertaken by an Episcopal Church in the United States. Fast forward to the first Sunday of August this year, and many doors to newly renovated areas opened softly for the first time. Several events were hosted in the first

few weeks alone. Girata envisions a future in which all neighbors can view the new campus as their own. “My hope is that it becomes a gift to the city,” he said. “We’d love for community partners who are doing great work in different neighborhoods to host meetings and fundraisers in this space. It doesn’t necessarily have to follow a worship experience, because although a lot of people have access to spaces like this, not everyone does.” To be sure, the spirit of fellowship was in the air on September’s official Dedication Day, which was, not coincidentally, hosted on the annual celebration of the Feast of St. Michael. Following a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, St. Michael’s plaza along Douglas Drive overflowed with music, laughter, and the scent of lunch on the grill. As parishioners departed to begin a new week, another of the Rector’s dreams for this new campus came to fruition: “It’s in the leaving of the building that we own our true mission. When we come together, we pray, we learn, and we build our relationships … and when we go out and serve the world, that’s when we become the kind of church that we’re called to be.”


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

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12 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Healthy Eating Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect There’s a lot of pressure in feeding kids. S er ve enough vegetables. Don’t serve too much sugK AC I E B A R N E S ar. Make sure they get enough protein and fiber. Encourage them to try new foods — but don’t force them! Oh, and also make something everyone at the table will actually eat. It’s no wonder feeding kids can feel like the hardest part of your day. So here’s something I wish more parents heard: you don’t have to choose between food your kids actually want to eat and food that offers them something nutritionally. Some of my favorite foods for kids live happily in the middle. Take apple crisp. It’s dessert. It should taste like dessert. (And yes, I highly recommend serving it warm with vanilla ice cream.) But apples are also a great source of fiber, and the topping in my Maple Apple Crisp adds oats and ground flaxseed. You don’t need to remove all the sugar or skip the ice cream to make it “healthy.” You can make a really delicious dessert that also happens to bring some great nutrition to the table. The same idea works with vegetables. If your child turns up their nose at a pile

FROM LEFT: Maple Apple Crisp. Creamy Pumpkin Soup. COURTESY

of roasted vegetables, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed — or that vegetables are off the table. Sometimes changing the flavor or texture of a food makes all the difference. That ’s one reason I love Creamy Pumpkin Soup for kids. Pumpkin is packed with nutrients (woohoo!) but since it’s also naturally sweet and creamy, there are no chunks or unexpected textures to navigate. For a selective eater, that can make a new fruit or vegetable feel a whole lot less intimidating.

Of course, you can make the most kid-friendly pumpkin soup in the world and your child may still take one bite and declare they hate it. That doesn’t mean you failed. Kids learn to enjoy foods through repeated exposure, and tasting is only part of that process. Seeing a food, smelling it, touching it and helping prepare it all count as experiences that build familiarity. So bring them into the kitchen. Let them sprinkle the topping over the apples.

Filling ingredients 3 medium granny smith apples, peeled, cored, ¼-inch thick slices, halved 2 large honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, ¼-inch thick slices, halved ¼ cup pure maple syrup 1 tsp cornstarch ½ tsp cinnamon 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously grease an 8×8 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. 2. To make the topping: Mix the oat flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and ground flaxseed in a large bowl until well combined. Add in the pieces of butter and use your hands to squeeze and combine until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles wet sand. There will be clumps, this is fine. (Or, cut in the butter with a pastry cutter.) 3. Place the topping mixture in the fridge and begin making the apple filling. 4. To make the filling: Place sliced apples, maple syrup, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a large bowl and toss to combine. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes. 5. Place the apple mixture in the prepared pan and sprinkle evenly with topping. 6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. 7. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream!

Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 medium white or yellow onion, chopped 2 cans pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!!) 2.5 cups vegetable broth (can sub chicken broth or ½ bone broth with whatever broth you choose) ¾ cup unsweetened coconut cream (can also sub full-fat coconut milk or ½ cup heavy cream) ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp salt (may need more depending on what broth you use) a sprinkle of ground black pepper Optional: shredded cheddar cheese on top. I like the salty contrast a little bit of sharp cheddar cheese brings to this soup!

Sharing the Holidays Safely With Your Pets

If your pets are like mine, they won’t be left out of holiday festivities. From Thanksgiving turkey to Christmas cookD R . K AT I E ies, the kitchen is evMORGAN ery bit as exciting to our four-legged family as to us. Owners ask me which holiday foods they can safely share with pets. A few thoughtfully chosen bites in moderation and some common sense can give your pet a seat at the holiday table … or at least an interesting spot underneath. Simple is best when making your pet’s plate. A bit of plain, boneless turkey is a great place to start. Add unseasoned green beans, carrots, or plain sweet potato, and you have a perfect holiday pet dinner. Just skip the butter, sauces, and seasonings. Portion size matters, too. Our pets don’t need a human-sized helping. Holiday treats should supplement, not replace, normal diets. A few special bites

are plenty, which leaves room for regular meals. We get into trouble when we share finished dishes rather than setting aside pet-friendly food during preparation. Turkey is fine; turkey covered in gravy and seasoning is another story. Rich, high-fat foods like turkey skin, gravy, and butter can cause upset stomach and potentially pancreatitis. Before dressing your turkey or adding the good stuff to the vegetables, set aside a plain portion for your pet. Our pets must sit out some holiday favorites. Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives aren’t pet friendly. Grapes and raisins cause kidney issues in dogs, so raisin bread, fruitcake, and other dishes containing them should stay off the pet menu. Chocolate is another no-go, particularly dark and baking chocolate. And some sugar-free desserts contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener especially dangerous for dogs. Fortunately, nobody needs to memorize every ingredient. A simple rule works well: if you aren’t certain what’s in a dish, don’t share

Kacie Barnes, MPA. MCN, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who specializes in making healthy eating approachable and attainable for families. With her extensive education and focus on pediatric nutrition, she now shares her knowledge and kid-friendly recipes with the world through her website, mamaknowsnutrition.com.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Maple Apple Crisp Topping Ingredients ¼ cup oat flour, heaping ⅓ cup old fashioned oats, blended to flour ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats 2 tbsp ground flaxseed ¼ cup dark brown sugar ¼ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp salt ¼ cup cold butter, diced into small cubes

Hand them the spoon to stir the soup. Let them grate a mountain of cheddar cheese on top if that’s what makes the soup more appealing. Then let them decide whether they eat it. Our job as parents isn’t to make our kids eat healthy foods. It’s to keep putting those foods in their world — in ways that taste good and feel good — so they have plenty of opportunities to learn to enjoy them. That approach doesn’t always give us the immediate satisfaction we want. Sometimes you do all the “right” things and your kid still refuses what you made. You’re still doing your job. And if I can leave you with one last piece of advice, it’s this: zoom out. Kids don’t need every meal to be perfectly balanced. Instead of stressing about what they ate at one particular meal, think about what they’ve eaten over the course of a few days. That bigger picture is a much better reflection of how they’re eating overall. I bet you’re doing better than you think!

it. Stick with what you know. The same applies to bones. Cooked turkey (and chicken and ham) bones splinter and become lodged in the digestive tract. Corncobs, skewers, and foil aren’t much better. Clear plates promptly and put scraps in a secure trashcan. Houseguests present another opportunity for creative pet management. A bite of turkey from one person isn’t a big deal, but what if everyone did that? Ten guests slipping the dog “just one” is a whole extra dinner. Let guests know your pet feeding policy and keep a small bowl of approved goodies handy so guests don’t improvise. Pets with health issues should stick to their regular diets, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out. A veterinary-approved treat or their regular dinner served somewhere special makes the occasion feel different without changing what’s in their bowl. Despite best efforts, a pet may snag something questionable. Try to determine what was eaten, how much, and when. Save the in-

Instructions: 1. Heat your olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat 2. Once hot, add minced garlic and onion and saute for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and translucent 3. Add your veggie broth, pumpkin puree, coconut cream, and spices (salt and pepper to taste) 4. Bring to a boil (watch out — it will bubble fast and pumpkin puree is known to jump out of the pot) 5. Turn the heat down to low and cook covered for 8-10 minutes. Optional: blend in a blender or with immersion blender for a completely creamy soup, or leave as is if you’re okay with a little more of a textured soup. Serve with grated cheddar cheese on top!

gredient list if you have it, and contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service. Don’t do anything unless a veterinarian tells you to do so. Not every pet wants to be at a party. For one overwhelmed by a houseful of guests or who can’t resist targeting unattended plates, a quiet room with a favorite bed can be a calm retreat. Sharing the holidays with pets doesn’t have to mean sharing everything on our plates. They can enjoy the celebration without blowing their diets, waiting in a comfortable spot for someone to accidentally drop a tasty morsel. Dr. Katie Morgan, a Park Cities native and Hockaday graduate, is the owner and medical director of White Glove Pet Care, White Glove Pet Ranch, and White Glove Pet Valet, which together provide concierge veterinary care, luxury boarding, and in-home pet services for dogs and cats throughout the Park Cities and Preston Hollow. Learn more about Dr. Morgan by visiting whiteglovepetcare.com.


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

13

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When It Matters Most, Call the Top Dog. 4311 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 200 Dallas, Texas 75219 | 214.526.5234 muellerfamilylawgroup.com


14 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Behind the Scenes of an Award-Winning Home Transformation

Last month, one of our house projects won “Best in Show” and “1st Place for Entire Residence over M A R G A R E T 5,000 Square Feet” at C H A M B E R S the American Society of Interior Designers Celebrating Design Texas awards. This project was a major facelift for a 25-year-old, French style home in University Park. Today, I’ll explain how I brightened the home with new color schemes and art while still honoring its traditional French architecture. My clients were a family of five. The wife loved glam, richness, and antiques, because of their sense of history. However, she knew her house was getting tired looking and wanted a fresh new look. We first edited out some of her old antiques, and then updated the rugs, fabrics, paint colors, upholstery, and wallpapers. Having the color scheme flow from space to space helps a home feel cohesive. The clients owned a contemporary painting with shades of orange, red, blue, and green, which we used as an inspiration for the home’s new color palette. For example, the office had a very dark, dated stain color on the walls, paneling, and built-in bookshelves. We repainted it with a high-lacquer green paint that brightened the space and reflected light in the room. The rooms in this house are extraordinarily large, especially the great room with its high vaulted ceiling. Everything we chose

needed to be large-scale. In the living room and dining room, we raised the decorative rods up close to the ceiling, used tall draperies, and hung custom light fixtures. We completely gutted the kitchen to the studs and added all new cabinets, a new embossed backsplash, new countertops in Taj Mahal quartz, and fresh paint. We also replaced all of the wrought bronze hardware with a bright brass that looks more current. Previously, our clients didn’t use their loggia very often because they had a major mosquito problem. So, we enclosed the back loggia, and put in all new flooring, paint colors, and furniture, with new vintage pieces. We even put in air conditioning to keep the area cool during the summer. When people live in a home that is beautiful, well-thought-out, and functional, they feel happier and are proud to entertain in their homes. If you feel like your home is overdue for a refresh, give us a call. By incorporating playful color schemes, and mixing contemporary and antique items, we gave our clients a home that feels both forward-thinking and timeless at the same time. 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. For more ideas and articles, follow us on Instagram at @chambersinteriors, or visit our website at www.chambersinteriors.com.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: After we enclosed this loggia and added air conditioning, it became much more comfortable in the summer. Our clients say they use and enjoy their loggia more often now. We thought the Indian prints featuring elephants, like the one over the fireplace here, were playful and fun. In the keeping room, we brought in some fun fabrics for the seating area by the limestone fireplace. We took that same fabric and put it in the adjacent pool bathroom, which ties the spaces together. STEPHEN KARLISCH AND MARGARET CHAMBERS

Real Estate Market Snapshots Editor’s note: Find here the latest available (as of press time) real estate market statistics for Dallas, Highland Park, and University Park from the North Texas Real Estate Information Systems Inc. The Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University prepares the monthly Multiple Listing Service (MLS) reports but leaves out municipalities when they don’t hit a 10-sale threshold for single-family homes. We would prefer more comprehensive and timely data, but believe these market snapshots still provide a helpful look at where the industry is heading.

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JUNE 2026:

AUGUST 2026:

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August 2025: 4.4

11

49

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June 2025: $3,800,000

price per square foot

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t is a home unlike any other. Atop HALL Arts Residences, the newly completed Sky Terrace Penthouse brings together architecture, interiors, art and landscape in a singular expression of contemporary Dallas living. Designed by the renowned Abeyta Architecture Studio and crafted by Allgood Pfannenstiel, the residence occupies the top of the 28-story tower, where warm woods, sculptural forms, refined metals and tactile materials create spaces that feel sophisticated yet remarkably livable. The interiors add another layer to the story. New York-based Neal Thomas Enterprises staged the residence’s furnishings, curating distinctive pieces that complement the architec-

ture rather than compete with it. Here, Thomas brilliantly demonstrates how the interiors can feel less decorated than collected over time. Natural light is part of the design itself. Expansive glass frames the Dallas skyline, while the home’s restrained material palette shifts subtly throughout the day — everywhere from the intimate dining area to the serene primary suite. The architecture reaches its most dramatic expression outdoors. An expansive terrace by award-winning landscape architecture firm Hocker extends the residence into the sky, with a private swimming pool, trellis-covered lounge and sleek firepit — all making for an unexpected urban oasis above the city.

