Park Cities People October 2026

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45 E ATI N G 45 Y

OCTOBER 2026 VOLUME 46 NO. 10

“THE BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IN TEXAS”

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Middle schoolers celebrate mascot move PAGE 16

PROUD TO BE SCOTS

Harper Van Dorn and Chloe Gillette. SARAH HODGES

SPORTS

SCHOOLS

LIVING

Contents

HP cross country on track for winning season

What’s cooking in the HPHS cafeteria?

Dust off your boots for the ball of the year

News ............................................... 2

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

Obituary......................................... 55

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

Home & Business ........................... 40

Classifieds ..................................... 58

Sports ........................................... 10

Living ............................................. 48

Schools ......................................... 15

Senior Living................................... 48

14

22

54

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NOVEMBER2020 2020VOLUME VOLUME1 NOVEMBER

NO NO

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

- Click for available siz

E 16NO. NO. 16 1111

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

PRESTONHOLLOWPEOPLE.COM PRESTONHOLLOWPEOPLE.COM I  I 

“THE BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IN TEXAS” “THE BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IN TEXAS”

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 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

FROM THE PAGES OF OUR ARCHIVES

T

he 1980s were an era of bold looks, big hair, and even bigger news if you lived in the Park Cities. We had it all — from crime to gender politics to lots and lots of cats.

Read on to learn about what was making headlines 40-plus years ago.

New Teacher Brings ‘Manly’ Touch to UP Elementary (Oct. 1, 1981) The presence of University Park Elementary fourth-grade teacher Greg Granath made the front page of Park Cities People.

The new employee was the only male elementary teacher, outside of gym, in Highland Park ISD. Student Sam Henry said he was surprised when he walked into the classroom and saw Granath.

“I thought it would be kinda weird to have him for a teacher,” Henry confided. “But it was different. He is better than I thought it would be.”

University Park Police Handle Shooting, Car Chase (Oct. 8, 1981) The University Park police were involved in a gun battle and high-speed chase within two days in early October. After being confronted by an off-duty officer on Oct. 1, a suspect opened fire with a chrome revolver in an

alley between the 4100 blocks of Stanhope and Windsor Parkway.

The officer returned fire, shooting the man in the chest. He attempted to flee but was later apprehended. The next day, UP police units roared out of town in pursuit of aggravated robbery suspects and eventually ran them off Central Expressway in a forced crash. All three of those suspects were also arrested.

Bring on the Fringe!

(Oct. 28, 1982) Our publisher’s arguments in favor of a high school drill team may have been dated, but his idea was ahead of its time. Reid Slaughter wrote that Highland Park had “the best-looking girls in the state,” and since they already did things in groups, “teaching them to wave some pompoms and stomp around together should be no problem.” After the Highland Belles were founded in 1983, the drill team quickly proved Slaughter correct in predicting that their winning efforts would add some sparkle to HP’s trophy case.

Highland Park Doesn’t Want to Share (Oct. 11, 1984) Visitors to Highland Park’s library were experiencing sticker shock. Due to a town council

ParkCitiesPeople Publisher Patricia Martin

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

These kids weren’t clowning around when it came to having fun at the 1986 fall Hyer Elementary Carnival. Sara Litton, Clay Phillips, Emily Litton, Allison Vanderwoude, and Josh Niles (front), and Julie Niles and Brian and Blake Vanderwoude (top) would likely hang around until the end of the festivities. SCOTT WILSON

decision, University Park residents who had been paying $10 annually for library use, and families who had been paying $25, would now have to fork over $165 a year to keep checking out periodicals and video cassettes. Park Cities People speculated that Highland Park residents wanted to keep all the library materials for themselves and free up parking spaces in front of town hall.

Judge to Rule on Feline Furor (Oct. 9, 1986) A Highland Park woman

was raising a stink about a town ordinance prohibiting the ownership of more than three cats.

The Versailles Avenue resident and owner of 30 cats had filed an injunction preventing officials from enforcing the ordinance, which she argued arbitrarily limited residents’ number of furry friends. In response, a helpful neighbor offered to step in and find homes for the illegal felines.

- Compiled by Sarah Hodges

Marketing & Client Relations Coordinator Hannah Mahfood

OPERATIONS Distribution Manager Mike Reinboldt Marketing & Administrative Assistant Jacqueline Sifuentes

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

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How Much Do Dallas, HP, and UP Spend on Public Safety Per Resident?

By Rachel Snyder

rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Ensuring police officers and firefighters can respond when needed is among the most critical responsibilities of any municipality and a top priority of residents, according to surveys.

So it’s not surprising that public safety — funding police and fire departments — takes up a large share of municipal budgets.

Dallas, Highland Park, and University Park have either recently approved or are in the process of adopting their budgets for fiscal year 2027.

Dallas reserved more than two-thirds of its general fund for public safety in fiscal year 2026. When this article went to press, the city expected to spend about the same proportion of funding on public safety in FY 2027.

For fiscal years 2026 and 2027, that puts Dallas’ public safety spending at about $1,000 per person for each of its 1.3 million residents.

University Park approved a 2027 budget on Aug. 17 that dedicates $24,286,396 to public safety spending. With a population of just over 25,000, public safety spending per resident will come to $948.

This is an increase from fiscal year 2026, when $21,829,830 was dedicated to public safety. That put public safety spending per resident at $852.

University Park voters will go to the polls Nov. 3 to weigh in on whether to raise the city’s tax rate to 22.0055 cents per $100 assessed valuation. If approved, the proposed increase would raise an additional $1,459,476 for four police officers, a patrol vehicle, and two firefighters, reduce the fire department’s pension vesting period from 20 to 10 years, and finance residential parking enforcement technology.

In contrast to Dallas and University Park, the Town of Highland Park uses a Department of Public Safety model combining police, fire, and emergency and non-emergency communications center (dispatch) into a single organization.

In fiscal year 2026, the town budgeted $18,514,428 for its collective public safety expenses. That put spending per resident at $2,113.

On Sept. 1, the town council approved a FY 2027 budget that directed $19,756,603 to the department of public safety general fund, or about $2,254 for each of the town’s 8,764 residents.

Crime Reports Aug. 10 - Sept. 6 Aug. 10 Reported at 12:18 p.m. in Highland Park: A woman found that a crook had stolen her credit/debit cards and racked up more than $25,000 in charges at various stores including Van Cleef & Arpels, Tom Ford, Target, and Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods. She’d visited the Dallas Country Club pool and taken a Pilates Barre class in Snider Plaza earlier the same day.

Aug. 11 Reported at 4:21 p.m.: A smash-andgrab thief broke the window of a vehicle in the 3500 block of Crescent Avenue and swiped a purse containing about $2,000 in cash, among other items, from the vehicle.

Aug. 12 Reported at 5:44 p.m.: A careless driver hit a vehicle on University Boulevard and left the scene.

Aug. 15 Reported at 2:52 p.m.: A thief stole a vehicle with a $5,000 toolbox from the parking lot of the Whole Foods store in the 4100 block of Lomo Alto Drive.

Aug. 17 Reported at 9:35 a.m.: A burglar broke into a locked vehicle on Purdue Street, damaged it, and stole things from inside.

Aug. 18 Reported at 8:22 a.m.: A ne’er do well broke windows on a vehicle on Normandy Avenue.

Aug. 19 Reported at 2:56 p.m.: A fraudster used the information of a resident on Euclid Avenue to make a series of fraudulent transactions totaling $100,000 and tried to make others.

Aug. 20 Reported at 3:33 a.m.: A pilferer broke a window of a vehicle on Purdue Street and stole a purse.

Reported at 8:25 p.m.: A crook stole a wallet at a CVS store on Mockingbird Lane.

Aug. 21 Reported at 10:38 p.m.: A burglar got into the Tootsies store on Preston Road.

Aug. 22 Reported at 2:40 p.m.: A crook burglarized a vehicle on Wentwood Drive.

Aug. 23 Reported at 7:13 a.m.: A burglar broke a window of a Mercedes Benz in the 3300 block of Dartmouth Avenue, but didn’t take anything from inside.

Aug. 24 Reported at 6:41 p.m.: A swindler

stole $3,000 via gift cards from a resident on Purdue Street.

Aug. 25 Reported at noon: Scammers took thousands of dollars from a woman after requesting she send money via UPS purportedly to verify her identity. The incident was reported to officers at a bank in the 5500 block of Preston Road.

Aug. 26 Reported at 4:35 p.m.: A damager broke a window of a Toyota Camry in a parking lot in the 4100 block of Lomo Alto Drive and opened the glove box and center console, but didn’t take anything.

Aug. 27 Reported at 10:14 a.m.: A trickster may have used the information of a resident in the 4500 block of Fairway Avenue to open accounts with Verizon and T-Mobile.

Aug. 28 Reported at 2:38 p.m.: A swindler purporting to be a law enforcement officer stole $500 via a gift card requested from a resident in the 3400 block of Potomac Avenue.

Aug. 29 Reported at 12:26 p.m.: A burglar smashed a window of a GMC Sierra in the 3400 block of Knox Street and rummaged through the center console and glove box.

Aug. 30 Reported at 10:21 p.m.: A crook took the catalytic converters from a vehicle in the Highland Park Village employee parking lot in the 4200 block of Mockingbird Lane.

Aug. 31 Reported at 7:04 a.m.: A brazen burglar smashed a window of a GMC Sierra in the 4400 block of Westway Avenue and rummaged through it, leaving some items on the street near the vehicle, but didn’t take anything.

Sept. 1 Reported at 7:08 p.m.: A careless driver hit a vehicle in a parking lot of Highland Park Village and left the scene without leaving information for the owner of the vehicle that was hit.

Sept. 2 Reported at 8:13 a.m.: A pilferer stole items from the driveway of a home on San Carlos Drive.

Sept. 3 Reported at 8:36 a.m.: An opportunistic thief stole two Trek bicycles from the front yard of a home on Marquette Street.

Reported at 4:57 p.m.: A ne’er do well

broke a window of a vehicle parked in a parking lot for The Shops of Highland Park in the 4200 block of Oak Lawn Avenue and stole a small purse containing medication.

Sept. 5 Reported at 10:41 a.m.: A porch pirate stole a bicycle from the porch of a home on Stanford Avenue.

Sept. 6 Reported at 1:37 p.m.: A stealer made off with a scooter from a porch of a home on Purdue Street. of the

MONTH:

JEWELRY CAPER Reported at 2:42 p.m. Aug. 24: A sneaky stealer made off with at least $164,031.81 worth of jewelry from a resident in the 3600 block of Beverly Drive.

GROUND PCITURE/SHUTTERSTOCK

4 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

For more crimes, visit peoplenewspapers.com/ category/crime/

CRIME STATS Property Crimes UNIVERSITY PARK July 2026 26 July 2025

27

HIGHLAND PARK =11 July 2026 July 2025

11

Violent Crimes

UNIVERSITY PARK July 2026 8 July 2025

7

HIGHLAND PARK 4 July 2026 July 2025

2

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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6 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY DAY

What’s Driving Study of M-Line Trolley Expansion to Knox-Henderson

The M-Line trolley streetcar route runs along McKinney Avenue through Downtown, the Arts District, and Uptown.

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Local transportation officials are considering an extension of the M-Line trolley streetcar route further north into the Knox-Henderson neighborhood.

The streetcar currently runs a 4.6-mile route along McKinney Avenue through Downtown, the Arts District, and Uptown Dallas. The trolley, which was launched in 1989, serves about 400,000 riders per year with seven cars in operation.

“A northern extension would expand this network to reach Knox-Henderson, one of Dallas’ fastest-growing neighborhoods,” the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) shared in the organization’s Local Motion newsletter.

Specifically, NCTCOG officials wrote that the potential extension of the M-Line trolley would improve connections between Knox-Henderson, Uptown, and Downtown Dallas and foster more access to the Katy Trail and Cole Park.

The NCTCOG and the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority (MATA) are studying potential extension routes, where stops could be placed, infrastructure needs, and funding sources for the project. NCTCOG staff are working with a consultant team led by HNTB Corporation on the study. The study is expected to take about a year to complete, with a final report expected around August of 2027.

Opportunities for public input will be announced this fall and continue through 2027, officials say.

The idea of extending the M-Line isn’t new — it’s been discussed for years, said Ezra Pratt, principal transportation planner with the North Central Texas Council of Governments. A boom in ridership since 2020 has added fuel to the argument in favor of sending the trolley further north.

“During the pandemic, and even after, MATA, the streetcar saw a really big boost in use,” Pratt said. “I think both our staff and

ABOUT THE M-LINE TROLLEY The M-Line Trolley runs from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, from 7 a.m. to midnight Friday, from 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday and on holidays.

Trolleys usually arrive at stops every 1720 minutes.

For more information and to find out how (and where) to catch the trolley, visit mata.org

MATA realize this is the best time because we really need to be sure that we can plan in the context of being able to meet the existing and future needs of the area.”

The study is being funded by a federal surface transportation block grant. Preliminary design of the project could begin once it’s complete, according to Pratt.

If the M-Line is extended into the Knox-Henderson area, it would be the first growth in the streetcar route since 2015, when the route was expanded to connect to Klyde Warren Park and go further south into Downtown.

But the extension wouldn’t be unprecedented. In the early 20th century, the M-Line used to run up Cole Avenue to Knox Street before connecting to Abbott Avenue in Highland Park and Hillcrest in University Park to create a route that stretched from Downtown to SMU, Pratt said.

“Much of (the existing track) is on that historic right of way from when streetcars ran back then,” Pratt said. “In fact, in some portions, especially on McKinney, closer into Uptown, they’re still running on ... original track that they basically unearthed under the pavement after so many years.”

Pratt said the goal of extending the M-Line trolley now is the same as it was more than a century ago: increased connectivity.

“If that worked back then, then maybe it can work now,” he said, “especially as there’s so much new development occurring in this corridor between Uptown and Knox Henderson.”

“I think both our staff and MATA realize this is the best time,” Ezra Pratt

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8 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Exall Lake’s Dredging Project Is More Than a Restoration

By Jake Wilkinson

T H E H I STO RY O F EXALL LAKE

People Newspapers

Exall Lake remains a tranquil getaway for Highland Park residents. The serene location is both a stop for cyclists and home to a diverse array of aquatic wildlife.

From mallards, Chinese geese, and turtles floating in the water to skittering squirrels atop trees, the lake is a haven of flora and fauna alike. Highland Park has restored the lake and aims to preserve its wildlife with the completion of a $2.5 million dredging project.

About 35,000 cubic yards of sediment were removed from the lake during the project, which was completed Aug. 1. The process opened the waterway, improved the quality of the water for aquatic life, and helped remove and prevent the regrowth of invasive plants, explained Highland Park Department of Public Safety Lt. Lance Koppa.

Up to three barges circled the lake to pump 130 years of sediment into geotextile bags during dredging operations that began in March. In addition to acting as a home for wildlife, Exall

Exall Lake is a small, privately maintained lake in Highland Park.

The lake was formed in 1890 when businessman and agriculturalist Henry Exall dammed the surrounding Turtle Creek. It was once a popular picnic destination with a working steamboat.

A small brood of baby ducklings and their mother wander through the grassy plateau of Exall Lake. TOWN OF HIGHLAND PARK

Lake serves as a stormwater conveyance. The dredging was undertaken to both protect nature and prevent stormwater from flooding Riverside Drive.

“If 40% of this waterway is silt, that water that’s coming down starts not to have a place to go,” said Lt. Koppa.

The Town relied on a hydraulic method that ensured

aquatic life remained unharmed and could still inhabit the space.

Based on the Canadian geese chomping on bread, and catfish, largemouth bass, and bream swimming through the water one day in August, those efforts worked.

“If you have the waterfowl that are saying this is suitable for us to raise a family, then

we’re doing the right thing,” Lt. Koppa said.

Highland Park residents continued enjoying the lake, which accounts for about 20% of the town’s real estate, during the dredging process.

According to Koppa, the project may be complete, but the town won’t stop caring for the lake. To maintain its health,

Highland Park will conduct a yearly assessment of the lake’s condition. It will monitor factors including the amount of sediment that has accumulated since the project and whether future dredging is necessary to protect aquatic life.

“This is not a one-and-done project,” said Lt. Koppa.

Highland Park hopes the lake will continue to bring families together. Now is the perfect time to get your feet wet and make some memories at Exall Lake.

“We’re extremely conscientious of the wildlife out here, as you can get the feel for the park.

It’s so important,” said Lt. Koppa. “Anything that we can do to not intrude on the quiet wildlife, but improve what’s here, the town can invest in that.”

Could University Park Put the Brakes on Resident-Only Parking?

By Sarah Hodges

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Parking problems have long driven University Park residents in some high traffic areas to the brink. Neighbors can’t find a spot in front of their homes or see when they back out of their driveways.

Residents say a pet has been run over.

Cars have been dinged.

Since 2002, University Park has created resident-only parking districts for 2,000 addresses on 1,511 parcels of property. Typically, the city considers parking limitations after receiving a resident request and surveying the affected block to determine whether a majority favors limited parking.

If the majority agrees, the issue is presented to the city council for approval, explained community information officer Paige Ruedy.

During council meetings, residents have said that their overcrowded streets create safety issues.

“We’ve seen cars hit. We’ve seen people almost hit. We’ve seen all kinds of accidents,” homeowner Charles Bufkin told the council in April 2024, when it approved a resident-only parking district in the 4300 and 4400 blocks of Amherst Avenue.

While some drivers were careful on his narrow block, others hurried through it, resident Greg Crespi told the council in July when it voted to restrict parking on a portion of the 4200 block of Amherst Avenue.

