Park Cities People April 2024

CELEBRATE A CENTENNIAL, VIEW AN ECLIPSE

University Park will celebrate 100 years of incorporation on April 12, and we’re marking the occasion with a special section of Centennial stories.

Pull out the section to read about the 1945 annexation vote, when University Park came within a hair of becoming part of Dallas. Take our quiz to test your knowledge of city history. Learn more about University Park’s mayor and first librarian, its oldest churches and homes, and the businesses that have helped our city thrive.

We’ve also included information about the city’s Centennial events, which culminate on April 13 with a family-friendly celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. in Goar and Williams parks.

Residents can take home a piece of city history by purchasing University Park’s coffee-table style Centennial Book, customize a brick to be placed in Goar Park later this year, or contribute their favorite photos to the city’s digital archive. Visit uptexas.org/466/ Centennial-Celebration to learn more about all the city’s events and promotions.

As Jen Clifton, whose family has been here for four generations, told us, it’s the community that makes University Park such a wonderful place to live. “You’ve got everything you want in a big city,” she said. “But it feels like a very small town.”

Library offers eclipse glasses

A limited number of Centennial solar

eclipse glasses will be available at the University Park Public Library beginning April 2. But don’t wait until the day of the solar eclipse to pick up your Centennial glasses – April 8 is a Monday, and the library will be closed.

Before purchasing its glasses, the city confirmed with its vendor that they met the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard, University Park’s marketing and multimedia coordinator Abby Mancini explained. She said the city also checked when it received the glasses to ensure they had the official ISO code and logo.

When purchasing your glasses, it’s not enough to look for the ISO logo on the glasses themselves. Prior to the “Great American” total eclipse in 2017, “the marketplace was flooded by counterfeit eclipse glasses that were labeled as ISO-compliant when, in fact, they had not been properly tested and shown to be safe,” according to the American Astronomical Society.

The Society has a link to a list of suppliers of

safe solar eclipse viewers on its website, eclipse. aas.org/eye-safety/iso-certification, and suggests buyers check the list first.

“What you absolutely should not do is search for eclipse glasses on the internet and buy whatever pops up in the ads or search results,” the Society warns.

Solar filters are at least 1,000 times darker than typical sunglasses, but unless you have a spectrophotometer at home, you can’t check that glasses from an unknown source are sufficiently dark. Users should also discard glasses if the filters are torn, scratched, damaged, or coming loose from the surrounding frames, according to the Society.

Because retinas do not have pain receptors, users of inadequate glasses won’t notice problems while viewing the eclipse.

According to the Society, “only after the eclipse, when you notice blind spots or other vision problems, would you realize you’d made a catastrophic mistake.”

COURTESY CITY OF UNIVERSITY PARK

SARAH HODGES

Crime Reports Feb. 5 - Mar. 10

Feb. 5

A resident in the  4100 block of University Boulevard reported at 6:19 p.m. that a $28,000 Rolex watch and $5,700 of Cartier jewelry were taken from her home.

Feb. 7

Five joyriders on motorized bikes doing wheelies, swerving through traffic, and speeding on sidewalks didn’t pause at the stop sign at  Beverly Drive and St. Johns Drive, or for the officer who attempted to make a traffic stop at about 4:35 p.m.

Feb. 9

Officers were dispatched at 11:38 a.m. to Starbucks in Highland Park Village to retrieve a lost and found box with various items, including a Texas driver’s license, a black Suavell wallet, two passports, a blue Chase Visa debit card, tan and black leopard print Deesse glasses, and a black Lululemon bag containing $135.33 and Ulta, Dear Hannah, and Lululemon gift cards.

Feb. 12

Reported at 11:01 a.m.: Two underage offenders were caught on camera breaking a handicap parking sign in the  4300 block of Southern Avenue

Feb. 13

A brazen burglar broke the driver’s side back window of a Porsche SUV parked behind The Shops of Highland Park prior to 4:09 p.m. and took a $500 briefcase and the documents in it.

Feb. 14

Reported at 1:47 a.m.: A Smith & Wesson semi-automatic handgun was stolen from a Chevy Silverado parked in the  4700 block of Abbott Avenue while the truck’s door was open sometime between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Jan. 6.

Feb. 15

Reported at 1:12 p.m.: A package pilferer stole two Amazon deliveries from the front porch of a home on Lovers Lane

Feb. 16

Reported at 10:35 p.m.: A vandal broke the rear driver side window of a woman’s vehicle on Rosedale Avenue

Feb. 17

Sometime before 4:25 p.m., a burglar stole an Osprey backpack and its contents, a MacBook Pro, Olight flashlight and LaCie external hard drive, from a Toyota 4Runner parked in the  5200 block of Douglas Avenue

Feb. 18

A thief with a longing for luxury goods used a woman’s credit cards between 1 and 2 p.m. to rack up $9,895.05 in charges at high-end boutique Moncler in Highland Park Village

Feb. 19

A sunglasses swindler took off with a pair of $800 DITA SEKTON limited editions before 3:50 p.m. from Peeper’s in Highland Park Village

Feb. 20

Reported at 6:08 p.m.: A package pilferer got a spicy surprise when they stole a package containing two Kinder’s spices from the front steps of a residence in the  4700 block of Abbott Avenue

Feb. 22

Prior to 8 p.m., a burglar shattered the glass on the back door of a residence in the 3300 block of St. Johns Drive and stole an unknown number of items.

Feb. 23

A woman was arrested for driving while intoxicated at the intersection of  Douglas Avenue and Livingston Avenue at 2:45 a.m.

Feb. 25

A drugstore deviant stole between $100 and $750 worth of merchandise prior to 10:30 a.m. from CVS on Preston Road

Feb. 26

A fire hydrant was in the wrong place at the wrong time at about 11:45 a.m. in the  4500 block of Beverly Drive when it was rolled over by a GMC Denali truck, causing $15,000 damage due to the value of the hydrant and loss of water.

Feb. 27

Reported at 12:07 p.m. in the  3500 block of Normandy Avenue : A forger

charged a woman’s Wells Fargo account for $12,497 in unauthorized purchases and utility bill payments.

Feb. 29

Sometime prior to 10:12 p.m., a brazen burglar entered a Range Rover parked in Highland Park Village and stole $10,660 worth of loot, including a Goyard purse and two wallets, an Apple MacBook Pro, a Canon G7X Camera, gold and silver jewelry, and Apple AirPods Max.

March 1

How easy was it for a thief to steal a backpack containing a Dell Laptop, a passport, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Bose earbuds, and Beats Studio Buds from a Range Rover in Highland Park Village before 8:15 p.m.? The car was left unlocked.

March 2

A thief stole a purse and clothing from an SUV parked in a driveway on  Bryn Mawr Drive

March 3

A woman was arrested for driving while intoxicated at 2:31 a.m. at the intersection of  Armstrong Parkway and Lakeside Drive

March 4

A hacker stole between $2,500 and $30,000 from the Coinbase account of a resident of Amherst Street

March 5

Reported at 11:54 a.m.: A burglar broke into a Land Rover Range Rover parked in The Shops of Highland Park between 12 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. on Feb. 27 and stole a backpack containing Beats headphones, a blue leather LUCRIN computer sleeve, and a Microsoft Surface Laptop.

March 8

A backyard bandit stole between $100 and $750 in property from an open garage on University Boulevard prior to 10:07 p.m.

March 9

Reported at 3:44 a.m.: A drunkard who broke into Hudson House was arrested in the 4500 block of Lovers Lane

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Town’s Residents’ Education Program Gets a New Name Leadership Highland Park offers lessons in how government works

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

For more than 15 years, the town of Highland Park has had a residents’ education program under various names.

This year, it has been reinvigorated and rebranded as Leadership Highland Park. Participants, ages 18 and older, will meet four times, from February to May, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second floor of Town Hall.

“The main purpose of it is to engage newer residents, to get them involved with their local government — what goes on within these walls, what we do day to day, and how we can help make their quality of life here in town better,” management assistant Holly Russell said.

“Some people come to the program with the intent of hopefully serving on a board, commission, or the council,” she said. “Others just want to know who’s doing what.”

The town has partnered with the Community League to help spread the word and engage local historians, Russell said. “There’s a lot of handshaking and getting to know one another.”

In past years, attendance hovered around 15 to 20. This year, staff

capped it at 40 with a waitlist.

“I still encourage people to get on that waitlist because we will be doing this program again,” Russell said.

This year, the town can count its top staffer among the newbies.

“This will be my first year to cycle through since I just joined the organization,” said Town Administrator Tobin E. Maples, who is already a fan.

“Government works best when we’re transparent, and we can only be transparent when everyone joins in the process,” he said. “It’s an excellent opportunity for us as employees to hear from the citizens because service demands change on an annual basis as different people move in and out of the community. We learn what’s working and what’s not working, what other services might be out there that

we need to be thinking about programming in future years.”

Leadership Highland Park meetings start in the council hall on the second floor of Town Hall for an introductory session, followed by topic-focused tours of the DPS, the library, and other departments.

“You’re going to be up on your feet, walking around meeting people in the departments,” she said.

“It’s more than just two hours in a chair. It’s a really fun program.”

“You’re going to be up on your feet, walking around meeting people in the departments. It’s more than just two hours in a chair.”

Holly Russell

The DPS 101 program grew out of Leadership Highland Park. Dates have yet to be set for this year, but it also lasts four sessions, two hours each, including DPS triple-training, hands-on with fire equipment, EMT equipment, and Search & Rescue.

“It’s a much more active program but just as popular,” Russell said. “We encourage people to do Leadership HP first, then, if interested, to take DPS 101 to learn about our first responders and what they do.”

Leadership Highland Park meetings start on the second floor of Town Hall, then proceed to topic-focused tours of the DPS, the library, and other departments. COURTESY HIGHLAND PARK

SMOCKED AUCTIONS HAS NEW NAME, EXPANDS COLLECTION Company run by UP

By Maria Lawson maria.lawson@peoplenewspapers.com

Smocked Auctions has rebranded to Classic Whimsy. The online children’s boutique started as a sample sale at Nicole Brewer’s University Park home in 2010 but now ships to all 50 states.

“We were in that space where we had little kids,” Brewer said. “We had a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old and really wanted to dress our kids in cute boutique clothing, but not for that high price point.”

The brand is now run by Brewer and Ross Mulford, both University Park natives.

Classic Whimsy was originally the private-label brand of Smocked Auctions, but now it’s also the company’s persona on webpages and billboards.

“This year, we finally decided it was time to change our name,” Brewer said. “Classic Whimsy is a brand that people have long identified with us, so it’s not really a big shift for everybody, but it’s a big shift for us publicly and how we’re known.”

Mulford joined the team in 2020 as CFO and brings a data-oriented perspective to the brand.

natives rebrands to Classic Whimsy

“While we don’t have a store, the internet is your store, and so those kinds of (search engine optimization) ads are really what drive it,” Mulford said.

Classic Whimsy has operated out of a warehouse in the Design District since 2012, which allows each department to operate under one roof such as customer service, design, embroidery, management, and shipping.

Comings and Goings

Ninety percent of Classic Whimsy pieces are designed by the in-house creative team, and the other 10% comes from wholesale. The brand started in 2010 as overstock from other boutiques, but as

NOW OPEN

NorthPark Center

Various Stores

• 7 for All Mankind’s new location opened on level one between Nordstrom and Macy’s in early February.

• Ann Taylor has returned to the shopping center and is located on level two between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

Breeze Urgent Care

2720 Oak Lawn Ave.

Texas Health Resources has opened a fourth Breeze Urgent Care clinic in Dallas, which connects patients with personalized care, upscale amenities, and transparent and affordable pricing.

C7 Training

3002 Wycliff Ave.

demand increased, their own production began.

Classic Whimsy is known for its smocking — a hand embroidering technique around the neckline done in El Salvador to provide work opportunities for women

The fitness center offers classes to women of all ages using rebounders, weights, bands, and more to help clients reach their fitness goals while complimenting aging. Private and semi-private training is also available.

Scottie

5646 Milton St.

Dr. Ashley Agan’s Direct Specialty Care practice is a boutique ear, nose, and throat specialty office.

MABO

Preston Center

The three-hour Japanese dining experience

AT A GLANCE

Classic Whimsy aims to make every moment a milestone through clothing. classicwhimsy.com

with kids at home.

The brand has expanded to offer more beyond the smocked clothing, especially around the pandemic when more casual attire became normalized.

“We want to be part of (children’s milestones), whether it’s in a swimsuit or play clothes or as you’re tucking them in at night in their pajamas, or for those formal occasions where you’re trying to dress all the cousins like so,” Brewer said.

Classic Whimsy is different from other brands as families can match or coordinate while ensuring comfort through stitching that doesn’t cause children to itch.

“We have been very deliberate at bringing on and growing people that are really good in those areas,” Mulford added, describing it as a “sophisticated business.”

Mulford says their products are personal for customers because they’re often planning for important occasions.

“We’ve both experienced being on vacation in totally different states, sometimes a different country, and you see our things on children at the beach or wherever,” Brewer said.

is $200, and reservations are required.

American Girl

The Shops at Park Lane

The brand’s new store celebrated its grand opening March 2 and boasts an all-new interior design, including a floor-to-ceiling dollhouse feature, a full-service cafe with party options, and the Dolled Up Salon for girls and their dolls to get matching hairstyles or mini manicures.

North Italia

Galleria Dallas

The modern Italian concept, known for its seasonally inspired menus, scratch made dishes, and craft cocktails, opened its third Dallas-area restaurant on March 6.