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parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

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16 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Schools

MORE ABOUT THE I M A G I N AT I O N S PA C E Hanna and Rebecca’s Imagination Space became a reality thanks to the combined efforts of Jessica Frank and nonprofit Dwell with Dignity. Its contents honor the individual interests of Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, who “were very close, but very different from each other,” explained Dwell with Dignity’s community projects designer Kristyn Ampofo. The bright, second-story space at James Bowie Elementary is actually two rooms separated by a window-filled hallway. The area closest to the entrance features materials for younger students. At the end of the hall is a cozy spot for older students with shelves of chapter books, plush seats, and a reading corner designed to resemble a tree with oversized leaf canopies and log pillows. Dwell with Dignity staff and volunteers installed the materials in just four or five days. The team also included two portraits of Hanna and Rebecca. “We felt very honored to be able to bring this project to life,” Ampofo said, “and so thankful to Jessica, and Hanna and Rebecca’s family.”

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Third-graders Journey Grant, Thiago Hernandez, and Marcelo Gonzalez relax on cozy seats. Bookshelves overflow with books and stuffed animals. One of the room’s two portraits of Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence. SARAH HODGES AND ISABELLA FERRERI

IMAGINATION SPACE HONORS HANNA AND REBECCA LAWRENCE By Sarah Hodges

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

E

ager preschoolers crowded around the stove of a make-believe kitchen. A student placed a stethoscope over the heart of a fuzzy frog hand-puppet. Third-grader Journey Grant slipped on a pink tutu and picked up a wand studded with jewels. Grant explained that she was a fairy that Tuesday afternoon. “I’m pretending to have magic,” she said. Hanna and Rebecca’s Imagination Space has brought some real magic to James Bowie Elementary School on North Marsalis Avenue. The bright, window-filled space honors Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, twin 8-yearolds who lost their lives during last year’s Hill Country floods. Hanna and Rebecca were students at University Park Elementary in Highland Park ISD. The space 20 minutes south of their

school is intended to help all children thrive and share their love of learning, explained Jessica Frank, a family friend and the Lawrences’ longtime babysitter. “The girls loved going to school and really found their passions,” Frank said. “We just wanted a space where other children would have that same opportunity.” Frank worked with nonprofit Dwell with Dignity to create the room, which honors Rebecca’s desire to one day become a teacher. A small kitchen within it remembers Hanna’s ambition to become a chef. There are cozy corners for Rebecca, who loved to be comfortable and cuddly, chef ’s hats and cookbooks for Hanna, and art supplies for both girls. The room is decorated with puffy white clouds, rainbows, and butterflies in the pretty shades that the girls loved. Its shelves overflow with books and colorful stuffed animals — dogs, pandas, a care bear, and a bumblebee. There are easels, containers of Play-Doh

and washable markers, cozy seats, games, and everything students might need to imagine themselves as a chef, firefighter, or princess. “You couldn’t create a more enticing, engaging space for students at an elementary school,” assistant principal Marcus Bones said. “The visual of it alone, walking by here, creates energy and motivation. It’s inspirational to see.” Since opening this summer, the Imagination Space has become so popular that the school has created a sign-up to schedule visits. On Fridays, students who have excelled during the week are rewarded with time in the special room. One Friday, students baked cookies in the real kitchen, which is complete with a toaster oven and mini fridge. Another week, they prepared pizza, said teacher Felisha Hosein. Hosein’s class of kindergarteners has especially enjoyed playing in the pretend kitchen and painting on mini canvases that they could bring home to their families.

“We’re going to do our best to keep this place nice, and clean, and organized so that we can keep coming and enjoying it,” she said. “I’m just very grateful that they chose our school.” One Tuesday afternoon, third-grader Thiago Hernandez showed visitors the real kitchen, where he hopes to prepare desserts. He pointed out the baking hats hanging on the wall, the cookbooks, and the light turquoise microwave. Then, he turned to a portrait of Hanna and Rebecca. An image of the smiling girls with matching bows in their hair has been placed at the end of a rainbow that extends along the room’s ceiling. The portrait is surrounded by small pink, yellow, and blue butterflies. “These are the two girls that died in the flood. They were two sisters,” Hernandez said. He believes Hanna and Rebecca would have approved of the room, “I think they would really like it.”

PREPARED PASSIONATE PRINCIPLED

Midway Campus (3rd - 12th) Preview: November 14, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Hillcrest Campus (PreK 3 - 2nd) Missed the October Preview? Register online for an upcoming tour.

To learn more, please visit: parish.org/admission


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

K-12 Charlotte Mason-inspired, classical Christian education

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18 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Armstrong Inventors Tackle Challenges of Daily Life By Sarah Hodges

WINNING IDEAS

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Packages disappearing? Try scaring off porch pirates with a prank delivery. Sleeping through your morning alarm? You’ll bounce out of bed when it starts spraying you with water. Worried about walking your dog after dusk? Skip the luminescent vest and cover your pup’s fur with glow-in-the-dark paint. Armstrong Elementary students devised these solutions and many others during their school’s Invention Convention. The annual event, which is unique to Highland Park ISD’s smallest school, challenges young innovators to think about how to solve the problems that they and their families face in daily life. This October, more than 80 inventors put their creativity to the test. A project was required of all third graders, but students in other grades joined the fun as well. First-grader Bri Butani invented a package with a surprise to deter thieves. She used a bendy straw to connect a small launcher to a foam cylinder. A curious thief who pressed the launcher would get a scare, she explained. “When it pops up fully, he’ll probably run away thinking it’s going to go even further, and thinking it’s also going to be hard,” she said. Second-grader Ava Nirmal found inspiration in a California airport. She was so tired that she didn’t want to carry her stuffed dog, Donut. But she also didn’t want Donut to get lost or dirty. Nirmal invented a stuffy seatbelt to keep Donut safe and secure on top of her suitcase. She experimented with versions made from a slap bracelet and pipe cleaners before finding success with stretchy ribbon. “The slap bracelet rolled back. The pipe

Each of Armstrong Elementary’s young innovators received a ribbon and was treated to a frozen yogurt party. The school also recognized the top three inventions out of the more than 80 students who completed projects. The winners were: First Place: Third-grader Shinola Mangona Second Place: Third-graders Brendan and Kayden Kutnick Third Place: Second-grader Ava Nirmal

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Invention Convention winners Shinola Mangona, Ava Nirmal, and Kayden and Brendan Kutnick. Davis Denbow with the glow collars he invented to keep his dogs safe on dark walks. Adler Radloff with her invention, luggage to carry all her games. ARMSTRONG ELEMENTARY PTA AND SARAH HODGES

cleaners, clips, and tape fell apart. But the stretchy ribbon and tape — it did work!” she said. “I learned that some things may work, and some things may not. You can try more than one way to make it work.”

Many students created projects to help their furry friends. Third-grader Sloane Grubich invented a squirrel robot to keep pets busy when they want to play, but their owners don’t.

She tested the invention on her dog, Maple, who seemed to have fun with the squirrel. Potential improvements could help the project have even more appeal. “I’m probably going to make it adaptable to other dogs. Some dogs have different needs than others,” Grubich said. “I could do different animals. I could do different sizes.” Armstrong’s top three inventors received gift cards and trophies, while everyone was awarded participation ribbons and celebrated their creativity during a frozen yogurt party in the cafeteria, explained Lara Francis who co-chaired this year’s convention with Katie Chang. The project’s rewards, though, went beyond ribbons and trophies. Megan Reynolds explained that her son, Luke, created an automatic treat dispenser to train his family’s puppies while he’s at school. Luke and his mom had disagreed over whether the dispenser should include a lever or trap door. Luke opted to try his method, the lever, and he was right. “The confidence that builds is pretty amazing. He came up with the whole idea,” Reynolds said. “I love that he was like, ‘this is a problem that in real life we deal with, because we have a puppy, and here’s a solution.’ It’s been great.”

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GRACE ACADEMY

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Grace Academy of Dallas is proud to partner with families to meet both the educational and spiritual needs of each child. Grace Academy offers a unique balance of an academically rigorous curriculum within a nurturing, Christian environment. Grace Academy encourages children to maintain a balance of academic, intellectual, social, athletic, and artistic pursuits while fostering their personal faith. Grace Academy students have fun participating in a variety of extracurricular opportunities including performing in the upcoming musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr., school clubs, and community service. Each weekend, you can catch students taking in the sunshine and playing sports including soccer and flag football. Go Stallions!

At The Hockaday School, every girl is invited to discover her voice, follow her curiosity, and dream boldly. Devoted teachers create a community where ideas are welcomed and confidence grows. The results speak for themselves: Hockaday is proud to celebrate 28 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists this year, a remarkable testament to the talent and dedication of its students. Yet academics are only part of the story. On the stage, on the field, and in the community, Hockaday girls forge lifelong friendships, uncover new strengths, and find the courage to try anything. Here, girls are never asked to shrink. They are encouraged to shine. Families across North Texas choose Hockaday for an inspiring, rigorous education that prepares young women to lead lives of purpose and impact. Discover the Hockaday difference and schedule a visit today. To learn more, visit www.hockaday.org.

Where learning begins and impact lasts


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

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20 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Drama Students Win Hearts With Musical Comedy ‘Hello, Dolly!’

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Kat Cali, CeCe Hoff, Sage Rockow, Kai Carpenter, and Scarlett Morris. Luca Brack, Brooks Buis, Margaret Bickel, and Ruthie Cave. FRONT: Luca Brack, Justin Furstein, and Brooks Buis. BACK: Andrew Blanchard, Espen Enoksen, Luke Conlon, Louie Bickel, Sam Silva, Soren Wurzbach, Johnny Lyke, and Carson Royall. TARA COSGROVE

By Sarah Hodges

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Hello, Dolly!, Highland Park High School’s laugh-out-loud fall musical, brought smiles to audiences and lasting joy to its cast and crew. “After the show, there’s just this incredible feeling of, ‘I’m so happy that I spent every single minute doing this,’ because it’s just the best feeling in the world,” said Margaret Bickel, who played fun-loving Minnie Fay in the production from Oct. 15 to 18. Highland Park drama students spent months making their performances seem effortless.

Hello, Dolly! even included one 9-minute, fast-paced dance that director Brittany Murphy both predicted would “be something that takes the house down” and said was the longest that she had ever seen in a musical. Murphy said that she’ll remember the passion students poured into their work when she reflects on their performance. “I just love them so much, and I think that they love what we do so much. It’s a really symbiotic relationship,” she remarked. “It’s very cool to see people care as much as you care.” In addition to their assigned roles, the approximately 70 members of the cast

and crew pitched in as needed, whether that meant painting cardboard bricks or perfecting hair and make-up. “It helps so much when you are like a family,” said Brooks Buis, who played zany young man Barnaby Tucker. “It helps it run like a machine, but it’s so fun at the same time.” This was the 33rd production for senior Sage Rockow, who played the title role of matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi. But the show was Rockow’s first as the sole lead — or, as her dad would say, “the quarterback of the musical.” She said that being central to the performance helped build her confidence and

solidified her decision to study musical theater. “It just shows my hard work has finally paid off after all these years,” she said, “and that I deserve to be here.” Director Murphy said she hoped students understood that the relationships they built would outlast the roles they had briefly played. After months of effort and countless hours of rehearsal, the show itself was “like a flash in a pan.” “It’s there and then it’s gone. And that’s really beautiful, but it’s also the bittersweet part of theater,” Murphy said. “Even if you did the show again, it would never be exactly the same.”

Gift to HP Special Programs Honors Camp Mystic Counselor By Lisa Petty

People Newspapers

T H E K AT H E R I N E F E R R U Z Z O L E G A C Y F O U N D AT I O N

Katherine Ferruzzo was just 19 years old when her life was lost in the Texas Hill Country floods of July 2025. Her summer job as a counselor at Camp Mystic reflected her passion for teaching. She planned to pursue a special education major at the University of Texas in the fall. Through the Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation, this bright young woman’s dream will live on in classrooms across the state — including many in Highland Park ISD. Katherine’s commitment to teaching began while working in a special education classroom in her hometown of Houston. There, she witnessed the dedication and challenges of teachers who serve students with special needs. Katherine’s mother, Andrea Ferruzzo, has chosen to honor her daughter’s legacy by meeting those challenges. “We miss her every single day,” Andrea said. “We’ve learned just how much time and effort special education teachers spend making very specific learning materials for their students, and continuing the work that Katherine started gives purpose to our pain.” The Foundation’s first donation last fall focused on Spring Branch ISD in Houston. The group then set its sights on Highland Park, home of Katherine’s fu-

The Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation exists to carry forward Katherine’s fierce love for children with special needs by funding and supporting the classrooms, educators, families, and communities who help them thrive. To learn more, visit katherineferruzzo.org, call (713) 562-2752, or email info@katherineferruzzo.org.

The Katherine Ferruzzo Foundation, Highland Park ISD superintendent Dr. Mike Rockwood and director of special programs Dr. Cynthia Hollingshead, and HPISD special education self-contained teachers. COURTESY HPISD

ture college roommate, as well as several of her young campers. Cynthia Hollingshead, Director of Special Programs at Highland Park ISD, took the call. “It’s absolutely amazing what Andrea is doing to carry on her daughter’s legacy,” Hollingshead said. “Along with Dr. Shorr Heathcote, our deputy superintendent, I talked to her and went through some ideas for things that we might want to do.” After this brainstorming session, the donation that would most benefit HPISD special

education teachers was clear: work folders. “In our self-contained classrooms, teachers have something that they create called a ‘work folder’,” said Hollingshead. “You can’t order them online. They must be made from scratch. Science, the alphabet, you name it, we create a folder for it.” She estimated that these assets, made individually for each student, take about one hour to complete. Multiply that by several folders per student across all Special Programs classrooms, and this gift had the power

to return hundreds of hours to teachers, and in turn, to the students themselves. Andrea mobilized an army of friends, family, and volunteers to do just that, then traveled with a team from the Katherine Ferruzzo Foundation to present the gift to HPISD at a special Giving Ceremony. “Everyone was just so overwhelmed, so happy, so gracious,” said Hollingshead. “It was an unbelievable experience.” This gift will keep on giving. As the school year moves forward, feedback will be provided to ensure that ongoing donations to HPISD can evolve with students’ ever-changing needs. The Foundation has also made similar donations to Alamo Heights ISD in San Antonio and Paris ISD, with plans to expand to five more districts in the near future. “Her father and I would’ve helped Katherine,” Andrea said. “So, we’re trying to do the same for special education teachers across Texas in her name.”