“Over about the last five or six years, the number of cars and trucks that have parked on our block has steadily increased,” he said, adding that one cat had been run over, and cars had been clipped.

Between Aug. 1, 2025, and July 31,

The west side of the 4200 block of Amherst Avenue on a Friday afternoon before (TOP) and after the creation of a resident-only parking district. SARAH HODGES

2026, the city issued 2,708 citations for residential parking district violations, according to Ruedy.

But some University Park city council members have suggested it may be time

to put the brakes on residential parking restrictions. Enforcement costs the city more than $87,000 annually, not including costs that do not recur on a yearly basis, according to Ruedy.

Council members have questioned that expense and whether the districts are the best way to solve parking problems.

During the July 21 city council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Phillip Philbin seemed skeptical of a restriction on part of the 4200 block of Amherst Avenue.

He asked staff whether the parking issue would simply commute one block north.

“Most likely it will,” responded director of public works Keegan Littrell. “But then, how far north does it continue to push?”

The council voted 4-1 in favor of creating the resident-only parking district, with Philbin as the lone dissenter.

In August, the 4200 block of Amherst Avenue came before the city council a second time. One home had asked to be added to the district, while another wanted out.

“The proposal is that it would now zigzag across two houses,” Rieman said.

“We’re individually privatizing people that want specific, individual parking restrictions.”

“Do we have any other residential parking districts that have, for lack of a more technical term, a zigzag in the middle of them?” asked council member Darrell Lane.

The council voted 4-1 to deny the request. Mayor Pro Tem Philbin dissented a second time, explaining that he believed the city should remove the district entirely.

“I’m concerned that this is more tax and spend. Just last night, we proposed a raise in taxes to do parking enforcement,” Philbin said before the vote, referring to the city’s November tax rate election, which would in part fund technology for residential parking districts. “If we don’t have the money to do parking enforcement at Snider Plaza, we certainly don’t have the money to do parking enforcement on private streets like this.”

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10 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Sports

LEARNING ON THE FLY

Injuries causing chaos to HP lineup early

By Justin Thomas

ROSTER

People Newspapers

A

s the reigning Class 5A state champion, Highland Park’s volleyball team already had a proverbial target on its back and a challenging non-district schedule fit for a power.

What the Lady Scots weren’t anticipating as they began their title defense, however, was the rash of injuries and illnesses that beset the team in August and early September.

As a result, HP has dealt with bouts of inconsistency early on as head coach Michael Dearman continues to experiment with different lineups — often needing to call up players from junior varsity to simply fill the roster.

Fortunately, a few of those callups have impressed, and the Lady Scots are gradually getting healthier as they settle into their District 12-5A slate.

“I’ll be honest, it’s been pretty rough to start,” Dearman said. “With all of the injuries, and some other girls getting sick here and there, it’s really brought a lot of inconsistency. And when you create a schedule where you’re trying to play the best teams possible, well it wasn’t the best timing for us.

But we still have a lot of talent, and the girls have kept a positive attitude.

“The old saying is what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and we’ve had the chance to see some players that we normally might not have gotten the chance to. I think that’s going to really help us in the long run.”

The biggest void to fill has been the loss of standout right-side hitter and Texas commit Sarah Floyd, who after a whirlwind summer competing for Team USA, suffered an ankle injury in one of HP’s early tournament matches.

“You can never replace a player like Sarah,” Dearman said. “She’s making good

Highland Park’s volleyball team has kept a positive attitude despite dealing with a rash of injuries early in 2026.

CHRIS MCGATHEY

progress, but she’s still a little bit away from coming back.”

Initially, middle blocker Emerson Camillo was tasked with replacing Floyd, but she too suffered an injury prompting Dearman to bring up sophomore Emmeline Wallace with support from typical middle blocker Kennedy Moore.

“I’m not sure if Emerson is what we’re going to stick with, but she played really well against Aledo in her first varsity match and she did a good job in our district match against Grapevine. We’ll just have to see how it goes and how we’re looking when everyone is back.”

In the middle, HP has leaned on the tandem of senior Marlee Roehm and freshman Annabelle Strohbehn.

“Marlee is back and has done a great job,” Dearman said. “And Annabelle has just been amazing. She’s not only played great for a freshman, but for any varsity player. We knew she would be a contributor for us, but she’s arrived even more ahead of schedule than we anticipated.”

Outside hitter has also been a bright spot early for HP, where junior Taylor Toomay and senior Allie Hudgins return.

Toomay, a three-year starter and Colorado commit, has been a rock for HP thus far, according to Dearman, and is leading the team in kills and digs.

Hudgins, meanwhile, is committed to Creighton and has also battled injury and illness early.

1

Marlee Roehm

MH

JR

2

Taylor Toomay

OH

JR

3

Katie Robinson

DS

JR

4

Farren Brooks

OH

JR

6

Annabelle Strohbehn MH

FR

7

Landry Carroll

S

SR

8

Lexi Chen

OH

JR

9

Anna Lee

S

SR

10

Addi Hill

DS

JR

11

Emily Keogh

MH

SR

12

Sarah Floyd

RS

JR

13

Lexi Murray

RS

SR

14

Emerson Camillo

MH

JR

16

Addie Smith

S

SO

17

Hailey Hunt

DS

SR

19

Kennedy Moore

MH

SO

20

Allie Hudgins

OH

SR

“She’s back healthy now, though, and is playing the best ball of her life,” Dearman said.

At setter, Anna Lee has been HP’s top distributor following a 2025 campaign in which she garnered All-American honors.

“Maxpreps named her a top 10 setter in the nation this preseason, but she’s dealt with an injury as well early on,” Dearman said. “Landry Carroll and Addie Smith did a great job filling in for her, but Anna is getting back to 100% and is a player that just can’t be replaced.”

At defensive specialist, sophomore Callie Wong has risen from JV, but Dearman noted the rotation has not been totally settled.

Despite the uncertainty, Dearman believes HP will be in the position it wants when the postseason rolls around.

“We’re in a good spot, especially now that we’re getting healthier,” he said. “It’s been a real test of our culture, and the girls have passed every test. So many players have stepped up with so many injuries and it’s only going to help us.”

Pushing for the Pinnacle

Scots No. 2 in preseason poll, eye postseason glory

By Justin Thomas People Newspapers

Highland Park is hopeful 2026 is the year the Scots return to the pinnacle of Texas tennis.

And with good reason.

HP entered the year ranked No. 2 in the state in Class 5A in the Texas Tennis Coaches Association preseason poll after bowing out to eventual state champion Frisco Centennial in the regional quarterfinals a year ago.

It was the third consecutive state title for the Titans. Those victories came after HP won 5A state titles in six straight years from 2015-2021.

Centennial does not come in as the state’s No. 1 team this year, however, as that honor has been bestowed upon Frisco Independence — which also resides in Region II alongside the Scots and Titans.

“We’re in the toughest region in the state,” said Vance Sharp, HP

head coach. “When you look at the preseason rankings, seven of the top 10 are in our region. It’s going to be a very tough playoff draw, but I think we have as good of a shot as anyone coming out.”

HP’s optimism starts with its key returnees, headlined by junior Steven Hu, who claimed the program’s first state title in 20 years alongside Collier Muenker in boys doubles last spring.

With Muenker now graduated, Hu has spent much of the early portion of the fall teamed up with senior captain Roberto Newell-Eyl. On the girls side, senior Eoin Burgess has gotten out to a strong start, while HP has also benefitted from the return of junior Lillian Zhu — who missed last season due to an ACL injury suffered at the start of the campaign.

It’s HP’s youth movement, however, that has it in position to contend for postseason championships.

“We had nine freshmen make varsity this season,” Sharp said.

“It’s a great, young class and I feel like even though we graduated a lot from last year, we’ve really reloaded.”

Among the freshmen boys making instant impacts thus far are Carson Liu, who has slotted into the No. 3 boys singles spot, and Barrett Benson, while girls include Taylor Stephens, Aria Cakaric, and Briley Brown.

Thus far, HP has gotten out to a 5-2 start with its only slip ups coming against ranked 6A opponents in Coppell (No.8) and Flower Mound (No. 14).

Victories include District 125A wins over Grapevine (15-4), R.L. Turner (19-0), Birdville (190), and Colleyville Heritage (17-2).

HP also posted a shutout non-district win over Frisco Reedy.

Reedy entered the season No. 11 in 5A and beat HP two years ago,

Aria Cakaric, Matteo Negri, and Highland Park’s tennis team defeated Colleyville Heritage in district Sept. 8, 17-2. CHRIS MCGATHEY

11-8, while Heritage came in at No. 20 in the preseason poll.

“When you look at the progress we made against a team like Reedy over the past couple of years, that shows just how far we’ve come,”

Sharp said. “That was a huge win for us.”

The Scots continue in district through September before the district tournament slated for Oct. 5 at a location to be determined.

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

11

12 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

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14 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Lady Scots Defeating Opponents, Scorching Temperatures

By Justin Thomas People Newspapers

The Lady Scots blazed through their initial meets with a streak of four wins, including a dominant performance on Sept. 5 at the Coach T Marcus Invitational at North Lakes Park in Denton.

HP entered the season ranked third in the state by the Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas behind No. 1 Lovejoy and No. 2 Smithson Valley. During their 2025 campaign, the Lady Scots finished fifth at the 5A state championships in Round Rock (Lovejoy and Smithson Valley took first and second, respectively).

HP returns five runners who gained state experience in Austin a year ago: Ryan Sontag (28th), Finley Heckler (32nd), Paisley Bassett (56th), Claire Deeken (101st), and Annie Cooper (106th).

The team’s Sept. 5 showing was particularly promising given the wealth of 6A programs in action in Denton, including the host Lady Marauders, Prosper, Aledo, and Coppell.

But none could approach HP, which finished in first with 106 points, well in front of second-place Salado (155) and thirdplace Austin Vandegrift (170).

Individually, sophomore Ad-

Highland Park’s girls cross country team placed first in all four of its initial meets. SUSAN BAILEY

elaide Wortman — who won gold in the 800-meter run at the state track meet last spring — paced the Lady Scots with a sixth-place finish (17:57).

Senior Sontag was just one second back in seventh (17:58), with junior Heckler in 21st (18:32), junior Bassett in 25th (18:35), senior Cooper in 76th (19:44), freshman Orsella Hooks in 81st (19:48) and freshman Hadleigh Raynor in 119th (20:30).

Prior to Marcus, HP had earned first-place finishes on Aug. 15 at the Waxahachie Woodhouse Invitational, Aug. 21 at the Friday Night Hawk Invite, and Aug. 29 at the Greenhill 6-Mile Relay.

“The kids have been working hard and running great,” said Susan Bailey, HP head coach.

“We’ve seen some strong competition, which we will have a lot more of in the coming weeks.

And when you look at our time gap at Marcus, from one through five, it was 38 seconds. That’s pretty good … It’s actually the fastest we’ve had in a while.”

Bailey noted HP has benefited from the presence of Wortman, who didn’t compete in cross country as a freshman due to injury.

Bailey has also been impressed with HP’s current crop of freshmen.

“We usually have one or two freshmen on the varsity roster,”

Bailey said. “Three of our top four runners this year were on the team as freshmen, so that’s not really unusual for us, but it’s definitely nice to have.”

HP’s newcomers have followed the lead of its veterans.

Their guidance has taken on added importance this year due to the new weather guidelines designed to combat extreme temperatures.

“We usually practice in the afternoons,” Bailey said. “That’s just how it’s been ever since I’ve been here. But now, the girls are having to get out there at 5 a.m.

We also used to practice for two hours and 20 minutes and have had to trim that down to 1.5 hours. They get out there and get their work in quickly. And I mean it’s pitch-black out there.

Everyone out there has lighted vests on, but I couldn’t be more proud of how they’re handling it.

Everyone has bought in because of the culture we have here. This team is just so connected and it starts with our older players really buying in and the younger ones following them.”

HP will continue its preparation for the postseason in the coming months, including competing in the District 12-5A Championship set for Oct. 15 at Myers Park in McKinney.

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

15

Schools

UP ELEMENTARY BIKERS SADDLE UP FOR ANNUAL RODEO

By Sarah Hodges

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

T

he fun began at a bright-pink starting gate.

It continued as University Park Elementary’s bikers pedaled past bubbles, around obstacles, through a tunnel and homemade car wash, and over speed bumps, bubble wrap, and a challenging ramp.

“It’s pretty scary. It feels like you’re going to fall off, but you don’t,” third-grader Brandon Zhao said about the ramp. “I’m not afraid of jumps anymore.”

“It was pretty intense,” added third-grader AJ Piller.

The course may have been new to Panthers, but the annual Bike Rodeo, which this year was held on Sept. 4, has been rolling through University Park Elementary for decades.

Principal Kim Banuelos, who donned her own helmet and joined students on the course, remembered participating in Bike Rodeo when she was a student at University Park Elementary in the 1970s.

“It was one of my favorite days,” she said. “Here we are, doing the same thing on the same road. It’s also a time-honored tradition for families.”

Banuelos said that the event has grown since her childhood. This year’s rodeo began with stunts from the BMX Pros Trick Team, whose riders even jumped over brave members of the Dads Club.

But the rodeo, which was sponsored

by Medical City Children’s Hospital, had the same focus on safety that Banuelos recalled from her days as a student.

BMX team members shared helpful tips and talked with students about the importance of wearing a helmet and checking their bikes, messages that were reemphasized later by Daniela Hudson, who instructs fledgling bikers at Glide 2 Ride.

“It’s kind of a funny juxtaposition between guys doing crazy tricks and learning safety,” said Mary Claire Perry, who

I M A G I N AT I O N ON THE MOVE University Park Elementary students took their creativity for a spin during the school’s helmet decorating competition.

The winners were: First Grade: Remi Connauton, for a KPop Demon Hunters helmet Second Grade: Wyatt Logan, for a red paw helmet Third Grade: Alex Bower, for a rubber duck helmet Fourth Grade: Stella Helt, for an axolotl helmet

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Stella Helt, who won her grade’s helmet competition. Meredith Conroy and Sydney Crosby cruise through the course. Frank Lucia takes on the rodeo’s ramp. Morgan Wade of the BMX Pros Tricks Team jumps over a UP dad. CHRIS MCGATHEY AND JORDAN PATMAN

co-chaired the Bike Rodeo with Shelby Comeaux, Melissa Johnston, and Jordan Patman. “But it captures their attention and gets them excited, so then they actually listen.”

University Park Elementary is a community of bike riders —more than 200 bikes are parked at the campus daily, Banuelos said.

Panther parents praised the focus on safety, as well as the rodeo’s role in build-

ing students’ confidence and sense of school community.

It was an upcoming rodeo that inspired her daughter to learn to ride without training wheels, Bonnie Yates said. The third grader is a confident biker today, pedaling to friends’ houses and even the Holmes Aquatic Center. She stopped and gave her two-year-old brother a high five as she passed him on the Bike Rodeo route.

“It’s fun to bring everybody together,”

Yates said. “Everybody cheers on everybody’s kids and gives them some confidence.”

Natalie Hanschen, the mother of two University Park Elementary students, said that the area’s safety and neighborhood feel, including the ability to bike to school, drew her family to the Park Cities.

“I wanted my kids to have the childhood that I wish I had,” she said. “Here, they certainly can. All of this is a dream come true.”

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16 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

MIS/HPMS Students Mark Start of Inaugural Year as Scots

By Sarah Hodges

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

It was a day of celebration for Highland Park ISD’s newest Scots, one that began in the morning with pom poms, bagpipe music, and cheers, then continued in the cafeteria with speeches, claps, and helpful advice.

“What you’re joining as a Scot is nationally and state recognized,” boys middle school athletic coordinator Brady Thomas told students on Sept. 1, which was We Are Scots Day at McCulloch Intermediate School and Highland Park Middle School. “It’s a burden to bear. It’s a weight and should be a weight. But it’s also something you should be proud of.”

The fifth through eighth graders were marking what may be the first mascot change in their schools’ history. The MIS/HPMS Raider was replaced at the start of this school year by the fierce Scot, who also represents Highland Park High School. The schools’ red and gold colors were switched to blue and gold, which all the students interviewed by Park Cities People called a win for the campus.

The mascot move hasn’t just brightened the schools’ hallways — it’s also built community spirit and heightened students’ pride in their school, explained HPMS principal Stefanie Powell.

“It’s unified the whole community,” she said. “We feel the support from parents. The teachers are excited, and I’m just excited for that to continue through this year and beyond.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Ambassadors and members of the student council answered questions from younger students. Caleb Thompson, Ryon Sylvester, and Samuel Williams. Colbie Kessler, Adeline Shelton, and Emmy Tovo. SARAH HODGES

Powell added that students are taking their new status as Scots seriously, understanding that their actions reflect on the Scots’ legacy and entire school district.

On We Are Scots Day, students arrived at MIS/HPMS wearing blue and gold shirts and were greeted by enthusiastic cheerlead-

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ers, football players, and student council representatives.

During lunchtime talks, coaches and administrators told each class of students more about Highland Park’s standard of excellence and their responsibility to maintain it.

“We have a long, storied histo-

ry of being great in Highland Park, but now it’s your turn as a Scot to build on this brand of excellence,” athletic director Jeremy Gilbert told seventh graders. “Whenever our schedule comes out, everybody always circles Highland Park when they play us, because they want to beat us. And they want to beat us

because they know how excellent we are in everything that we do.”

Student council members spoke about their connections to the Scots legacy and the opportunities that come with being a student in Highland Park, then circulated to answer questions from younger students.