COMING

Doughbird

Inwood Village

The pizza and chicken restaurant owned by Sam Fox — the man behind Flower Child, The Henry, and North Italia — is coming to Inwood Village in 2025.

CLOSED

Glosslab

4416 Lovers Lane

The membership-based nail salon has closed and will merge operations with the Preston Royal Village location. The Lovers Lane Glosslab opened in December 2022.

— Compiled by Maria Lawson

The Classic Whimsy team. Classic Whimsy starts planning apparel and designs seasons in advance. COURTESY CLASSIC WHIMSY

North Italia COURTESY PHOTOS Doughbird

American Girl

Plan Your Home Lighting Like a Professional

Balance is important to interior design, and lighting is no exception. Even the most beautifully designed rooms will look unbalanced if poorly lit.

To help your decorations look their best, you’ll need to light each room with care.

The first step is determining the primary functions for each of your rooms. Odds are that you’ll want task lighting for your study and mood lighting for your bedroom. Make sure to decide on your desired color temperature for the lighting, too. Lower temperatures are warm and yellow, while higher temperatures are closer to blue daylight.

Task lighting should generally be three times brighter than the rest of your lighting. Recessed lights and pendant lights are reliable solutions for this. Another place where you may want to install task lighting is above the countertops in your kitchen (in this case, under-cabinet lighting

strips can be handy).

Mood lighting is typically created using a balance of many softer light sources in the same room. Including dimmers in your plans will give you more flexibility in controlling brightness levels.

A popular new trend is to install one light switch that controls all the lights in a particular area or room. As a designer, I prefer these “smart lighting systems” because having one switch on the wall looks cleaner than having three or four together.

Ensure that each light fixture performs a specific task, whether highlighting an area, creating depth, or illuminating a cabinet. There’s a saying, “If you light everything, you light nothing.” Although it’s tempting to plot lights throughout the room, you do need shadows to create variation and atmosphere.

focal points in a room. Use recessed lighting to draw the eye to a central seating area or a piece of art over the fireplace. Just make sure not to project light directly onto a mirror, as this will create glare. Instead, highlight the mirror frame with a series of wall-mounted lights on opposite sides.

Much has changed in lighting just in the past few years, and a professional can help you navigate the latest technologies.

“Even the most beautifully designed rooms will look unbalanced if poorly lit.”

Lighting can also establish

You’ll be glad you went through the extra effort to give your rooms a beautiful glow — after all, a room that is well-lit is well-used.

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

Real Talk: Lori Mann

People Newspapers first met Lori Mann at a networking event for those interested in the retirement community industry.

But don’t be confused: Mann’s interest in making better closets extends to all age groups.

The design consultant with California Closets, 4443 Lovers Lane, boasts a friendly approach to helping residents create organized spaces they will love.

“My customers are not just clients; they become my friends throughout the process,” Mann said. “I love to team up with my friends to bring a big change to their ‘drab’ spaces.”

How long have you been working in closet design?

I would spend more time recording more pictures of the projects, as they are all so different, and the portfolio of many options would be great to have and share with my clients.

What does your dream closet look like?

My dream closet has lights, drawers, beautiful glass doors, and lots of accessories. I am in love with the belt racks, valet rods, and our stunning jewelry organization options.

I have been designing closets and custom storage solutions for seven years. I actually started when my best friend was working as a designer and mentioned that California Closets was hiring and thought I would be a great fit.

“My customers are not just clients; they become my friends throughout the process.”

Lori Mann

What’s the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is meeting new people and then designing a space that reflects their style as well as gives them function and organization.

Now that you’ve been a consultant for a while, if you could go back in time and give yourself any advice, what would it be?

1918

Got any closet horror stories?

Please share.

My horror story would be the closet where the client was having their roof repaired and replaced, and they heard a big bang. They went to their closet, and their shelves and rods had fallen, and the poor people could not get to their clothes. They were not expecting to need a closet until that moment.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I was born in December, but I think my parents were just having a hard time thinking of a middle name. They must have been in a hurry to pick a name or something. So, December was my middle name, and then growing up my nickname was ‘Cember. I was so embarrassed, but I guess now, it at least is different.

– Compiled by William Taylor

The height of luxury at Museum Tower, this half-floor residence was designed by Alex Eskenasy and Josie McCarthy and built to perfection by Johnathan Sebastian. White lacquered walls and 5’’ oak floors add warmth while leading you through a space illuminated by Craig Roberts custom lighting. The chef’s kitchen features oak Bulthaup cabinetry, complemented by Wolf appliances, two convection ovens, one steam oven and a 48’’ gas range. A SubZero refrigerator and a full-height wine closet complete this culinary haven. The primary bedroom boasts breathtaking views of downtown Dallas and is equipped with remote-controlled blackout shades for privacy. The primary bath is a sanctuary of indulgence, with a soaking tub, walk-in shower with custom mosaic tile flooring, Lefroy Brooks hardware, double sinks, and a separate built-in vanity. This residence has three prime parking spaces, just across from the elevator lobby and a spacious storage unit. Schedule your tour and experience luxury redefined.

MARGARET CHAMBERS

This

PHOTO BY KRIS ELLIS WITH DESIGN BY MARGARET CHAMBERS

North Dallas Chamber Celebrates 70 Years of Investment, Advocacy

By Claire Collins Special Contributor

As it marks seven decades, the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce (NDCC) celebrates generations of advocacy and development that shaped Dallas into the thriving, diverse, cosmopolitan city it is today.

“For 70 years, the Chamber has been a beacon of light in the business community of Dallas and has had a profound impact on the quality of life in the region,” said Ken S. Malcolmson, NDCC president and CEO. “I’m proud to be associated with an organization that has left such a legacy in Dallas and has a limitless future in promoting a great place to live, work, build a business, and raise a family.”

transportation landscape of Dallas since its inception, starting with the paving of Preston Road in the 1950s when it was still a dirt road.”

Looking ahead, NDCC also is committed to the development of the Dallas International District (the new name for the Valley View-Galleria area project).

“We’re dedicated to shaping Dallas’ future, supporting ongoing workforce development, and powering the city’s economic progress.”

Megan McQuery

As keynote speaker, AT&T CEO John Stanley will help NDCC observe the milestone on April 29 at the Hilton Anatole during the 70th Annual Meeting, which is open to members and nonmembers. Visit ndcc.org to register.

Since 1954, NDCC has pursued its mission “to make Dallas a better place to live, work, raise a family, and build a business.”

The mission includes three primary focus areas:

•Advocate for Growth: Relentlessly promote business growth and community prosperity through engaging programs to enhance the living experience in Dallas.

• Build Valuable Connections: Provide a welcoming environment to build relationships, foster a supportive community that acts as a catalyst for business success, and advocate on crucial issues by elevating the voice of business and shaping perspectives through impactful programming.

• Educate for Excellence: Inform about key business topics, equip leaders with essential knowledge and skills to foster growth, and offer timely content with expert speakers.

“Many people may not be aware of the NDCC’s significant role in the development of Love Field, the phase-out of the Wright Amendment, and its contribution to the advancement of the Dallas North Tollway,” said Megan McQuery, NDCC vice president of communications. “The Chamber has been involved in shaping the

“We’ve been involved with the project since 2012,” McQuery said. “We’ve been a convener of business owners, community, and elected officials working to reshape the 450-acre district.”

Today, NDCC’s primary focus is on “International District Commons,” a 20-acre park that will anchor the district and create much-needed greenspace in the heart of North Dallas.

NDCC has also invested time and advocacy to support Dallas ISD work to bring a pre-K-12 Dallas International STEAM Academy to the District.

“These projects are set to spark growth for years to come,” McQuery said. “We’re dedicated to shaping Dallas’ future, supporting ongoing workforce development, and powering the city’s economic progress — all targeted outcomes of the International district project.”

MAJOR NDCC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Dallas North Tollway – from the project’s inception (the first section opened in 1968) through significant extensions in the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden — This joint venture of the Dallas North Garden Forum and the NDCC parks committee was incorporated in 1974 and opened in 1984.

Love Field growth and the repeal of the Wright Amendment — The NDCC’s advocacy dates back to the 1960s; Congress repealed the amendment limiting direct flights to destinations in Texas and adjacent states in 2014. Southwest Airlines announced plans to pursue the change during the NDCC’s 2004 Aviation Conference.

Dallas Collegiate Academies – the first Dallas ISD P-tech high school program started around 2016.

Source: Megan McQuery

Erin’s Exclusives

ERIN MATHEWS

FROM LEFT: Truman Cook, Jim Young, Skip Porter, Victoria Smith, and Jack Kilby attend a North Dallas Chamber of Commerce High Tech Banquet in the 1980s. COURTESY NDCC

Community

ERIN DUVALL SINGS OF HARDSHIPS AND BLESSINGS Park Cities mom on a mission to help those who parent alone

By Grace Chandler People Newspapers

Erin Duvall, singer, songwriter, and mother of four, founded Twice the Love Foundation in November 2022 to help other sin gle parents emotionally, physically, and financially.

“Being a single mother is the greatest blessing of my life, and my children are my big gest inspiration, but there is a lot of hardship that comes with being a single parent,” the Highland Park High School graduate said.

“I was really fortunate to loving place to land when I moved back home, but I realized very quickly that a lot of single parents don’t have that love and support,” she said. “It’s a very hard journey, so we wanted to pay it forward and help where we could.”

Duvall also identified her parents’ example as a motivation.

“I was raised with two very strong examples of giving back,” she said.

Her parents, celebrating 50 years together, have supported charity events for decades. Their St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon, benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, recently marked its 40th anniversary.

Duvall cites an anonymous quote about single parenthood: “Twice the work, twice the stress, twice the tears, but twice the

Sarah

mom and dad role, and you do have to give so much of yourself, but you’re lucky because you get twice the love back in return,” she said, expressing how thankful she is for the opportunity to love her children in such an important time in their life.

One memorable moment came when she hosted her first event for

Johnson Singing,

“Being a single mother is the greatest blessing of my life, and my children are my biggest inspiration, but there is a lot of hardship that comes with being a single parent.”

Erin Duvall

“It’s something so near and dear to our heart — we get to do what we love and give back at the same time.”

Earlier this year, she performed the songs from her new album, “One by One,” at a Twice the Love Foundation event.

The foundation gives funds raised to well-established

Living Like a ‘Lovinaire’

nonprofits such as Dallas’ Genesis Women’s Shelter, a place where clients find help to recover after leaving unsafe, abusive situations.

Duvall hopes to expand the foundation’s efforts to other cities and countries, give to organizations, and help single parents all over.

“It’s an underserved community, and people don’t talk about it enough,” she said. “(I want to try) and change the dialogue so people have a better understanding of what our homes look like, because there’s just as much love in our home as there is in anyone else’s, but there’s some hardships that go with it.”

Park Cities artist grateful for Highland Park High classes, experiences

By Grace Chandler People Newspapers

The name of a new hit single by Park Cities singer-songwriter Sarah Johnson begs a question: What’s a “lovinaire?”

Inspired by “millionaire,” the self-described Americana artist created her new word to convey the idea of being “wealthy or rich in love” versus material things.

“My hope is to inspire people with paintings that bring joy and beauty into homes.”

Sarah Johnson

“Anything we own or possess will fade away, but what really matters is the love we give and receive,” she explained.

The Highland Park High School alumna (class of ’06)

HEAR HER

ONLINE: sarahjohnsonofficial.com/lovinaires

IN-PERSON:

• April 10 – opening for The Montvales at Deep Ellum Art Co.

• April 26 – opening for Dallas Burrow at The White Horse in Austin, Texas

physical art and hopes to “be a creative entrepreneur in music and art.”

Her Advanced Placement art and photography classes at HPHS helped launch her interest in being creative.

Serving as Student Council president her senior year “taught me a lot in marketing, creating events, leadership, creative problem solving, and organization –all essential parts of a small business,” she said.

“started to make this lifelong dream a reality” around four years ago and released “Lovinaires” on Feb. 8, timed to take advantage of Valentine’s Day and a Texas tour she took that month.

considered her future as an artist and thought, “If I’m a starving artist, then at least I’ll be a ‘Lovinaire.’”

When naming the song, she

The artist describes her songwriting process as “personal and autobiographical.”

“It begins with setting aside time to reflect on how she’s feeling, what she’s going through, and any ideas that come to her,” Johnson said.

She also has a love for creating

She loves to paint abstract acrylic paintings and wants to convey a message with each piece. Find her work at Casa Costa in Snider Plaza and other galleries throughout the country, Johnson said. “My hope is to inspire people with paintings that bring joy and beauty into homes.”

In her newest album, “One by One,” Erin Duvall navigates life’s challenges and triumphs with what TheNashNews describes as bluesy music with “a rock and roll beat and a raspy country sound.” JASON LOWRIE

Sarah Johnson, a singer and painter, enjoys seeing audiences “smile, nod, or clap” when introducing them to her made-up word. JESSICA WAFFLES

‘Park Cities People’ Applauds

• Virginia “Jennie” Reeves , who launched her debut novel, Once in the Blue Moon , on March 5. The book is described as a tale of willpower in ordinary people who act with courage and grit — ultimately one of resilience, forgiveness, and redemption. The novel is inspired by the author’s family stories and life of hard work, endless energy, and passion.

Pres vation Park CitiesCar Show

• University Park’s 2023 employees of the year, Belinda Aldrete and Rafael Alva , who have devoted a combined 45 years of service to the city. Aldrete, a member of the human resources team, has spent 25 years with University Park. Coworkers praised her “commitment to bringing a warm welcome to new employees to the city family.” Alva, a member of the infrastructure maintenance team, was complimented for his “positive attitude, hard work, and dedication.”