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

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THE COVENANT SCHOOL

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Is “good” studying long hours and acing the test? Is being “good” about GPAs and landing six figure salaries? How should schools really be teaching students to be “good”? Parish believes it’s about helping students become their best by recognizing their unique potential and developing them to be prepared, passionate and principled. We must equip children with skills and mindsets to navigate life’s challenges and accomplish goals. We must help them discover what excites and energizes them. And we must ground them in enduring values that shape who they are and how they lead. Learn more at Campus Previews parish.org/admission/inquire-and-apply

The Covenant School equips students to learn independently, think critically, analyze logically, and express themselves with clarity and purpose. We believe the ultimate goal of Charlotte Mason-inspired classical Christian education is the formation of an authentic human being. A soul-shaping endeavor. Join us at The Covenant School, a K-12 classical Christian school for our Explorer (Kindergarten) Information Session on October 27 or our Open House on October 28. Visit covenantdallas.com for more information.

This fall, twenty-five students made history at Wesley Prep as members of our very first 7th grade class. They are curious, kind, and ready to lead, already lighting the way for every student who follows. Since 1968, Wesley Prep has been a beloved elementary and early childhood school where students are known, loved, and challenged. Now our oldest students are carrying that spirit into the new territory of middle school, diving into deeper academics, serving our community, and setting a confident and joyful tone for our younger students who look up to them every day. Next fall, this group will become our first 8th grade class, and we cannot wait to see where they lead us. Congratulations to our trailblazing 7th graders. You make us proud! Learn more at wesleyprep.org.

Becoming a Good Student and a Good Human

Lighting the Way: Meet Wesley Prep’s First 7th Grade Class

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22 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

HPHS Soloists Earn Top UIL Ratings

Hockaday, Greenhill Students Take STEM to the Community

FROM LEFT: Ronak Ramnani, Katherine Mao, Aravli Paliwal, and Ariel Yuan. SARAH HODGES

By Sarah Hodges

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

FROM LEFT: Chelsea Sun, Highland Park ISD director of fine arts Natalie Walker, and Madeleine Mayfield. COURTESY HPISD

By Lisa Petty

People Newspapers Two Highland Park High School juniors who hit high notes in the 2026 UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest are continuing to reach for ambitious goals. Soprano soloists Madeleine Mayfield and Chelsea Sun each received Division I ratings, the UIL’s top mark of excellence, during the State Solo & Ensemble Contest in Austin this summer. The students, who competed in the band, orchestra, and choir category, were recently recognized for their achievements by the Highland Park ISD board of trustees. Mayfield, 17, selected “Nuit d’Etoiles” (Starry Night) by Claude Debussy for her UIL solo. The classic, romantic piece reflected her “lifelong passion” for singing, and the performance followed countless hours of rehearsal over the course of many months. Mayfield extended thanks to her family and voice coach, Kathryn Piña. She plans to continue her music studies through graduation in 2028. At college, she hopes to major in vocal performance or music education. Apart from her studies, this talented young student enjoys baking and is a dedicated volunteer at her church.

“I feel very accomplished and proud of my hard work,” Mayfield said. “I hope to continue developing my voice and growing as a musician to prepare for a career where I use my love of singing and music for many years to come.” Sun, 16, performed “Si Mes Vers Avaient des Ailes” (If My Verses Had Wings) by the French composer, Reynaldo Hahn. She also devoted months to preparation, and expressed her gratitude to voice teacher Michael Nguyen, HPHS choir directors Neal Patel and Paige Pickett, and, of course, her devoted parents. “When I received a Division I Rating, I was beyond elated and ecstatic,” she said. “It was such a rewarding experience, and I also felt incredibly thankful for all the people who helped me along the way.” Sun hopes to study medicine or psychology after graduation, in addition to pursuing her love of music. When she is not rehearsing or studying, she is the Vice President of the Dallas chapter of UnboundEd Art, a student-run nonprofit dedicated to sharing classical arts with young community members. The next UIL State Solo and Ensemble contest will be held May 29 and May 31, 2027, at multiple sites in the Austin area. For more information visit uiltexas. org/music.

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Math may be a useful skill, but it doesn’t usually make for compelling reading. That is, unless you’re browsing articles on Youth Stemline, a website created by students at Greenhill School and The Hockaday School for peers to express their interests in math, science, and technology. The website’s environment section includes one piece titled “Cow Farts, Climate Change, and Coffee: The Unexpected Connection.” Other writings cover everything from the digitalization of beauty standards to space-time and NASA’s Artemis II mission. “I think one misconception is, ‘these articles are written by teenagers. How good can they be?’ That’s something we work to break,” said editor-in-chief Aravli Paliwal. “A lot of the work that our writers put out there is quality work.” Paliwal, a junior at Hockaday, founded Youth Stemline in the summer of 2025 with Greenhill student Ronak Ramnani and fellow Hockaday students Katherine Mao and Ariel Yuan. Since its creation, the website has grown to include more than 40 writers. And the group’s founders have taken their desire to spark an interest in STEM off the page and into the community. They’ve hosted a series of TomorrowMakers workshops for young learners in partnership with the Dallas Police Association, the Preston Royal branch of the Dallas Public Library, and the University Park Public Library. Topics have included wacky weather, artificial intelligence, and why airplanes don’t fall out of the sky. The teens have endeavored to create interactive experiences for workshop attendees. “There’s only so much impact you can have when you’re online,” Ramnani explained. “Not everyone’s reading our articles.” About 15 children crowded into a

LEARN MORE To find out more about Youth Stemline, visit its website, youthstemline.com, or follow it on Instagram, @youthstemline.

conference room at the University Park Public Library for a Wednesday afternoon session on outer space. The members of Youth Stemline began by sharing information about gravity and the solar system before breaking their listeners into groups to tackle a hands-on challenge: how to cushion spacecrafts, or hard-boiled eggs, from the force of landing on distant planets, or being dropped from the library’s balcony. Not all the spacecrafts touched down safely, but the members of Youth Stemline reassured rookie scientists that cracked eggs didn’t mean that their designs weren’t successful. “This is what lots of scientists go through,” Paliwal said. “They go through lots of failure before they even get one good result.” The session, which ended with discussion questions on a Youth Stemline article modified for a younger audience, was also a touchdown for parents. “I think it’s great that even though they’re still young, and have not graduated high school, they’re pouring into the younger generation,” said Belinda Alexander, who brought her children to the session. “I feel like kids learn from other kids, too. They pay attention. It shows that they can do it when they’re older.” The founders of Youth Stemline, who are all now high school juniors, hope the program continues to grow. They’ve spread word about their project to other teens who have started chapters in the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan. “We want people who are sophomores, freshmen, and even younger than that to see what we do, and then take the foundations that we’ve built, and add their own tweak,” Paliwal said. “We don’t want this to stop when we leave.”


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

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GOOD SHEPHERD EPISCOPAL SCHOOL At Good Shepherd Episcopal School, childhood is more than a season. It is the foundation for a life of confidence, compassion, and courage. From Pre-K through eighth grade, every child is known, challenged, and encouraged to discover who they are and how they can make a meaningful impact on the world. With an innovative curriculum, strong character formation, and a welcoming community, students grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. This is a place where curiosity is celebrated, leadership is nurtured, and joyful learning happens every day. Come see what makes Good Shepherd unlike any other school in Dallas.

MEADOWBROOK SCHOOL For 55yrs Meadowbrook School has inspired children to love school, be excited about learning and feel good about themselves. We prepare confident, school-ready PK3 through Kindergarten students in a nurturing, yet structured environment. Our highly individualized curriculum is grounded in the timeless fundamentals of reading, writing and arithmetic. Meadowbrook is dedicated to giving children a firm academic foundation while also weaving genuine respect for others into every corner of school life. Join us for campus tour and discover the “Meadowbrook Magic”.

PRESTON HOLLOW PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL

This fall, Preston Hollow Presbyterian School sixth graders spent a week exploring Texas Hill Country at Camp Buckner. There, they challenged themselves on archery ranges and ropes courses, and bonded as PHPS student leaders. Experiences like these reflect the heart of a PHPS education: developing leadership, resilience, and the essential skills children need to thrive in Middle School, High School, and beyond. Through hands-on learning, meaningful responsibility, and a close-knit community, PHPS prepares students to lead with confidence, collaborate with kindness, and meet new challenges with courage. At PHPS, growing leaders is not an extra; it is the education itself.

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24 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Scout Brings Shared-Ride Waiting Station to Juliette Fowler Communities

By Josh Hickman People Newspapers

Fourteen-year-old Charlie McGinnis, a University Park resident and freshman at St. Mark’s School of Texas, recently completed his Eagle Scout project by constructing a covered shared-ride waiting station at Juliette Fowler Communities in East Dallas. The structure gives residents a sheltered, consistent place to wait for drivers and rideshare services. Charlie developed the idea after learning that residents sometimes struggled with pickups across the multi-address campus. “They said their residents sometimes had issues with ride shares. So, this would be a consistent and safe location for them to stop, so that’s why I researched this project,” he said. “Uber comes here; they get lost. Now, you can reach out to Uber and Lyft and mark this spot on the map for all of those addresses.” The project offered Charlie the chance to lead fellow Scouts, collaborate with his family, and work through real-world design and construction challenges. His grandfather helped design the structure, and both his grandparents assisted with the woodworking. “This project was a little harder, because this is not as common. So, we had to come up with the design of our own,” explained Charlie, who started Scouting as a first grader. He had helped his brother erect a similar structure across the street two years earlier, but that was the extent of his prior building experience.

Construction took three days and was completed on Labor Day. Charlie plans to return in six months once the wood has fully cured to paint the station. Residents who watched the work take shape expressed clear enthusiasm. “It’s awesome!” said Juliette Fowler resident Marylin Wright. “I’m a former teacher, and he gets an A-plus-plus!” Charlie noted the positive response as well: “They appreciate it a lot. I think it’s good for the residents and safer for them.” Charlie’s father, Jim McGinnis, highlighted the leadership and family involvement. “He brought together his Scout friends and led them through the project. He got to work with his grandfather and his grandmother in the design process. It was a bit daunting at first, but I think when we finished it, we all had a great sense of accomplishment.” Jim also pointed to the strength of local Scouting. Troop 82 is one of the country’s largest and has produced more than 1,100 Eagle Scouts since it was chartered in 1955. “We’re blessed to be in the Park Cities, where we have a very strong troop in Troop 82 and a very supportive council,” Jim said. Eagle Scout projects require planning, leadership of others, problem-solving, and lasting community benefit. Charlie’s covered waiting station fits that model by addressing a practical daily need for older residents at the historic, intergenerational nonprofit. The new structure improves both convenience and safety, giving drivers a clear landmark and residents a protected place to wait.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: BACK ROW: Charlie McGinnis, brother James McGinnis, Alex Venable, and Brewster Hubbs. FRONT ROW: Paul Provost, Cindy Klymov, and Bob Trochta. Charlie McGinnis and his team at work. Mom Koren McGinnis and Charlie loading truck. KATHY SILL

SPECIAL ADVERTISING CONTENT URSULINE ACADEMY

Portrait of an Ursuline Graduate

An Ursuline graduate is a woman of faith and reflection. She embodies Serviam by using her gifts to learn from and serve others. She appreciates multiple perspectives and celebrates the uniqueness of all locally and globally. She encourages and exemplifies integrity and resiliency. She is a lifelong learner who engages with others ethically, critically, and empathetically. She is an independent, innovative thinker who instigates and embraces change. She strives to build a strong sense of community. Join us at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school for grades 9-12 for our Admission Showcase on November 15, 2025. For more information contact us at 469-232-1800 or www. ursulinedallas.org.

THE CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL OF DALLAS

Known. Nurtured. Prepared for Life. At Cambridge, no child goes unnoticed. In small classes with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, teachers know what sparks each student’s curiosity, where they need a nudge, and who they are becoming. Master teachers lead lively discussions where children learn to think deeply and communicate with confidence. Rooted in a time-tested classical approach and a Christ-centered community, Cambridge nurtures mind, character, and faith, preparing young men and women for college and life. It’s why Niche’s 2027 rankings place The Cambridge School of Dallas first among Christian schools in DFW. Schedule a tour at cambridgedallas.org/admissions.

su nd ay, no ve m be r 8 th e ch ur ch 4 PM se rv ic e in res hments to follow

Reception with music and ref guest preacher:

the rev. dr. razz waff retired U.S. Army Major General

saint michael and all angels episcopal church 8011 douglas ave, Dallas | 214.363.5471 | saintmichael.org

join us in saying "Thank you!" to our veterans for their service. special appearance:


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

In the Heart of UP 3425 Westminster Avenue $2,995,000 3 Bed I 3.1 Bath I Triplex

Marc Ching | 214.728.4069 | marc.ching@alliebeth.com

Autumn Arrival 6419 Lakehurst Avenue $3,895,000 5 Bed | 5.2 Bath | 6,720 Sq.Ft.

Elizabeth Wisdom | 214.244.0181 | elizabeth.wisdom@alliebeth.com

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26 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Beauty Inside and Out 3425 Wentwood Drive $6,495,000 5 Bed I 5.3 Bath I 7,181 Sq. Ft.

Lucinda Buford | 214.728.4289 | lucinda.buford@alliebeth.com

Fabulous in Devonshire 5726 W Hanover Avenue $2,199,000 4 Bed I 4 Bath I 3,629 Sq. Ft.

Shirley Cohn | 214.729.5708 | shirley.cohn@alliebeth.com


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

27

Beauty is as Beauty Lives 6438 Deloache Avenue $4,100,000 5 Bed | 5.4 Bath | 6,383 Sq.Ft.