Eighth-grader Winn Jackson said that he’s a third-generation Scot; his grandfather, father, uncle, and two big brothers have all been Highland Park students.

“Being a Scot is very important to me, not only because of my family tradition, but also because of the legacy Highland Park represents. One of my favorite quotes is ‘Scotties find a way,’” he explained. “Being a Scot means we are engaged in becoming servant leaders with a winning attitude and a tradition of excellence in all things. ‘Once a Scot, always a Scot.’”

We Are Scots Day was made possible by the support of title sponsor The McCauley Co. It was organized by the principals of MIS and HPMS, along with the schools’ parent teacher organization, including Raising Scots cochairs Andrea Cheek, Laura McCallan, Katie Patterson, and Jane Wallingford.

Middle schoolers noted that the change had one more benefit —it turned them into not only the first middle school Scots, but also the final group of Raiders.

“We only try hard at everything we do,” seventh-grader Cameron O’Neal said. “And we love the pride of being Scots!”

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18 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

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20 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

HPHS Graduates “Go Forth to Serve” Around the World

By Val Holley Son

Special Contributor Ten recent Park Cities graduates are taking Highland Park High School’s century-old motto — “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve” — far beyond the classroom.

The graduates are among a growing number of Park Cities young people putting their college and career plans on hold to dedicate two years to mission service. They join more than a dozen fellow Highland Park High School alumni currently serving missions around the world.

These young graduates — volunteers for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — routinely provide humanitarian aid where they serve, in addition to sharing messages of hope and love. They also teach language classes, help build much-needed schools and infrastructure, assist the elderly and disabled, and respond to hunger relief and natural disasters worldwide.

This group of Highland Park High School graduates are serving throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Central and South America, and across the United States.

Most are learning second languages as part of their missionary training before departing for their assignments.

Cash Tanner, a recent HPHS graduate and former Scots football receiver and First Team long snapper, will soon serve in some of the most remote villages of Guatemala and Belize.

Tanner said it’s his goal to “serve the needs of the people in any way possible by following the example of Jesus Christ.”

Teddy Alder, a standout member on the

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Maile Orchard, Mary Mathison, Wesley Reed, Zachary Nance, Cash Tanner, Teddy Alder, Claire Hamilton, and Kathy Vega. Sam Houghton. Ryan Wright. VAL HOLLEY SON

HPHS drumline, credits his church community and early morning seminary — an LDS scripture study program for youth — for instilling in him a desire to serve.

“It’s fun to see (others) grow and strive to become better,” he said. “Everyone has struggles in life, but the gospel has answers to those problems, and it brings so much joy when you see people build a relationship with God.”

It is that same relationship that prompted Maile Orchard, a former four-year HPHS soccer player, to serve a mission. After spending a year in college, Orchard volunteered to serve and was called to Tokyo, Japan.

“As I began to consider serving a mission, I got more and more excited and had a strong spiritual prompting to teach the word of God to others,” she explained.Wesley Reed, who

was exposed to Mandarin while growing up in Shanghai before attending HPHS, will use his language skills during his mission to Asia.

“I feel fortunate to have seen how lives were changed in China by living the precepts of Jesus Christ,” he said. “Now I want to share that experience with helping the people of Singapore and Malaysia.”

Matt Mathison, the ecclesiastical leader who works with these youth, said their decision reflects a growing desire among youth to find purpose and peace through faith.

Mathison and his wife, Holly, have a daughter, Mary — a previous two-year lieutenant for the Highland Belles — currently serving a Spanish-speaking mission in Chicago. She is the second of their children to serve an LDS mission.

“In a world filled with problems — some overwhelming and paralyzingly large — our youth are turning to the gospel of Jesus Christ for answers, guidance, confidence, and peace,” Mathison said. “Many are choosing to sacrifice two years during a pivotal time in their lives to share that message of hope with others. I am in constant awe at our youth and their decision to dedicate their entire souls to serving, loving, and helping all people come unto Jesus. We are witnessing a rising up of goodness, and our community is blessed by so many youth participating in this great and important work.”

More than 85,000 full-time missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are serving to meet a growing demand for missionary and humanitarian service around the world, according to an October 2025 report from the church.

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New HPHS Science Team Captains Seek to Continue Momentum The Highland Park High School Science Team is led by new captains Adrian Gu and Samarjeet Singh. RACHEL SNYDER

By Rachel Snyder

rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Highland Park High School’s science team aims to continue building its kinetic energy this year after capturing the 2026 state title.

Senior Adrian Gu, who placed third overall in Science at the 5A UIL State Championship, and junior Samarjeet Singh will serve as this year’s team captains.

They take over leadership following the graduation of last year’s captains, Henry Zhu and Bradley Liang, who were valedictorian and salutatorian of the HPHS class of 2026.

Gu and Singh said their interest in math and science started in middle school. Both have been involved with the science team at the high school since they were freshmen.

During his time on the team, Singh said he’s enjoyed learning more about physics and chemistry. Team meetings have been opportunities to step out of his comfort zone and focus on exploring the scientific topics that interest him most.

“Before sophomore year, as a freshman, we take biology as part of the course curriculum, so I was very inexperienced in chemistry and physics,” he said, “and so it was really fun for me to learn chemistry and physics while I wasn’t enrolled in any courses.”

Gu said he has enjoyed meeting new people who share his interest in science through being a team member and taking part in UIL competitions.

“One thing I’ve definitely learned is

the value of working hard and learning the skills to sit down and study one topic for four to five hours,” Singh said. “I know that now I can do that and I can apply that for my future years in college and med school, hopefully.”

The captains said they’re looking forward to building a new team together, helping teach underclassmen, and watching team members grow in their knowledge of science.

“It’s a new team, it’s a new year,” Singh added. “In my freshman and sophomore years, underclassmen years, I was the one really learning everything. And now in my upperclassmen years as a junior and senior, I’m going to be the one teaching the subjects to the underclassmen who come in.”

The y wil l be coached by biology teacher Jennifer Giannou-Moore, who took over leadership of the science team in the 2025-2026 school year.

As coach, Giannou-Moore intends to continue growing the connection between the high school and middle school science teams.

“I want to keep the momentum going,” she said.

Giannou-Moore said she’s proud of how Singh and Gu have taken to their new leadership roles. The secret to a winning performance in competitions, Gu said, isn’t rocket science — it comes down to hard work.

“It’s a lot of repetition,” he remarked, “and doing practice problems over different topics in biology, chemistry, and physics.”

“One thing I’ve definitely learned is the value of working hard and learning the skills to sit down and study one topic for four to five hours,” Samarjeet Singh

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22 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

HPHS Cafeteria Cooks Up a Fresh Take on School Lunch

By Sarah Hodges

IS THIS SCHOOL CAFETERIA FOR R E A L?

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Highland Park High School has rewritten its recipe for serving students with the cafeteria’s first renovation since 2002.

In the reimagined serving area, lines have been added and rerouted, food options relocated, walls removed, and some stations expanded to create a speedier checkout for students and a functional, collaborative experience for volunteers and staff, explained parent teacher association president Nicole Brewer.

The upgrades have brought additional healthy choices to the table for hungry high schoolers. The school has been able to double its salad bar options, as well as add flavorful entrees and meats such as citrus dill grilled salmon thanks to the installation of new equipment.

The salmon debuted during the first week of school and was immediately popular. Even on burger and fries day, the cafeteria took about 135 orders of the fish, said food service manager Brenda Vardell.

The dining area’s tables have been replaced by a range of furniture configurations that fit any sized group. There’s a spot for every student, including those who want to spend lunchtime at their laptops, either alone or with classmates.

New acoustic paneling and sound-buffering flooring has turned down the volume, and lighting has brightened the space, Brewer said. She added that mobile furniture together with the leveling of the cafeteria’s floor has made it possible to use the dining

Highland Park High School food service manager Brenda Vardell and principal Kevin Hunt in front of the renovated cafeteria.COURTESY HIGHLAND PARK ISD

area for multiple events. District staff even gathered there for a convocation breakfast at the start of the school year.

The high school has also posted screens highlighting the week’s menu so that students can plan ahead.

Principal Kevin Hunt called the changes “a huge upgrade.”

“You can just tell the kids are more likely to eat here and stay here during lunch and enjoy themselves,” he said. “The new furniture makes a big difference. The floor is safer and easier to clean. The kitchen is much improved for Brenda, and her staff, and the volunteers.”

Highland Park High School seniors can leave campus for lunch.

But they’ll be challenged to find options such as tortilla crusted ti-

lapia, smoked brisket sandwiches, and Caribbean chicken with mango salsa nearby. Even staff from the nearby Highland Park ISD offices have started coming to the high school to grab a bite, Brewer noted.

High school junior Arrabella Kersey said that customizable paninis were her top choice at the cafeteria.

“I really like how many options there are,” she said one Friday after selecting a turkey and cheese panini. “There’s a great variety. You can choose from a lot.”

Senior Cate Webster praised the new location of her favorite menu item, the baked potato bar, which used to share a line with the salad bar but now has a dedicated space.

“It’s definitely faster,” she said

of the cafeteria’s checkout process.

“Everything feels a lot more clean, new, and polished than before.”

Volunteer day captain Jessica Klein took home a baked potato and all the fixings at the end of her shift as a cashier. Klein has been helping out in Highland Park ISD cafeterias since 2015, when her oldest child started kindergarten at Armstrong Elementary.

While it’s the kids who keep Klein coming back, she appreciates the upgraded space.

“It’s beautiful,” she said. “It’s so inviting. It’s gorgeous. They did a great job.”

The renovations were funded by about $3 million from the bond approved by voters in November 2024 and PTA contributions.

Two radio personalities were talking about local school menus. Then, they got to the lunch options at Highland Park High School.

“Wow, what a month they’re having!” Mark “Hawkeye” Louis said while reading the menu, which included grilled ahi tuna steak with Korean dipping sauce, curry cauliflower, and smoked brisket sandwiches. “We are not making this up!”

“Korean beef bulgogi bowl? I think you have to go to Japan for that!” added his New Country 96.3 co-host Michelle Rodriguez.

“Is this as incredible as it sounds?” Louis asked, inviting someone from Highland Park High School to call in and set the record straight.

HPHS food service manager Brenda Vardell took him up on that.

Vardell explained that the menu was real. She had created it, and this was her 26th year in Highland Park schools. The radio hosts compared the high school to a five-star restaurant and asked Vardell about her techniques.

“Have you thought of creating a recipe book?” Rodriguez asked.

“People have asked me to do that before I retire,” Vardell responded.

The co-hosts then asked if they could visit the school and have lunch on Cuban pork tenderloin day.

To hear the entire conversation, visit newcountry963.com and click on “The Best of Hawkeye in the Morning” under Podcasts in the drop-down menu. The two conversations about Highland Park High School are dated Aug. 14.

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24 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

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4400 Belfort Place $31,995,000

4580 Bordeaux Avenue $2,095,000

9840 Gooding Drive $1,650,000

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6704 Northwood Road $2,300,000

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3509 Cornell Avenue Private Sale

6911 Forest Glen Drive $2,400,000

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4312 Purdue Avenue Private Sale

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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.

26 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Being a Scots Fan Is About More Than Football

By Sarah Hodges

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

At 3 a.m., Margo Goodwin was sitting in her lawn chair outside the Highland Park ISD administration building.

Highlander Stadium hadn’t yet been constructed, but bonds that would secure the right to buy season tickets were going on sale. The longtime fan wanted to be certain she would have seats when the new home of Highland Park football opened in 1980.

“It’s just fun to see all those young people out there, whether it’s the band, or the Belles, or the football team, or the managers, or the young men who carry the flag when there’s a touchdown made,” said Goodwin, who later served as mayor of Highland Park. “They’re all doing their best and giving it their all.”

Goodwin wasn’t alone — dozens of other fans were there with her, waiting for the opportunity to see the neighborhood kids they’d watched grow up proudly take the field.

“This isn’t just football. It’s supporting the Scots,” explained Mike Boone, who’s been in the stands since he was a student in the 1950s, when he helped radio broadcasters identify the players. “We have an old saying, ‘Once a Scot, always a Scot.’”

Boone started watching the Scots in the wooden stadium. When he had a chance to buy seats in Highlander, he paid a high schooler to wait on his behalf, offering an extra $20 if the student snagged one of the first five spots in line.

“He spent the entire night and was there at 8:15 in the morning in line, in the third or fourth position, and he earned his $20 bonus,”

Fans cheer for the Scots in 2024, the last time the Scots competed in the state title game. SARAH HODGES AND CHRIS MCGATHEY

Boone remembered. “But I wasn’t the only one. Other people were doing that. Somebody beat me by three places.”

Cheering for the Scots isn’t just about rejoicing when they win — though they often do, triumphing over teams that are

bigger and faster on paper.

It’s about watching them learn the skills they’ll need to succeed as adults: discipline, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and how to accept both victory and defeat with class, Boone said.

“(The coaches) were teaching us more than about football. They really taught us about life,” Boone’s son, Michael, remembered of his time on the Scots football team. “They were just makers of men.”

Michael said that, even though he was never one of the team’s starters, the community’s support made him feel like a king.

Today, he has his own season tickets in Highlander Stadium.

“You just get so excited to see these kids, these young men, giving it everything they have,” he said. “They’re good athletes, but in the grand scheme of things, they’re average athletes. They work so well as a team together, and that’s why they win.”

Longtime fan Kay True has had football tickets since the late 1970s.

True watched her daughters cheer for the Scots and her son play football. She kept her seats while she cheered for her two grandsons, who were football players, and two granddaughters, who also cheered.

“It’s like a small town, and everybody sees each other,” True said. “A lot of people don’t even have a player or anybody in school anymore, and they still go.”

Goodwin and her husband continue to be in the stands at Friday night home games, where they get a “tube steak,” her husband’s name for a hot dog, and watch the team, whose members now include one of her grandsons.

“We are very proud of the boys and girls that get out there,” she said, adding that she plans to keep going to games for as long as she can. “It’s just the place to be on a Friday night.”

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parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

27

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28 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Sage School Doubles Enrollment, Moves to New Space

By Josh Hickman

LEARN MORE

People Newspapers

The Sage School of Dallas opened its doors in August 2025 with four rooms, four students, and a mission to serve gifted learners with social-emotional, executive functioning, or sensory challenges who are left behind in traditional settings.

One year later, the school is educating 11 sixth through 10th graders in a newly renovated space at King of Glory Lutheran Church, where it is looking forward to even more growth.

“We have a new student who had to miss school last Friday, and he was upset about missing school for the first time in his life,” said Jessica Rall, one of the school’s co-founders and CEO. “It’s walking through those doors and being understood and accepted that lets them take a breath and start to really learn.”

The Sage School is unique in DFW private schools — and rare nationwide — in serving twice-exceptional (2e) students, who make up about 6% of kindergarten through 12th graders. In traditional schools, gifted programs neglect their needs, while support programs fail to challenge them.

Over the past year, Rall and fellow co-founders Kristen Dauphinais and Dr. Mandi Skerbetz have refined and expanded their working vision of a supportive community of personalized learning, real-world skills, and advocacy and awareness.

“When you look at a lot of these children, they need the support on social-emotional, they need to be bumping around in the world,

To find out more about The Sage School of Dallas, visit it online at sageschooldallas.org.

Students at The Sage School engage in purposeful, project-based learning, such as those in the image at the bottom left, who built a totem pole that tells the history of Dallas. ANNA SMITH AND JOSH HICKMAN

learning those skills,” said UP mom Dauphinais, whose son is neurodiverse. “They need to learn how to build the executive function skills. They’re not going to get that with oneon-one tutoring or online schools.”

Dauphinais explained that the vision for The Sage School came from a desire to better

educate children like her son, who are both academically gifted and neurodiverse.

“We all were kind of sitting around, saying, ‘Somebody should,’ and we said that enough times that we looked in the mirror and said, ‘Alright, I guess that’s us,’” she explained.

The Sage School opened with an initial capacity of 10 children per grade. Dauphinais looks forward to possibly doubling grade classes with a goal of growing to 160 students. The broad and purposeful curriculum includes math, science, humanities, languages, electives, and topic-driven innovative-thinking Fridays. Flexible rolling admissions help families in school emergencies finally find the right fit for their child.

“We’ve had students that have gone away before to boarding school for the level of support that we can offer here,” Rall added. “We have families that are so thankful that their children are home and able to go to a school locally that can support them.”

“There’s so much in the news about how the rates of ADHD and autism are skyrocketing,” Dauphinais noted. “It’s just the recognition and the testing around those diagnoses have gotten so much better and so much richer.”

And yet, there is still a lot to learn, as much confusion, misunderstanding, and even misdiagnoses still exist.

“These truly are some of the most brilliant minds out there. Yet, they also have support needs, so it makes it challenging them for them to be in a traditional private or public school,” Dauphinais said. “They are incredibly capable, and they are incredibly talented. Our cornerstone has always been preparing these children for life.”

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

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Great Home in HPISD 7218 Centenary Avenue $2,795,000 5 Bed I 4.1 Bath I 2 Car

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Amazing Opportunity to Live in HPISD 7820 Bryn Mawr Drive $3,395,000 6 Bed | 6.1 Bath | 5,486 Sq.Ft.

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30 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Tech Meets Natural Setting 6715 Golf Drive $11,400,000 6 Bed I 9.1 Bath I 9,517 Sq. Ft.

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Perfection & Fabulous 7407 Morton Street $1,849,000 4 Bed I 4 Bath I 4,563 Sq. Ft.

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parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

31

Live Stylishly on Edmondson 5332 Edmondson Avenue $1,825,000 3 Bed | 3.1 Bath | 3,419 Sq.Ft.