• MIS/HPMS theater arts teacher Genevieve Croft , who HP Arts named its Fine Arts Teacher of the Year. Parents have praised Croft’s dedication to inclusion and efforts to bring out talent in all her students. Caroline Fischer , a second-grade teacher at Bradfield Elementary, won the Arts in Education Award, and “passionate volunteer” Brooke Inabnett received the Arts Advocate Award.

• Kansas City Chiefs chair man and CEO Clark Hunt , a 1983 St. Mark’s dis tinguished alumnus, who was presented with the Lombardi Trophy after the Chiefs won an unprecedented third Super Bowl in five years. The victory marks the first time in more than 20 years that an NFL team has won back-toback Super Bowls.

— Compiled by Sarah Hodges

SARAH HODGES COURTESY

Over

Editor’s note: If you occasionally focus your lenses on Park Cities happenings and would like to share, please email your high-resolution images with your name and an explanation of your pictures to editor@peoplenewspapers.com.

1. Leap Day Inspiration

Shamalee Haliman, 85, had much more to celebrate on Feb. 29 than an anomaly of the calendar.

One day after completing his year of cancer treatments, he returned to 6 a.m. rowing class at the Moody Family YMCA and leaped right in, completing a 30-minute workout.

“Shamalee is an inspiration to us all,” instructor Daniel Drabinski said. “His passion toward his health and living a full life are unmatched.”

FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT: Jane Peterson, Jennifer Eells, Susan Smart, Terence Connor, and

Mona Callaghan. MIDDLE: Linda Antone, Daniel Drabinski, Shamalee Hailman (with the gong he rang to celebrate the end of chemotherapy), Jeff May, Ryan Kirkham, Anthony Lowenberg, and Andrew Pennington. BACK: Erika Connor, James Lynch, Dan Brantley, and Paul Salyards.

2. Excited for Soccer

Count first grader Hannah Conway among those thrilled to see their high school role models win 1-0 during Lady Scots Soccer’s Charity and Youth Night game vs. J.J. Pearce on Feb. 27.

As a member of the Armstrong Elementary Barbies First Grade Girls Soccer team, she even got to play at halftime.

– Compiled by William Taylor

COURTESY DANIEL DRABINSKI

COURTESY LAUREN CONWAY

FINLEY TURCO HAS GOALS OF HIS OWN IN HOCKEY

After being cut from his select team 2 years ago, now he’s headed to nationals

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Finley Turco grew up around some of the best hockey players in the world. But if he was going to follow in their footsteps, he needed to make changes.

After all, being the son of former Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco has its perks in terms of lineage and intuitive knowledge. But carving his own legacy as a player hasn’t been easy.

“It was a given that I was going to play hockey.”

Finley Turco

Less than two years ago, while attending Highland Park Middle School, Finley was cut from his top-tier select team.

“I was just there for the first couple of years,” Finley said. “I started to realize that everyone else was getting way better than me.”

So the Park Cities resident recommitted to his fundaments. He also shifted from public school to a Plano academy that structures classes around athletic training

schedules. In his case, that means practicing twice a day.

The extra ice time proved beneficial for Finley, who is now one of the youngest players on the

Class AA Texas Tigers. The team will compete in the USA Hockey Tier II national tournament in the Dallas area in April — which Finley acknowledges is his biggest

team accomplishment thus far as a player.

“Last year, I didn’t think I could go anywhere. Now I realize that I have a chance,” said Finley, who also spent the winter playing for Highland Park in the AT&T Metroplex High School Hockey League. “I believe that I can make it all the way to the top, but it’s going to be a battle.”

Finley was born in 2008, toward the end of his father’s nine-year run with the Stars. He started skating when he was about 2, and really became passionate years later.

“It was a given that I was going to play hockey,” he said. “I just saw how fast-paced and physical the game was, and that really appealed to me.”

Finley is a defenseman, unlike the elder Turco. And although he’s eager to make a name for himself, the youngster is proud of his pedigree, too.

“My dad has tried to help me out. He hasn’t pressured me. He’s letting me do my own thing. It doesn’t bother me at all,” Finley said. “I’m basically living a normal life with this last name.”

Playoff Pitch: Lady Scots Look for Deeper Run in Stellar 6A Region Slight adjustments during offseason already paying dividends for HP girls

By Todd Jorgenson

A year ago, Highland Park felt it had the talent and the experience to make a deep playoff run in the deepest girls soccer region in the state.

Yet following a regular-season title in District 7-6A, the Lady Scots saw their campaign end prematurely in the Region I area round against McKinney Boyd. It became clear this was not Class 5A, where HP has been a perennial power for two decades.

“Ultimately our run was ended much sooner than we hoped. I think that was a bit of a shock to all of us,” said HP head coach Aaron McGough. “It’s a much higher caliber of competition earlier on than we’ve seen before.”

With one season remaining before the Lady Scots again return to the 5A ranks, they needed adjustments to give another deep senior class an opportunity at greater postseason success.

“It was a wake-up call to figure out what we needed to understand and prepare for, both mentally and physically,” McGough said. “We’ve taken that sting from last season and turned it around for our benefit.”

McGough made defense a particular point of emphasis, and focused on keeping possession and building an attack from the back. HP also has tried to strengthen the roster from top to bottom, creating more

depth to combat fatigue.

Reese Liner and Emerson Andrews have anchored the defense, while goalkeepers Paige Binns and Charlotte Pulliam have shared the

success by splitting halves in almost every game. The Lady Scots are among the leaders in shutouts among all Dallas-area teams. Meanwhile, HP also has averaged almost

three goals per game thanks to potent attacks led by dynamic and fleet-footed striker Elle Jones, as well as midfielders Lucy Cox and Addie Brink.

“We’ve taken that sting from last season and turned it around for our benefit.”

Aaron McGough

Another key step in the team’s growth was competing in the National Elite Prep Showcase in Southlake during mid-January. The Lady Scots were 1-1-1 in the tournament while exposing themselves to a level of competition they could face again in postseason play.

“They gave us some great challenges and some needed adversity that gave us a chance to look at some areas of weakness early on and made us a much better team,” McGough said.

HP rolled through the regular season with another 7-6A championship, but this year feels more poised to capitalize in the playoffs.

“We’re so proud of these girls,” McGough said. “They’ve been working so hard and that’s all we can ask. We’re excited to be rolling into the playoffs with energy and positivity.”

In addition to his select team, freshman Finley Turco plays for Highland Park during the winter. CHRIS MCGATHEY

With more depth this season, Highland Park is optimistic entering the Class 6A playoffs. ROB GRAHAM

Paul Claims Final Dallas Open at SMU Before Move to Frisco

Intimate event was characterized by energetic atmosphere during 3-year run in Park Cities

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

The brief run of ATP Tour tennis in the Park Cities is now in the past. Yet for Tommy Paul, this year’s Dallas Open could become a springboard for future success.

The American tennis star prevailed on Feb. 11 in the tournament’s final installment at the Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex on the SMU campus.

Paul defeated American upstart Marcos Giron in a three-set thriller in the singles final before a packed house at the most intimate venue on the Tour — making it a favorite of both players and fans since relocating to Dallas from New York in 2022.

“It’s been some years since I lifted a trophy, and to do it here in Dallas felt really, really good. It was an awesome week here,” Paul said. “I had so much fun and felt so relaxed here, but at the same time, it was pretty electric on the court.”

In the final, Paul won a tiebreak in the first set before Giron rallied to even the match. Paul took control of the third set with an early break. He had two aces and won 77% of his service points in the decisive set.

“That was a pretty unbelievable match,” Paul said after winning his first title since November 2021, and his first ever on American soil. “Best final I’ve ever played.”

Paul, a Florida resident ranked among the top 20 players in the world, carried the momentum from Dallas into an event

the following week in Delray Beach, Florida, where he was the runner-up.

The doubles final, won by the Australian tandem of Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson, was the last before the tournament moves from University Park to The Star in Frisco beginning in 2025 —

the same year it shifts to the more prestigious ATP 500 level on the tournament calendar.

The ATP 500 designation means enhanced prize money and likely a more elite field of players. The upgrade was contingent upon finding a new venue. Tournament officials secured a partnership with

the Dallas Cowboys to hold the tournament at the team’s practice facility moving forward.

The Dallas Open, which is the only indoor annual ATP event in the United States, will be one of 16 annual tournaments at the 500 level. Prize money will increase to about $2.8 million.

“I had so much fun and felt so relaxed here, but at the same time, it was pretty electric on the court.”

Tommy Paul

“We should have more tournaments in the States in general. I’m pumped for this to become a 500 (event),” Paul said. “I love the tournament and I’m sure it will be amazing.”

Officials said that despite the changes, the event will continue to offer a main-draw wildcard spot each year to the top men’s tennis player from SMU.

American tennis star Tommy Paul won the Dallas Open at SMU by defeating Marcos Giron in the championship match. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Camps PARISH CAMPS INCLUDE BAKING, DANCE, AND TAYLOR SWIFT

Academic programs offer credit courses and university campus tours

By Josh Hickman special contributor

Parish Episcopal School offers so many summer programs, everyone from academic credit-chasing scholars to Swifties should find the ideal experience.

“You can build from a variety of camps to make your day,” noted Parish extend and summer director Jessica Rodriguez. “Dance, sports, STEM, art, a lot of cooking, which is super popular. Something we’re really looking forward to this year is a couple of Taylor Swift-inspired art camps, dance camps, as well as broadcast journalism, and digital creators and content creation camps.”

Day camps for youths in pre-K 3 through 12th grade run for 10 weeks from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 3 through Aug. 9. Choose extended care hours, and camp days run from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We do have families that depend on our being here all 10 weeks,” Rodriguez said. “We have students who keep coming back for Day Camp because they love water slides and having a snow cone on Wednesdays. One the kids really like is the Sweet Tooth Art Camp. You know when it’s on because the kids are walking around with a cake they created that looks like art, but it’s so good.”

Parish also offers pre-K 4 to 12th grade programs through The Academy, where campers can explore such

basics as reading, writing, and math.

“At higher grade levels, we’ve got science, Spanish, executive function, and note-taking,” said Ann Morgan, director of The Academy. “The majority of the camps are taught by Parish Episcopal teachers. The other side of The Academy was a separate institution that we’ve brought together, that is, summer school, a range of credit-bearing classes our upper

school students can take. We’ve got electives and year-long classes; they do get full transcript high school credit for these, and many fulfill graduation requirements. Some meet in person, and some are entirely virtual.”

Cost depends on content. Elective courses are $750 per student; others are $1,600. Bundling packages allow elective classes to be added at discounted prices.

“Credit courses are open to non-Parish students,” Morgan said. “Last summer, I taught a student from Houston, one in Austin, and one in San Francisco, all in my Latin I class. And they all passed their placement test. Most electives can get done in four weeks. We offer a session in June and one in July.”

For The Academy, math is the most popular.

“Students are surprised they

enjoy it,” Morgan said. “The teachers make them realize numbers and problem-solving can be fun and have real-world applications.”

Favorite day camp field trips for fifth grade and up include Top Golf, the Farmer’s Branch Aquatic Center, and Nickel Mania.

This year, Academy campers in ninth through 12th grade will tour college campuses, including TCU, SMU, and UT Dallas.

Camp Traditions and Friendships Can Bring Smiles For a Lifetime

Summer camp holds a special place in the hearts of many, creating memories and traditions that last a lifetime.

For those fortunate enough to experience the magic of overnight summer camp, the bonds formed, adventures had, and lessons learned become cherished treasures woven into the fabric of their being.

It’s not uncommon for campers to remain forever friends – perhaps attending college together, but always being there for each other, only a phone call away.

One of our daughter Molly’s forever camp friends stood by her side as her maid of honor.

Overnight camp fosters a remarkable sense of community. From the moment campers arrive, they are enveloped in a supportive environment where friendships blossom effortlessly.

Whether it’s sharing stories around a crackling campfire, conquering challenges on the ropes course, or cheering each other on during sports competitions, campers forge connections that transcend time and distance.

From spirited campfire singalongs to wacky theme days, camp rituals create a shared identity among campers and staff alike.

Whether it’s the tradition of singing the camp anthem before meals or the annual talent show where campers showcase their skills, rituals become touchstones that bind generations of campers together.

Even now, as an adult, when you hear that “special” song on the radio, it takes you back in time, prompting a smile and warming the heart by allowing you to remember your time at camp.

Beyond the fun and games, overnight camp offers invaluable opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.

Away from the distractions of everyday life, campers learn to navigate challenges, develop resilience, and cultivate independence. Whether it’s conquering homesickness, trying a new activity for the first time, or working together as a team to overcome obstacles, campers emerge from their summer experience with newfound confidence and a deeper understanding of themselves.

From early-morning hikes to late-night stargazing, campers develop a profound appreciation for the great outdoors.

Whether it’s the thrill of reaching the summit of a mountain, the tranquility of

paddling across a serene lake, or the awe-inspiring beauty of a star-filled sky (and WOW, what stars!), these experiences leave an indelible mark on the soul.

As the summer draws to a close and campers reluctantly say goodbye, they carry with them memories and lessons that will shape their lives for years to come.

They leave behind the familiar cabins and rustic dining halls, but they take with them the enduring friendships, the unbreakable bonds, and the profound sense of belonging

that define the summer camp experience.

And though they may return to the outside world, they carry the spirit of camp in their hearts, knowing they will forever be part of a community that celebrates friendship, adventure, and the joy of simply being alive.