Susan Baldwin | 214.763.1591 | susan.baldwin@alliebeth.com

Very Chic and Peaceful 11219 Leachman Circle $4,995,000 5 Bed I 5.1 Bath I 5,470 Sq. Ft.

Alex Perry | 214.926.0158 | alex.perry@alliebeth.com

All listing information, either in print or electronic format, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and listing broker is not responsible for any typographical errors or misinformation. Prospective buyers are instructed to independently verify all information furnished in connection with a listing. This information is current as of the distribution of this material, but is subject to revisions, price changes, or withdrawal without any further notice. Allie Beth Allman & Associates strictly adheres to all Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity laws and regulations.


28 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Selling University Park 3432 Stanford Avenue SOLD - Private Sale 6 Bed I 6.1 Bath I 5,355 Sq. Ft..

Susie Thompson | 214.354.8866 | susie.thompson@alliebeth.com

Timelessly Updated 7111 Wild Valley Drive $789,000 3 Bed I 2 Bath I 2,126 Sq. Ft.

Jackie Converse Cimorelli | 214.673.7852 | jackie.converse@alliebeth.com


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

29

HP Mediterranean Beauty 4541 Westway Avenue $3,399,000 6 Bed I 6.1 Bath I 5,615 Sq. Ft.

Teffy Jacobs | 214.676.3339 | teffy.jacobs@alliebeth.com

Remodeled in Midway Hollow 4044 Boca Bay Drive $834,000 4 Bed I 3 Bath I 2 Living Area

Susan Bradley | 214.674.5518 | susan.bradley@alliebeth.com

All listing information, either in print or electronic format, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and listing broker is not responsible for any typographical errors or misinformation. Prospective buyers are instructed to independently verify all information furnished in connection with a listing. This information is current as of the distribution of this material, but is subject to revisions, price changes, or withdrawal without any further notice. Allie Beth Allman & Associates strictly adheres to all Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity laws and regulations.


30 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Sports

THE SUM OF ALL PEERS

Six Scots Filling Wide Receiver Void By Justin Thomas People Newspapers

P

erhaps the biggest question entering the season for Highland Park’s football team came at wide receiver. A year ago, HP completed 267 passes for 4,615 yards, but just seven of those receptions and 195 of those yards were accrued by players returning in 2026. With the Scots sitting atop the District 6-5A Division I standings as the regular season hits the homestretch, the biggest preseason question has been answered emphatically. Now fully healthy, HP’s contingent of seniors Liam Thomas, Luke Cecil, and Colton Heinlen, juniors Evan Snelleman and Thompson Braner, and sophomore Beckett Lawrence have provided record-setting quarterback Buck Randall an array of pass-catching options. As a result, the HP offense has averaged 44 points per game with a low of 37 while Randall is pacing for yet another 3,000-yard season. Through seven games, all six of HP’s aforementioned wide receivers have had at least 10 receptions and 100 yards, five have had touchdown catches, and the Scots have had a different leading receiver in five contests. “I think the versatility and the depth we have now is great,” said Randy Allen, HP head coach. “It makes it challenging for the defense to focus on one particular guy. They have to be concerned with everyone and that’s why you’re seeing one guy have a great game here and then the next week it might be someone else. It depends on how the defense wants to play us, but everyone can catch

Highland Park’s football team entered the 2026 season with questions as to who its top wide receivers would be. More than halfway through the season, there have been six answers. CHRIS MCGATHEY

and run, and Buck trusts them all and will give them a chance.” Pacing the Scots thus far has been Lawrence, who has notched team-highs in receptions (30), yards (473), and touchdowns (five). Thomas, meanwhile, has contributed 25 catches for 418 yards and three scores, while Snelleman has 15 receptions, 301 yards, and four touchdowns, and is averaging a teamhigh 20 yards per catch. Braner (22-273-1), Cecil (12-140-2), and Heinlen (10-123) have also had their moments, and even running backs James Flowers

(9-130) and Caiden Reeves (19-306) are consistently involved in HP’s aerial assault. Not only have HP’s pass-catchers been productive statistically, but each also brings a different element to the offense. “Beckett is the play-maker,” Braner said. “He makes it happen and breaks all the tackles. Cecil is a big, physical guy and he showed that last week when he caught the game-sealing catch against Richland. Evan, he’s our fastest receiver, and we’re lucky to have him back. He was huge for us against Richland, too. And I’d just describe Liam

as an all-around stud. He runs tremendous routes and does a great job blocking.” The chemistry between Randall and the receivers, meanwhile, continues to improve with more time on the field, in particular for Snelleman and Cecil. “We’ve all grown up with Buck with him being a senior as well,” Cecil said. “He became a starter quicker than some of us, obviously, but we’ve always had that connection. This year, it’s just been growing more into that and taking it to a different level.” “Last year in practice, we were always sitting behind guys like Cannon (Bozman) and Harrison (Cullum) and those guys,” Thomas added. “That was big and we kind of knew what it looks like and what the coaches were looking for. And then of course we got a whole offseason to work with Buck.” After taking the week of Oct. 19 off for a bye, HP and its receivers will have at least three more games catching passes from Randall, with 6-5A games Oct. 30 at home against Birdville and Nov. 5 at Carrollton Newman Smith before kicking off the playoffs. Just how deep that postseason run will last is all that’s left to be determined for the Scots after reaching the regional final a year ago. “Making a deep run in the playoffs, you have to go through a lot of adversity, and I think that is something this team has really learned to do,” Snelleman said. “You could see it in the game against Richland. That’s a team that a lot of people thought would beat us, and there were some tough moments, but we kept fighting through and pulled it out.” “This is a player-led team,” Lawrence added. “Everyone is connected and is all-in on the same goal. That’s going to drive us.”

Martins named district MVP

Lady Scots win third district title in five years By Justin Thomas People Newspapers

The 2026 season was a banner one for Highland Park’s girls water polo team. Not only did the Lady Scots go 8-0 en route to their third district title in the past five years, but the squad also set a program-record with 18 wins. Unfortunately, HP’s success didn’t carry over to the postseason, where after receiving a bye in the bi-district round, the Lady Scots met their match in the area round in a 14-9 loss to a Flower Mound Marcus team ranked eighth in the nation by maxpreps.com. “That’s how the alignment falls,” HP head coach Chris Cullen said of often facing a powerhouse in the early stages of the postseason. “But it was a great season for us.” Individually, sophomore Rita Martins was named the district’s Most Valuable Player after leading HP in scoring (123 points), including 68 goals and a teamhigh 55 assists while also pacing the team in steals (69). HP’s leading scorer, senior captain Kaylee Schmidt, touched the back of the net 87 times while chipping in 22 assists on her way to claiming Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Highland Park sophomore Rita Martins was named the district’s Most Valuable Player after leading the Lady Scots to an 8-0 record. ROB GRAHAM

Cullen noted that Schmidt, one of just four seniors on the roster, has aspirations of playing collegiately but is yet to make a commitment. Also earning all-district honors for HP were sophomores Aleksa Zivaljevic (first team), Taylor Ramo (first team), Gianna Holdridge (second team) and senior Olivia Slaughter (honorable mention). Zivaljevic had a strong all-around season with 64 goals, 34 assists, and 55 steals, while Ramo also contributed in multiple facets with 26 goals, 38 assists, and 56 steals. Holdridge, meanwhile, made 113

saves in net for the Lady Scots. “We should have a good setting for next year,” said Cullen, who was named Coach of the Year. “We were a pretty young team outside of Kaylee, and having Rita, Aleksa, Taylor, and Gianna is a good group to build with.” HP’s boys team, meanwhile, wrapped up the season with an 11-13 mark, but did manage to earn a postseason win before bowing out in the area round. The Scots opened the playoffs with a 20-11 victory over Sachse before coming up short against Flower Mound in the area round, 19-14. The Jaguars entered the post-

season ranked No. 78 in the nation. Previously, HP had posted a 5-5 record in district competition. “The boys team was really up and down because of how young we were,” Cullen said. “We only had one senior, so it was a bit of a rebuilding year for us. We had a new starting goalie and multiple freshmen that were starting, but I was really pleased with how the team improved throughout the year.” Individually, HP was powered by the play of junior captain Harrison Howarth (first team), who ranked 45th in the nation in scoring (132 points) following a season in which he posted 98 goals and 34 assists. The Scots also received strong offensive performances from the tandem of sophomore Beau Kohl (second team) and junior Knox Kohl (second team), with the former posting 56 goals and a team-high 67 assists and the latter chipping in 71 goals alongside 51 assists. Sophomore AJ Flaskas (honorable mention) ranked fourth in points with 58 goals and seven assists, while freshman Andrew Luu (27), junior Aidan Zahodnik (23) and senior Hayden Phan (18) also reached double figures in goals. Knox also led the team in steals (58), while junior Dean Hemphill made 141 saves in goal.


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

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32 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Freshman Phenom

Strohbehn excelling despite freshman status

Annabelle Strohbehn has shined as a freshman for Highland Park’s volleyball team in 2026. CHRIS MCGATHEY

By Justin Thomas People Newspapers

With Lydia Fisher and Brooklyn Bailey departing to Gonzaga and Memphis, respectively, from last year’s Class 5A State Championship volleyball team, Highland Park had big shoes to fill in the middle. Fortunately for head coach Michael Dearman and the Lady Scots, a freshman has stepped in to save the day. Annabelle Strohbehn has been a revelation

at middle blocker for HP in her debut season and is a key reason the Lady Scots will again have lofty expectations when the postseason gets underway. “Freshmen generally have a big learning curve,” Dearman said. “When you look at the maturity level, it just normally takes time for a freshman to get comfortable at this level. But Annabelle has been the exception. She has stepped in from day one and been on point the whole time.” Strohbehn credits her time competing

in club volleyball (her Dallas Skyline 14 Royal Erin squad is among the premier teams in the nation and vied for a national championship this summer), as a reason for her ability to hit the ground running. “I wasn’t even sure if I was going to play much because everyone on this team is so amazing,” Strohbehn said. “But I think playing club has really helped me a lot. It prepared me for the competition, especially against older girls, because they play at such a faster speed. It took some time getting used to, but I felt pretty prepared.” On the court, Strohbehn has been among HP’s leaders in kills and blocks despite her status as an underclassman. And while Dearman knew Strohbehn would be able to contribute in those categories after tracking her progress throughout her club play, even he has been surprised by the level at which she has done so. “We’ve watched her grow up and develop as a player and she’s shown us everything we’ve needed to see,” he said. “Especially last year, I watched her really closely throughout the whole year and her club season. She was on the best team in the nation and while the 14s level she plays at is lower than the varsity level here, playing with and against the best teams around the state and nation helps. “I knew going into the season that she would be able to step in and help us, the question was how much? That I didn’t know and I’d say she’s exceeded what even I thought she could bring to us. The sky is the limit for her.” Dearman credits a quick swing and strong court vision for Strohbehn’s offensive prowess, and Strohbehn herself

admits her offense is a tad ahead of her defense at this juncture. “I think one of my strengths is my hitting,” she said. “And the area I’m focusing on most is my blocking just because there’s been some inconsistency there. I think it will come with more repetition. It was a big jump from 14-year-olds to seniors because of the speed and the court you have to cover.” She has also benefited from examples set by her upperclassmen teammates, as well as a coaching staff that has led Strohbehn’s predecessors to consistent team and individual success. “I really try to be as similar to Marlee (Roehm) as I can because she’s so good,” Strohbehn said. “Everything she does is perfect, so I really strive to be like her. And then obviously really listening to my coaches because they have a different point of view. So I really take that to heart and try to apply it to the game.” Entering the week of Oct. 12, Strohbehn and HP sat in sole possession of second in District 12-5A, trailing only Colleyville Heritage with a rematch against the Lady Panthers still looming (Heritage took the first meeting, 3-1) as well as matches against Carrollton Creekview, Carrollton Newman Smith and Richland. Then the Lady Scots will hit the postseason and attempt to defend their state crown. “I think we can do it again, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute to that,” Strohbehn said. “We’re getting healthy now and all of the puzzle pieces are starting to come together. Our game against Richland was our best match and everything was working cohesively. That’s what we’re trying to build on.”


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

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34 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Community

EVERY DOGGIE GET WET!

I

f you thought the dog days of summer ended on Labor Day, think again. It was party time for neighborhood pooches on Sept. 26 during University Park’s Doggie Splash Day at the Holmes Aquatic Center. Human residents of Highland Park ISD preregistered some 87 dogs to take one last plunge, making Splash Day the social event of the season for water-loving pups. The fun included dog paddling, tennis and football chasing, treats, family photos, and the opportunity to jump off the diving

board for thrill-seeking pups. Participants didn’t need to be furry and four-legged to get in on the fun. The doggie swimmers were joined by two-legged companions young and old. -Compiled by staff and photography by Chris McGathey Editor’s note: If you occasionally focus your lenses on Park Cities happenings and would like to share, please email your high-resolution images with your name and an explanation of your pictures to editor@peoplenewspapers.com.


Kips Bay Show House Returns to Turtle Creek

parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

Legendary R E S U LT S

O

ur team specializes in listing and selling luxury homes in urban neighborhoods. A legacy of finding the perfect high-rise neighborhood for people wanting to downsize or the ambiance of Uptown/Downtown/Turtle Creek. We’re here for you.