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A Bluffview Beauty 4511 Watauga Road $6,499,000 6 Bed I 6.3 Bath I 14,131 Sq. Ft.

Chad Barrett | 214.714.7034 | chad.barrett@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.

32 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Something New is Coming!

3937 Southwestern Boulevard SOLD - Private Sale 70 x 160 Lot

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

Sold in Multiple Offers!

3641 Mockingbird Lane SOLD - $3,495,000 5 Bed I 5.1 Bath I 5,140 Sq. Ft.

Carol Ann Zelley | 214.668.0503 | carolann.zelley@alliebeth.com

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

33

Transitional Tudor on Beverly Drive 3210 Beverly Drive $4,995,000 6 Bed I 6.1 Bath I 5,969 Sq. Ft.

Doris Jacobs & Teffy Jacobs | 214.676.3339 | dorisjacobsgroup@alliebeth.com

Recently Sold 6114 Tulip Lane Listed for $5,495,000 Alex Perry & Eric Narosov 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.

34 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Community

Former President George W. Bush and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice shared their memories and reflections on Sept. 11 ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks. GRANT MILLER/GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL CENTER

GEORGE W. BUSH, CONDOLEEZZA RICE REFLECT ON IMPACT OF 9/11

By Rachel Snyder

rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

F

ormer President George W. Bush called the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks a “clarifying moment” when he, his administration, and the country re-

alized America was “vulnerable to attack based on what we believe.”

Bush and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice shared their reflections on Sept. 11 at an event at the George W. Bush Presidential Center two days before the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

Bush was listening to a child read in a Florida elementary school classroom when he was informed that the first plane had hit the World Trade Center in New York.

“We both initially thought this was an accident,” Rice recalled.

“Because how could this actually be happening?”

Bush remembered the moment former White House Chief of Staff Andy Card whispered to him to inform him that a second plane had hit.

“I didn’t have much time to process that, but it was pretty clear to me that if we were under attack, that my job was to defend the child that was reading to me, and her family, and her country,” he said. “So it was a moment of clarity.”

Bush and Rice spoke again after the second plane hit, and Rice recalled “raising” her voice after Bush said he wanted to return to Washington.

“I raised my voice to you because you said, ‘I’m coming back,’ and I said, ‘Stay where you are. The United States of America is under attack. It’s not safe here,’” Rice recalled. “That was the first time I articulated to myself that the country was under attack.”

Bush recalled planning to get to a safe location to address the country in the aftermath of the attack.

He said he was determined that the address wouldn’t be given “from a bunker in Omaha, Nebraska.”

“I thought that would be a psychological victory for those who attacked us and so I flew back,” he said.

As they sought to ground flights across the country, Bush and Rice recalled the “horrible moment” they feared Flight 93, the hijacked plane that crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers

sought to gain control from the hijackers, had been shot down by the military.

“You’d given the order, through the vice president, that should a plane not squawk properly, it should be shot down,” Rice said.

“We thought initially standing in that bunker that Flight 93 had been shot down.”

“There was this horrible moment where the vice president kept trying to get confirmation as to what had happened, and for about 10 minutes, we thought we’d shot down a civilian aircraft,” she added.

Following the attack, Bush and Rice recalled the effort to return the country to a sense of normalcy. They attended a mosque to, as Rice said, “make sure our Muslim American citizens knew we didn’t blame them for what had happened.”

“I didn’t want us to lose our soul,” Bush added. “As we defended our freedoms, I wanted people to remember how precious they are.”

He also said the team he had in place during his administration helped him cope with the pressure following Sept. 11.

“You want people who’ve got a lot of experience to be able to give you good advice,” Bush said. “I had the benefit of watching a really great man be president and he taught me a good lesson — that a leader must be humble enough to know what they don’t know and find people who do and listen to them — and I wisely did that.”

First Responders, Community Members Mark 9/11 Anniversary

By Sarah Hodges

sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Near mangled steel beams recovered from the World Trade Center debris, the University Park fire bell rang nine times.

Three rings were for the call of duty, three for the courage shown, and three for the final rest granted.

The sound, long the symbol of the beginning of a call, the completion of a mission, and the return home, carried a deeper meaning this year on Sept. 11, the 25th anniversary of the deadliest terror attack on American soil, University Park fire chief Randy Howell said.

“It honors the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. It acknowledges the duty they fulfilled. It reminds us that their service continues to echo through every life that they saved that day,” he continued. “When the bell rings, it’s our way of saying your watch is complete, your sacrifice is remembered, your legacy endures.”

Community members and first responders from the Park Cities and SMU gathered at the George W. Bush Presidential Center for a Moment of Remembrance the morning of Sept. 11.

Howell and the center’s president and CEO Shilo Brooks spoke in front of its wall of names, a memorial honoring the nearly

A ceremony at the George W. Bush Presidential Center remembered lives lost on Sept. 11. Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People captured the outpouring of grief, anger, and shock in the wake of the attacks. SARAH HODGES

3,000 people who lost their lives on 9/11.

“The terrorists wanted to disrupt our freedom by knocking our buildings down,” Brooks told the crowd. “They did knock them down. But far from disrupting our freedom, they accomplished the opposite of their intention. Their terrorist act showed the world the enduring power of the American freedom that they

sought to destroy.”

Brooks continued that while the towers were a symbol of America’s strength and prosperity, the identity of this country is more than its skylines.

“What holds America up are the people whose names are etched into this wall,” he said. “Americans are people who race toward danger. They are people who free-

ly choose not to flee a burning building, even though they could. They are people who would rather their own plane crash into a field in Pennsylvania than let it be a weapon.”

Brooks’ remarks were followed by a moment of silence. The ceremony concluded with a playing of “Taps,” the solemn 24note melody that honors the fallen.

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

‘Park Cities People’ Applauds

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.

JOSH HICKMAN

Highland Park High School junior Caspar Curry for his design and painting of a garden-themed mural for the Highland Park Library’s young adult area. Curry’s family donated supplies and time for the project. Curry and classmate Devin Li have also beautified the Armstrong Elementary library by painting a forest mural.

Zoe Vergos an eighth grader who was chosen as the 2026-2027 Highland Park ISD birthday card artist.

Vergos’ artwork will be displayed on birthday cards given to district employees throughout the school year.

Ron Rosas, a University Park resident who made his international wheelchair tennis tournament debut this summer. Rosas, a former standout tennis player at The University of Notre Dame, lost all four limbs to sepsis in 2023.

Rosas’ tournament debut came at the WC50 Québec, where he competed against wheelchair tennis players from around the world. The next stop in his return to competitive tennis came at the 2026 JTCC Wheelchair & Para Standing Championships in September.

Rosas’ goal is to become the first quadruple amputee to compete in a Grand Slam tournament.

Former SMU President R. Gerald Turner and his wife Gail, who will be honored with the Norm Hitzges Distinguished Service Award at Austin Street Center’s Humble Beginnings luncheon Oct. 16.

The Turners were selected as honorees due to their philanthropy, community service, and leadership in education.

R. Gerald Turner served as SMU’s president for three decades, from 1995 to 2025, and supported numerous civic and philanthropic organizations during his tenure.

Gail Turner has spent decades supporting organizations dedicated to women, children, and families.

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36 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Calling All Archeologists

SMU Archaeology Research Collections Lab Invites Volunteers to Curate History

By Daniel Lalley

WA N T T O V O L U N T E E R AT SMU’S ARC LAB?

People Newspapers With a mission to tackle the fundamental questions of human culture and society, SMU’s Department of Anthropology is home to some pretty impressive minds.

But while the department is made up of Members of the National Academy of Sciences, Fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Fulbright Scholars, it’s also a hub for avocational archaeologists and citizen scientists.

Through SMU’s Archaeology Research Collections (ARC) lab, volunteer researchers work alongside Fellows, research scholars, and SMU faculty to curate artifacts, conduct novel research, and foster public education.

“Among our different types of volunteers, many of them come from the open lab days we hold once per month in partnership with the North Texas Archeology Society (TAS),” said SMU Director of Archaeology Research Collections, Dr. Matthew T. Boulanger. “It’s entirely open to the public, and we get a whole range of people.”

Boulanger pitched the open lab program to TAS at the beginning of 2024 as a way to

For more information about volunteering with SMU’s ARC lab, contact North Texas Archeological Society Vice President of Projects, Brian Luetchford, at vpofprojects@ntxas.org.

FROM LEFT: ARC open lab volunteers process artifacts from the 1971–72 Texas Archeological Society Field School collection. Historic photo of archeologists excavating artifacts at 1971 TAS field school. MATTHEW BOULANGER, THE TEXAS ARCHEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

increase public opportunities and awareness around the ARC lab. The group meets on the last Saturday of each month to curate, catalogue, and study artifacts spanning the Archaic Period to the Late Prehistoric period.

Since the program launched, this volunteer group has processed well over 100,000 individual artifacts and 750 pounds of material.

“We sit down at the lab tables, and we pull out bags of artifacts, most of which are things like arrowheads and flakes and chipped stone and groundstone artifacts,” Boulanger said.

“Occasionally, we might find some animal bone. We identify what it is, count it, weigh it, enter it onto a log sheet, and then preserve it in archival-quality bags.”

Currently, the group is processing the 1971–72 Texas Archaeology Society Field School collection. This collection formed the basis for a graduate dissertation by prolific architect Alan Skinner, who regularly attends the open labs to answer questions.

“There’s a real joy in seeing an archaeologist as accomplished as Skinner return after all these years,” said Boulanger. “He was in

his 20s when this project started, and now it kind of makes the circle complete.”

While this collection may not exactly contain the Ark of the Covenant or the Holy Grail, it does provide a vital record for what life looked like 1,000–5,000 years ago. Excavated largely from rural Texas areas, these artifacts fill in missing pieces to complete a critical geographic puzzle.

“A collection like this allows us insight into other environments and ecological zones that we might not otherwise look at,” said Boulanger. “This one in particular contributes to a broader understanding of Native American life in Texas.”

Boulanger says the SMU team is on pace to have the collection catalogued in its entirety by the end of this year. Beginning after winter break, the team of volunteers will embark on its next undertaking — inventorying the Loyd Harper, Sr. Archeological Collection, which consists of artifacts from Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

“It’s important work,” said Boulanger. “If we really want to preserve the archeology of our area, we have to think about what is going to happen to all of this stuff in 40, 50, or 60 years into the future.”

Halloween in the Park Cities Is Not for Amateurs

Get ready for some over-the-top pumpkin-related festivities

COURTESY GOOD GOURDS DALLAS

I don’t know who started the Halloween arms MARTHA race in the JACKSON Park Cities, but I have a feeling she lives on your block. You know her. While

the rest of us were happy with a few pumpkins and a wreath, she decided Halloween needed to become an Olympic event. And here’s where we went wrong: no one told her to settle down. Instead, we took it as a challenge. Before we knew it, we were all competing in an event no one remembers entering.

The first sign things have gotten out of hand is the front porch. Gone are the days of a couple of orange pumpkins from the grocery store. Now there are Jarrahdales, Porcelain Dolls, Cinderellas and Fairytales cascading down the steps, mixed with gourds and greenery. Somewhere along the way, buying a pumpkin became more complicated than ordering a bottle of wine.

Then there’s Pumpkin Day, one of my favorite school traditions when my kids were younger. The premise was simple: children decorated pumpkins and brought them to school. At least that was my understanding.

I saw creations that could intimidate set designers. One family turned a pumpkin into a Callaway golf bag. There were elaborate scenes involving multiple pumpkins and enough engineering that I wondered whether the child had been allowed in the room.

I was hardly innocent. If Alexis or Blake had a vision, I financed it. Paint, feathers, glitter, glue, whatever they needed.

But I drew the line at making it for them. Their pumpkins were clearly constructed by children.

I was less restrained with costumes. One year Alexis was Cleopatra and tiny Blake was

King Tut, complete with custom costumes that I spent far too much money on. They still talk about them, so I’m counting that as a parenting win.

Unfortunately, Blake also remembers what I wouldn’t buy.

For years, he begged me to cover our yard in severed limbs and bloody body parts that would have made our house look like an active crime scene. I couldn’t bring myself to spend money on a fake dismembered leg. Other Park Cities families had no such reservations, creating haunted houses that became neighborhood destinations.

Inevitably, Park Cities Chatter lights up with parents whose small children are terrified by a gruesome house and require a three-block detour. When you’re four, a severed head hanging from a tree doesn’t exactly read as whimsical seasonal décor.

Then there’s the candy.

I was recently at CVS behind three SMU students buying beer and Halloween candy. They were having a great time until the bag of Mars chocolates rang up. Suddenly, they were conducting a financial review.

After seeing the price, the candy went back. The beer stayed. And just like that, I had renewed confi-

dence in the next generation.

By Halloween night, neighborhood children have developed an intelligence network that would impress the CIA. They know who has full-size candy bars, where the good chocolate is and which houses aren’t worth the walk. Word travels fast when someone breaks out king-size Snickers. It travels even faster when someone tries to pass off raisins or pencils.

So yes, we take Halloween too seriously around here. Our pumpkins have pedigrees, our school projects require engineering degrees, our yards force preschoolers to find alternate routes home, and the good candy requires its own line item in the family budget.

All that’s left is to turn on the porch light and hope the woman who started all of this is happy. After putting us through this, she’d better be handing out fullsize candy bars.

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 f inding humor in the chaos. You can f ind her at bubblelounge.net and on Instagram @ bubbleloungepodcast.

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

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38 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Youth Mentor Program Rooted in Park Cities Spreads Globally

By Karen Chaney

LEARN MORE

Special Contributor While Dallas-based Ascent Mentors has grown exponentially since its founding in 2020, the nonprofit’s directors say that its purpose remains unchanged.

“The heart has been to reach kids one by one and model the relational nature of Jesus in their lives,” said Holly Surry Todd, who co-directs Ascent Mentors with her husband, Preston Todd. “That’s truly the heartbeat behind the whole organization.”

The program matches college students with high school students — females with females, males with males — so teens can benefit from having a trusted mentor a few steps ahead of them who will intentionally invest in their life and faith.

Some mentors have graduated from college, but most are college aged.

The Todds said they match mentees with mentors based on location and common interests or life experiences.

“If you’re an equestrian, we’d find another girl who was an equestrian. We create those shared interests and hobbies. The main thing we focus on is personality,” Holly Scurry Todd said. “Sometimes there is a shared struggle. If we have a kid whose parents are divorced, I’ll find a mentor who went through the same thing when they were growing up and now has overcome it so that they can speak into that student’s life in that way.”

Hudson Nutter, a junior at Highland Park High School, got involved in Ascent his freshman

To find out more about how Ascent Mentors helps high schoolers connect with college students and grow in their faith, visit ascentmentors.com.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Match Days, when mentors meet their mentees, are held on weekends between September and November depending on chapter locations. Former Ascent mentor Erika Matel Cross, left, with former Ascent mentee Ann-Hinckley Anderson, pictured at Cross’ wedding, met through Ascent Park Cities. The duo became best friends and will each lead an Ascent Mentor chapter this year. Ascent Mentor Luke Lackey, left, with his mentee, Highland Park High School junior Hudson Nutter. COURTESY ASCENT MENTORS

year because a friend invited him to an Ascent event.

“My favorite thing about being a mentee is getting the chance to hang out with someone older than me who has a genuine relationship with Jesus,” Hudson said. “Being involved in Ascent has helped me grow in my faith so much. Opening my heart to my mentor and reading scripture with him has really bene-

fitted my walk with Christ.”

Luke Lackey, a class of 2024 Baylor graduate, is Hudson’s mentor. Lackey said he got involved with Ascent because he was looking for a way to intentionally invest in the next generation.

“My favorite part of being a mentor is getting to speak the words I wish I had heard when I was in high school,” Lackey said.

Autumn Ushers in Al Fresco Dining

COURTESY DALLAS ARBORETUM

October brings shorter days, cooler weather, and a change in the Earth’s directional tilt that shifts the light from summer’s overexposed full sun to autumn’s gently filtered glow. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, K E R ST E N R ET T I G “Each moment of the year has its own beauty, a picture which was never seen before, and which shall never be seen again.”

Fall’s temperate moments are the rewards for summer’s brutal ones.

I just returned from a glorious four weeks in France, where gardens are among the most celebrated in the world, whether they are the royally cultivated and manicured gardens of Jardin du Luxembourg or peek-a-boo floral free-for-alls in small hamlets across the country. I’m now deeply inspired by gardens and, more so, garden dining.

Though Dallas has an abundance of dramatically wall-papered, chandelier-draped restaurants which are mechanically climatized for our comfort, we lack dining options that are surrounded by gardens, floral, herbal, or even well-trimmed boxwoods. Patio din-

“Being a part of Ascent Park Cities has challenged me to both engage my heart and my mind with the things God cares about, especially in this season after graduating college, in which it can be easy to drift.”

Molly Mitchell, a Highland Park High School junior, was matched two years ago with SMU senior Ellie Evans.

“Ascent … gave me Ellie,” Mitchell said. “I remember going to our first coffee date after we were matched as mentor and mentee and having no idea what that friendship would eventually turn into. She came into my life as a mentor, but somewhere along the way she became so much more than that. She’s genuinely one of my best friends.”

During the inaugural year of the Park Cities nondenominational nonprofit, there were 110 participants.

In the 2025-26 school year, there were over 500 mentor/mentee matches. Last year, two additional chapters were formed — one near Houston, and the other in West Palm Beach, Florida.