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

Summer opportunities range from art, broadcast journalism, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to academic programs that count for high school credits. COURTESY PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

HELENE ABRAMS

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Camp Champions has created a tradition of excellence since 1967. This beautiful camp on Lake LBJ offers the fantastic activities and besttrained counselors that you expect from a top overnight summer camp. However, it is our developmental focus on building strong kids that most differentiates Camp Champions from other top camps in Texas. Camp Champions specializes in two and three-week sessions where we create a loving community and encourage every camper to discover the best versions of themselves. Camp Champions also operates tech-free, which creates an important break from phones and screens. Learn more at www.campchampions.com.

Hockaday Sophomore a Body-Positive Influencer Gold Award Girl Scout’s

camp promoted mental health, positive image, steady character

By Grace Chandler People Newspapers

As a youth camp counselor, Anya Aggarwal noted how so many girls – and even some boys – seemed bound by “a very strict parameter of what they needed to look like.”

When it came time for her Girl Scout Gold Award project, The Hockaday School student tackled the issue by starting Beautiful Body through Beautiful Mind – Inside and Out, a camp to educate the younger generation about mental health and body image.

Working with United to Learn (U2L), she created a science-focused curriculum, the introduction of which created a “ripple effect into a bigger workshop” where others would assist, “expand on the concepts we were learning, and create fun hands-on projects,” Anya said.

“It’s important to keep your character steady in a world that’s constantly changing.”

Anya Aggarwal

In these camps, she would “teach them about their own bodies and what’s actually happening to them.”

Anya found her campers “eager” to learn and said she loved having the opportunity to influence them in such an important part of their life.

Earlier this year, the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas featured Anya, now a sophomore and Gold Award recipient, in an exhibit hosted at Galleria Dallas.

“Redefining Influencers,” a

campaign focused on how influencers could set a new, positive example for teens to look up to, explored how social media, while potentially beneficial, does have a downside.

“We’re often shown this specific look or facade that we have to conform to, especially as teenagers,” Anya said.

But an influencer “can mean a variety of things; it doesn’t have to be conformed into one definition,” she said. “An influencer is not about how you look. It’s about how you’re impacting other people to use their voice and knowledge, and (how you) spread that knowledge to other people.”

Her goal is to let girls know they can do anything they put

their minds to, especially if their interest is in science.

“(I want to) show them representation within robotics, medicine,” Anya said, and how these are all “fields women can aspire to go into.”

She wants to enlighten young women that when they know more about who they are, they can inspire others.

“My friends say that when they get a compliment from a girl, it means that much more,” Anya said, adding that the more such conversations happen with teen girls, the better they can attain understanding, which builds self-esteem. “It’s important to keep your character steady in a world that’s constantly changing.”

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Anya Aggarwal guides campers in the use of stethoscopes to hear their hearts and the hearts of others during Beautiful Body through Beautiful Mind – Inside and Out camp. COURTESY ANYA AGGARWAL

STUDENT ESSAYISTS PROPOSE WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

“With so much diverse information available, how can you become an informed citizen and make an impact on our nation’s political life even before you are eligible to vote?”

After the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge (FFVF) Dallas Area Chapter asked North Texas students to tackle that question last year, Highland Park students submitted five of the six winning essays.

Here’s a sampling of their thoughts on the matter:

Reid Johnson

“Listening to different perspectives will help you gain a

better understanding of political issues and help you form an informed opinion. Additionally, participating in discussions will help you develop the critical thinking skills essential to analyzing complex problems.”

Elle Pace

“Finding something to be passionate about and taking the time to research helps me become an informed citizen and can lead me to change the world for the better. To stay informed, I may also watch the news and join groups that share information regarding topics I am interested in.”

Cate Webster

“Many people think that you must be a congressman to have a political impact; all you need to do is do research and find organizations that assist with developing relations with others and educate about political issues.”

Chloe Weiss

“(F)inding unbiased sources can challenge some. An easy way to check is to find out who wrote the document and what was their intent. If it was an attempt at propaganda or convincing someone, it’s probably not the most honest piece of information.”

Zach Zelley

“Although young adults are not eligible to participate in any kind of voting for their elected officials, their word can still influence others and they can still write letters to these elected officials and persuade their views on topics.”

The other winning essayist was Kall Meador of Marrietta, Oklahoma. All six received George Washington Gold Medals in 2023. FFVF also awarded a medal to Rabel McNutt, a 10th grader at The Hockaday School and resident of University Park. Her

honor came in the Youth Community category for her work creating the State Funerals for WWII Vets. Search for her name at peoplenewspapers.com to learn more about her and read an essay she wrote.

Founded in 1949, the FFVF national educational, nonpartisan nonprofit encourages the rising generation to become engaged, patriotic, informed citizens motivated by a sense of duty and responsibility to defend the freedoms that define our great nation. Visit freedomsfoundation.org or dallas.freedomsfoundation.org to learn more.

– Compiled by William Taylor

Students Give ‘Transformative’ Concert at Carnegie Hall Hockaday’s Vivian Zhou, Reagan Nguyen make Honors Performance Series

By Grace Chandler People Newspapers

String instrumentalists Vivian Zhou and Reagan Nguyen, still months away from becoming sophomores at The Hockaday School, have already played Carnegie Hall.

The two Class of ’27 members were selected for the historic New York City landmark’s High School Honors Performance Series.

“Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,” said Marion Gomez, the series’ music director. “We processed nearly 10,000 nominations this year and have selected the most talented student performers from around the world.”

For Vivian and Reagan, the official process began in April 2023 with nominations from their orchestra director. They spent the following months, including all summer, rehearsing solo pieces, gathering teacher references, and putting together musical resumes.

Vivian mentioned how she had studied music since she was 4, becoming interested in the cello when she joined the orchestra three years ago.

After receiving the repertoire, they practiced continually for their performance.

Vivian and Reagan spent Feb.

7 to 11 in New York, where they joined with performers from the United States, Guam, the Virgin Islands, South Korea, New Zealand, and Taiwan.

“Working with these conductors and performing at these renowned music halls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians will never forget,” Gomez said.

Rehearsals lasted eight hours each day, said Vivian, who enjoyed “the opportunity to learn from an energetic and inspiring conductor, Mrs. Catherine Birke, who was very passionate and helped us come together and sound amazing on stage in only four days.”

The trip also included opportunities to explore New York City.

They caught a Broadway show, walked around Times Square, visited Rockefeller Center, and celebrated the night before their performance. Reagan, who plans to play at London’s Royal Festival Hall in July, said she was thankful for the unwavering support experienced in New York and grateful to have met such talented musicians.

Vivian echoed those feelings.

“I am so endlessly grateful for the chance to immerse myself in an environment with musicians who are just as, if not even more, passionate about playing their instrument and creating music as I am,” she said. “Ultimately, the experience was truly transformative, both a testament to my efforts and a foundation and motivator for what I can expect from myself as I continue moving forward in the future.”

Reid Johnson COURTESY PHOTOS Elle Pace

Cate Webster

Chloe Weiss

Zach Zelley

During a February trip to New York, Vivian Zhou and Reagan Nguyen saw a Broadway show, explored Times Square, and performed at Carnegie Hall. COURTESY PHOTOS

Explore Punk Culture, Contemporary Spanish Textiles, and More

Feeling lucky, punk fans?

“Torn Apart: Punk + New Wave Graphics, Fashion, and Culture, 1976-86” runs through May 10 at SMU’s Hamon Arts Library, on the west side of the Meadows School of the Arts, 6101 Bishop Blvd.

The free exhibit of cloth ing, posters, and other ar tifacts from England and the U.S. features vintage photography by music photographer Sheila Rock, the print collections of scholar Andrew Krivine, and the clothing collection of band graphic designer Malcolm Garrett.

Graphic works include de signs for the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Buzzcocks, The Cramps, Grace Jones, Talking Heads, and Devo.

The international collaboration, launched in 2021, highlights exceptional contemporary Spanish artists with limited recognition in the U.S.

Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Now introducing

Teresa Lanceta’s first solo exhibition in the United States runs through June 16 at the Meadows Museum, 5900 Bishop Blvd.

During the exhibition, Lanceta will travel to Dallas to participate in educational programming about her work with SMU students, faculty, and museum patrons.

Known for her intricate and often colorful textile works, Lanceta, of Barcelona, is the second creator selected for the MAS: Meadows/ARCO Artist Spotlight program.

“(Lanceta’s) commitment to the art of weaving, and to exploring its universality and impact on world culture, is an enlightening visual experience,” said Amanda W. Dotseth, the Linda P. and William A. Custard director of the museum.

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 65+, $4 for nonSMU students, and free for Meadows Museum members, SMU faculty/staff/students, and youth 18 and younger.

Meadows Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit meadowsmuseumdallas.org.

Other Meadows exhibitions:

• “Meditating on Materiality,” through April 21, free – The exhibition explores how artists intentionally challenge the limits of their materials, thereby encouraging viewers to expand their understanding of the relationship between matter and meaning.

• “Barnaby Fitzgerald: An Eye For Ballast,” May 5 through Sept. 22, free – A focused, monographic exhibition of key paintings from prominent local collections will celebrate the Dallas artist’s prolific career and election to professor of art emeritus at SMU.

– Compiled by William Taylor

A Mildred J. Hawn Gallery exhibition in the Hamon Arts Library includes a design for the Sex Pistols and clothing pieces from such shops on King’s Road in 1970s London as BOY and Vivienne Westwood’s SEX and Seditionaries. COURTESY SMU

SPECTACULAR SPHERE SUMMONS DALLASITES TO VEGAS AGAIN

By Diana Oates Special Contributor

It seemed like Vegas had all that entertainment had to offer until an enormous spherical sensation captured the attention of luxury Las Vegas travelers in need of a fantastic new fix.

The venue, which features state-of-theart entertainment visuals, has gotten off to an exciting start. Will you be the next guest to step inside the futuristic fantasia? If so, here’s how to turn your Sin City trip into a royal flush.

Getting there: Getting to Las Vegas has never been easier. While Southwest and American Airlines offer multiple nonstops

to McCarran International Airport (LAS) daily, I vote for hopping aboard JSX for a more private, hassle-free journey.

Where to Stay: Deciding where to stay in Vegas is like taking a personality quiz. Are you into five-star luxury and being accompanied by a golfer who can’t stomach the thought of a weekend without squeezing a round in? Book one of the Wynn’s Tower Suites. Do you cringe at the thought of smoky casinos and covet carrying knowledge of all that’s new and hip with your friend group? I present to you Fontainebleau Las Vegas, offering a fresh take on the city with its 1,300 slot machines, 3,644 rooms, and 55,000-square-foot spa.

Where to Eat: Leave your diets at home.

Don’t be fooled, choose the best vet team for your furry family members!

• Regular every 6 months CHECK-UPS (pets age 5-15x faster than we do, depending on year of life)

Las Vegas is a place to explore the latest and greatest dining trends from around the globe. Is snagging that impossible reservation your specialty? I present to you Delilah — a modern-day supper club inspired by the earliest showrooms of the 1950s. And while everyone in Vegas hopes it’s their lucky day, you’re going to need it if you’re getting a table here. I wanted to report that it wasn’t worth the hassle, but the vibes inside were elite. However, my best bites on a recent trip came from LPM inside The Cosmopolitan. This Mediterranean restaurant features fresh ingredients and a vibrant cocktail menu inspired by Jean Cocteau. Want your night of partying to begin and end at dinner? Two words: Papi Steak. It’s your one stop shop

for cocktails, cuisine, and club feels.

What to Do: While a concert at the Sphere is obviously in vogue right now — upcoming shows include Dead & Company and Phish — there is never a shortage of sophisticated fun. Some new happenings that may pique your interest include the reimagined Awakening at the Wynn or Christina Aguilera at Voltaire at the Venetian. Want my pick for nice casinos that have less smoke than usual? Encore and Fontainebleau, it is.

While dinner and a show are always the way to go, I like to end my trips to Vegas by booking a long massage before my flight as a gentle hug to myself returning to reality.

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CLOCKWISE: The Sphere stands next to the Venetian resort. At 336 feet tall and 516 feet wide, it is considered the largest spherical structure in the world. SPHERE ENTERTINAMENT Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ striking Bleau Bar is the ideal way to begin any trip to Sin City. MARK MEDIANA Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ Lapis Spa offers a stargazing lounge, a fitting option after enjoying a concert at The Sphere. CONNIE ZHOU Rooms at the Wynn Tower Suites start at $339, which includes a private entrance into and out of the resort and other heightened amenities. ROBERT MILLER

Delectable Pasta Dish a Recipe For Romance

No matter the time of year, a bowl or plate of pasta makes me feel cozy inside.

It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeks, chilly days, and romantic dinners a deux.

If I want that meal to be a meatless one, I turn to one of my favorites – pasta Alfredo.

When I see pasta Alfredo on a menu, it always reminds me of romantic anniversary celebrations with my husband at an Italian restaurant in our Houston neighborhood. This elegant restaurant featured an expansive menu, but the linguine with creamy Alfredo sauce was simply the best. Add a little candlelight and a glass of wine, and it was a recipe for romance.

This simple but delectable one-pot dish is easy to make at home and requires only a few ingredients – your favorite pasta, a shallot, heavy cream, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, and a garnish of chopped parsley.

A surprising but integral ingredient is the water in which the dry pasta is cooked. Once the pasta is al dente, which means “to the tooth,” I reserve two cups of the cooking water before draining the pasta in a colander.

Many cooks dump the water without a second thought, but the cooking water is rich with flavor and starch from the pasta, which ultimately helps to thicken the sauce.