By Daniel Lalley

People Newspapers The Kips Bay Decorator Show House returns to the iconic estate at 2999 Turtle Creek Blvd. for the third and last time on Nov. 14. The event benefiting multiple non-profits, including Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, Dwell with Dignity, and the Crystal Charity Ball, has become one of Dallas’ most anticipated design showcases since it debuted in 2020. The 25,000-square-foot Turtle Creek mansion maintained by HN Capital Partners has become a defining backdrop for the Dallas Show House. Set within this French Renaissance-style property, the Fall 2026 edition promises a reimagined experience with new designers, fresh perspectives, and previously unseen spaces. “This third and final year hosting the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas holds particular significance for us,” said Vipin Nambiar, founder and managing partner of HN Capital Partners. “Our ties to the Dallas Design District are longstanding and deep, and it has been a genuine privilege to welcome the designers and patrons who give this community its vitality.” An extension of the legendary New York showcase, this experience brings together visionary architects and interior designers to transform top luxury residences. Last year’s spaces were brought to life by 26 acclaimed designers, including local studios such as Doniphan Moore Interiors, Joshua Bernard Design, and Yates Desygn. Each participant showcases their distinct style in a designated area, creating a collection of unique experiences driven by cutting-edge design. “One of the most exciting things about the Show House is seeing how each year’s designers completely transform the property, bringing their own perspectives and creativity to the spaces,” said James Druckman, President of the Board of Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. Ahead of the public opening, The Kips Bay Decorator’s Show House will host its President’s Dinner on Nov. 12 at Brook Hollow Golf Club. There, guests will get a first look at the year’s most anticipated installations while benefiting local causes. G E T YO U R T I C K E T S To reserve tickets to the show or attend the President’s Dinner, visit kipsbaydecoratorshowhouse.org.

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Museum Tower

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36 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

SIX HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS CONSIDER THE YEAR 2050

By 2050, today’s high schoolers will be about the age their parents are now, living in a world shaped by the choices being made today. Six high school seniors from schools in the Dallas area gathered to reflect, write, and discuss what life might look like in the future. They considered questions about artificial intelligence, personal autonomy, ethics, humanity, and the direction society is heading. For the students, who are the generation growing up alongside AI, the future is different from anything generations before could have envisioned. What follows are lightly edited excerpts from each student’s written response.

Ellie Chong Highland Park High School

Leila Hulme The Hockaday School

Ronni Phillips Greenhill School

PHOTOS BY GLENYS QUICK

In 2050, you will be approximately the age of your parents — what will life look like for you then? Ellie In 2050, there will be significant advancement in technology, especially with artificial intelligence, yet along with these greater capabilities comes an increasing need for human connection. In healthcare, AI will play a significantly larger role in developing personalized diagnoses and treatment plans. Even now, we are starting to develop advanced machine learning models to quickly identify abnormalities. I believe that existing smartwatches and other wearable biotech have the potential of not only tracking sleep and fitness but could be used as indicators for infection and disease. However, I believe that AI will never replace humans in healthcare because humans provide a necessary compassionate element. Henry We’ve had the ability, as a society, to do whatever we want. It seems that society hasn’t bound itself by many rules. There’s been unrestrained growth, and I see that really changing in the next 20 years. While we’ve been able to build without care, with the growing threat of climate change and resource scarcity, I think that there will be more regulations as to what actions can be taken. There will be far stronger preventions against pollution and deforestation, and climate impact will be taken with much more care and be of much higher importance than it is now. Leila With all of the unknowns surrounding technology, especially the rise of AI, it’s hard to predict for sure what our lives will be like in 2050. I’m afraid that we may end up taking AI to a place where we can no longer control it. But if the people in charge of legislation and policy take the time to recognize

both the benefits and drawbacks that AI can have, we could use it to create a real positive change. AI could even act as a “neutral party” in polarized issues, such as feminism, racism, climate change, food, and housing, where no human could be truly an unbiased moderator. Pranavi In 2050, I hope life will not be too different from today. Although we can never truly predict the future, I am excited to see what humanity creates. I hope we continue innovating AI in ways we never imagined, using it to help rather than replace humans. The major concern is how anybody can get experience in entry level jobs when AI is eliminating those opportunities. That is why AI regulation is so important. Technology has always shaped society, and I hope that by 2050, we continue to innovate while treating technology as a friend rather than an enemy. Ronni Recently, we have witnessed the emergence of AI companies that have grown extremely rapidly and sparked controversy in doing so. As we move past AI’s exciting beginning, even those closely involved, including the CEO of Anthropic, are calling for regulation. There are two possible futures depending on how the legislation is considered now: early limitations that maintain the status quo, or fewer limitations that may allow us to experience why experts believe regulation is necessary. Spencer The advent of artificial intelligence will give people more free time. Humanity has always progressed in culture when given free time. Caveman did this by painting buffaloes in caves on rainy days. With a greater amount of free time in 2050, who knows what the next iteration of cave paintings may be? I also believe that there will be new technologies that act as an extension of the

body. Think about it, you take your phone everywhere, it’s practically already a part of your being, and I believe that technologies like this will continue to integrate themselves into our lives. How do you anticipate AI shaping society by 2050? Henry I worry about two interconnected issues. First, a labor surplus, where people can’t find jobs because of AI taking entry-level work, which will increase unemployment and prevent new people from entering industries. Then later, when people haven’t been entering these industries and the people who have experience retire, few people will have the experience to replace them, so we will have an expertise crisis. Leila I’m honestly a little afraid of how AI may impact our society by 2050. I worry that we run the risk of losing what makes life special. If the decision is made to let AI keep growing, my only hope is that we restrain it enough to the point where we can still be ourselves, even knowing that we might not live up to what a machine can make. Human culture is richer because of its imperfections. Will we lose that with the expanding role of AI? Will you have more — or less — autonomy over your life in 2050? Ellie In 2050, I think people will have less autonomy over their lives because AI will be used to subconsciously control the decisions humans make. Social media already subconsciously changes the way we think, so as we continue through an age of digital dependence, the videos we see may redefine our values and the standards by which we measure ourselves.

Henry Lipnik Greenhill School

Pranavi Talasila las The Episcopal School of Dal

Spencer Che rnock Highland Pa rk High

School

Ronni I believe that the definition of autonomy will change as the future progresses. As regulations are introduced to prevent catastrophic outcomes involving climate change and human rights, “autonomy” may shift. Instead of larger entities choosing whether to engage with or forgo ethical considerations, individuals may have greater responsibility for deciding whether to engage with these entities and considering their own ethics. How would you describe the conscience of humanity in 2050? Pranavi I believe the conscience of humanity will get better with the improvement of technology and humanity learning more about ourselves and the world around us. It’s difficult to predict how humans will act when given advanced technology. For example, with the incorporation of AI, I can only imagine how we will stop thinking for ourselves and will depend on our devices to think for us. I can only hope that we develop a conscience that harnesses technology for the betterment of society. Spencer It feels like people are more polarized than ever. People must become more united in problem solving, and the sphere of care in our society must extend to all humanity. I hope ego is set aside, and there is focus on the betterment of society as a whole. This article is the second in a series in which high school students share insights about their lives. The article was edited by Highland Park High School’s 2026-2027 Executive Editor of ‘The Bagpipe’ newspaper Hannah Hameed, Editor-in-Chief of ‘The Bagpipe’ Ryaan Khan, The Episcopal School of Dallas 2026–2027 ‘Eagle Edition’ newspaper CoEditor-in-Chief Lilly Traylor, and The Episcopal School of Dallas 2026–2027 Yearbook (Carillon) Co-Editor-in-Chief Emory Simpson.


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

Hockaday Students Share Power of ‘Our Human Voices’ By Rachel Snyder

37

MORE ON OUR HUMAN VOICES

rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Two Hockaday students spent the summer using the power of storytelling to connect people across divides, teach, and surprise. Seniors Eres Stone and Helen Flanagan are the first youth apprentices of Our Human Voices, a national youth-led storytelling campaign from the Nest Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world impact. Following training on active listening and ethical interviewing, the pair started traveling across Dallas with cameras, interviewing people, and learning their stories. Even before filming began, the project fostered connection and learning between Stone, an extrovert who said she quickly raised her hand when she heard about the project, and Flanagan, who’s more reserved. “I think we have both now learned how to just talk to anyone, and that everyone has a story, and that everyone has similarities, everyone has differences, and that that’s a beautiful thing,” Stone said. Flanagan said the experience illustrated for her the capacity of listening and sharing stories to bring people closer together. “I think taking the time to sit down

To learn more about the Our Human Voices campaign and find out how to get involved, visit nestfoundation.org/campaigns/human-voices.

Helen Flanagan and Eres Stone speak at the screening of Our Human Voices at the Angelika Film Center Oct. 7. SCOTT PEEK PHOTOGRAPHY

with people or write handwritten letters can really bring us all closer and really give us a better understanding of the people around you,” she said. Their more-than-a-dozen interview subjects spanned different backgrounds, professions, and points of view. The interviewees included Daris Lee, health and wellness manager at Bonton Farms, an urban farm with a farmers market, cafe, and coffee house serving the southern Dallas neighborhood of Bonton, Rabbi David Stern of Temple Emanu-El in Preston Hollow, Dallas officer David Luna, and Justin Sokol, a stylist in Bishop Arts.

The film screened Oct. 7 at the Angelika Film Center, followed by a presentation and Q&A with Stone and Flanagan, as well as some of their interview subjects, including Lee and Sokol. “We’re just sharing the story of Bonton, which is an underserved community, just like a lot of other underserved communities, and a lot of times all they need is this kind of exposure,” Lee said during the Q&A. “It took two young high school students — this is amazing.” Our Human Voices is slated to launch in 19 more cities, with the goal of building a

A Quilt of Many Portraits

By Rachel Snyder

rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

The State Fair of Texas may be over, but some Armstrong Elementary alumni and their families now have a lasting memory as sweet as any funnel cake. A quilt made by students and parents from Karla Seymour’s first-grade class at Armstrong Elementary in the 2000-2001 school year received an Honorable Mention in its category at this year’s State Fair of Texas.

The students and their mothers created the quilt 25 years ago as a PTA auction project. As part of the project, the students drew portraits of themselves that were transferred onto muslin quilt squares. The students’ mothers then hand-embroidered the faces, arms, and legs in the drawings. Seymour and the school’s principal at the time, Dr. Mary Richey, also feature on the quilt. “I thought, for the auction, every class would do a big group project,” one of the mothers, Juli Dewar, said. “It was a big endeavor.”

A quilt featuring self portraits of Armstrong Elementary first graders that was made 25 years ago earned an Honorable Mention in the 2026 State Fair of Texas’ Creative Arts contest. COURTESY JULI DEWAR

Dewar appliquéd each child’s clothing to match their original drawing, chose coordinating fabrics for each block, pieced the quilt, and did the machine quilting. Her husband bid on the quilt at the PTA auction after some nudging from the other mothers, and it’s been in their possession ever since. She’d long hoped to enter the quilt in the State Fair of Texas’ Creative Arts competition and did so in 2026 with encouragement from a friend. The Honorable

City of University Park’s tree Lighting Sunday, November 29, 3-7 pm

People Newspapers Booth Sponsored by 214-402-5780 nortexgreenscapes@gmail.com nor-texgreenscapes.com

national archive of community voices. “Our Human Voices is really about what happens when we stop talking about people and start talking to them,” said Libby Spears, founder and executive director of Nest. “Young people are growing up in a world where they are constantly being told who other people are and what they believe. We want to give them the tools to ask for themselves and, just as importantly, listen to the answer.” Stone lives in the Park Cities, serves as international section editor of the Youth Political Times, is president of Temple Emanu-El’s teen board of directors, speaks at local schools as a Student-to-Student Ambassador for the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, and captains Hockaday’s varsity golf team. Flanagan also lives in the Park Cities. She is a United to Learn Fellow, a director of the Marcus Mart food pantry, a youth program instructor at the Dallas Equestrian Center, and an award-winning artist. As for what’s next, the girls say they’re excited to interview Mark Cuban. Mention nod was a welcome surprise. “It’s kind of fun to participate in something like this,” Dewar said. “The group has won because it was an endeavor, and I didn’t do it all, for sure.” Some of the students featured on the quilt, and some of the mothers, took a “field trip” of sorts to the State Fair of Texas to see the quilt on Oct. 6. One of the students, Johnny Dewar, said going to see the quilt 25 years later was a “cool” experience. His classmate, Riker Huddleston, was on hand too, with his own child. “It’ll probably be around for another 25 years,” Johnny said of the quilt. “Our kids will be able to maybe do the same thing too, which is fun.” While the quilt is the first entry for Dewar, another of the moms, Barenda Hino, said she taught her daughter, Dorothy, to needlepoint when she was 5, and she’s had success with needlepoint entries. “As a teenager, she would enter these needlepoint stand-up Santas with all the fancy stitches,” Hino said of her daughter. “Four different times we would enter them, different ones each year, and she won blue ribbons every year.” Juli said that she hopes to have an entry for the State Fair of Texas’ popular Glue-A-Shoe competition next year.