This fall, 11 new Ascent Mentors chapters will be launched, including at Lake Highlands Texas A&M, University of Tennessee, University of Alabama, Auburn University, SMU, Lake Highlands, Collective Dallas, Birmingham, New York City, Orlando, and Guatemala City.

“What they (mentees) are really looking for is someone who will be in their corner — a big brother or sister — who will give them wisdom and accept them as they are today,” Preston Todd said. “They are looking for their camp counselor. Imagine getting your own camp counselor all through high school who is just for you.”

ing is great, but garden dining is even better.

Offering outdoor dining in Dallas is challenging. It’s either stiflingly hot or bone-chillingly cold, or there’s pounding rain with straight-line winds interrupting our plans. But when the weather is just right, plan to enjoy a meal at one of these garden restaurants.

a smartly decorated manufactured building that’s light, bright, and climatized for comfort. It’s a gift shop and meeting place that offers a wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks as well as ice cream and pastries. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 7700 Northaven Road, Bldg. 3, Dallas.

Garden Café Highland Park native Mark Wooten owns and operates Garden Café in east Dallas. Wooten’s father opened the restaurant in 2002, and the 2006 Highland Park High School graduate took over in 2010.

“We always had a garden growing up,” Wooten said. “Instead of a lemonade stand, I had an okra stand outside of Highland Park Middle School. One year we had a huge tomato crop, and I sold them right outside of Highland Park Methodist Church.”

That’s serious cred.

Wooten’s Garden Café is a classic diner with indoor seating and a vegetable and herb garden outside which seats 50 people. Garden Café serves brunch Thursday to Sunday and dinner Thursday to Saturday. 5310 Junius St., Dallas.

Dallas Arboretum The most expansive garden in Dallas is, of course, the Dallas Arboretum. There’s not a better place to have a picnic. The 66acre garden allows picnicking anywhere on the grounds and is fairly permissive with what you can bring in. Coolers and adult beverages, yes. A Weber grill, no.

If you’re not a DIYer, the Arboretum also has six venues at which to enjoy afternoon tea, bistro fare, a food cart, or a nice sit-down indoor meal at Restaurant DeGolyer. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.

The theme of this year’s Pumpkin Village, which opened Sept. 19, is Autumn Hues. The village features six pumpkin houses inspired by modern and contemporary artists. 8525 Garland Road, Dallas.

Ralph & Rose at North Haven Gardens Tucked back in the covered portion of the gardens’ nursery, Ralph & Rose sits in

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.

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

Only the best for

Living better in Texas starts with care you can count on. When it comes to your health, we’re with you at every step—so you can focus on what’s next.

Let’s keep raising the bar for care in Dallas.

Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2026 Baylor Scott & White Health. Not all hospitals recognized in all specialties. See USNews.com/BestHospitals for complete listings. 99-DA-2071151 DT

39

40 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Home & Business

STITCHERS STEP BACK IN TIME AT SAVILLE NEEDLEWORKS

S

ometimes, in this youthful, social media-drenched world, I think back and wonder about the “quiet arts.”

JOSH HICKMAN Other than hip revivals, such as mahjong bloodsport, are the contemplative creative activities of old still thriving? Thanks to jewels like Saville Needleworks in Snider Plaza, indeed they are.

For founder Marianne Lynn, lifelong stitching led to working in a local needlepoint store, teaching classes, and finally opening Saville (named after her beloved grandmother) in February of 2025.

“My grandmother taught me,” Lynn said of stitching. “A lot of people are generational stitchers. But now, we have so many new stitchers with TikTok. It’s astronomical, the change, even since I opened. There are thread shortages, there are canvas shortages, because so many people are stitching. I’ve never seen anything like it. And I’ve been stitching my whole life.”

She remarked of her amazement at the number of new, young stitchers — from high school-age and younger — all the way to grandparents. Saville hosts many events and classes for new stitchers, as well as more advanced techniques for older, seasoned veterans.

“We have people fly in to teach classes,” Lynn noted. “We have Sniffles & Stitches for empty-nest moms who’ve sent their kids off to college. So, we tend to typically try to find lots of ways to get the neighborhood all

GET STITCHING Saville Needleworks is open Tuesday through Saturday at 6723 Snider Plaza. To learn more, visit its website, savilleneedleworks.com.

Marianne Lynn with a customer at Saville Needleworks. JOSH HICKMAN

together.”

In addition to supplying stitchers with all necessary materials, including a wide variety of canvases, Saville performs the much-needed finishing work that turns handiwork into pillows, ornaments, and other useful and decorative items.

A community feel comfortingly pervades Saville. Lynn’s daughter recently graduated as a fourth-generation Highland Park High School Scot, and Lynn grew up strolling Snider Plaza. Upcoming community stitching gatherings will include football game watching and fall movies.

“Sip & Stitch is kind of an evening hangout class, which is really fun,” Lynn explained. “It’s more of a get-together than a class, I’d say.”

How is all this stitching and time spent away from social media affecting young, developing brains?

“Every younger person that I’ve talked to — they have all said, ‘It helps me not scroll.

I love it,’” Lynn said, smiling. “Women my age love doing it. They can watch a show with their husband or their friends, and they stitch while they watch it. I love that aspect of it. Then, I get with a group of ladies that I adore, and we stitch and talk about what’s going on in life.”

It does seem that the purposeful, goal-oriented yet repetitive work of stitching calms the mind and soothes common technology-induced compulsions. In fact, a 2024 study published in Issues in Mental Health Nursing found that needlecraft had an overwhelmingly positive effect on mental health, including by boosting mental well-being, social connection and belonging, sense of purpose and achievement, and self-identity.

“It’s so good for your brain,” Lynn said.

“I know for anxiety, it really just calms you.

You’re just enjoying doing the exact same thing over and over again. It’s very calming and soothing. It’s awesome.”

Comings and Goings

BooMont COURTESY BOO!

OPEN

On COURTESY ON

Élephante Dallas 2701 Maple Ave. The new spot inspired by the cuisine and spirit of coastal southern Italy offers diners a transportive experience centered around seasonal Italian cuisine, aperitivo culture, and warm hospitality.

The BooMont Hotel Galleria Dallas The spooky-not-scary attraction is bringing thrills and chills to level 3 with two brand-new rooms, more square footage, and different ways to explore, including a haunted mirror maze, ghost pool, and master key Elephante scavenger hunt. The experience COURTESY is open weekends in September, ÉLEPHANTE and daily beginning Oct. 2.

Ed Kellum & Son 5319 E. Mockingbird Lane The family-owned appliance and electronics store is offering luxury appliances for home, kitchen, laundry, and outdoor needs at its new Mockingbird Station location.

Manor Aesthetics 6915 Preston Road Advanced medical expertise, artistic precision, and a personal approach to care come together in thoughtful, natural results at Manor’s new location.

On NorthPark Center The premium global sportswear brand has brought its performance-driven footwear and apparel to Dallas’ community of runners and

athletic enthusiasts at a new location on level 1 between Macy’s and Dillard’s.

fordable, modern, and dainty jewelry to level 2 near Corner Bakery this fall.

Campisi’s 7709 Inwood Road The Dallas Italian food institution will reopen in the former Perch Bistro & Bar space in early 2027. The new plans come after a fire led to the closure of Campisi’s Lovers Lane location late last year.

Rejuvenation Inwood Village The Williams-Sonoma brand is slated to begin delivering its signature lighting, hardware, and home furnishings to Preston Hollow this fall.

COMING

SotoMethod 4212 Oak Lawn Ave. The New York City fitness studio has brought its efficient and approachable workouts to The Shops of Highland Park.

Nikki Smith Galleria Dallas The Dallas-based brand will bring af-

Nikki Smith COURTESY NIKKI SMITH

Yo-Chi Frozen Yogurt 5710 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 101 Fancy a cold treat, mate? The fro-yo favorite from Down Under is slated to open a store between Inwood Village and the Dallas North Tollway, where it will offer treats made using fresh milk.

—Compiled by Sarah Hodges

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

41

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At Mueller Family Law Group, we don’t just handle cases. We stand beside families through life’s toughest transitions.

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

42 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Will There Be a Hollywood Ending for the Inwood Theatre?

By Josh Hickman People Newspapers

JOSH HICKMAN

The struggling Inwood Theatre’s history has been filled with plenty of drama and a few plot twists. But the beloved spot, which opened in Inwood Village in 1947, has been given a reprieve with a new lease commitment and some ongoing upgrades.

After declining attendance in the 1960s–70s, a fire in the early ’80s that led to a temporary closure, and the addition of a third auditorium from the old balcony, the theater’s owners added a full bar in the lobby to attract a more adult crowd and boost business.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission rules at the time prohibited liquor sales inside movie theaters, so the design created the Inwood Lounge with a separate street entrance and a glass-block partition separating it from the theater lobby.

Landmark Theatres acquired the property around 1984 and renovated it further. A 2005 refurbishment updated the theater; 2008 improvements added a private bar inside the new “living room” auditorium with couch seating.

Landmark has faced lease issues (including a brief 2024 lockout for default), but in mid-2026

it secured a new three-year lease and it is now investing in upgrades such as seating and finishes.

Cohen Media Group, which was founded by real estate developer Charles Cohen, purchased Landmark in 2018. Despite a 2024–2025 foreclosure auction process tied to Cohen’s debts (in which Landmark drew no bids and continued operating), Landmark/Cohen Media Group is the ongoing operator/ owner of the theater business, while L&B Realty Advisors owns the Inwood Village shopping center (and thus the underlying real estate).

“They’ve struggled, as all the theaters have post COVID,” said Corinne Hoffman, vice president of L&B Realty Advisors.

“It’s not a very lucrative business today, as you can imagine.”

With around 15 years since the last interior renovation, Hoffman stressed the need for capital investment during negotiations with Landmark.

“I said, ‘we can only continue if you’re willing to continue to reinvest,’” she recalled. “You’ve got to do something about these chairs. You’ve got to clean it up on the inside.’”

So, new reclining seats are replacing the couches, LED screens will replace the old poster cases

out front, and there is talk of restoring the entrance terrazzo floor.

“I’m overjoyed to hear that the Inwood has received something other than a stay of execution,” commented longtime film & television critic/author Matt Zoller Seitz, who worked at the Inwood while he attended SMU. “That particular neighborhood of Dallas is prime territory for a movie theater with a bit more of an edge and a vision, because they pretty much abdicated the old identity a long time ago and the absence is keenly felt. My fantasy is that they reintegrate the theater and the old Inwood Lounge and make one of their three auditoriums 35mm capable. The younger film buffs are drawn to old-fashioned analog projection, and theaters that cater to that interest and also serve alcohol can do very, very well.”

Neighbors and old fans of the Inwood Theatre can put their money where their mouths are and help make it thrive.

“They’re saying they’re committed to making improvements, slowly,” noted Hoffman. “Each year is tied to some initial capital investment that they plan on making, which I think will — for the neighborhood, as they see some changes — hopefully bring them back.”

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

Explore Unique Residences During October Home Tours

By Josh Hickman and Bridget Reis

TOUR THE HOMES

People Newspapers

Neighborhood residents and architecture enthusiasts are invited to step inside distinctive residences during two October home tours, the Turtle Creek Association’s 25th Annual Tour of Homes and the AIA Dallas Tour of Homes.

The Turtle Creek Association’s Tour of Homes from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, will feature four distinctive residences along the Turtle Creek corridor.

The self-guided event showcases a renovated corner penthouse with panoramic views and a wraparound terrace; a three-story penthouse complete with a private elevator and multiple outdoor terraces; an urban loft distinguished by soaring ceilings and industrial details; and a light-filled contemporary unit offering cityscape vistas. Complimentary bus service will transport ticket holders between the properties.

Deborah Stanford chairs this year’s tour, joined by co-chairs Karisti Julia and Wayne Smith. The event is presented by the URBAN Team of Kyle Crews and Ani Nosnik of Allie Beth Allman & Associates, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

Home tour proceeds support the Turtle Creek Association, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has maintained landscaped medians, protected trees, removed debris, and partnered with the city on creek restoration since 1985.

The 20th anniversary AIA Dallas Tour of Homes will give visitors a look inside eight architect-designed residences across North Texas.

The self-guided tour from Oct. 24 to 25 features homes in East Dallas, Turtle Creek, Far North Dallas, Northwest Dallas, and Fairview, showcasing a range of architectural approaches to contemporary living.

As the only multi-city tour curated ex-

For more information about the Turtle Creek Association Tour of Homes from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, contact Sharon Ballew at Sharon@Turtlecreekassociation.org or JD Trueblood at JD@Turtlecreekassociation.org, or call 214-526-2800. Tickets start at $45 and may be purchased at e.givesmart.com/ events/Pk3 or turtlecreekassociation.org.

The AIA Tour of Homes runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 and 25.

Advance tickets are $55 through Oct. 18 and increase to $65 during the tour. Premiere Party tickets are $150 and include admission to both the party and the Tour of Homes.

Visit hometourdallas.com to learn more or purchase tickets.

TOP: Alcott House, which is featured in the AIA Tour of Homes. BOTTOM: 2011 Cedar Springs, one of four residences in the Turtle Creek Association’s Tour of Homes. ROBERT TSAI AND COURTESY TURTLE CREEK ASSOCIATION

clusively by architects, the annual event offers the public access to private homes while highlighting the craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation behind residential architecture in the region.

This year’s tour is presented by Acme Brick and eggersmann Kitchens & Home Living. Its lineup includes one of the largest homes ever featured on the tour, architect-owned residences, new builds, and renovations. Several of the featured properties

have also received AIA Dallas design awards.

“The AIA Dallas Tour of Homes is one of my favorite events because it celebrates the people behind the architecture,” 2026 Tour Co-Chair Justin Leal, AIA, said. “It gives architects and their small businesses an opportunity to showcase their talents, skills, and unique design perspectives while connecting their work to the community and highlighting the value of great design.”

Among the eight residences is a re-

imagined Oglesby Green townhome in the Turtle Creek area featuring a sculptural kitchen, custom wet bar and refined material palette.

Elsewhere on the tour, an original residence retains its footprint and character while concealing a substantial addition at the rear of the property. Other designs demonstrate approaches ranging from seamless additions to innovative lighting used as a defining architectural feature. The homes also reflect the personalities and interests of those who live in them. Some were designed by the architects who call them home, while others were influenced by their owners’ interests in music, performing arts, and everyday living.

“I’m most excited about the number of homes on this year’s tour that were designed by the architects who live in them,” 2026 Tour Co-Chair Morgan Harrison, AIA, said. “It’s such a unique opportunity to see how architects design their own spaces.”

Ahead of the weekend tour, a separately ticketed Premiere Party will take place Oct. 22 at a White Rock Lake residence designed by Laura Juarez Baggett Studio. The residence will be available exclusively during the Premiere Party and will not be part of the weekend tour.

Patient Care Is a Lifelong Calling for Dr. Benjamin Levi

By Lisa Petty

WORDS FROM A PAT I E N T

People Newspapers He’s the local dad who runs through Caruth Park every morning and waves as he shops at the St. Michael’s Farmers Market.

But this ordinary neighbor has made far-reaching contributions to the treatment of patients with burn injuries. Dr. Benjamin Levi devotes his days to caring for patients with complex reconstructive needs and developing leading-edge therapies for skin and musculoskeletal disorders. His introduction to this unique specialty came very early on.

“At age 12, I experienced an unfortunate burn injury to my leg,” he said. “I had surgery and ended up in a hospital for several weeks. I saw the impact that a surgeon and burn center can have, helping someone who is struggling with a difficult injury.”

Fast-forward to high school, and Levi took a part-time job working for the doctor who had treated him and was now a trusted mentor.

Levi gained first-hand experience by shadowing experts in the treatment of complex injuries and

43

“Dr. Levi is a true expert whose leadership in surgery and research is writing the next chapter of medicine in North Texas. He is deeply involved in hospital details and surgical operations, and personally helped in-process me to Parkland Hospital when I suffered a severe third-degree burn injury.

He helped oversee the skin graft operation, and was ever present on hospital rounds.

“I continue to be a patient at his clinic at UTSW for ongoing burn recovery. His research regarding implementing advanced technology in triaging severe burn patients is truly groundbreaking and will impact countless lives.” - Ross Mulford

Dr. Benjamin Levi with his wife, Emily, and children Hazel and Ethan. COURTESY LEVI FAMILY

disorders in both clinical and laboratory settings while a college student. As the years passed, what had started as a personal connection solidified into a lifelong calling.

“I saw how research can improve and advance care for all patients,” he said. “So, not just helping the one patient in front of you,

but potentially helping hundreds, if not thousands.”

After graduating from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in 2005, Levi completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at leading institutions across the country.

He was recruited by Parkland

and accepted an offer to join the hospital’s world-class Burn Unit program in 2019. Today, Levi is Division Chief of General Surgery and Center for Organogenesis Regeneration and Trauma and Center for Mineral Metabolism at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

In addition to caring for patients from their initial burn injury to scar rehabilitation and re-

constructive surgery, he leads a nationally recognized research program focused on developing new therapies in his field.

The fateful call seven years ago that drew Levi to Parkland also brought his family to Dallas. Arriving by way of a road trip, boxes and two children in tow, and thousands of miles behind them, Levi and his wife settled on a tree-shaded street in a neighborhood recommended by a new colleague: University Park.

Here, they immediately felt at home.

“It was a warm community to move into,” Levi said. “People were really welcoming, and it just felt like it was meant to be.”

These days, in addition to solo runs, Dr. Levi is a member of a running group with many other University Park dads. And those weekly trips to St. Michael’s Farmers Market? They give Levi the opportunity to pay it forward when a neighbor is in need.