Sauteed minced shallot, heavy cream, and a little pasta water are brought to a boil and

thickens into a silky sauce.

After seasoning the sauce with salt and pepper, the cooked pasta is transferred to the pot and gently stirred into the sauce minutes before serving.

Pasta Alfredo is divine on its own, but like risotto, it also provides a foundation for a more complex meal.

Grilled shrimp or a sauteed medley of sweet bell peppers or mushrooms may be

Big on flavor and comfort, pasta alfredo is a quick and easy dish that’s ideal for meatless meals as an entrée or side dish. Don’t forget the candlelight!

Christy Rost is a cookbook author, host of Celebrating Home cooking videos, and longtime Park Cities and Preston Hollow resident. 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.

PASTA ALFREDO

Ingredients:

½ pound dry linguine or other pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon shallot, peeled and minced

1 ½ cups heavy cream

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated for garnish

5 sprigs fresh parsley, stemmed and chopped, for garnish

Reserved pasta cooking water

Directions:

In a large pot filled with water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Pour two cups of the pasta water into a heat-proof liquid measure, drain the pasta in a colander, and set it aside.

Heat the pot over medium heat, add olive oil and minced shallot, and saute one minute until it is fragrant. Add cream and ½ cup of the reserved cooking water. Stir, bring it to a boil, and cook until it has thickened and reduced by half, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has reduced too much or has become too thick, add a little more of the cream and pasta water, stir, and cook several minutes.

Season the sauce with salt and pepper and gently stir in the drained pasta. Heat several minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is hot. Transfer the pasta to serving dishes, top with any remaining sauce, and garnish with Parmigiano-Reggiano and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Chef’s Note: Cover and chill remaining cooking water if there is leftover pasta. To reheat leftovers, pour a little of the pasta water and an equal amount of cream into a saucepan, bring to a boil, cook two minutes, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the leftover pasta Alfredo, heat until hot, and serve. Yield: 2 main servings or 4 side servings

CHRISTY ROST

When your care gets complicated, you want a team that’s seen it all. Take it from Landon, who experienced an erratic heartbeat and collapsed during a run. Thanks to his winning spirit and a team that would stop at nothing, he found his rhythm again. Find the care you need at 833.46.BUMCD.

Stars Lining Up For SMU Grads, Brothers Henry and Brandon Cohanim

KERSTEN RETTIG

Two of the most successful concepts in the West Village are owned and operated by brothers who are years from celebrating their 30th birthdays.

“Our success will be measured by the way we impact people who work with us and the way we impact our community.”

Brandon Cohanim

Namo, a lively upscale sushi bar, and Bar Colette, the Parisienne-inspired bar next door, are the creations of Brandon and Henry Cohanim, SMU graduates and the dynamic next generation of hospitality leaders in Dallas.

I interviewed them recently about their experience at SMU,

how they fell into the business, and what the future holds for them.

“I chose SMU because I really loved Dallas,” Brandon said of coming here from his hometown of Beverly Hills. “It was 2014, and I saw opportunities here. I knew then that Dallas was going to be growing; it was already becoming someplace exciting. I knew if I planted roots here, I’d be able to grow with the city. On top of that, I loved SMU — where it’s located

and so many other things about it.”

Henry added, “I decided to study real estate and pursue a real estate career. I was impressed by SMU’s real estate program and all the resources going into it. And there was the beautiful, well-situated campus adjacent to Highland Park.”

Brandon started his first restaurant, Pōk the Raw Bar, in 2017 while still at SMU. “I moved here from LA, where poke was a staple in my life. I thought Dallas

was missing it and needed some great, healthy, fast-casual dining. That’s why, at night, when everyone was partying, I was working to put Pōk together.”

In 2018, the space next door became available, and they opened Namo. “The Pōk lease expired during COVID,” Henry said, “and we thought it was time to pause and re-concept. That’s when the idea for Bar Colette came about. We wanted to create something

unique that would complement Namo really well.”

Today, Namo is helmed by the immensely talented and uber-charming chef Kazuhito Mabushi, who hails from Ginza Onodera in West Los Angeles. Bar Collette is led by Ruben Rolon, who led the bar at L’Atelier Joël Robuchon Miami. Both were part of teams that earned two Michelin Stars at their respective restaurants.

Attracting that kind of talent is impressive, certainly more so for a relatively inexperienced team.

Brandon sold them on Dallas as a place to live and thrive, and “we offered the opportunity for growth,” he said. “We want to be a platform from which our entire team can prosper and grow.”

Sounds like they already are. Next year, the brothers will open Mamani in The Quad, where Christophe de Lellis, another Michelin-starred chef, will be culinary director.

The stars are lining up for Brandon and Henry, yet Brandon says they don’t consider themselves successful yet. “We’re still at such an early stage. Our success will be measured by the way we impact people who work with us and the way we impact our community.”

Henry added, “We want to build a strong group of restaurants with great culture.”

Do you struggle with sleep?

Henry and Brandon Cohanim are behind Namo, a lively upscale sushi bar, and Bar Colette, the Parisienne-inspired bar next door. COURTESY

LEFT TO RIGHT: Austin Holmes, Amy T. Ford, Ryan Nordhaus*, Alexandra Lambring, Jimmy L. Verner, Jr.*, Janet P. Brumley*, Paul Brumley*, Rob McAngus*+, George Parker*, Jim Mueller*+†^, Ravi V. Mohan, Abby M. Foster*+, Shane Landers, Kim Meaders, Danny Garner*, Maddison Clark, and Jason Naumann.

Debs ‘Texas Dip’ at

JAMES

Forty-four Dallas Symphony Orchestra debutantes took their bows at the 38th-annual DSO League Presentation Ball on Feb. 10.

They took center stage at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center to do the Texas Dip — an all the way to the floor full court bow. Emcee Stan Gardner one by one introduced the debutantes, who were joined by honor guard escorts for the presentation.

Kristin Cordiak chaired the event, and Margaret and Barry Hancock were the honorary chairs.

A formal seated dinner, and music and dancing followed the presentation.

The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is an annual tradi tion and the largest fundraiser for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

— Compiled by Maria Lawson

Luke, Elizabeth, Sarah Rose, Eric, and Eleanor Gambrell

Angela, Sheridan, and Otis Spencer

Cameron, Caroline, and Clay Smith

Ganesh, Mina, and Shikha Raj

Meredith Hallam

Save the Dates

March

April

12 - AWARE

Affair 2024: Boots, Buckles, & Brain Health, Gilley’s Dallas, awaredallas.org/ aware-affair.

19 - WiNGS

Pop, Fizz, Clink - La Dolce Vita, Thompson Hotel, wingsdallas.org.

26 - Turtle Creek Association Azalea Luncheon, Harlan Crow Library, turtlecreekassociation.org.

30 - Vogel Alcove Arts Performance Event, Omni PGA Frisco Resort, vogelalcove.org.

19 - Children’s Cancer Fund Gala, Hilton Anatole, childrenscancerfund.com.

19 – Rainbow Days Pot of Gold Luncheon, Westin Dallas Galleria, rainbowdays.org/pog2024.

20 - Park Cities Car Show, Burleson Park, preservationparkcities.org.

25 - TACA Silver Cup Award Luncheon, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, taca-arts.org.

25 - Wounded

Warrior Project Benefit for the Brave, Westin Dallas Downtown, benefitforthebrave.org.

27 - Equest Blue Ribbon Gala, Hilton Anatole, equest.org.

May

2 - United Way The Pitch, Toyota Music Factory, unitedwaydallas.org.

June

1 - Turtle Creek

Chorale Annual Benefit Gala, Omni Dallas Hotel, turtlecreekchorale.com.

September

28 - Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, dallassymphony.org.

— Compiled by Maria Lawson

Tom Euise Turner (Tommy) passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nan Elizabeth (Chipley) Turner; his son, Matthew Turner and wife, Adele and granddaughter, Ali; his son, Bryan Turner; his brother, Don Turner.

He was born in Borger, Texas to Euise and Virginia Rose Turner. He graduated from Borger High School in 1957. He received his BBA degree from the University of Texas in Austin. While at the University he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He graduated from Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in 1970.

Tom Turner began his banking career in Dallas, Texas in 1962. He was with First National Bank of Dallas for ten years then National Bank of Commerce for ten years. In 1983 he founded First National Bank of Park Cities, serving as its Chairman and CEO. When the bank became Bank of Texas, he served as honorary chairman until

his retirement.

In the 1990s Tom Turner was a member of the Legislative Committee Independent Bankers Association of Texas, the government relations council Texas Bankers Association, and he served on the board of directors the Texas Bankers Association. He served on the finance committee for Texas Health Resources and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation. He was a member of the McCombs School of Business Foundation at the University of Texas. He served with the Dallas Child Guidance Center, Dallas Challenge, Highland Park Sports Club, Highland Park Education Foundation, and Park Cities Chemical Awareness (one of its founders). He was a former board of director member of Bank of Oklahoma, DFW Airport National Bank, National Oak Grove Bank, and Brook Hollow Golf Club. He was a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy and served several terms on the Grand Jury of Dallas County. He was a member of the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

Tommy loved his family and his golden retrievers. While Tommy was a banker first, he was a passionate man ahead of his time. Tommy always ensured that treats were readily available at the drive-up window for dogs, and he kept an eye on all the young adults’ bank accounts so that they did not overdraft their accounts, but more importantly to keep them out of hot water with their parents.

A private service will be held at a later date. Followed by a celebration of life.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be directed to Carl Farley’s Boys Ranch, PO BOX 1890, Amarillo, Texas 79174-0001 or the charity of your choice.

St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon Celebrates

More than 600 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society supporters donned red, pink, and pur ple attire at the Morton H. Meyerson Sym phony Center for the nonprofit’s 40th-anni versary St. Valentine’s Day luncheon.

The Feb. 8 event was chaired by Brooke Shelby and Samantha Wortley, and the hon orary chairs were Debbie Hayhurst, Libby Hunt, and Sharon McCullough.

The luncheon started with a champagne reception where guests mingled and placed bids in the silent auction, which featured jew elry, art, home decor, glam, a mahjong party, dining, staycations and vacations, and more.

Guests then proceeded to the perfor mance hall for the program, live auction and paddle raise, and fashion show. Emcee and FOX4 evening anchor Clarice Tinsley recognized the award recipients: luncheon founders Rusty Duvall and Janet Evans, Ryan Anthony, Moll Anderson, and Campbell Fearing.

At the program’s conclusion, guests found their tables for an herb grilled chicken salad followed by dessert.

— Compiled by Maria Lawson

Anna Marie Rupp and Theodore Saxon Harrison are engaged to be married on the 27th of July 2024 in Aspen, Colorado.

Anna Marie Rupp is the daughter of Ms. Laura Kary Rupp and Mr. Jeffrey Gordon Rupp of Dallas. She went to Highland Park High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from the University of Oklahoma class of 2019. Anna is currently employed as a graphic designer at HALL Group.

Theodore Saxon Harrison is the son of Drs. Selby & Clanton Bedford Harrison, III. Theodore went to The Cambridge School of Dallas for high school and holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the College of Charleston class of 2018. Theodore is an Investment Associate at Fortress Investment Group.

with one of the area’s best builders.

Here are several sites to consider.

The 1.6-acre lot at 5444 Northbrook Drive in the heart of Preston Hollow is a rectangular-shaped space is ideal for a custom-designed home surrounded by mature trees.

The home at 11819 Hampstead Lane is a wonderful opportunity to build new or remodel the existing home. Discover the possibilities for this lot on one of Preston Hollow’s most gorgeous blocks.

The gated Bluffs at Cochran Chapel, a 12-home development by Mark Molthan Custom Homes, has two opportunities as part of its Platinum Series. The lot at 9103 Bluff Hollow Court sits at the end of a circular driveway.

Molthan, who has been voted a top custom home builder in Dallas, has designed a two-story home at 9111 Bluff Hollow Court. Or talk with the builder about other options.

TAMYTHA CAMERON

Sharon McCullough and Alana Stewart

Brooke Shelby and Samantha Wortley

Lora Farris, Courtney Derderian, Elizabeth Ward Creel, and Erika Burton

Keely Cawley, Nancy Rogers, and Moll and Charlie Anderson

Libby Hunt, Gracie Hayhurst, and Elizabeth Hunt

JOHN DERRYBERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

EBBY HALLIDAY

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Bestows Prestigious Diamond Award

Carolyn Rosson with Whitney LaCosta, Chairman of the Board for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.

In a remarkable acknowledgment of outstanding performance and commitment, the Ebby Halliday Companies were honored with the prestigious Diamond Award at the recent Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Conference in Las Vegas. The award, presented annually to only one member in each company-size category, marks a significant achievement, highlighting the Ebby Halliday Companies’ dedication to excellence in the real estate industry.

The Diamond Award is the highest honor Leading Real Estate Companies of the World bestows upon member companies that demonstrate exemplary service and achieve the highest standards in a range of performance metrics.

“The finest real estate companies in the world compete for the coveted Diamond Award, so to earn this distinction is an incredible honor,” says Ebby Halliday Companies President & CEO Carolyn Rosson. “This award is a reflection of the collective efforts of our entire team. From our incredible agents to our amazing staff and leadership, each person has played a crucial role in achieving this level of excellence. Our shared success is built on a foundation of collaboration, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of exceeding expectations for our valued clients.”

For more information, visit ebby.com.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Choose Preston Hollow for Luxury Living in Dallas

Proximity to schools and airports continues to make Preston Hollow a top spot for homebuyers.

The number of homes in Preston Hollow that sold last year shows that it remains one of North Texas’ hottest neighborhoods.