38 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Girls on the Run Races Into Highland Park ISD

By Sarah Hodges

GET MOVING

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Lace up your sneakers if you’re a thirdor fourth-grade girl who loves running, glitter, skipping, jumping rope, or just being silly with friends. Experienced athlete or not, you’re in for a good time. Girls on the Run has arrived in Highland Park ISD thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers. The program’s young runners will complete a 5K in November, but crossing the finish line is only a small part of their journey. Along with building healthy mental and physical habits, Girls on the Run aims to teach life skills such as how to manage emotions, form enduring friendships, and make intentional decisions. Participants also learn how they can make a difference in their community through a girl-directed project at the end of the season. Last year, the third and fourth graders wrote notes of appreciation and thanks to volunteers at the SPCA and staff at University Park Elementary, which hosts the after-school program. “These things are really important,” said volunteer coach Meredith Boyd. “It took time and effort, and they were meaningful to others. They can make a big difference. They do make a big difference.” Girls on the Run celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2026 and serves more than 200,000 girls each year. But this is only the nonprofit’s second year in HPISD. Boyd, a member of Highland Park High School’s class of 1988, volunteered with Girls on the Run before being asked whether she was interested in starting a program in the school district. Today, she coaches the team along with fellow Highland Park alum Pauline

To volunteer or learn more about Girls on the Run in the Dallas area, visit gotrdfw. org or email program coordinator Amanda McShain, amanda@gotrdfw.org.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Runners took the action indoors one stormy day at the end of September. Ellis Bacon shows the bracelets girls use to track their laps. Olivia Harrison and Kennedy Glennon make running fun. SARAH HODGES

Neuhoff, HP parent Lanier Monk, and community volunteer Andrea Lopez. You don’t have to be a runner to volunteer or participate. While two of the coaches love to run, the others don’t, Boyd

said. The volunteers share a passion for empowering young girls and ensuring that they have a positive experience. Some of the 23 third-and fourth-grade HP runners knew they enjoyed the sport

What’s on the November Ballot in the Park Cities

By Rachel Snyder

rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Voters on Nov. 3 will decide on everything from representation at the national, state, and local levels to tax-rate elections that, if approved, will fund public safety initiatives and homelessness response. In U.S. House District 24, which includes parts of the Park Cities and Preston Hollow as well as a large swath of Tarrant County, incumbent Republican Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne faces a challenge from Democrat Kevin Burge. Burge is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who previously worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency and was a technical adviser supporting the White House Situation Room during the Biden administration. He now lives in Tarrant County. Van Duyne is a former Irving Mayor and City Council member who served as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She was elected to Congress in 2020. In Texas House District 108, which includes the Park Cities and Preston Hollow, incumbent Republican Morgan Meyer is running to keep his seat against a Democratic challenger, Allison Mitchell. Meyer, a University Park resident and partner at the Wick Phillips law firm, was first elected to the Texas House in 2014 and chairs the powerful House Ways & Means

Committee. Among the top issues highlighted on Meyer’s website are efforts to provide property tax relief. Mitchell is a Hockaday School alumna, entrepreneur, and children’s book author. She’s the mother of two children born with autism spectrum disorder, and school funding is one of the top campaign issues on her website. In the race to lead the Dallas County Commissioners Court, Democratic incumbent Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins is running for re-election against Republican challenger Mike Immler. Jenkins, who was first elected in 2010, is part owner of the Dallas law firm Loncar Lyon Jenkins. His stewardship of the county through the COVID-19 pandemic and an outbreak of West Nile Virus in 2012 has drawn both praise and criticism. Immler is an attorney, former executive, and retired Air Force Colonel. Among the priorities listed on Immler’s website are fiscal responsibility and public safety. For a seat on the Dallas County Commissioners Court representing Precinct 2, which encompasses the Park Cities and Preston Hollow, incumbent Democrat Andy Sommerman has a challenger in Republican Barry Wernick. Sommerman is a civil trial attorney and partner in the firm Sommerman McCaffity Quesada & Geisler. He was first elected in 2022. Wernick is an attorney and mediator. He previously ran for the District 11 Dallas City

WHEN TO VOTE Early voting for the Nov. 3 election runs from Oct. 19-30. The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 23. Voters can deliver mail ballots in person until 7 p.m. Nov. 3.

Council seat in 2021 and was a candidate in the GOP primary for state House District 108 in 2024. Countywide, voters will decide whether to approve an ad valorem tax rate of $0.248650 per $100 of property value to fund programs that support homelessness response efforts and access to mental health treatment. In University Park, voters will determine whether to raise the city’s tax rate to 22.0055 cents per $100 assessed valuation. If approved, the measure is expected to raise an additional $1,459,476 for the city, which would go toward public safety and residential parking enforcement technology. Specifically, the funding would be used to employ four additional police officers as well as purchase a patrol vehicle and equipment at a cost of $601,560, employ two additional firefighters and purchase equipment at a cost of $263,400, reduce the fire department’s pension vesting period from 20 to 10 years and enhance the retirement benefit formula at a cost of $300,286, and invest in a residential parking-enforcement vehicle and equipment, two license plate recognition systems, and a parking district portal at a cost of $294,230.

when they joined, while running has been a new experience for others. The program celebrates the strengths of each child and encourages individual girls to run at their “happy pace.” “We’re working the whole season to complete a 5K, but each practice incorporates games and movement, with life lessons woven in,” Boyd explained. “They’re learning while they’re having fun.” Fourth-grader Lily Fuquay described herself as “not a big sports person.” But she’s enjoying Girls on the Run and thinks she can complete the 5K. “My mom made me do an athletic activity, and so now I ended up doing this,” she said. “And I really like it.” Fourth-grader Teresa Roglan knew when she joined Girls on the Run that she loved running. She’s enjoyed moving at her “happy pace.” “Your happy pace can be skipping or walking, or just jogging or running,” Roglan explained, adding that she was confident in her ability to complete the 5K. “I’ve got this,” she said. The Girls on the Run curriculum extends through eighth grade, and Boyd hopes to find volunteer coaches who will bring the program to McCulloch Intermediate School and Highland Park Middle School. “I love that each girl is taught that she is valued, she is strong, and she’s capable of achieving anything she puts her mind to,” Boyd said. “That is such a powerful lesson.”

Letter to the Editor

SARAH HODGES

Re: Neglected Green Memorial Ribbons Neighbors, please remove or replace your green memorial ribbons. I know the neglect is not intentional, but the message seems to say “forgotten,” “moved on.” Like a tattered American flag, this display reads “disrespectful.” I know our hearts still break for the precious families who lost their daughters a summer ago (and the losses the other colored ribbons represent), but let’s refresh these symbols or remove them as to not hurt those who are suffering. I so appreciate our considerate community. Jennie Gilchrist


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

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parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

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42 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

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lbesserer@briggsfreeman.com © 2026 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings. The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, appliances and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only. Prices and features are subject to change.

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44 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

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46 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Living

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT CELEBRATION A SCORCHING SUCCESS By Sarah Hodges

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

P

olice officers gave out treats, candy, and hugs on Oct. 6 during National Night Out, an annual event that brings law enforcement, firefighters, and community members together to build friendships and promote safety. “Sometimes we just see people on their worst day,” explained SMU police sergeant and day shift supervisor for patrol Debbie Hardin. “We don’t just want to answer calls when something bad has happened. We also want to support them on a daily basis.” Since the first National Night Out was held in 1984, the campaign has grown to include thousands of communities in every state. The event is held in most of the country in August, though Texas celebrates in cooler weather on the first Tuesday in October. The festivities at SMU featured dorm burns certain to dissuade students from leaving candles unattended, especially if they live in buildings without sprinklers. The first small blaze University Park firefighters lit quickly engulfed a mock dorm, which was complete with trash, crumpled papers, and an unmade bed. The second fire stayed small thanks to a sprinkler head. The sprinklers are standard equipment in buildings on campus at SMU, explained University Park fire marshal Marty Corn. “It’s just really fast, how it’ll devastate

the room,” 2026 SMU graduate Glen Owens said after watching the burn, adding that he would follow the fire marshal’s advice to exit in the event of a fire. The fun didn’t end after University Park firefighters extinguished the blaze. Cheerleaders entertained the crowd, guests dined on barbecue favorites, lucky winners received raffle prizes, and SMU’s pony mascot, Peruna, challenged youngsters to games of rock, paper, scissors. Mason McCallum and his 2-year-old son, Jason, got behind the wheel of a fire truck. Jason is a fan of both Spider Man and public safety officers, his dad explained. “We talk to him all the time about the fire department and police department,” Mason said. “My wife’s a nurse, and getting to see and touch and feel an actual fire truck — just that association at this age is cool.” Jessie Farberg’s four children also stayed busy exploring the equipment. “These guys are in love with fire trucks,” Farberg said. “It’s the perfect way to learn about fire safety and see some trucks and get to play inside and meet the guys. I don’t think we’ll leave this area for a while.” SMU police sergeant Hardin added that officers’ support of community well-being won’t end on National Night Out. SMU police and their public safety partners are also involved in initiatives such as Blue Goes Pink, which hosts an annual 5K and Community Safety Fair with the aim of raising cancer awareness.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Fire quickly consumed this mock dorm room, which was not equipped with sprinklers. Three-year-old Leo Farberg. Three-year-old Luke Reynoso with SMU police captain Malcolm McGuire. SARAH HODGES

Elizabeth Phillips Celebrated by New Friends New Life By Rachel Snyder

rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Elizabeth Phillips has garnered national support and an array of accolades for her advocacy on behalf of survivors of child sexual abuse. As of Sept. 24, the Park Cities native can count a 2026 ProtectHer Award from New Friends New Life among them. Phillips began her advocacy on behalf of her brother, Trey Carlock, who took his own life at the age of 28 in 2019. Trey was abused from age 7 to 17 by a former staffer at Kanakuk, a Christian summer camp based in southwest Missouri. Later, he was prevented from speaking about the abuse by a nondisclosure agreement he’d signed in a civil case against Kanakuk. Since her brother’s passing, Phillips has founded No More Victims, a national advocacy organization supporting child protection laws, and advocated for the passage of Trey’s Law, legislation designed to prohibit the misuse of nondisclosure agreements in child sexual abuse cases. Phillips was one of several honorees recognized for their work in the fight against human trafficking and gender-based violence during New Friends

FROM LEFT: Bianca Davis, Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, and Priya Murphy. TAMYTHA CAMERON AND NATE REHLANDER

New Life’s Stand for Her Luncheon. In a video message shared during the luncheon, Phillips said she learned from the work of New Friends New Life after the nonprofit was formed at her church when she was in eighth grade. “I got an early and very formative look around how to help the vulnerable in the community,” she said. “I never knew that all the things I’d learned would apply to my very own family.” She told the crowd of more than 1,500

about applying those lessons in her “journey to give victims their voices back,” and advocating for policy change. “Survivors hold the solutions, and it’s in them finding their voices that we all start to better learn how to prevent this,” Phillips said. “That’s what I love about New Friends New Life; it’s especially that new life part. It’s life changing and life-saving work.” Through the advocacy of Phillips and others, versions of Trey’s Law have been passed in Texas, Missouri, Alabama,

Georgia, and Louisiana. A federal version of Trey’s Law passed in the U.S. Senate in May and has moved on to the U.S. House of Representatives. Phillips’ other recent accolades include being named the 2026 Beacon Award Honoree by the Grant Halliburton Foundation. She was also selected to be among People Newspapers’ 20 Under 40 in 2024. During the New Friends New Life’s Stand For Her luncheon, the organization’s leadership announced it was nearing its $1 million fundraising goal, with nearly $900,000 raised. The fundraiser supports the organization’s work providing support services for trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women, and their children. Following the awards, the event featured a conversation between NBC5 Today co-anchor Laura Harris and Girlfriends and Black-ish actress Tracee Ellis Ross. Luncheon co-chair Beth Thoele, who chaired the event alongside daughter Brooke Russo, and Kathy Helm and daughter Marci Kramer, reminded audience members that once they become aware of issues of human trafficking or gender-based violence, “you cannot look away. You can only decide what you’re going to do about it.”


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026

‘Awkwardness Is OK’

WITH Ministries panelists discuss how to embrace difference By Sarah Hodges

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

“We know people stare,” said pediatrician Abbie Smith, the mother of a 15-year-old with Down syndrome. “We’re like, ‘come on over.’ We would love to educate.” Smith and other parent and expert panelists spoke about how to navigate children’s natural curiosity in a way that helps them embrace differences during the Sept. 29 Reframe Luncheon from WITH Ministries. When your child has questions about someone who looks different, let them ask those questions, Smith and other panelists said at the Dallas Country Club. And if you have a party, don’t be afraid to invite the entire class, including the child with a disability. “We love to talk about our kids — I do at least,” Smith continued. “Just be curious and ask.” WITH Ministries has a mission of helping churches create cultures of belonging for all individuals. There’s work to be done to achieve that goal — half of all families with disabled children leave their church because their child is not welcome or included, said Rebecca Wall, a 2005 Highland Park graduate who founded WITH Ministries and now serves as the nonprofit’s executive director. While the luncheon included in-depth discussion of inclusion in faith communities, panelists shared advice on how to think differently about disabilities that was applicable far beyond church doors.

LEARN MORE To find out more about how WITH Ministries helps create churches where everyone participates and belongs, visit its website, withministries.org.

TOP: Moms of children with disabilities Feleceia Wilson, Emily Griesbeck, Gini Florer, and Andrea Mitchell share their experiences. BOTTOM: Family photos were displayed on luncheon tables. SARAH HODGES

“We are creating all these separate spaces, and separate classrooms, and separate parties, and separate dances,” Wall said. “But that limits friendship. And that limits transformation for the church. And it limits our opportunity to truly know one another.” Panelist Feleceia Wilson spoke about

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helping her 17-year-old daughter, who has Down syndrome along with talents in the performing arts, navigate spaces that aren’t always designed for her. “We’ve found the most success with teachers and with directors and choreographers, and even friends, who are just willing to ask questions and willing to be awkward for a second while we find our way,” Wilson

47

said. “Awkwardness is OK.” She continued that her family still hasn’t found the right church. “It’s not because people don’t try. It’s because it’s uncomfortable,” she explained. “And I think parents get tired of being uncomfortable. That’s an exhausting thing, over and over again.” There’s a difference between tolerating someone’s presence and embracing it, said panelist Emily Griesbeck, whose 7-year-old son is autistic and intellectually disabled. “I think as Christians we’re called to do that next step,” she continued, “which is not just, ‘You’re able to be here. I tolerate your presence. You can be invited,’ but ‘This wouldn’t be the same without you. We miss you. You need to be here because these kids need you.’” Gini Florer, whose now 22-year-old son had a stroke in utero, remembered when he started school at Hyer Elementary. The children who were her son, John Lawson’s, classmates have grown to become his cheerleaders today. John Lawson was even one of the first boys to join the Spirited Scots, which was known as the Sparkling Scots before he became a member. Florer explained that she advocates for and protects John Lawson, but is also called to share her son, who wakes up every morning at 5:30 singing praise and worship songs, with the community. “He is the gift to everyone. We can learn so much from him,” she said, adding later. “He really has just changed everything about what I think our life would look like for the better.”