“Questions come up for anyone with a medical challenge,” he said.

“It can be confusing, and it’s so nice to be able to help people in the community navigate the medical field.”

44 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com This fall, SOTHEBY’S tempts collectors with two exceptional European sales. In Geneva, Royal & Noble Jewels on November 9 unveils treasures with aristocratic provenance. In Paris, Important Design, November 16 through 23, spans Art Nouveau and Art Deco through contemporary design. Together, the auctions offer a glittering tour through craftsmanship and connoisseurship. For information, explore sothebys.com.

The rarified recline: A Monster sofa by KAWS, Fernando Campana and Humberto Campana, offered

by Sotheby’s at its Important Design sale in Paris in May 2026.

While most of our properties benefit from being discoverable on our region’s multiple listing service (MLS), we also offer alternative methods to selling, including off-market sales and CONCIERGE AUCTIONS, the world’s largest luxury real estate auction marketplace. Majority-owned by Sotheby’s and Compass and independently operated by its founders, Concierge Auctions hosts unique property auctions on a platform enhanced with deep auction expertise, heritage, innovation and access to an unmatched network of buyers. Homebuyers have direct access to premium real estate on an open bidding platform with convenience and transparency, while sellers benefit

You may be curious about the value of

from unsurpassed reach, speed and certainty, shortening a sometimes

something unique or collectible in your life.

yearslong process to just weeks. Talk to your Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s

Our Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International

International Realty advisor about the advantages and excitement of selling

Realty agents can connect you anytime to

via auction. conciergeauctions.com

SOTHEBY’S VALUATIONS, appraisals and estimates by the world-renowned Sotheby’s auction house, for goods such as jewelry, art, fashion, furnishings, books, wine and more. Should you decide to sell, Sotheby’s experts will help you find the best strategy to reach buyers around the world, from auctions and private sales to Sotheby’s own Buy Now online marketplace.

Sold!

Two recent sales by Concierge Auctions, listed by Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty: 3711 Lexington Avenue in Highland Park, left, and 4590 County Road 340 in McKinney.

Services beyond selling

The hidden treasure: Above, a 1930s diamond-and-sapphire brooch by René Boivin, estimated at $40,000 to $60,000 and sold by Sotheby’s in 2025 for $279,400.

You don’t get to be the legendary luxury brokerage of North Texas just from open houses and closing days. Here, three very special extras — among many — available from the best agents in the business.

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

5606 La Foy Boulevard $

45

SELLER INCENTIVES

899,000

Mockingbird Park 3,016 square feet 4 beds / 3 baths

Shelle Carrig Baumann 469-443-8765

scarrig@briggsfreeman.com

Reid Renwick 817-992-5230

rrenwick@briggsfreeman.com

4433 Bordeaux Avenue $

7,795,000

Highland Park 5,298 square feet 5 beds / 5.3 baths 0.39 acres

Danielle Brasher 214-926-9788

dbrasher@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.

46 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

5704 Lighthouse Drive $

3,300,000

The Estates at Tour 18 Flower Mound 7,551 square feet 6 beds / 5.1 baths 1.5 acres

Clarke Landry 214-316-7416

clandry@briggsfreeman.com

SOLD

7850 Caruth Court Off-market sale Caruth Court 2,874 square feet 3 beds / 2 baths Zero-lot-line community

Pam Brannon 214-912-1756

pbrannon@briggsfreeman.com

Jeannie Nethery 214-803-3787

jnethery@briggsfreeman.com

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @BRIGGSFREEMAN AND #BRIGGSFREEMAN

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

47

FOR LEASE

4518 Normandy Avenue $

8,750/month

University Park 3,072 square feet 4 beds / 4.1 baths

Tessa Mosteller 214-505-1248

tmosteller@briggsfreeman.com

5519 Bryn Mawr Drive $

1,275,000

Devonshire 1,509 square feet 2 beds / 2 baths

Malinda Arvesen 214-354-7029

marvesen@briggsfreeman.com

David Arvesen 214-354-6142

darvesen@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.

48 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Living

SENIOR LIVING

HE’S 102 YEARS YOUNG

FROM LEFT: Eugenio Cazorla working out at the Moody Family YMCA. Eugenio Cazorla with Brenda Rabe, the Moody Family YMCA’s membership experience directoractive older adults. JOSH HICKMAN AND BRENDA RABE

T

he day I chatted with the Moody Family YMCA’s oldest member, who turned 102 on Sept. 15, also happened to be his 70th wedding anniversary.

Though these numbers might seem staggering to some, Eugenio Cazorla, though proud, simply smiled and JOSH HICKMAN shrugged them off.

Originally from Seville, he spoke in a soft, enduring Andalusian accent as we talked of his decade at the

Y, his life as a lawyer in Spain, his marriage to his wife, Judy, and many other things.

Cazorla moved to the United States in 1958 after receiving a fellowship to study comparative law at SMU. “It was for nine months,” he said. “I’m still here. I got a master’s degree in comparative law.”

Dallas was an unknown place to Europeans back then, and the prop-plane flight made many stops. Cazorla’s pursuit of practicing law was hindered by the fact that, in 1958, while one did not need to be a U.S. citizen to practice medicine in Texas, it was

a requirement for attorneys.

Cazorla recalled that the annual U.S. quota limit on Spanish émigrés was in the hundreds (with an estimated 25-year wait), while more than 50,000 spots were reserved for British immigrants. Since Judy was from Britain and already looking for a teaching job in Dallas, a friend at the consulate urged Cazorla to cross-immigrate with his wife. An Oxford graduate, Judy went on to teach Spanish literature at the University of Dallas for 45 years.

“I became an attorney in 1963,” Cazorla remembered. “The federal judge who took my oath was Sarah Hughes. Three weeks later, she took the oath from LBJ after the Kennedy assassination.”

It’s probably no coincidence that Cazorla became board certified to practice

immigration and nationality law, which he did for over 50 years. He retired in 2021 at age 97. In regard to health, Cazorla noted that he didn’t start exercising until 62.

“Twenty years ago, I had a heart attack,” he admitted. “So, I had open-heart surgery, a bypass. Since then, perfect.”

After selling their Highland Park home in 2014, the Cazorlas moved to a condo in the Turtle Creek area, thus the Moody Family YMCA membership.

Cazorla doesn’t credit his workout routine for his centenarian status — he remarked that “exercise doesn’t add years to life, but adds life to years.” Time spent at the YMCA has helped him maintain a high quality of life and avoid some of the injuries that imperil older adults.

“Mostly, my longevity is due to luck,” Cazorla said, noting that his mother died at 46. “I took the genes from my father. My father had four brothers and one sister. All of them died in their 90s. My father was 96 when he died.”

“The most important thing for me: reading,” he added about the secret to his longevity. “Exercising your brain. Read, chess — exercise your brain one way or another.

And sleep is very important.”

His reading preferences include history, biographies, essays, and American and foreign newspapers. Cazorla still drives and hits the YMCA nearly every day — weights, stationary bike, treadmill, and stairs.

“I’m optimistic,” he said of his worldview. “I think we’re going through very bad times. But I think, eventually, everything will be corrected.”

Cazorla spoke of his long, successful run in business and family life with characteristic, understated humility.

“I find too much fuss about being 102,” he said with a chuckle, “because I haven’t done anything.”

Edgemere’s Residents Savor White Glove Tea Party

The ladies of Edgemere proved this summer that a civilized cup of tea can overcome even the most barbaric weather. Wearing pristinely-pressed white gloves and stylish hats, the ladies enjoyed tiered trays of tiny sandwiches, macarons, and tarts while sipping tea and listening to harp music.

-Compiled by staff and photos courtesy Edgemere Senior Living

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

49

SENIOR LIVING

Could AI Become a Caregiver’s New Best Friend?

Family caregivers are constantly juggling KIMBERLY KNIGHT m e d i cations, doctor appointments, finances, and long-term care decisions, often while working full-time jobs and raising their own families. It’s a lot to carry, and lately, more employers, healthcare systems, and communities are finally recognizing what caregivers have known all along: this is hard work.

Honestly? That ’s a good thing. We need the support.

So today, with everything caregivers have on their plates, I want to ask a question that might sound surprising: could artificial intelligence help carry some of that load?

A New Kind of Support Tool I know what you might be thinking. AI can sound strange, even intimidating. Many of us hear the term and picture robots or technology replacing human connection. But what if AI could become a helpful tool for caregivers, instead of something to fear?

Caregivers are overwhelmed with information and responsi-

PICS FIVE/SHUTTERSTOCK

bilities, and AI has real potential to ease some of that daily load.

Imagine using it to: • Organize medications and appointment schedules • Summarize medical information into plain language • Draft questions before a doctor’s visit • Research community resources or long-term care options • Translate confusing insurance or Medicare language

• Suggest meal ideas or activities for a loved one living with dementia One example is CareTogether, a new AI-powered platform that pairs seniors with a phonebased AI companion for simple check-ins, while giving family caregivers dashboards, emails, or text updates on their loved one’s wellbeing. Tools like this are still emerging, but they offer a glimpse of where the technology may be headed.

A Tool, Not a Replacement Could AI ever replace the compassion, intuition, or human connection a caregiver provides?

Absolutely not. Those elements will always remain at the heart of caregiving. But AI could be used as a tool that saves time, reduces stress, and helps caregivers feel a little more supported when managing an overwhelming amount of information.

That said, caregivers should approach AI thoughtfully. Not ev-

erything online is accurate, and AI should never replace medical, legal, or mental health professionals. Think of it as a support tool, not the final decision maker. Caregivers might even consider exploring these tools together with their loved one, when appropriate.

Caregiving is evolving, and technology is evolving right along with it. The question may no longer be, “Will AI become part of caregiving?” but rather, “How can caregivers use it in a way that truly benefits families?”

As caregivers, we are constantly adapting to change. Maybe this is simply the next chapter in the caregiving journey, and if AI can lighten even a small portion of the load, perhaps it really can become a friend along the way.

If you are a caregiver and need support or have questions, contact The Senior Source’s Caregiver Support Program at 214-823-5700 or csp@theseniorsource.org.

Kimberly Knight is the Caregiver Support Program Director at The Senior Source. She holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington, and is a Certif ied Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT) and a Certif ied Dementia Practitioner (CDP).

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Edgemere Opens State-of-the-Art Memory Care Communal Space While Setting New Standard for Individualized Care PRESTON HOLLOW—“Onesize-fits-all” memory care is a thing of the past as Edgemere senior living community in Dallas launches a 3,441-square-foot communal space for memory care surrounded by individualized activity areas based on residents’ day-to-day abilities, social preferences, moods and cognitive needs.

Called “La Piazza,” the innovative approach was unveiled at The Plaza at Edgemere this month, one year after Certus Living, a national third-party developer and operator of senior living communities, announced its plans for memory care programming at Edgemere that will be the blueprint for research-based care across the country.

“For those experiencing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we know that no two journeys – or even days – are alike,” says Certus Living’s Memory Care Program Director Angela Kotschi. “At La Piazza, your loved one will be cherished and respected for who they are. They’ll be nurtured, safe and comfortable, while retaining their dignity.”

The Atelier Sensory Room provides a sanctuary for residents and visiting family members with calming sensory experiences such as soothing lighting, scents, textures, visuals and music.

The impressively designed “La Piazza” is a community space for all memory care residents who choose to engage there, as well as a bridge connecting residents in assisted living and memory care who are more socially engaged, cognitively active and enjoy leadership opportunities.

“This group really benefits from spending their days together,” Kotschi says, describing how these select residents build friendships as

they participate in activities and enjoy meals without the rigid boundaries of previous care models that might separate them based on the assisted living and memory care designations.

Surrounding La Piazza is the continually developing Memory Care Neighborhood, where residents are offered a choice of experiences based on their varying histories, preferences, personalities, and functioning on a particular day.

(l to r) Edgemere Assisted Living and Memory Care Director Lucinda Gray, Memory Care Manager Andrea Sunga, Executive Director Teresa Bates and Certus Living COO & President Jeff Amann cut the ribbon on a new communal space for memory care at Edgemere called La Piazza.

Cozy gathering areas provide interactive lifestyle stations that allow residents to revisit familiar hobbies, settings and pastimes.

“It’s not like there’s one set activity, and everybody’s forced to do it or sit alone,” Kotschi continues. “Your loved one will be given options based on where they are, and with the understanding that that can change day-to-day or even hour-to-hour. Our prime concern is that everyone feels happy,

interested and well.”

In addition, The Plaza at Edgemere recently introduced a Memory Café program for caregivers and families that is open to the public, as well as greater community dementia support meetings on the fourth Friday of the month. It’s a chance for all to experience education, support and resources in a luxury environment appreciated by those facing the day-to-day demands of dementia.

Families at Edgemere have also enjoyed the Atelier Sensory Room. It provides a sanctuary for residents and visiting family members with calming sensory experiences such as soothing lighting, scents, textures, visuals and music. The space also helps residents experiencing anxiety or restlessness find spa-like comfort and relaxation in the state-of-the-art Vital-Ease® Chair.

For a private tour of Dallas’s most innovative memory care community, email Jennifer.

Wilson@edgemerelife.com, call 214-623-6107 or visit edgemerelife.com/memorycare.

50 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com SENIOR LIVING

Mom May Need Help. You May, Too. The signs rarely arrive all at once.

A mother stops driving after dark. A father misses a medication. The refrigerator is full, VA N E S S A R A N DA L L but little has been eaten. Invitations are declined.

Rooms that once held dinner parties grow quiet.

Nothing has happened, exactly.

Yet an adult daughter or son senses that something has changed.

This is often where the private negotiation begins. How much help does Mom need?

How much should I offer? How much will she accept? And how can I protect her without taking over her life?

From Generation Alpha to the Greatest Generation, we are living in unique times. More generations are navigating life together, and many of us will live longer than our families ever planned for. Longevity is a remarkable achievement. It also asks something new of families.

Adult children are often raising children, building careers and tending to their own health while quietly becoming care coordinators for their parents.

They schedule appointments,

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manage medications, investigate services and watch for the next sign of decline.

They do this out of love.

They also do it with fear, guilt, and exhaustion.

Mom may need help. You may, too.

The question families usually ask is, “Is Mom safe?” It is necessary, but insufficient.

A person can be safe and profoundly lonely. A parent can remain in the home she loves while her world becomes smaller

each year. Meals may be delivered. Medications may be organized. Every practical need may be addressed. Yet no one asks what she is looking forward to.

A better question is, “Is Mom still fully living?”

Gerontologist Dr. Kerry Burnight coined the term “joyspan” to describe well-being and satisfaction across a longer life.

Lifespan measures our years.

Healthspan considers how many of those years are spent in good health. Joyspan asks what those

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years feel like.

It is a question worth asking about our parents and ourselves.

What is Mom’s joyspan today? Does Dad spend time with people who know him? Are they moving their bodies, engaging their minds and making meaningful choices? Does someone notice when they do not show up? Do they still feel useful?

Connection, movement, learning and purpose are not pleasant extras. They are essential parts of living well.

This is why families should begin talking before a fall, hospitalization or crisis makes every decision urgent. Ask your parents what constitutes a good day. Discuss what they want more of, not only what they fear losing. Explore transportation, home support, volunteer work, fitness, social programs and senior living while they can participate fully.

Accepting help does not necessarily diminish independence.

The right support can preserve it. Sometimes a different environment enlarges a life that has quietly contracted.

Most importantly, do not turn an aging parent into a problem to solve. Your mother is still your mother. Your father remains a person with history, preferences, wisdom and purpose.

The goal is not merely to keep our parents alive longer. It is to help them remain connected to life.

And perhaps the goal for adult children is equally important: to remain a daughter or son, rather than becoming an exhausted manager of someone they love.

Vanessa Randall is Chief Operating Off icer of Tradition Senior Living and an advocate for living well and aging well.

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

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52 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

The Call of Bagpipes Takes HPHS Grad on International Journey

By Rachel Snyder

rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Bagpipe adventures that began at Highland Park High School have taken Colleen Steblein around the world — and even led her back to the doors of University Park Elementary.

Steblein joined the Highland Park Lassies, the high school’s popular all-female regiment, five decades ago as a high school freshman. She’d admired the group ever since she saw it playing at the Hall of State at Fair Park as a 6-year-old. Then, she remembers telling her mother, “I want to do that.”

Steblein went on to play in both the band and orchestra as a high schooler, though she quit orchestra when she decided that band was more fun. She was a featured piper at times during her stint with the band and continued playing while a student at TCU. “I just loved the camaraderie,” Steblein said of the school band. “That was my place to be.”

Steblein’s connection with the bagpipe has only grown since graduation.

After TCU, Steblein moved back to Dallas, taught Highland dance, and joined the Dallas Caledonian Pipe Band, now North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums.

“What keeps me coming back is everything good that ever happened to me happened because of pipe band,” she said. “I met my husband because of friends in pipe band and met my still very best friend in pipe band down in Houston.”

FOLLOW NORTH TEX AS CALEDONIAN PIPES AND DRUMS For more information about the band, visit their website at ntcpd.com. To learn more about piping lessons, visit Don Shannon’s website, donshannon.us.

Colleen Steblein learned to play the bagpipes while a student in the Park Cities and has gone on to play around the world. COURTESY PHOTOS

While in Houston, Steblein played with the Houston Highlanders and the Bayou City Pipe Band. She was a member of the Westminster Pipe Band in Oklahoma that won two North American Championships.

After the death of her husband, she

moved back to North Texas, where she has been playing with the North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums for the last nine years. During that time, she met her new significant other, who plays drums, through the pipe band.