Neither the pace of sales nor the average price per home showed signs of dropping.

A total of 542 homes in Preston Hollow sold last with total sales volume in the neighborhood reaching $675,872,224, according to an analysis by Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

The average price per home held even at $1.2 million per house between 2022 and 2023, and homes were on the market at the fast pace of only about 30 days.

The experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates can help you find an ideal home like these in this popular community.

The six-bedroom home at 6230 Stichter Ave. is on the market at a price that is below the appraised value and the comparable neighborhood prices.

It is beautiful, with wood-beamed ceilings and floorto-ceiling accordion doors. The large media room has theater seating.

On the top floor at the Sorrento Condos is a twobedroom residence at 8616 Turtle Creek Blvd., Unit 505, in the heart of Preston Hollow.

With two secure parking spaces, it is convenient to both local airports and for enjoying all of Dallas’ fabulous amenities.

DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE

Cliff Welch-Designed Home in Northern Heights

Experience tranquility in a contemporary masterpiece crafted by esteemed architect Cliff Welch. Listed by Ryan Streiff and Sheri Wood, 3508 Overbrook Drive (3508overbrook.dpmre.com) is priced at $3,795,000.

This remarkable single-family-attached home merges steel, stucco, and Douglas fir in a visually captivating way. The epicenter is its expansive gourmet kitchen boasting Miele appliances and Eggersman millwork, seamlessly flowing into the sun-drenched dining room and living area with exquisite fireplace. Access to the double garage through a generously-sized pantry with built-in storage solutions, is discreetly genius.

Unparalleled craftsmanship defines each of this urban oasis’ three levels, showcasing opulent finishes and intuitive amenities. Accessibility is key, via the floating staircases or convenient elevator. The upper level hosts an expansive deck and versatile living space, adaptable to serve as a secluded guest retreat, fitness haven or home office. Its proximity to Knox-Henderson and the forthcoming Auberge Resort makes it an irresistible opportunity.

For questions, contact Streiff (469-371-3008 | ryan@ dpmre.com) or Wood (214-886-3808 | sheriwood@ dpmre.com).

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate (dpmre.com) is a division of the Ebby Halliday Companies, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, with four locations that specialize in Preston Hollow, Park Cities, North Dallas, Lakewood, East Dallas, Uptown, Kessler Park and Farm & Ranch properties.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN Find a Park Cities Building Lot with an Allie Beth Allman & Associates Agent

Park Cities lots are a hot commodity, according to Allie Beth Allman & Associates experts.

Seize the opportunity to build a new home – or buy new construction – in the Park Cities and surrounding communities.

Act fast on these two properties, or they will be gone – just like three other lots, which the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates sold within days.

A lot at 4021 N. Hall St. in the Oak Lawn area could be a multi-family development. It is close to the Dallas North Tollway.

In early April, veteran builder J. Gregory Homes is expected to finish a five-bedroom home at 4433 Emerson Ave. in University Park. Be the first to own this low-maintenance home. Perfect for entertaining, it has a fireplace and wet bar in the living room.

In the hot Dallas housing market, these three lots sold within days.

The large lot at 8415 Turtle Creek Blvd. is perfect for building two single-family, attached homes, each with a backyard.

The lot at 4312 Grassmere Lane closed in 19 days. With 52 feet of frontage and 142.5 feet in depth, this lot could accommodate almost any dream home, and it is in the Bradfield Elementary School zone.

The lot at 4505 Glenwick Lane in University Park sold for what could be a multi-family development.

THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP Sophistication in the French Streets

4219 Edmondson is currently being offered for $5,195,000.

Welcome to a captivating blend of classic French charm and modern sophistication in the heart of Highland Park. This exquisite transitional home, boasting 4 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, and 1 half bathroom, is nestled in the enchanting French streets of Highland Park, offering an unparalleled lifestyle within walking distance to Highland Park Village, Dallas Country Club, and Bradfield Elementary school.

As you step into this gracious residence, you are greeted by an abundance of natural light that bathes the interior in a warm and inviting glow. Timeless marble selections and hardwood flooring seamlessly flow throughout, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance and enduring beauty.

The exterior of this residence is a classic vision with gas lanterns illuminating the entrance, a welcoming circle drive, and an iron driveway gate ensuring privacy. The tastefully landscaped grounds enhance the home’s curb appeal, providing a picturesque setting for everyday living and entertaining.

Step into the backyard oasis, where a pristine pool adorned with fountains awaits, inviting you to unwind in style. The covered outdoor living area, complete with a fireplace, sets the stage for intimate gatherings or alfresco dining, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Welcome to a home where elegance and comfort coexist in perfect harmony. Every detail of this property has been carefully curated to create a home that balances timeless charm with modern amenities, making it the epitome of Highland Park living.

Contact Courtney Jubinsky (214.684.2575) or more information or to set up a private showing. Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN URBAN

1918 Olive St #3802 - Museum Tower

2 Bed + Study | 2.5 Bath | 4,625 SF

$6,950,000

Listed by Sanders Avrea & Allie Beth Allman

The height of luxury at Museum Tower, this half-floor residence was designed by Alex Eskenasy and Josie McCarthy and built to perfection by Jonathan Sebastian. White high gloss acrylic walls and 5’’ oak floors add warmth while leading you through a space illuminated by Craig Roberts custom lighting. The Chef’s kitchen features oak Bulthaup cabinetry, complemented by Wolf appliances- 2 convection ovens,1 steam oven, and a 48’’ gas range. A SubZero refrigerator and a full-height wine closet complete this culinary haven. The primary bedroom boasts breathtaking views of Downtown Dallas, and is equipped with remote-controlled blackout shades for privacy. The primary bath is a sanctuary of indulgence, with a soaking tub, walk-in shower with custom mosaic tile flooring, Lefroy Brooks hardware, double sinks and a separate built-in vanity. This residence has three prime parking spaces, just across from the elevator lobby, plus a spacious storage unit. Schedule your tour and experience luxury redefined.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Sublime Homes for Sale Where Luxury Living is Effortless

Allie Beth Allman & Associates has closed multiple luxury sales over $3 million this year.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents can guide you through the Dallas market so you can have the life of luxury you’re craving.

Here are some of the brokerage’s latest offerings, brimming with luxury finishes.

On a quiet block in Highland Park, a sophisticated new construction impresses. Everything is chic, polished, and tantalizingly custom. A glass-enclosed wine room, screened and heated porch, and primary suite with vaulted ceilings all await at 3521 Princeton Ave.

A timeless manor with ample warmth, 3919 Gillon Ave. is bathed in sunlight, thanks to walls of French doors, while wood beams overhead foster a welcoming, cozy feel. Outside, a pool, lap pool and spa are sure to woo wellness enthusiasts. Plus, it’s located on one of Highland Park’s most prestigious streets, just steps from favorite green spaces.

Nearby at 3914 Normandy Ave., you’ll find an exquisite estate with views of the Dallas Country Club golf course. It might feel like you’re always on a vacation at this Park Cities paradise since you can lounge by the pool and spa, practice your strokes on your very own putting green, or unwind with a family fun in the media room or game room.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Luxury Stunners Newly for Sale in the Park Cities

Trust the Park Cities experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates to sell your home in 2024.

The Park Cities is famous for its exemplary homes and high-end lifestyle, and those who know the area best know that one Dallas real estate firm leads in sales there.

The proof is in the numbers. In 2023, Allie Beth Allman & Associates did more than $300 million in sales in Highland Park and over $400 million in sales in University Park.

Discerning Park Cities sellers trust the luxury firm’s expert agents again and again with their properties. Simultaneously, buyers seek their guidance to discover all the best new offerings.

Perched on the manicured Dallas Country Club golf course and boasting a putting green of its own, 3818 Shenandoah St. offers an idyllic Highland Park location and design. Its classic beauty inspires awe from the moment you lay eyes on the stately exterior, with its columns, huge terraces and pristine landscaping.

University Park has a custom beauty available at 3633 Haynie Ave. A private courtyard entrance sets an enchanting tone for the contemporary Spanish Colonial. Your guests will feel like they’re visiting a hidden paradise as they come inside. You can serve them cocktails from the dining room bar or each lunch in the bright second courtyard off the striking kitchen. Either way, you can always create vacation moments right at your own home.

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

Mac Schmitz fishes at Caruth Park with his children, James, 5, and Lucy, 3. SARAH HODGES

MAYOR STEWART GIVES BACK TO THE CITY HE LOVES

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

“

Inever aspired to be a mayor,” said Tommy Stewart, who will soon begin his third term as the city’s leader. “I just wanted to be involved and do what I could do to help the city and do what they called on me to do. And I did, I think.”

Stewart grew up in University Park, first in a home on Colgate where he, his parents, and his brother lived after their father came home from serving in the air force during World War II, then at 4300 Stanford Ave.

and dimes on the railroad track where the toll road is now to see how flat each coin became from a long line of box cars.

The family moved to a home on McFarlin when Stewart started junior high. He paid a nickel to ride the bus to class, where he loved sports but not chorus.

“I had to stay after school and try to sing,” he said.

“People care and they associate with their neighbors.”

Tommy Stewart

As a child, Stewart, his older brother Bill, and friends ran barefoot through the sawdust covered concrete floor of the cold storage building on the Miracle Mile, trying to see how long they could stay there. “It wasn’t very long,” he said. “It was freezing.”

The carhop at the Easy Way grill on Lovers Lane knew Stewart by name. He went to Beef N-Bun for barbecue, and Ashburn’s Ice Cream was a popular spot. Stewart and his brother placed pennies

He played baseball and swam at Highland Park High School, graduating in 1959.

Stewart left the area to earn a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin then returned to Dallas after graduation with his wife Barbie, who had been his high school sweetheart at Highland Park.

The couple moved back to University Park when their three children were young. The kids attended University Park Elementary, ate at Beef N-Bun, and liked the chicken fried steak at the Easy Way.

Stewart, who is still president of Connell Construction Company and vice president of Connell Development Company, became involved in city service around 2000 as a member of the Public Works Advisory Committee.

1. Which is the Park Cities’ oldest retail shopping center, Snider Plaza or Highland Park Village?

a. Snider Plaza

b. Highland Park Village

c. Depends on how you define retail shopping center

d. Neither

2. What was UP called prior to incorporation?

a. SoMethUn b. Southern Methodist Town

c. University Town d. Highland Park

3. What is Wentwood Street named after?

a. Wentwood Forest, ancient woodlands in Wales

b. The Wentworth Elm

c. Wentwood Red, a type of low growing heather

d. A university

4. What was the original name of McFarlin Boulevard west of Preston Road?

a. San Lorenzo b. Roberts

c. McDonalds d. College

5. If you’re jailed in one of University Park’s two cells, what will you be served at mealtimes?

He served on the city council from 2010 to 2016 before becoming mayor in 2020 after former University Park city leaders encouraged him to take on the role.

Stewart began his work as mayor during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he faced the challenge of how best to respond to the novel virus.

His service continued through Winter Storm Uri, when the city responded to 56 water main breaks, all of which occurred in old water mains. The city is replacing those as part of its mile-per-year water and sewer project, and no breaks occurred in the city’s new lines.

“It shows that the new lines we’re putting in held up well,” he said. “I was proud of that.”

Stewart’s goals include completion of a public safety training facility at a newly purchased building on Fondren, and improvements to the Miracle Mile and Snider Plaza. The work on Snider Plaza is scheduled to break ground in the spring, and Stewart said he hopes the area becomes a place where people will enjoy spending time with each other.

Those connections, Stewart said, help make the city he loves such a wonderful place to live.

“It’s the people who make it special,” he said. “People care and they associate with their neighbors.”

a. Bread and water

b. Chick-fil-A

c. Bubba’s

d. Highland Park High School cafeteria food

6. Which has NEVER been a mascot of HPHS?

a. A goat b. A scottie dog

c. A 3-year-old girl d. A pitbull

7. Whose was the first burial in the Daniel family cemetery?

a. Frances Sims Daniel b. “Old Frank”

c. “Rip,” a dog d. William Caruth

8. How many churches are in University Park?

a. Eight b. Seven and a half

c. Nine d. Five

9. When, where and by whom was the last buffalo in University Park killed?

a. Goar Park, 1800, W.W. Caruth Jr.

b. Goar Park, 1752, the area’s lone law officer

c. Snider Plaza, 1931, W.W. Caruth Jr.

d. Snider Plaza, 1931, the area’s lone law officer

10. All of the following roamed the halls of Hyer Elementary School under the watch of its first principal, Newton Manning, EXCEPT:

a. A calf b. Frogs

c. Chickens d. Rabbits

CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT: Tommy Stewart and his wife, Barbie; with his older brother, Bill (right); as mayor, and as a high school baseball player. COURTESY TOMMY STEWART

How UP Almost Became Part of Dallas

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

In the spring of 1945, World War II was near its end, and the boys would soon be coming home.

“The Big Three” – the leaders of the Soviet Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom – had met to plan for the defeat of the Axis powers and the shape of postwar Europe.

“No one argues that this master plan of Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill can be perfect, but few deny that it is vital to the welfare of humankind,” a front-page Dallas Morning News column read. “Dallas has its master plan, too, and the time for making it effective is now.”

Dallas’ vision for the future included creating a system of parks, erecting a new city hall and auditorium, and stretching its streets and boulevards far north of the city. But that wasn’t going to be possible unless Preston Hollow, University Park, and Highland Park joined with it, becoming part of Dallas.

those of Dallas at large.

An HPISD School Board member speculated that the school district would be absorbed into Dallas ISD. Taxes could go up, with Park Cities residents eventually paying both Dallas taxes and an additional levy for Highland Park schools.