48 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

St. Rita Catholic School Holds Blessing of the Pets in Honor of Lila’s Light

St. Rita Catholic School was crowded with furry friends and their people during the Blessing of the Pets. The afternoon was filled with ice cream, pup cups, and a prayer from Fr. Joshua Whitfield, pastor of St. Rita Catholic Community. SARAH HODGES

By Sarah Hodges

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

A variety of pawed and clawed friends gathered to receive a special blessing on Oct. 8 at St. Rita Catholic School. The Blessing of the Pets, which celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, was held for the second time in honor of Lila’s Light. In addition to pups both big and small, attendees at the blessing included one hermit crab named Timiscus and two very

well-fed guinea pigs. Human guests were treated to ice cream, while their fourlegged companions enjoyed pup cups — whipped cream with a bone-shaped treat. All proceeds from the event benefitted Lila’s Light, a foundation that works to keep children from harm and protect animals from disaster and crises. It carries on the light of Lila Bonner, a little girl who loved all creatures and lost her life in July 2025’s Hill Country flooding. “It’s good to see this light still shining,”

Fr. Joshua Whitfield, pastor of St. Rita Catholic Community, said before leading the tail-wagging gathering in a prayer. “I hope we do this every year.” Lila’s family and their two dogs, Violet and Lovey, attended the blessing. Her cousins are students at St. Rita, which also lost two young girls, Blair and Brooke Harber, in the catastrophe. Some of the guests at St. Rita on Oct. 8 could be heard barking along during Fr. Whitfield’s prayer. He then blessed all the

O B I T UA RY

ERNESTINE LANGFORD

CHRISTMAS AT HIGHLAND PARK SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2026 5:30 PM | SANCTUARY This event is free to the public. To learn more and register, visit hpumc.org/towerarts

E

rnestine Langford passed away quietly on the morning of August 8, 2026. Ernestine, born Lillian Ernestine Orts on November 27, 1925 in San Antonio , Texas, was the only child of Ernest Paulson Orts and Lillian Branch Orts. At an early age, she and her parents moved to Dallas and she often reminisced about walking to her much loved church, Church of the Incarnation, on Sunday mornings. She has lived in Highland Park for more than 85 years. Her father was a prominent home builder in Highland Park in the 1940s. She lived in the family home he built in the 1940s on Beverly Drive until past her 100th birthday. Ernestine

REMEMBER LILA, BROOKE, AND BLAIR Visit lilaslight.org to learn more about Lila’s Light. For more information about the Blair and Brooke Harber Beloved Sisters Fund, visit blairandbrooke.org.

pets with holy water. “I’m going to soak your animals,” Fr. Whitfield said to laughter from his human listeners before saying a Hail Mary for Lila Bonner.

graduated from Highland Park High School in 1943, and went on to the Business School at the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1947. Other honors at UT included membership in Beta Gamma Sigma and Sigma Iota Epsilon. In 1946 she was honored as a Bluebonnet Belle nominee. She enjoyed her years at college and told stories about living in the Chi Omega Sorority house. Upon graduation, she returned to Highland Park and worked for several years at Sun Oil Company as an executive secretary where she met her husband, D Ray Langford. Ernestine and Ray were married for 59 years and raised their two sons, James Ernest and Thomas Ray in Highland Park. They were very proud that both sons excelled in their pursuits and went on to graduate schools at Harvard. Ernestine was active in community and neighborhood activities, and especially enjoyed the Beverly Drive Book Club, where she was a past president and a member for more than 63 years. She always enjoyed family dinners at the Dallas Petroleum Club. Ernestine is preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her sons James and Tom and their wives, Kathy and Florence and grandchildren William, Lilly, Carolyn, Byron and Annie. Ernestine is remembered as incredibly kind, gentle, unassuming and quietly smart. She is much loved by her family and will be greatly missed. A private memorial service for Ernestine was held on August 13 in Whispering Waters mausoleum at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas.


parkcitiespeople.com | November 2026 O B I T UA RY

RONALD MARTIN BENEKE

AUGUST 21, 1944 – SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

R

onald (Ron) Martin Beneke, 82, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026. He was born on August 21, 1944, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Luther Henry Beneke and Helen Gertrude Sutherland Beneke and was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church. From an early age, two things would come to define Ron’s life: an extraordinary willingness to work hard and an abiding belief that the purpose of all that work was to care for the people he loved.

Ron grew up in San Antonio as one of seven children in a three-bedroom house. He got his first job, a paper route, at the age of 12, marking the beginning of the work ethic that would shape his life. Convinced that education was his path to opportunity, he used his earnings as a paper carrier to pay his way through Central Catholic High School, where he graduated in 1962. He went on to St. Mary’s University, funding his tuition by working as a laundry counter clerk, selling uniforms on commission to cadets at Lackland Air Force Base, and driving a bakery delivery truck at night. He graduated in 1966 with a triple major in psychology, philosophy, and government. Determined to earn his law degree, he taught math by day at Mark Twain Junior High School and attended St. Mary’s School of Law at night, graduating in 1969. It was at Mark Twain that Ron met a young teacher named Jane Klaeveman, the love of his life. She caught his eye, and he caught hers. Their dates were spent cooking and dreaming of the life they would build together. On Leap Day in 1972, Jane opened her door with a broad smile, pinched him, and said, “I got you. You are mine. It’s Sadie Hawkins Day.” Ron answered, “If I am yours, you are mine, and if you are mine, you need a ring,” and slipped the ring-shaped $1,000 bill he had been secretly carrying for weeks onto her finger. They were married that May in San Antonio and continued to celebrate the Leap Day proposal as much as the wedding itself over the next 54 years. Professionally, Ron brought that same

work ethic to law and real estate. In 1973, he and Jane moved to Dallas, where Ron became a law partner at Stalcup, Johnson, Meyers and Miller before co-founding his own law firm and growing it to 40 attorneys. In 1982, he transitioned into the real estate, becoming a partner at Lincoln Property Company. There, he helped navigate the business through the Savings and Loan Crisis. In 1992, Ron co-founded B/K Real Estate Funds and went on to build a nationwide real estate company backed by prominent investment banks and pension funds. He later opened his own family office, through which he pursued many other ventures. For all his hard work, Ron never lost sight of what it was for. Everything he built and every challenge he overcame was in service of the people he loved. After ten years of marriage, he and Jane welcomed their first son, Brian, and four years later, twins Alex and Mark. They raised their sons in Highland Park and in the Catholic faith. Ron was always present in his sons’ lives. When they were young, he read to them at night in different voices to make them laugh, pushed them academically, encouraged them to become Eagle Scouts, took them on trips around the world, and showed up for every school event. Ron regularly told them how proud he was and how truly loved they were, and he reminded them to love one another and to find their faith in God. Ron cared for his parents and siblings with the same devotion his parents had shown him. Still, the greatest love of his life was, and always will be, Jane. His perfect day was simply holding her hand and being with her.

That care extended well beyond his family. Ron was a generous supporter of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, AT&T Performing Arts Center, Highland Park Library, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Away from public recognition, he quietly helped fund the college educations of many students in need. His faith guided his life and taught him what it meant to love, to believe, and to put the care of others first. Ron is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jane Beneke; his sons, Brian Beneke and Mark Beneke; his brother, Robert Beneke; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, cherished friends, and loved ones who were a constant source of joy in his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Helen Beneke; his sisters, Melanie and Debra Beneke; his brothers, Charles, Larry, and Thomas Beneke; and his beloved son, Alex Beneke. A viewing was held on Monday, September 21, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest in Dallas, Texas. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, September 22, at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, followed by interment and a reception at Sparkman/Hillcrest. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in his memory to Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Ron lived by the words, “The one happiness in life is loving and being loved,” and he had that happiness in full. His deepest hope was that his sons would carry that love forward, for their mother, for one another, and for others. He will be deeply missed and forever loved. Ron, Dad, you were loved.

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50 November 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

We Are Heading Into Feasting Season, What a Shame. I like to eat, always have. I have a refined palate, but I don’t like everything. For example, I K E R ST E N R ET T I G spent a week in the Perigord region of France recently where foie gras is as ubiquitous as water in Niagara Falls, and I still don’t like it. Some in my social circles eat with gusto, like me. Some are like, “Oh, no thanks. I ate a bean yesterday and I’m still full.” To each his and her own, you know, but it’s high time to stop obsessing and shaming about food intake. Ours and others. It’s OK to eat. If your friends see you at Bubba’s and say, “I didn’t know you ate?!” Don’t reply sheepishly with “I don’t, I’m just here for Bible study.” Come on! Enjoy the occasional fried chicken and biscuits with honey and butter. Everything in moderation. Neva Cochran is a highly respected registered dietician nutritionist and implores us to focus on nutrition over diet. And, she says, don’t believe the headlines — believe the science. Seed oils are not the enemy, and neither is lean red meat. Don’t ditch the wine and start sipping canola oil or start mainlining tallow, but don’t shame them either. (Disclaimer: my advice not hers, check with your cardiologist before giving up wine.) We’re rolling into what I like to call “feastival season.” The time of year when

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holiday meals and celebrations revolve around food and drink. Let’s see, there’s Halloween when we can eat more candy than we do at Easter because we help our kids get rid of “the bad stuff ” from Trick-or-Treating. There’s of course Thanksgiving when overeating is the balm to soothe the sting of being together with family, and then there’s the company holiday party at which it’s often better to hang out at the buffet than it is to talk to that one person from audit with shifty eyes. Oh! And there’s Hanukkah where you can eat great for eight nights in a row, and Christmas when it’s illegal to not eat

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sweets from giant tins that you brought home because no one else in the office wanted them. And finally, there is the week between Christmas and January 2 when you’re duty bound to eat the remaining cheese and crackers (which, Neva says, are fine and help you get your dairy and grain nutrients) and the last of the cookies and Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark. The bottom line is this: be thin or don’t be. Eat what is right for you, but please don’t shame others for what they eat. I would not write this column if I didn’t personally experience and observe food shaming.

Being attractive is a competitive sport in Dallas, and that usually means fitting into a certain size and looking a certain way. It’s not a moral imperative to be thin or fit. Yes, there are vast health benefits to focusing on nutrition and exercise. But, as we go into feastival season, please respect others’ approaches to enjoying without guilt. 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.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING CONTENT DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE

Sophisticated Urban Retreat in the Heart of Mansion Park

3625 Brown Street (3625brown. daveperrymiller.com), is just steps from the Katy Trail. The exceptional three-bedroom, 3.1-bath townhome, offers 3,734 square feet of beautifully updated living space, exceptional outdoor areas, and a rooftop terrace with views of Old Parkland and Reunion Tower. It’s listed by Garrett Holloway for $1,875,000. Warm contemporary interiors pair with distinctive architectural details and impressive technology. Beyond the lushly landscaped front courtyard, the main level showcases light oak hardwoods that connect two living areas, dining room, and a striking Poggenpohl kitchen with quartz surfaces, Thermador appliances, SubZero refrigeration, Miele built-in coffee system, and oversized enameled cast-iron sink. A Poggenpohl wet bar, double-sided fireplace, custom built-ins, and interior courtyard with an art installation by Brazilian artist Luiz Olinto distinguish the gathering spaces. Upstairs, the primary suite features a private balcony and double-sided fireplace. Another en suite bedroom doubles as a media room with 4K projector, 10-foot cinema screen, and surround sound. The third floor offers a flex space, currently a gym, plus a game room opening to the showstopping rooftop terrace with automated louvered pergola, fireplace and sitting area, outdoor kitchen, and six-person spa. Contact Holloway (214.986.9158|garrett@ dpmre.com) for all the luxe details too numerous to mention.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

BRIGGS FREEMAN

Offered by Allie Beth Allman & Associates in Old Preston Hollow, this newly built home makes its mark through bespoke design.

3901 Turtle Creek Boulevard #7 in Place des Vosges, represented by Diane DuVall of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $8,400,000

Some homes make an impression because of their architecture. Others are memorable for the setting, the scale or the way every detail has been considered. These two residences, listed by Allie Beth Allman & Associates, offer very different interpretations of what makes a home truly distinctive. What connects these residences is a willingness to go beyond the expected, creating homes with an unmistakable sense of identity. At 10011 Lennox Lane in Old Preston Hollow, distinction begins with the architecture. Newly built and designed by architect Eric LaPointe, the 11,460-square-foot estate occupies approximately 1.5 acres and pairs restrained materials with an extraordinary collection of amenities. The great room rises 26 feet and opens through electric stacking doors to a resort-style backyard, creating a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces. In Frisco’s coveted Chapel Creek community, 8096 Vistaview Place takes an expansive approach to distinction. The approximately 1.5acre property centers on a 9,969-square-foot custom residence with five bedrooms, four-car garage parking and an impressive collection of spaces designed for entertaining and recreation. The home was extensively updated in 2020, adding steel doors and contemporary finishes while preserving its generous proportions. A pool, outdoor kitchen, exercise room, game room and landscaped grounds create a private retreat.

Tucked into the gated, guarded enclave of Place des Vosges, just south of Highland Park, this stately, four-floor residence offers a rare fusion of classical sophistication and cuttingedge artistry. Commissioned by prominent art collectors, the home boasts unmatched integrity in design and construction. Built in 1997, it is an homage to French châteaux by noted architect James Langford, complete with radius-cut Lueders limestone, intricate ironwork and a regal, commanding presence. The interior is by renowned designer Paul Draper and is strikingly contemporary, with a mix of materials that includes plaster, rosewood, oak, limestone, sandstone, marble, onyx, gold leaf and brass. A standout feature is the monumental fireplace surround in the two-story living room: an 18th-century chimneypiece of marble and jasper attributed to Henry Cheere, carver to Westminster Abbey. This home is a work of art — for the enjoyment of art. It offers three sumptuous bedrooms, a media room, chef’s kitchen, formal dining room, breakfast room and perhaps the world’s most unusual library. Housed atop the home’s distinctive turret, the library is also beneath one of the world’s few residential installations of a Skyspace by artist James Turrell. At the touch of a button, the top of the turret’s conical roof rises gently and swings open slowly — a motorized system designed for the home by a NASA engineer — transforming the library into a dynamic, living artwork.