The pipes took her to Ireland in 2019, where she played with the Culleybackey Pipe Band in Northern Ireland for the season, competing in the World Pipe Band Championships.

Before that, Steblein played at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for Clan Napier at Edinburgh Castle in 2017.

She still plays with the North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums. To challenge herself, she joined a Grade 3 pipe band, a type of ensemble requiring complex musical skills, in Phoenix this year. She travels there to practice.

But Steblein still finds time to return to where her journey began. She and her bagpipe were outside University Park Elementary on the first day of school, calling students back to class.

She is one of several members of the North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums who are helping bring the unique sound of the bagpipe to HPISD campuses. The group hopes to inspire more young people to play and enjoy the instrument.

Don Shannon, a Highland Park resident who serves as pipe major of the North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums, teaches the bagpipe to Highland Park middle and high schoolers. The instrument has taken him his own journey, one that’s included playing for members of the British royal family, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and former President George W. Bush.

“It opens up so many doors,” he said of bagpiping. “People everywhere around the world love to hear bagpipes so we’re pretty fortunate to play this instrument.

HPHS Alum Helps Turn Discards Into Treasure

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

By Maddie Spera

Special Contributor Park Cities People first wrote about Andrew Hamilton in 2019, when the Highland Park High School graduate began using recycled wood from demolished HPISD elementary schools to create remarkable, unique pens.

Seven years later, Hamilton is still breathing new life into used items, and in doing so he’s helping give people a second chance as well.

“I don’t think a lot of people consider people in prison unless they have a loved one there, so they’re just kind of forgotten members of society.”

Andrew Hamilton Hamilton is contributing to his community as a member of the board of directors of One Man’s Treasure, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides formerly incarcerated men with clothing as they reenter society in the Dallas area.

Hamilton was already familiar with and inspired by the nonprofit when he

GIVE THEM A SECOND CHANCE Visit the One Man’s Treasure website, onemanstr.org, to volunteer, donate clothes and register for upcoming fundraising events, including the One Man’s Treasure Golf Tournament in October.

FROM TOP: One Man’s Treasure provides formerly incarcerated men with personalised clothing. The nonprofit’s executive director Andrea Hauglie with Andrew Hamilton. COURTESY ANDREW HAMILTON

joined its board in December. One Man’s Treasure doesn’t just provide formerly incarcerated men with a personalized set of clothing, he explained. It recognizes them as human beings.

“People in prison have 99% of their decisions made for them every day,” Hamilton said. “When they get out, we want to

make them feel acknowledged and heard.

I don’t think a lot of people consider people in prison unless they have a loved one there, so they’re just kind of forgotten members of society.”

One Man’s Treasure states that its mission is to “disrupt the cycle of recidivism by empowering men during reentry.”

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Clothing may seem like a small piece of that puzzle, but it’s a way to help these men reclaim their individuality and feel like a part of the world again. Volunteers create a custom wardrobe, then a male volunteer, called a “Shepherd” by the organization, delivers the clothing, along with a hand-written message of hope and resource guide, to the formerly-incarcerated individual.

The clothing reflects the man’s individual style and includes everything from underwear and a coat to the button-down shirt and tie he’ll need to be successful at job interviews.

The new, personalized items are a far cry from the white clothing men wear in Texas prisons, Hamilton said. A recently released friend told him that when incarcerated men get a set of clothing that’s both clean and fits, they’ll even wash the precious items themselves to keep them looking white.

“You can imagine walking around in stuff that doesn’t even fit,” Hamilton added. “Having to hold up your pants isn’t very dignifying.”

The combination of garments selected with care, messages of support, and help finding jobs, housing and healthcare seems to be working. One Man’s Treasure clients have a 9.5% recidivism rate, as opposed to rates of between 21% and 44% in Texas, according to the nonprofit’s website.

“I love this work because it helps take care of our brothers,” Hamilton said. “It’s been very special to be involved with, and it’s rewarding to be able to give back and encourage these men as they come home.”

54 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

2026 Cattle Baron’s Ball Co-Chairs Share Personal Ties and Goals

By Lisa Petty

People Newspapers Nothing proves that “everything is bigger in Texas” like the Cattle Baron’s Ball.

Each fall during the world’s largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, a glittering crowd gathers for a big concert, a big celebration, and, most important of all, big giving for cancer research.

Just how big? A total of $111 million has been raised since 1974.

The 2026 Cattle Baron’s Ball will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Southfork Ranch. This year’s headliner is the award-winning country artist Chris Stapleton. But not all the stars of the show will be performing onstage. Event cochairs Paige Westhoff and Cynthia Everitt have been working behind the scenes for over a year.

“Every day’s an adventure as a Cattle Baron’s co-chair,” Westhoff said. A Principal at JM Search by day, she’s been volunteering on the event team in various capacities since 2011.

For her, the Ball’s mission has personal meaning.

“Cancer touches everybody’s life,” Westhoff said. “My mom had acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

It’s so important to be able to grant the funds to continue research and accelerate treatment.”

Co-chair Everitt, a realtor by day, counts six years as a Cattle Baron’s volunteer. She, too, has a

FROM LEFT: Paige Westhoff and Cynthia Everitt. Chris Stapleton. TAMYTHA CAMERON AND ANDY BARRON

personal tie to the cause.

“I have a family member in the hospital right now battling cancer,” Everitt said. “The idea that there’s something that we can do to help in some small way, that is so meaningful. It’s an amazing thing we get to do.”

The pair took special care to highlight the Paddle Raise section of the event, which is dedicated to individual families who have been affected by cancer.

This year’s Cattle Baron’s Ball

Paddle Raise in honor of the Fitzgibbons family will support innovative cancer research here in Texas and a future in which more survivals are celebrated by families across the country.

The theme for the main event, Soar Higher, reflects a call to action infused with optimism. Westhoff and Everett note that it will inform “an elevated Western feel” throughout the experience.

Auction highlights will in-

clude adventure travel from Butterfield & Robinson and Ritz-Carlton. Jewelry by Madriana and Tennessee Turquoise Company will be available in a shop-able live marketplace.

A luxury car from Park Place Dealerships, a shopping spree at NorthPark Center, and more, are up for grabs in the raffle.

The evening will culminate in a performance from Chris Stapleton that’s almost sure to include “Higher” from his hit al-

SCOOT OVER TO SOUTHFORK RANCH To learn more about how to kick up your heels at this year’s Cattle Baron’s Ball or donate online, visit cattlebaronsball.com.

bum of the same name. Speaking of which, the co-chairs are sticking to the same fundraising goal plan that’s been making a big impact for over half a century.

“We always try and do better than the year before,” Everitt said.

“We just want to keep improving.”

Cattle Baron’s Ball Remembers Caring Father, Real Estate Leader

By Rachel Snyder

rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

When Colin Fitzgibbons lost his battle with colon cancer at the age of 46, he left a permanent imprint on both the Dallas skyline and the lives he helped shape as a community leader, devoted father, and friend.

“I’ve never known anyone who loved people more than he did,” Colin’s wife, Jessica, said. “I feel like his legacy that he’s passed on to my boys is just living through kindness and love and taking care of others.”

Now, Colin’s family hopes to continue the Preston Hollow-raised business leader’s dedication to helping other Texans.

When the co-chairs of this year’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, Cynthia Everitt and Paige Westhoff, reached out about recognizing Colin and the Fitzgibbons family at the paddle raise to support innovative cancer research in Texas, Jessica said the family was grateful for the opportunity to help.

She called being asked to be the honorees “incredible” and a meaningful way to remember her husband, who was a leader in the booming North Texas real estate industry and served as president of Hunt Realty Investments.

Colin had hoped to attend last fall’s Cattle Baron’s Ball but was unable to go because of his failing health, Jessica said.

The Fitzgibbons family are the honorees for the 2026 Cattle Baron’s Ball Paddle Raise. COURTESY PHOTO

“He wanted his story to matter, and he wanted to be able to help other people moving forward,” she added. “I feel

like this opportunity has just given me the chance to carry on his legacy and do what he had hoped to do, since he’s no

longer here to do it.”

Jessica said that colon cancer research funded by events such as the Cattle Baron’s Ball gives her reason to be optimistic about fighting the disease. The incidence of colon and rectal cancer is rising rapidly among adults under 50, and it has become the leading cause of cancer-related death in younger adults, according to the Cancer Research Institute.

“Especially where colon cancer is concerned, there really haven’t been any innovations and new treatments in the recent past,” Jessica said.

Everitt and Westhoff said they’re grateful for the Fitzgibbons family’s support of the Cattle Baron’s Ball’s mission.

“Talking about Colin and the paddle raise reminds us why we’re doing what we’re doing,” Everitt said.

Though the Cattle Baron’s Ball is 53 years old, this will be just the fourth year the Ball has had a paddle raise component.

“It’s so impactful because it pulls it all back to why are we here? What are we doing it for?” Westhoff said.

Everitt added that the chairs are hopeful Colin’s story will motivate attendees to support the Ball’s mission of improving lives and making a difference for cancer research.

“We knew their story would be compelling,” she said, “and we can do some good here.”

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

ROBERT IRVIN PARKS, JR., M.D.

R

obert Irvin Parks, Jr., known affectionately to family and friends as “Punky,” passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 22, 2026, at the age of 80. A devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, accomplished anesthesiologist, United States Air Force veteran, and lifelong sportsman, Punky lived a life marked by both achievement and, above all, an unwavering love for his family and a deep and abiding faith in God. Born October 21, 1945, in Silsbee, Texas, to Robert I. Parks and Helen Marie Cook Parks, Punky was a natural competitor from the beginning. At Silsbee High School, he excelled academically and athletically, grad-

uating as valedictorian and earning four varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and golf.

After being recruited by almost every college in the Southwest conference, Punky accepted a four year football scholarship to Baylor University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry in 1968. During his time at Baylor, he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and played fullback for the Baylor Bears, continuing his lifelong love of sports and competition that had begun in Silsbee. But perhaps the most important part of his time at Baylor was meeting his future bride. Punky met Gretta Youngblood, Baylor’s Cub Queen and Baylor Beauty, and the two college sweethearts began a love story that would last 58 years.

Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, three children and, eventually, six grandchildren who became the great joy of their lives.

Punky received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas in 1972. After completing his internship at Baylor University Medical Center and his anesthesiology residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital, he served his country as a physician in the United States Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mis-

sissippi. There, he worked at the USAF Medical Center and attained the rank of Major.

Returning to Dallas in 1977, Punky built a distinguished career in anesthesiology, practicing at Baylor University Medical Center, Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, and Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano. He retired in 2023 after decades of caring for his patients and contributing to the medical community he loved.

Throughout his career, Punky held leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels.

He was a member of the Dallas County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association, Texas Society of Anesthesiologists, and American Society of Anesthesiologists. He served as president of the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists and received its Distinguished Service Award. He also served as a board member and chairman of the Texas Medical Liability Trust and as president of the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center.

While medicine was an important part of Punky’s life, it was never the most important part.

His greatest joy was his family.

Punky was a fixture at his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, but his support extended far beyond the sidelines. He was never too busy to help a child prepare for an

exam, talk through a career decision, or offer guidance when it was needed. He rarely missed a game, match, or tournament and took enormous pride in watching them compete. He was their biggest cheerleader, whether encouraging Julie on the tennis court, walking countless golf courses with Robb, or cheering on the Tejas tribe with Megan at Camp Waldemar. More than anything, he cherished being there for them—sharing in their excitement, celebrating their accomplishments, and making memories together.

In his spare time, Punky enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He could often be found with a Tom Clancy novel in hand or watching a John Wayne western, and up until recently, he never turned down an opportunity to play a round of golf at Dallas Country Club. He and Gretta loved traveling together throughout their marriage.

He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, and some of his happiest times were spent outdoors with his best friend and son, Robb. Whether sitting in a deer blind at Lambshead, fly fishing in Colorado, playing golf with friends, or throwing the football with his grandsons, Punky cherished the time spent with the people he loved.

Punky is survived by his beloved wife, Gretta Youngblood

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Parks; his daughter, Julie Parks Seale (Will); his son, Robert I. Parks III (Allison); and his daughter, Megan Parks Beckner (Thad).

He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Parker Seale (Macy), Charlotte Seale, Lauren Parks, Ben Parks, Thad Beckner, Jr., and Parks Beckner. He is further survived by his siblings, Brenda Parks LaDoux (Larry), Phyllis Parks Sims (Dodd), Beverly Parks Gentry, and Barbara Parks Bowen ( Jim).

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert I. Parks and Helen Cook Parks of Silsbee.

Punky leaves behind a remarkable legacy—not only in the medical community and in the lives of the patients he cared for, but in the family he loved so deeply. His greatest legacy will be found in the people he raised, the grandchildren he adored, the traditions he created, and the example he set: work hard, play hard, love your family fiercely, and never miss an opportunity to be together.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever present in the stories his family tells.

A celebration of Punky’s life was held at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas on September 1 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.

56 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

Mustangs Incorporate Service Into Year-Round Gait

By Karen Chaney

Special Contributor Volunteerism is woven into the fabric of SMU, where students are required to complete 15 hours of community service before graduation.

Students are contributing to the community year-round through Engage Dallas, which was founded in 2019. “We’re in Dallas, so we serve Dallas. Students living here on campus get to serve alongside the people they are doing life with,” said Kallie Terrana, SMU Associate Director for High-Impact Practices. “It’s working service into your everyday rhythm of life and investing in your own neighborhood.”

Engage Dallas’ student directors work with about 35 local nonprofits to identify project needs, some of which are funded by grants the SMU service program receives.

Its beneficiaries include Senior Source, which has a mission of enriching the lives of area older adults.

“Two years ago, Senior Source said, ‘We have this wall outside and we’d really love some kind of mural,’” Terrana said. “Our student director organized the whole thing. She hired a student artist, ordered all the supplies and the students created the mural. Then they threw a block party afterwards for all the (seniors) to come out and see the wall.”

Engage Dallas students have utilized grant funding for projects such as the creation of shelving units stocked with school supplies and STEM kits for a community center and a kitchen upgrade at Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, a nonprofit that provides food, healthcare, and

educational programming to needy North Texans.

The program takes students off campus to places where their help is most needed. Sometimes, buses are provided; at other times, student directors arrange carpools.

Each fall, SMU students can participate in #1Day4Dallas, Engage Dallas’ annual service initiative. The program sends students to local nonprofit partners to complete community-requested projects, which vary yearly and have included volunteering at community gardens, community centers, and food pantries, Terrana said. “(Engage Dallas) gives students a lot of exposure and perspective,” she said. “Sometimes, it makes them uncomfortable, which I think is good for their growth.

Sometimes, they are working hard physically and sometimes they’re

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: SMU Engage Dallas held 52 service events in the last school year and had over 1,000 participants. #1Day4Dallas student participants. SMU students, through Engage Dallas, worked on a service project for Trusted World, a nonprofit that gives professionals the resources and infrastructure to respond when people need help. SMU students, through Engage Dallas, worked on a service project for Behind Every Door, a faith-based Dallas nonprofit organization. COURTESY SMU PHOTOGRAPHY

stretched socially or emotionally.”

Terrana said most Engage Dallas students are freshmen and sophomores, but there are also transfer student participants and upperclassmen who procrastinated meeting their service hour requirements.

“This gives students a really great opportunity to get out of their campus bubble and experience the whole city of Dallas. There is so much culture and history — for better, for worse — for them to learn about,” Terrana

said. “My student directors that I oversee speak to this experience as something that has been so meaningful, where they’ve grown a lot as a leader and also in understanding what it looks like to serve and help people with dignity and respect.”

parkcitiespeople.com | October 2026

Simple to Stunning Autumn Cakes

$

10

CHRISTY ROST

tickets Recipes suitable for multiple occasions are always my goal. For cakes, I want one that goes from everyday easy to special celebrations with a few minor tweaks. Spice cakes are one of my favorite autumn desserts. This month’s recipe is ideal CHRISTY ROST for after-school snacking, a simple weekday dessert, or a stunning celebration cake.

I first designed Autumn Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting as a two-layer celebration of autumn’s arrival, but soon fell in love with its versatility. The combination of pungent Saigon cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, ground ginger, and cloves produces pleasant spicy notes, while the sour milk reacts with the baking soda and spices to produce the cake’s melt-in-your-mouth, light texture. That’s why it’s a great snack when the kids come home from school. Simply pour the batter into a 9x13 pan, bake, and serve warm. If you have a bit more time, cool the cake completely and dust each serving with snowy, confectioners’ sugar.

To me, there’s nothing quite like the pairing of spicy cake with cream cheese frosting.

Whether it’s a pumpkin cake or one like this month’s recipe featuring a combination of spices, the tangy flavor and fluffy texture of cream cheese frosting is pure heaven when paired with warm, autumn spices. This frosting recipe makes a generous amount, so there’s ample to frost between the layers, ice the sides with a thin crumb coat — chill the cake for 20 minutes to set the crumb coat — then finish the sides and top of the cake with a thick layer of fluffy frosting with swirls around the edge.

For Halloween celebrations, reserve 1 cup of frosting and tint the remainder pale orange. After icing the cake with orange frosting, transfer the white to a piping bag fitted with a large, fluted tube and pipe white swirls around the edge. Instead of chocolate-dipped almonds, insert candy corn or candy pumpkins into each swirl.

ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!

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

Autumn Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Cake 1 cup milk 2 teaspoons cider vinegar ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 3 eggs 3 cups flour ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 ¼ teaspoons Saigon cinnamon ¾ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg ½ teaspoon ginger ¼ teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon vanilla Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add vinegar to the milk, stir, and set it aside to sour. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light, about 8 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Gradually beat the flour mixture, alternately with the sour milk, into the creamed mixture. Stir in vanilla.

Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment

paper and spray the pans and paper with nonstick cooking spray with flour. Pour the cake batter evenly into the pans and bake 28 to 33 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Cool the cakes on a wire rack 30 minutes, remove them from the pans, and cool completely.

Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 3 ounces cream cheese, softened 7 cups confectioners’ sugar (sift if lumpy) 4 to 5 tablespoons heavy cream dash of salt 2 teaspoons vanilla In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese until they are well blended.

Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, alternately with milk, and the salt, beating until the frosting is thick and fluffy. Stir in vanilla. Frost and decorate the cake as desired.

Chef’s Note: Dip toasted, whole almonds in 2 TB chocolate chips melted at 50% power for 2 ½ to 3 minutes. Chill chocolate almonds to set. For snack cake, transfer the batter to a 9x13-inch pan and bake 25-30 minutes or until a pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm, or cool and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

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58 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com

It’s Lonely at the Top, But It Doesn’t Have To Be

Camp crafty founder Lilly Watson will gather woman leaders in Salado from Nov. 20 to 22. MICHELLE TORRES

By Josh Hickman People Newspapers

Preston Hollow business owner Lilly Watson is inviting women leaders from across the country to gather in Salado. The founder of Camp Crafty is launching The Point Woman Crew, a three-day, two-night retreat for women who “ride point” as decision makers in their work and lives.

The event will take place Nov. 20 to 22 at the Stagecoach Inn, Texas’ second-oldest continuously operating hotel. Watson, an Ursuline Academy graduate, chose the historic Main Street property for its quiet rooms, reflective corners, and access to the creek that runs through town.

“For years, I have known that even a small break can do so much for my ideation and connection as a business owner,” Watson said. “Salado, Texas, has been my getaway spot since I was a girl, and my mother’s before that, so you could say I’ve been planning this weekend all my life. I can’t wait to see where everyone at Point Woman Crew is thriving a year from now after all of our connections and joy.”

The retreat grows from Watson’s experience building Camp Crafty, now in its seventh year.

With that venture, she aimed to enable wholesome experiences that let kids create keepsakes while giving parents a simple option that does not leave them overtaxed.

What started as a response to polished children’s parties has become a thriving business with partnerships including Whataburger and the Perot Museum.

“Camp Crafty was a really kind of old-fashioned solution to a problem,” Watson explained. “I thought that the parties were very beautiful and orchestrated, but I was missing the more wholesome qualities. With my retail and events background, I

SADDLE UP To learn more or apply to attend The Point Woman Crew, visit thepointwomancrew.com.

felt like it was something that I could try.”

The all-female Camp Crafty team now fields 10 to 12 women on busy weekends and remains tightly connected to the Park Cities and Preston Hollow communities.

Leading that team revealed a quieter truth.

“You’re the one with your name on the bank account, your name on the lease, and your dream on the line,” Watson said.

A mentor once told her it is lonely at the top. Reading Lonesome Dove, her favorite book, helped her reframe the feeling as the point woman of a cattle outfit — an honor that still carries isolation.

The Point Woman Crew aims to ease that loneliness. Twenty women, selected by invitation or application, will gather for keynotes, panels, breakout sessions, and intimate dinners. Topics will cover finance, AI, and human resources for mid-sized female business owners, along with identity and belonging. Hands-on workshops, including a welcome hat bar and bag-charm making, will encourage connection.

Speakers include producer Kate Cunningham and Dallas nonprofit founder Paige Chenault. Local rancher Melissa Tate will announce her first cookbook with a major publisher.

Watson hopes attendees leave with lasting ties.

“My goal is just leaving with new group texts on your phone,” she said. “As you launch things and discover things we’ll all still be there, having your back. It’s not as lonely as it can feel. If you take that feeling of loneliness or fear and you look at it from a sense of capability, it’s really excitement.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING CONTENT THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP

EBBY HALLIDAY

4421 Livingston is currently being offered for $4,195,000.

Nestled in North Dallas’s soughtafter Meadows neighborhood adjacent to Preston Hollow, 7124 Meadow Road delivers the perfect balance of timeless character and modern luxury. Listed by Stacia Price Durham with Ebby’s Little White House for $1,340,000, this 4-bedroom, 3.1bath gem offers the pristine feel of a brandnew build without the hassle.

Almost every major system has been completely upgraded, featuring new electrical, plumbing, HVAC, Pella windows, and the removal of cast iron pipes. Inside, warm wood floors, 3CM marble, and designer finishes are bathed in abundant natural light. The intelligent 3,687-squarefoot floor plan balances effortless entertaining on the one hand with ultimate privacy for the primary suite, which boasts a dreamy, spa-inspired bath.

At the heart of the home, the chef’s kitchen features premium cabinetry, high-end appliances, and an expansive double island. Outside, generous offstreet parking complements the rearfacing garage. Situated south of LBJ and just minutes from downtown Dallas, this move-in-ready residence offers an elevated, low-maintenance lifestyle in a prime location.

Contact Stacia Price Durham today [214-629-0646 | staciadurham@ebby. com] to schedule your private tour of this exceptional North Dallas property.

Steps from Highland Park Village and Bradfield Elementary

Nestled on a picturesque street in the heart of Highland Park, this stunning custom home by acclaimed builder Tatum Brown effortlessly blends timeless architecture with elevated everyday living. Impeccable curb appeal welcomes you home, setting the tone for the warm ambiance and quality craftsmanship found throughout.

Inside, discover elegant office and dining spaces, as well as the open-concept kitchen that flows seamlessly into the living area. The perfect setting for both everyday living and entertaining. The thoughtful floor plan features 4 spacious bedrooms plus private guest quarters, ideal for visitors, extended family, or a home office. Outside, a lush, garden-like backyard offers a true private oasis and a serene escape just steps from the front door.

Ideally situated in highly acclaimed Highland Park ISD, this home offers unmatched walkability, just a short stroll to the boutiques and restaurants of Highland Park Village, and within walking distance of award-winning Bradfield Elementary. 4421 Livingston is a true gem in one of Dallas’s most coveted neighborhoods.

Contact Ryan Streiff (469.371.3008) or Matt Malaise (214-533-7142) for more information or to set up a private showing.

Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more.

DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE

Modern Elegance Meets Effortless Luxury Tailored Sophistication on a Preferred Cul-de-Sac in North Dallas

Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac within the gated Midway Hollow enclave of Wellington on the Creek is 4037 Cotswold Court (4037cotswold.daveperrymiller.com). This serene community balances privacy, mature trees, and winding streets with quick access to the Dallas North Tollway, Love Field, fine dining and major employment hubs.

Listed by Maria Orr for $1,074,000, the three bedroom, 2.1-bath home encompasses 2,801 square feet. Inside, sun-filled interiors showcase soaring ceilings, rich hardwood floors, and a flexible, open layout. Generous room sizes and expansive windows frame idyllic views of the secluded backyard with sparkling pool, soothing spa, fountain, and covered outdoor living area. The spacious main-level primary suite doubles as a tranquil retreat overlooking the water.

Offering strong architectural bones, multiple living spaces and endless potential, this exceptional property invites you to elevate an already distinguished residence into a personalized luxury showcase.

To schedule a showing, contact Orr at 972.339.0202 or mariaorr@dpmre.com.

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

MA R K ET P L AC E To place your ad in People Newspapers, please call us at 214-523-5239, fax to 214594-5779, or email to classified@peoplenewspapers.com. All ads will run in Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People and online. Pre-payment is required on all ads. Deadline for our next edition is Monday, October 5, 2026. People Newspapers reserves the right to edit or reject ads. We assume no liability for errors or omissions in advertisements and no responsibility beyond the cost of the ad. We are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion.

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59

SPECIAL ADVERTISING CONTENT ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

What makes these Highland Park homes special

Choosing the Right Agent for a Distinctive Home

A longtime leader in selling homes in Highland Park, Allie Beth Allman & Associates has a deep bench of agents who understand how to find the right buyers in this community.

When selling a high-value home, “you are not hiring someone simply to put a sign in the yard,” said Allie Beth Allman & Associates President and CEO Keith Conlon.

Highland Park homes and addresses carry a certain prestige for a reason. Whether it’s their architecture, location or craftsmanship, they’re hard to replicate.

These four residences, represented by Allie Beth Allman & Associates, each offer a different reason to linger.

At 3848 Potomac Ave., scale immediately sets the property apart. The 6,463-square-foot residence sits on nearly half an acre and offers four bedrooms, multiple living spaces, vaulted ceilings, skylights and three fireplaces—not to mention a private courtyard.

Over at 3606 Saint Johns Drive, thoughtful design takes center stage. A lapis-blue family room, abundant windows and carefully considered built-ins give the home a sense of personality that feels distinctly its own. The creekside setting adds an unexpected sense of tranquility.

Few streets in the country have as much cachet as Beverly Drive. Homes like 4309 Beverly Drive show us why. Built in 1928, this Tudor retains original stained-glass windows and detailed crown molding, while a new slate roof and copper gutters add lasting polish.

Choosing the right real estate agent can feel daunting. When representing a distinctive and desirable home, success is about far more than simply placing an exceptional property on the market.

“When representing a luxury home, you are not hiring someone simply to put a sign in the yard,” said Keith Conlon, President and CEO of Allie Beth Allman & Associates. “You are choosing a strategic partner to represent one of your most valuable assets. The right agent brings market expertise, exceptional marketing, skilled negotiation and a reputation that opens doors. ” Conlon answers frequently asked questions to help you choose the right agent to maximize your home’s value.

What is the most important thing to look for when choosing an agent for a highvalue home?

Representing exceptional properties is a specialized business. Look for an agent with a proven track record in your price point, deep market knowledge, strong negotiation skills and a network with other top professionals who may know qualified buyers.

Does marketing make a difference at this level?

It’s one of the biggest differentiators.

Marketing for a distinctive home should include exceptional professional photography, cinematic video, targeted digital advertising, strategic print exposure where appropriate, and direct outreach to qualified buyers and leading agents.

A transitional Tudor, 3210 Beverly Drive blends classic form with a thoroughly contemporary lifestyle. The six-bedroom residence offers a spacious 55-by-195-foot lot, a chef’s kitchen with premium appliances, a resort-inspired pool and a luxurious primary suite with dual spa-like baths and a generous balcony.

BRIGGS FREEMAN

Pearl Ranch

520 Ozro Road in Maypearl, Ellis County, represented by Tyler Thomas of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $16,900,000 Just 40 miles from both Dallas and Fort Worth, Pearl Ranch blends exceptionally refined luxury living with the rugged beauty of the Texas countryside. This 662-acre property is truly unrivaled, encompassing multiple residences, an entertainment pavilion, recreation center, event venue, fishing cabin and equestrian facilities. The setting is equally magnificent, offering a diverse habitat that transitions between expansive improved pastures and densely wooded areas, plus several lakes and ponds, a sunflower field, dramatic viewpoints and a sense of grandeur that is exceedingly rare this close to the nation’s fastest-growing metroplex.

The crown jewel is the custom-built, stone main home with five bedrooms, chef’s kitchen, wine cellar, cigar room, safe room and spectacular living spaces. A luxurious outdoor living area and infinity-edge pool frame panoramic views of a pristine bass lake below — a setting that is spectacular every hour of the day. Pearl Ranch’s gently rolling terrain offers paved and landscaped roads, scenic riding trails, high-fenced and crossfenced portions, seasonal wetlands and seven bodies of water, including a gleaming 5-acre lake with boat ramp and boathouse. The world-class wildlife includes white-tailed deer, fallow deer, elk, oryx, blackbuck antelope, dove, turkey, duck and hog. Most remarkably, the ranch’s proximity to the metroplex means you can be in a blind at first light and back in Dallas or Fort Worth by lunch — a luxury that few properties can offer.

BRIGGS FREEMAN

Westover House by I.M. Pei

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Finding a distinctive Dallas home

This distinctive home on Billionaire Row in Preston Hollow is being marketing by Allie Beth Allman & Associates In the Dallas residential real estate market, when you get to the price points of $10 million to $20 million and more, you’ll find homes that are both beyond breathtaking and bespoke.

Those with properties at this level want the best when it’s time to sell their prized homes and know they can trust the proven experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates. Here are two distinctive offerings the brokerage’s seasoned agents currently represent.

A timeless and rare masterpiece set behind gates at 5205 Park Lane has just come to market in Preston Hollow.

Commanding 2.3 acres, this rare first offering captures the homeowner’s vision crafted by Richard Drummond Davis Architects. Spanning 11,331 square feet, the residence reveals a refined interplay of limestone, rich walnut and storied European elements.

A glass-clad stunner on 2.2 acres along Bachman Creek is a triumph in meticulous design. Luxury flows across every inch of the 16,684-square-foot floor plan, Kalta Fiore marble and Kelly Wearstler lighting to amenities like the 1,600-bottle wine room and a sleek cigar balcony, one of eight terraces. At 10010 Strait Lane, there’s also a golf simulator room, craft and music room, three-tier home theater, and a 10car, air-conditioned garage.

BRIGGS FREEMAN

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Four distinct takes on Preston Hollow living

Walk to school: Homes that put convenience at your doorstep

Larger lots and tree-lined streets draw buyers to Preston Hollow, according to agents at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Preston Hollow has long been associated with gracious estates, mature trees and a level of privacy that whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

These four homes represented by Allie Beth Allman & Associates show just how varied the neighborhood can be.

At 6124 Lakehurst Ave., a newly completed custom residence brings traditional architecture together with carefully curated luxury. The home offers five bedrooms, a first-floor primary suite, guest accommodations, a dedicated lounge bar, prep kitchen and flexible office space.

For 6022 Waggoner Drive, scale is part of the appeal. The five-bedroom home spans more than 6,200 square feet on a substantial Preston Hollow lot, with multiple staircases, a wet bar, wood and marble finishes and a three-car garage.

A home with a distinctly Europeaninspired sensibility, 6322 Orchid Lane makes a memorable impression. A first-floor primary suite and private guest suite offer flexibility, while two stone fireplaces, a library and temperature-controlled wine cellar add character.

Located within gated Preston Hollow Village, the four-bedroom residence at 9921 Kingsway Ave. is designed as a lock-andleave retreat, with open living spaces, a main-level primary suite and office, a chef’s kitchen planned with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, and a three-car garage.

Gallery Penthouse at BRIGGS FREEMAN HALL Arts Residences Crespi Estate

The neighborhood experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates represent homes for sale close to many soughtafter schools.

Walking to school seems like a pastime of old Americana. But it doesn’t have to be.

There are still so many homes across Dallas that allow your family the joy of walking to school together.

These homes, represented by Allie Beth Allman & Associates, put that convenience within easy reach of some of Dallas’ most sought-after schools.

A refreshed Tudor, 3448 Shenandoah St., on a shady, tree-lined, one-way street, pairs timeless character with thoughtful updates. Four bedrooms, 4.5 baths and a flexible third-floor living space give the home room to grow. McCulloch Intermediate School and Highland Park Middle School are within walking distance.

New construction brings a polished feel to 3420 Lovers Lane Unit B. The four-bedroom home offers 3.5 baths, sophisticated finishes and a layout designed for modern living. Its proximity to University Park Elementary makes the morning walk part of the routine rather than a commute.

At 3301 Villanova St., it’s impossible not to fall in love with the location on a quiet, no-through street. The reimagined cottage features refinished hardwoods, a beautifully updated kitchen and a separate guest house. Boone Elementary, Coffee Park and Preston Center are steps away.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN URBAN

1747 Leonard Street #2601 in the Dallas 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, light-filled space with a canted roof of glass and steel that rises above the tree line — a nearly 70-foot-long 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.

Arts District, represented by Kyle Richards and Cindi Caudle of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $17,500,000 Perched high above the vibrant Dallas Arts District, the Gallery Penthouse at HALL Arts Residences is more than a home: It is the backdrop for a life well-lived. With its harmonious balance between strong architecture and quiet, inviting spaces, the full-floor penthouse on level 26 has been meticulously designed by nationally renowned Abeyta Tibbs Architecture. Within its 7,688 square feet, the residence offers four bedrooms, four full baths, two half baths, thoughtful luxuries and effortless elegance.

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

5619 Walnut Hill Lane in Dallas, represented

by Pogir and Diane DuVall of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $64,000,000 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.

3901 Turtle Creek Blvd #15 Place des Vosges 4 Bed | 5.4 Bath | 6,712 SF + 855 Finished Basement Kyle Crews & Molly Massey | $5,950,000 Located in the prestigious gated and guarded Place Des Vosges community on Turtle Creek Boulevard is this stunning residence representing a rich blend of classical elements that create authentic and timeless interiors. From the caststone exterior to the custom finishes throughout, careful thought was given to all the bespoke features of this 6, 712sf home including premium grade marbles, stone and granite finishes. An antique Italian door frame serves as an impressive fireplace surround in the living room alongside French doors overlooking the private courtyard. Dramatic high ceilings, gleaming hardwoods and spaciously proportioned entertainment areas feature hand-finished walls, beautiful wall coverings, deep molding and decorative lighting throughout.

Reminiscent of a European villa, the classic design includes a stunning entrance hall with marble stairwell, hand-forged iron rails, crystal chandeliers and sconces.

The home has a perfect entertainment flow leading to a private outdoor pool with alfresco kitchen. Enjoy the peace of mind of living in this one-of-a-kind, luxury residence minutes from Dallas’ Arts District, The Katy Trail, fine restaurants and shopping

60 October 2026 | parkcitiespeople.com