Tensions mounted before election day, a date which could be either “the finest day Dallas ever had,” Park Cities resident Paul Carrington said, or “the date that Dallas missed the boat.”

Turnout was high, and the result was closer than predicted. Annexation lost in University Park by a margin of just 291 ballots, with 1,726 in favor and 2,017 against.

The next day, there was a parade in Preston Hollow. Dallas officials hopped onto a bus labeled “Preston Hollow, Here We Come” and toured the city, which had voted 300-76 to unify with Dallas.

A vote on unification was scheduled for April 3, 1945, and battle lines were drawn.

“There is no compromise, no middle ground in this for the Park Cities,” resident Julius Runge said. “Either we keep our independence, or it is unconditional surrender.”

The mayor and all the members of University Park’s city commission endorsed unification. City Commissioner Ralph A. Porter announced his support in dramatic fashion, making a statement in favor of the merger just a few hours before he was scheduled to speak in opposition. The president of SMU came out in strong support, as well.

Opponents of Dallas’ master plan called it a “monster plan.” If the Park Cities united with Dallas, “the home environment our sons and daughters have gone to fight for – the home they dream of coming back to will be no more.”

The Park Cities might receive less police protection, zoning ordinances could fall by the wayside, swimming pools could be opened for general use, and the interests of Park Cities voters would be drowned out by

Unlike in the Park Cities, life in Preston Hollow prior to annexation stunk, according to a 2002 article in the Preston Hollow Advocate magazine. The city had never collected any taxes, and there were few funds to pay for a police or fire department, let alone a sewer system.

To highlight the benefits Preston Hollow residents would receive as part of Dallas, the April 4 parade included a fire truck, a police car, a garbage truck, and a truck hauling two large concrete sewer pipes.

And as for the Park Cities? Dallas wasted no time in annexing everything that surrounded Highland Park and University Park. Dallas Mayor Woodall Rodgers met with supporters and announced that the vote was actually a victory – Park Cities residents had only narrowly defeated annexation and, while they had made a mistake, “eventually, they will correct it.”

Celebrate University Park’s Centennial by finding your dream home –where past and future converge. Let's make your next move a part of this historic milestone. Your home, Your legacy.

“We will cut the pattern to fit the cloth from now on,” he said. “Dallas is on the march because its old-time spirit is aroused.”

Note on sources: Except where otherwise noted, the quotations and information used in this article were sourced from The Dallas Morning News articles published between Dec. 28, 1944, and April 5, 1945.

elliott@daveperrymiller.com214.675.8353elliott.daveperrymiller.com

Ahead of Its Time: The Accidental, Enviable Design of University Park

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

If you live in University Park, odds are you’re within an easy walk of at least one park and some neighborhood shopping. Your street is lined with trees, and it’s narrow enough that traffic doesn’t speed down it. You almost can’t avoid being near a church, school, or neighborhood center, such as the library or YMCA.

That kind of walkable, environmentally-friendly community design is called “New Urbanism,” and it was considered revolutionary when outlined by the Congress for the New Urbanism in 1993, said Preservation Park Cities archives chairman Taylor Armstrong.

But University Park’s design was nearly complete by the 1950s. So how did it end up with the kind of neighborhood that developers today aspire to create? The answer, Armstrong said, is due partly to a department

store owner’s vision for developing the farmland around Dallas.

The story of University Park begins in the 1840s, when two migrants bought the land that later became the city.

The first, William Caruth, arrived in the Dallas area in 1848 with $100 in possessions. When he saw the North Texas plains, he decided they were ideal for cotton farming. His brother, Walter, joined him and, with a $1,000 loan from their father, they opened a general merchandise store and began buying land, according to The Caruth Saga, … a September 1975 D Magazine article.

The second landowner, Frances Sims Daniel, came to the area from Alabama in 1849 with her sister, children and slaves. She spent her life savings to buy 640 acres at 50 cents an acre, former mayor Roy C. Coffee Jr. said in a 2009 speech.

Development of University Park began in earnest in the 1920s with property south of Lovers Lane between Turtle Creek and Preston Road.

One of that area’s two primary developers was Leonard Volk, an innovative shoe store owner from Baltimore who opened the nation’s first entirely air-conditioned department store in downtown Dallas. Volk conceived of a development he called “Brookside

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Estates,” which quickly became known as “Volk Estates” and featured scenic lots, according to The Homes of the Park Cities, Dallas: Great American Suburbs

“I think he saw an opportunity to do some more estate like development like Highland Park had,” Armstrong said, noting that Highland Park was designed by the same planner who had previously developed California’s upscale Beverly Hills neighborhood. “In fact, he wanted it to be as good or better than Highland Park.”

The expansive properties in Volk Estates attracted the likes of oil tycoons Algur Meadows and Everette DeGolyer. “Anybody who was anybody lived in Volk estates, still does,” Armstrong said. The project also spawned development north of Lovers Lane, he added, explaining that “his doing that, taking that risk, really attracted people who might not be able to afford to be in Volk Estates, but they wanted to be close to it.”

The houses in University Park were built a handful at a time, and over the years the area ended up with a blend of homes, parks and retail. The streets were built in a grid pattern simply because they could be — the landscape was featureless prairie, and nothing stood in the way.

“It’s really almost an ideal setup,” Armstrong said, “that just sort of happened over time.”

A University Park street in the city’s early years. COURTESY CITY OF UNIVERSITY PARK

•

University Park’s First Congregation Welcomes Those in Need of a Place

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

University Park’s oldest congregation met for the first time in 1899 at Temple Emanu-El because no churches would welcome its members in their buildings. The congregation has since made it a mission to open its doors to others in need of a place.

The First Unitarian Church, which has called Preston Road home since the 1940s, was organized in December 1899 under the leadership of Daniel Christian Limbaugh, who recognized the need for a church for those “at sea without a chart or compass” due to their view that “the old dogmas, doctrines, and creeds appear outgrown.”

The church has since expanded from 32 founding members to 1,100. It serves about 3,000 people, broadcasts to 30 states and seven countries, and is continuing to grow by about 10% a year, said

the Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, the senior minister.

The church has always been a place of “genuine inclusiveness,” he said. “We have stood on those principles that we will create tolerance and inclusion wherever we

can, throughout our history.”

The church was likely the first in Texas to integrate, Kanter said. In 1944, the church’s minister, the Rev. Dr. Robert Raible, “shocked some people in the Dallas church community when he welcomed

two blacks to his congregation,” according to his 1983 obituary in The Dallas Morning News. Raible became a leading voice for school desegregation, assailing the Dallas school board for dragging its feet.

The Unitarians have continued to

welcome those in need and worked as crusaders for social justice. Members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee met at the church in the 1960s. The Unitarian Church’s ministers marched in Selma with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In the early 1970s, the church gave the keys to its library to a group of the area’s first Muslims so that they would have a place for prayer. During the AIDS crisis, Catholic gay men were given communion in the church’s sanctuary. The members of the Unitarian Church were “one of the first churches in the early ’70s in the country to declare ourselves a welcoming, affirming community for lesbian, gay, and transgender people. We continue that work,” Kanter said.

“This is actually a really important church in the history of America,” he continued. “And very few people even know who we are or what we’re up to here.”

Highland Park UMC, a Campus Congregation, Grows Up With SMU

By Grace Chandler People Newspapers

The long history of Highland Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC) dates back to 1915 when the first classes were held at SMU.

Back then, SMU required its 700 students to attend one church service each Sunday, a challenge with no churches near campus.

What is now HPUMC would become the solution.

The University Church held services in SMU’s Dallas Hall with the university’s first president, Dr. Robert S. Hyer, giving Dr. Ivan Lee Holt, chaplain and chairman of the School of Theology, the privilege of preaching.

In 1916, Bishop Edwin Mouzon had Methodists meet at University Methodist Episcopal Church, South (MECS), which later that year became Highland Park MECS with Clovis G. Chappell as pastor. His 30 books of sermons are still read today.

In 1927, members entered the new sanctuary, singing, “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name.” SMU president Dr. Charles C. Selecman preached the message that morning.

When the Great Depression hit, HPUMC helped more than 200 needy families. The ministry included giving students small loans, serving in West Dallas,

and donating food and clothing.

In 1939, Georgia Bates became the church’s missionary nurse, serving for 34 years.

Under the Rev. William H. Dickinson, a WWII veteran and senior minister, HPUMC built its sanctuary, launching construction with a ceremony in June 1953.

The congregation honored Dickinson’s profound impact by naming a home for older adults for him. In 1971, Dickinson Place welcomed low-income elderly residents, providing affordable rooms and a healthy place to live.

The following year, the Rev. Leighton Farrell became senior minister. The church grew, became a significant part of the North Texas Conference, began a Haiti Eye Clinic, and added a television ministry.

Since 2013, the Rev. Paul Rasmussen, a fifth-generation Methodist pastor, has served as senior minister.

In 2015, HPUMC celebrated 100 years with 5,500 members and guests gathering in Moody Coliseum to celebrate a congregation with a heart for leading people to Jesus.

Daniel Christian Limbaugh and his flock. COURTESY FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH

Highland Park United Methodist Church’s sanctuary opened in 1927. COURTESY HPUMC

Headquartered in Hilltop Plaza, Hilltop Holdings flaunts its University Park ties not only in name, but in personnel.

Many of Hilltop’s employees live in University Park, and chairman Gerald J. Ford is an SMU graduate and longtime supporter. With this familiarity and appreciation for the community, Hilltop Holdings is dedicated to equipping University Park citizens with the most diverse and robust financial services possible.

Hilltop has three subsidiaries to provide these services: PlainsCapital Bank for banking, HilltopSecurities for municipal investment banking and PrimeLending for mortgage origination. In each of these business lines, Hilltop’s goal of meeting the highest standards of excellence shines through.

PlainsCapital is a leading Texas-based bank that provides both consumer and commercial banking to fit any individual business model. They also provide wealth management services through The Private Bank at PlainsCapital.

HilltopSecurities consistently ranks as one of the top municipal advisors in the U.S.. They offer full-service municipal investment banking and advising for public entities, institutional investors, housing finance agencies, broker-dealers and individual investors.

PrimeLending has been recognized for its award-winning culture and was an Editor’s Pick in the Scotsman Guide, a leading resource for mortgage originators. PrimeLending focuses exclusively on home purchases, refinancing, and renovation financing.

“From day one, our company has been focused on building long-term customer relationships and providing a level of service that is all too rare these days,” said Jeremy Ford, president and CEO of Hilltop Holdings. “We realize we have the ability to make a positive difference in some of the most important aspects of people’s lives. We take that very seriously.”

Hilltop Holdings is grateful to their clients and the people of University Park, and admires community members’ generosity when it comes to volunteering and charitable donations. To show their appreciation, the Hilltop team can think of no better way than to mirror this generosity and give back to the community they love.

From the North Texas Food Bank and local schools, to the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, Hilltop is proud to lend their support through financial contributions and in-person volunteering. Most recently, HilltopSecurities donated $5,000 to Friends of the University Park Library to provide reading and educational programs for adults and children alike.

“It’s an exciting time for the entire Hilltop organization,” Ford said. “We’re looking forward to building on our legacy and continuing to serve our customers and communities.”

LAUREN RUMINER

PICTURED: Brian Heflin, PlainsCapital Bank President; Steve Thompson, PrimeLending President and CEO; Jeremy Ford, Hilltop Holdings President and CEO; Brad Winges, HilltopSecurities President and CEO

FOUR GENERATIONS OF THE CUDE FAMILY CHERISH FRIENDS,

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

They’ve seen neighbors come and go, along with Snider Plaza’s spudnuts and the chicken salad sandwiches at Ralph’s Fine Foods. But members of the Cude family, who have lived in University Park for four generations, say that the heart of the community hasn’t changed at all.

“We’ve seen a lot of change,” John Cude said, “and very little change.”

When one of the three Cude grandkids fell off his bike, a neighbor called his mom, Jen Clifton, to give her a heads-up. There’s always someone to give the kids a ride home and to look out for them if something could be wrong.

“People notice,” Clifton said, “and care.”

It’s that sense of community that has kept the Cude family in University Park for almost 90 years.

Eva and J. Harold Cude were the first family members to arrive in University Park in the 1930s when they moved into a newly built home at 4117 Stanford Ave. Eva, an SMU grad, and Harold had met when the pair went on a joint blind date with Eva’s friend Gladybelle Bandy. Eva decided that Harold was the better-looking of the two dates and beat Gladybelle to the door.

Their son, John Cude, married his Highland Park classmate Sandra Graham. Even though the two had gone to school together, they didn’t connect until after graduation when Sandra, who was working at Nieman Marcus, went looking for brown ink and found John, then a dental school student, behind the counter at Stewart Office Supply.

John and Sandra lived on Binkley before moving into a house in the University Park Elementary attendance zone. However, for John, who had gone to Hyer Elementary, the location wasn’t an easy choice.

“Our probably biggest argument was when we started looking at this house, and it wasn’t in Hyer,” Sandra, who went to University Park Elementary, said from the living room where they still live. “I tease him that I won, but he really loved the house.”

Their children, Jen and Hampton, grew up playing outside with the neighborhood kids. Jen remembers her grandfather on the Graham side, affectionately known as “Good Daddy,” walking over daily to spend time with her and her brother. The neighborhood kids would all pile into his car for

special trips to 7-Eleven or McDonald’s. Jen said her grandparents drove carpool, attended sporting events and recitals, and got to know her friends and their families.

“So many of my memories are of my grandparents just being a part of our everyday life,” Jen said, “just constantly at our house, or we were at their house.”