What makes these Highland Park homes special

3901 Turtle Creek Boulevard #7


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SPECIAL ADVERTISING CONTENT ALLIE BETH ALLMAN URBAN

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Dallas’s Most Dramatic New Design Masterpiece Comes to Market in Crespi Estate

2011 Cedar Springs Road #603 2 Bed | 2 Bath | 2,316 SF $1,595,000 Listed by Sanders Avrea Sophisticated Uptown living at its finest. This beautifully reimagined 2-bed, 2-bath residence offers 2,316 SF of designer-owned interiors with incredible city views and an exceptional covered balcony that seamlessly extends the living space—perfect for entertaining or relaxing above the energy of Uptown. Thoughtfully updated throughout, the home features custom concrete-stained flooring, designer lighting, two gas fireplaces, smart LED lighting, and custom motorized shades. The stunning 2021 kitchen showcases custom cabinetry, Sub-Zero, Wolf & Cove appliances, granite&concrete countertops, custom concrete sink, and a separate designer dry bar. The primary suite is a true retreat with a gas fireplace, custom cabinetry, oversized steam shower, dual rain heads, freestanding tub, and luxurious porcelain finishes. The renovated guest bath features custom cabinetry, marble flooring and bookend slab shower. A second walk-in pantry with custom cabinetry and additional refrigerator&freezer provides exceptional storage. Upstairs loft offers ideal flex space for a media room, office or lounge. Recent improvements include upgraded HVAC, water heaters, instant hot water, and balcony flooring. A rare combination of sophisticated design, expansive outdoor living and breathtaking Uptown views.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Exquisite UltraLuxury Estates on the Fall Market

Set in the prestigious Crespi Estate, Casa de Ondas is being marketed by Allie Beth Allman & Associates. Dallas has never seen a home like Casa de Ondas. The award-winning architectural masterpiece with more than 14,000 square feet of interiors reflects the vision and creativity of revered design professionals from across the globe. The sellers initially intended to make 5547 Walnut Hill Lane their long-term residence, so they spared no expense. They tasked South Africa-based architecture firm SAOTA, builder Steve Hild, interior design firm INK + ORO, landscape design firm Hocker, and Mexico Citybased lighting designer Lux Populi with bringing the jaw-dropping estate to life. This sculptural triumph is set within Preston Hollow’s coveted Crespi Estate, an exclusive gated community with just four residences. A wavy roof inspired by the surrounding tree canopy defines the exterior and establishes a harmonious dialogue between building and nature. As light shifts through the day, its curves create beautiful, soft shadows along the home’s smooth, Lueders limestone façade. A soaring pivot front door beckons you inside. You’ll float through a glassy hallway before entering the double-volume living space. It opens to over 5,000 square feet of covered terraces, a custom pool and spa, and luscious gardens to make the line between inside and out wonderfully ambiguous.

BRIGGS FREEMAN

Crespi Estate

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

New Listings in University Park: Four Homes to See Now

University Park draws buyers for the excellent schools and convenient location, according to the Park Cities experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates. New listings in University Park rarely stay under the radar for long. Once they hit the market, it’s go time. With its tree-lined streets, walkable parks and enduring appeal, the neighborhood continues to attract buyers looking for architecture, convenience and a strong sense of community. These new opportunities from Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents offer distinctly different ways for you to call it home. At 3420 Hanover St., traditional architecture meets polished modern living in a 6,024-squarefoot residence with four bedrooms and five baths. Built in 2015, the home features generous living spaces, an elegant kitchen and a landscaped setting designed for entertaining. Taking on a quieter, more architectural approach is 4045 Glenwick Lane. Designed by SHM Architects, the one-story Mediterraneanstyle residence sits on an unusually large 0.32-acre lot. Twelve-foot and vaulted ceilings, exposed wood beams, walnut floors, floor-toceiling windows and a sophisticated kitchen create a refined interior. At 4125 Shenandoah St., a five-bedroom residence offers everyday convenience that’s hard to beat, close to Bradfield Elementary, Highland Park Village and the Park Cities YMCA. The home features hardwood floors, an updated kitchen with marble countertops, a downstairs secondary bedroom and a premium sound system.

BRIGGS FREEMAN

Westover House by I.M. Pei

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3309 Northwest Parkway currently being offered for $3,249,999.

In Preston Hollow, buyers want move-in ready homes at the right price, according to the expert agents at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Exceptional Custom Home in Boone Elementary

Perfectly situated in prestigious HPISD, this home is zoned for Boone Elementary just one block away and includes University Park Emergency Services. If you are seeking quiet privacy and safety for your family, this location is a rare find as it is nestled on a private street with no thru traffic – Play ball out front with the kids or the dogs knowing they’re safe. Only steps away from beautiful Coffee Park, this 5-bedroom home offers over 5,000 sq ft of luxurious living space, blending timeless elegance with modern comfort. Step through the charming arched entryway into a grand foyer, where soaring ceilings and rich hardwood floors set the tone. The gourmet chef’s kitchen features premium stainless steel appliances, a large center island, and custom cabinetry, flowing seamlessly into the vast, sunlit family room with cozy cast stone fireplace. The first floor includes a private office with custom built-ins and a guest suite, while the upstairs hosts the spacious primary retreat with a spa-like en-suite bath, featuring a soaking tub, oversized shower, and dual vanities. Three additional bedrooms, a large playroom, and an exercise room complete the second level. Outside is your private backyard oasis—an entertainer’s dream—featuring a large sparkling pool, spa, putting green, turfed yard, and manicured landscaping. A covered patio with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace offers the perfect setting for gatherings. Additional highlights include dual staircases, a mudroom, Tesla Wall Charger, and designer finishes throughout. This exceptional home is just minutes from Highland Park Village, Preston Center, NorthPark Mall, SMU, and the best shopping and dining Dallas has to offer. Contact Matt Malaise (214.533.7142) for more information or to set up a private showing. Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more.

BRIGGS FREEMAN

Long Creek Ranch

Allie Beth Allman & Associates specialize in marketing and selling distinctive estates across DFW.

5619 Walnut Hill Lane in Preston Hollow, represented by Pogir and Diane DuVall of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $64,000,000

Fall marks an exciting time of year for Dallas real estate. Many buyers who have been busy traveling or making family memories during the summer are focused and ready to act. For those looking in the elite $10 million+ range, there are divine offerings to see as the season kicks off. The experts of Allie Beth Allman & Associates often represent the city’s most exceptional estates, and here is one they can show you now in Highland Park. Moments from Highland Park Village, a transitional masterpiece at 4436 Belclaire Ave. awaits for those looking for something shiny and new. Ventura Custom Homes crafted the striking yet tranquil abode in 2022, weaving glamorous design touches throughout the bright, 8,074-square-foot floor plan. Everything was handpicked to wow. You might be struck most by the unique, sculptural light fixtures, floor-to-ceiling modern fireplaces, or sleek walls of glass that provide serene views of the breathtaking backyard. When you move in, you can plan lively gameday gatherings on the expansive, covered terrace steps from the stylish fire pit and glistening pool and spa. Or perhaps you’ll be dreaming of spending indulgent movie nights in your state-of-the-art media room, which can be reached with the home’s elevator.

The symbol of an era, the setting for a future — Dallas’ most legendary and luxurious estate is ready for its next chapter. Since 1938, this prestigious Preston Hollow property has hosted dignitaries, political leaders and cultural icons like Coco Chanel, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, President Ronald Reagan and actor Jimmy Stewart. Designed by Swiss architect Maurice Fatio for Italian count Pio Crespi, this palatial French-style chateau is an exquisite composition of marble, gilt, hand-carved woods, graceful proportions and precision. At more than 27,000 square feet, the main home comprises 10 bedrooms, 12 full baths, five half baths, 11 fireplaces, six living areas, five dining areas, a ballroom/salon, conservatory, study, Art Deco bar, paneled library, gourmet kitchen, glass elevator, media room, safe room, gym and two wine rooms. The 3,000-square-foot primary suite includes a bedroom, two baths, two dressing areas and an expansive outdoor terrace. Enhancements by noted architect Peter Marino include a stately 3,347-squarefoot guesthouse and a 4,836-square-foot entertainment pavilion with a 19-seat theatre. The grounds feature a swimming pool and spa, tennis and bocce ball courts, gardens, greenhouses, walking trails, a creek and a helipad. The estate is 15.68 acres in all, including three platted lots on its north side, at 1.22, 1.22 and 1.3 acres each.

Westover House in Westover Hills, represented by Ralph Randall, Madeline Jobst and Ashley Mooring of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $22,000,000 I.M. Pei designed only three private homes in his lifetime. Westover House is the last and greatest — a significant achievement in American residential architecture. Westover House shares its DNA with Pei’s most celebrated works, including the Pyramid at the Louvre in Paris and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Commanding a hilltop in Fort Worth’s Westover Hills, the sprawling home is thoughtfully sited on nearly 4 gently sloping acres. It offers a unique garden room — a soaring, lightfilled space with a canted roof of glass and steel that rises above the tree line — a nearly 70-footlong art gallery, multiple living and dining rooms, a sumptuous main suite, six additional bedrooms, den, office, wellness room, heated pool and putting green. The home’s materials are of the ages. Its thick walls are concrete mixed with an aggregate of rose-quartz granite from Colorado. The unique textural fluting on the walls, inside and out, was painstakingly bushhammered by hand. Interior flooring includes Portuguese marble and Burmese teak, with outside terraces of granite. Westover House isn’t just an architectural triumph — it is a Fort Worth legend, completed in 1969 for a horse breeder, art collector and philanthropist and never available before. At more than 19,000 square feet and a work of modernist art, this is an acquisition of genuine architectural and cultural consequence.

4658 County Road 163 in Stephenville, represented by David Burgher and Harlan Ray of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $9,250,000 Spanning more than 350 acres, this premier property offers the ideal balance of natural beauty, recreation and luxury. Long Creek Ranch is perfect for hunting, fishing, livestock management, entertaining or relaxing with family and friends. The ranch’s convenient location within Erath County — about an hour from downtown Fort Worth and just under 2 hours from downtown Dallas — makes for easy trips to and from the DFW metroplex. The landscape features rolling hills, high vistas, native vegetation, lush creek bottoms and a mix of open meadows and dense wooded cover. Germany Creek flows through the heart of the ranch, affording more than a mile of scenic frontage on both sides of the creek. The ranch also offers four stock ponds and two lakes, some with bass, bluegill and perch. A network of off-road and ATV trails winds throughout, providing access to all areas. The ranch headquarters includes a first-class shop with two apartments and a boardroom for meetings. Nearby are the impressive main residence, pool and one-bedroom pool house with an outdoor kitchen. On the ranch’s south end are a three-bedroom guest house and a one-bedroom cabin. Other features include a large pavilion with an outdoor kitchen, a firepit and a second pool.

Preston Hollow Residences With Their Own Point of View

Preston Hollow has an enduring appeal, but there is no single formula for living well in the neighborhood. These properties, listed by Allie Beth Allman & Associates, each offer a distinct take on Preston Hollow living. At 6811 Aberdeen Ave., extensive updates have given a 2005 residence a thoroughly refreshed presence. The fourbedroom home features custom beams, a dramatic fireplace, remodeled baths, updated flooring and extensive built-ins. Outside, a redesigned landscape surrounds a pool and spa, covered patio, fire pit and outdoor barbecue island. Across from Preston Hollow Park, 6635 Park Lane, offers five bedrooms and more than 5,500 square feet of living space. The light-filled residence features high ceilings, an expansive family room and a main-level primary suite with its own laundry. Four upstairs bedrooms surround a generous game room or flexible living area, creating a layout that can adapt to both family life and entertaining. At 5718 Over Downs Drive, a single-story patio home offers a more intimate scale. The updated, three-bedroom residence features soaring ceilings, open-beam details, hardwood floors and a remodeled kitchen with generous counter space, wine refrigerator and breakfast bar. Its private courtyard and proximity to Preston Royal shopping add to the convenience.

EBBY HALLIDAY

Luxury Living in Briarwood: 5107 Stanford Avenue

An extraordinary architectural statement of warm earth tones and refined elegance, this custom Briarwood home offers an unrivaled lifestyle near the Park Cities and Bluffview, just minutes from Dallas’ finest dining, high-end retail, and top-tier private schools. The 4-bedroom, 4.2bath residence, encompassing 4,931 square feet, is offered by Cindy O’Gorman for $3,265,000. Incredible stonework, wide-plank wood floors, hand-hewn beams, and custom gas lamps set a sophisticated tone throughout light-filled spaces crafted for both grand entertaining and cozy daily living. At the heart of the main floor, the den boasts soaring beamed ceilings, a stone gas fireplace, and stunning pool views. The culinary center features a quartzite island and brick-framed Wolf six-burner double-oven range, complemented by a full Sub-Zero butler’s pantry, dedicated conditioned wine room, and striking executive study. The primary suite serves as a serene sanctuary with cathedral-beamed ceilings, a Borghini marble spa bath, steam shower and direct access to the private resort grounds. Outdoors, a brick-enclosed oasis features a covered patio, built-in grill, fireplace, sparkling pool, turf yard and fountain garden. Upstairs offers secondary ensuite bedrooms, a quiet library, and a grand game room. To schedule a showing, please contact Cindy at 972-715-0190 | cindyogorman@ebby.com.


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