Eva, who frequently hosted her grandchildren or came to stay with her son and daughter-in-law, was known for dressing up in a witch costume, complete with yellow kitchen gloves, to hand out candy at Halloween.

Today, Sandra and John carry on the Halloween tradition, with Sandra as a witch with kitchen gloves and John as a vampire. John, a dentist who still practices at University Park Dental on Sherry Lane, has even made his own teeth for the costume.

Hampton now lives in Austin but returns frequently to the community where he was raised. He’s a proud uncle to Jen’s kids and helps his parents as much as he can.

“He’s very much like Good Daddy,” Sandra said.

Jen, who married her sweetheart from Highland Park High School, moved back to University Park when their oldest son was an infant. Today, their home is an easy walk from both her and her husband’s parents.

“We have certainly worn out Boedeker walking back and forth to each other’s homes in high school, and now our kids do so going between both grandparents’ homes on Boedecker,” Jen said.

Jen followed in her mother’s footsteps and served as president of the University Park Preschool Association. The two youngest Clifton children became Boone Elementary Bulldogs when HPISD redrew its attendance zones in 2020, and today, Jen is active in the Boone PTA.

The Clifton kids, Jen said, have the same connection to their grandparents as she did growing up. Their grandparents drive carpool, take the children fishing in Caruth Park, and volunteer in the cafeteria. Jen’s fourth-grade son and his friends sometimes at her motherin-law’s house before biking to school.

The family loves running into friends and their extended families. Sometimes, friends share their memories of times with Jen’s grandparents in the “small little circle” that is University Park.

“You’ve got everything you want in a big city,” Jen said. “But it feels like a very small town.”

UNIVERSITY PARK City Marks Centennial With Book, Brick Sales, Week of Special Events

The city of University Park has planned a full week of events to celebrate its 100th birthday. It’s also teamed up with local vendors for Centennial-themed giveaways, discounts, and special merchandise on sale the week of April 7 to 13.

Residents can leave their mark on city history by purchasing personalized Centennial bricks or contributing to the city’s digital photo archive. They can take home a slice of history by ordering a coffee-table style Centennial Book, which explores the twists and turns that made the city what it is today. Visit uptexas.org/466/Centennial-Celebration to learn more about the special offers and how to get involved in University Park’s Centennial Celebration.

Schedule of Centennial Week Events

Tuesday, April 9, at 1:30 p.m.

A Look Back at the History of the University Park Fire and Police Departments at the University Park Public Library. Panelists will include Fire Chief Randy Howell and UPPD Criminal Investigation Division Lieutenant Curtis Ellenburg. The panel will be moderated by former UP Director of Communications and Marketing Steve Mace.

Tuesday, April 9, at 7 p.m.

A Visit with the Mayors at the University Park Public Library. The panel is scheduled to include Mayor Tommy Stewart (2020-present), Mayor Olin Lane

(2014-2020), Mayor Dick Davis (20102014), Mayor Harold Peek (1998-2004), and Mayor Roy Coffee Jr. (1976-1982), and will be moderated by former City Councilmember Gage Prichard.

Wednesday, April 10, all day Free admission to the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Meadows Museum at SMU. Visit bushcenter.org/ plan-your-visit to reserve Presidential Center tickets online. Show your valid driver’s license as proof of UP residence to receive your free Meadows Museum admission. Any UP resident who joins the museum as a new member from April 7 to April 13 will get an additional three months of membership free.

Friday, April 12, at 10 a.m.

100th Anniversary Ceremony: Dedication of the Centennial Tree and Time Capsule in Goar Park.

Friday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to noon

Open houses at city facilities (City Hall, Peek Service Center, UP Public Library and Transfer Station).

Saturday, April 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Centennial Celebration at Goar and Williams parks. The celebration will feature food trucks, entertainment for all ages, and an after-dark drone show.

Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m.

Friends of the University Park Public Library Centennial Series with UP city

COURTESY CITY OF UNIVERSITY PARK

Photographs from the Cude, Graham and Clifton family albums show four generations of University Park residents, including at top left (Left to Right) Eva Clifton, Cooper Clifton, Joe Clifton, John Cude, Jen Clifton, Jack Clifton, and Sandra Cude. ABOVE: See Eva and Harold Cude, who moved to a newly-built home on Stanford Avenue in the 1930s. COURTESY PHOTOS

Authors, Scholars Inspired by Neighborhood Full of History

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

Though many are unaware, the two oldest houses in University Park sit in the bucolic historic 3400 block of University Boulevard.

The second oldest, a 1916 prairie style home originally owned by Theology Dean James Kilgore at 3415, belongs now to architect and preservationist Craig Melde and his wife, Rebecca. He’s compiled an inventory of UP houses up to 1930, with their addresses, age, and style of architecture.

“We’re putting together an inventory for Highland Park and University Park for a book that will be published soon, Park Cities Homes: A Field Guide ,” he said, referencing his work with Preservation Park Cities. “I think we have 170 houses. The house on the corner predates this house by half a year or so.”

Melde identifies the oldest house as the

majestic white neoclassical home constructed for SMU Bishop Edwin Mouzon at 3444. Philip and Melissa Wise own it now.

“There are probably 10 historic districts in Dallas that are protected,” Melde noted. “I started Preservation Park Cities in the ’90s to build momentum to get the city to adopt some sort of protection mechanism. But that’s not going to happen.”

quite beautiful, and I’m scared one of them is going to just go away.”

Melde has since left Preservation Park Cities, though he praises the organization for its great efforts and the increasing impact it has on the community.

“It’s an amazing story of how one neighborhood can have such a rich, diverse history in a city as new as Dallas.”

“All we have is advocacy,” Melde said, adding he worries about historic homes like those at the architecturally significant intersection on Shenandoah.

Bonnie Wheeler

“There are four Charles Dilbeck houses, one on each corner,” he said. “They’re really

“I think we designated 20 or 30 houses,” he said. “It’s just a plaque of recognition that says this is an important place.”

SMU Medieval Literature professor and neighborhood historian Bonnie Wheeler moved into the block in 1975, then into her elegant present 1925 home in 1978.

“This house started with the back house, which was built in 1915, but because of

the war, construction of the main house was delayed due to the wait on materials — bricks from Chicago. This is true of almost all these houses. As they were building them, they tended to live in these little back cottages while they were waiting for the front house to be built.”

“This was kind of ‘Dean Street,’” she said. “I’m only the third owner of this house, which tells you something about consistency on this street. Although, these days that’s rare.”

A photo scanning project turned into a book, she said. “It was supposed to take a weekend, but it turned out taking two years.”

The Block Book (Scriptorium Press, 1996) is her engrossing and exhaustive history of the 3400 block of University Boulevard.

“The history of these houses and the people who lived in them just got richer and richer,” she said. “It’s an amazing story of how one neighborhood can have such a rich, diverse history in a city as new as Dallas.”

This photograph appears in Bonnie Wheeler’sThe Block Book. Looking down University Boulevard from Dallas Hall at SMU, the home at 3415 can be seen on the left and the one at 3444 in the distance on the right. The house in the right foreground doesn’t exist anymore. JOSH HICKMAN AND COURTESY PHOTO

Park City Club

LISA CHRIS-TIETJEN AND HARRY CHRIS

Park City Club has a saying: “The only thing we overlook is the view.” This rings true not only in the club’s breathtaking panoramic views of the Dallas skyline, but in the staff’s fervent attention to detail. From business lunches and meetings to happy hours and weddings, Park City Club exceeds its members expectations with the utmost care and attentiveness. The club has been situated in its idyllic location at the heart of University Park and Highland Park since 1984, making this its 40th year serving the Park Cities people.

“We wanted to create a place where like-minded community leaders and professionals could gather to enjoy elegant dining and gracious service,” said founder Harry Chris. The club has not only achieved this, but has become the Park Cities’ go-to spot for connecting with associates, friends and family.

PRIVATE CLUB

“Park City Club is not just a place to meet. It’s become a tradition for generations of families,” said Lisa Chris-Tietjen, president.

“We have incredibly loyal members,” added general manager Michael Davis. “We watch their kids grow up and it becomes a family affair. We are honored to meet such interesting and incredible people.”

Park City Club has reciprocity with more than 200 private clubs which offers a diverse range of options and facilities worldwide. Other member benefits include access to networking and professional groups, hundreds of events throughout the year and private meeting rooms and spaces for larger events.

Today, Park City Club stands as a testament to its founders’ vision and commitment to excellence. After 40 fabulous years serving the Park Cities, Park City Club is even more eager to serve its members for the next 40 years and beyond.

Park City Club

5956 Sherry Lane, Suite 1700 214.373.0756 parkcityclub.net

LAUREN RUMINER

Snider Plaza Evolves But Boasts Many Mainstays

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

Snider Plaza opened in 1927 but remained underdeveloped through the Depression.

By 1945, University Park had grown to around 18,000 residents and had 120 businesses. Businesses have come and gone over the years, but a few have stood the test of time.

The Fuqua family’s Plaza Health Foods at 6722 Snider Plaza is likely the oldest.

“It was originally my grandad Paul’s Plaza Bakery, which he started after World War II,” recounted proprietor Max Fuqua. “Safeway was becoming more popular as people trended toward a one-stop shop. They kind of saw the writing on the wall and decided to do something no one else was doing. My grandmother, Esther, was trained as a nurse before the widespread use of pharmaceuticals.”

the bakery in 1949.

“It became a center for health here in Dallas and later nationwide,” said Max, who took over the business in 1999. “We have customers all over the world now. But we have frozen yogurt now instead of cakes. My dad took it over in the ‘70s and built it up into a bigger operation. He put in frozen yogurt in the ‘70s, so we’re probably the oldest yogurt shop in town, too.”

Another venerable plaza mainstay is Kuby’s Sausage House and Market at 6601 Snider Plaza, opened by Karl Kuby Sr. in 1961. Generations of UP residents have grown up with its beloved German food and fare.

“The only thing that’s certain is change.”

Suzanne Roberts

Having learned plant-based medicine, she put the first supply of vitamins and herbs in

“6601 was originally two stores — Kuby’s and Mr. Tuxedo,” proprietor Karl Kuby Jr. said. “In 1971, Mr. Tuxedo said, ‘We really gotta move because our tuxedoes are smelling like sausage.’ So, my dad took over that part, and Mr. Tuxedo moved down to the corner.”

In 1977, Kuby’s expanded the deli, meat

market, and shop by absorbing the space of an auto parts store at 6605.

“I love what I do,” Karl Jr. said. “What I love even more is seeing my customers’ fourth and fifth generations. That’s really cool.”

So is seeing Karl Sr. still visiting weekly at 91.

“He loves seeing the customers that he’s seen forever,” Karl Jr. said. “And he loves giving out the gummi bears to the kids.”

Suzanne Roberts’ self-titled gift shop at 6718 Snider Plaza will turn 49 this November. What began as a way to “make a little extra money” has flowered into a Plaza mainstay for stationary, gifts, and seasonal décor.

“I’m the only one outside of Neiman Marcus who carries MacKenzie-Childs,” she boasted.

“Some of the young (customers’) grandparents were shopping with me,” Suzanne said.

“Business is better than it used to be in that people have more discretionary income,” she added, but rents have increased, and she bought her present building in 2016.

“I’m always looking for new things, changing it up,” Suzanne said. “The only thing that’s certain is change.”

MORE FUN FACTS

Burger House - 6913 Hillcrest Ave.

Started in 1951 by Prometheus “Jack” Koustabardis, the stalwart Burger House continues to serve burgers, fries, and shakes, with newer locations on Mockingbird Lane and Marsh Lane in Addison. The no-nonsense vintage-style original hamburger stand is a great place to get the feel of college cuisine in the 1950s. Jack’s seasoned fries remain a staple at the State Fair of Texas.

The Ivy House - 6925 Snider Plaza

Founded in Old Town shopping center in 1971 as a Wedgewood specialty store, The Ivy House moved to Snider Plaza in 2000. Offering 100s of brands and 1,000s of luxury items and gifts, it remains the go-to place for bridal and wedding gift registries. Fine china and silverware are among the most popular items at a store that also offers a vast array of seasonal holiday décor, plus personal shoppers, registry consultants, and gift certificates.

Food From Galilee - 6710 Snider Plaza

The family business of Lebanese brothers Kasel and Yasir Elkhaled, Food From Galilee, started as an American sandwich shop with Middle Eastern dinner options in 1991. By 2000, the American options had faded into a full-fledged Middle Eastern restaurant by popular demand. The menu includes vegetarian favorites such as hommos, falafel, and baba ghannouj, plus savory meat dishes like gyros, lamb kebabs, chicken shwarma, and Cornish hens.

Such longtime businesses as Suzanne Roberts and Food From Galilee remain Snider Plaza favorites.

Above, a vintage photo shows the corner Kuby’s Sausage House and Market now occupies, back when it was a garage. JOSH HICKMAN AND COURTESY KARL KUBY JR.

Benchmark Bank

JONATHAN FILGO AND CORBY FERRELL

Benchmark Bank likes to say they know their customers by name, not by their account numbers. A true Texas community bank, Benchmark has locations in Plano, Austin, Houston, Park Cities and Preston Hollow. Benchmark is a family-owned company and prides itself on building personal relationships with customers and giving them the respect that they, and their money, deserve.

With this year marking their 60th anniversary, Benchmark is confident in these relationships and their ability to serve the Park Cities and Preston Hollow communities. Benchmark sees these neighborhoods as home, and they treat customers like family.

BANKING

“This is where we live, are raising our children and, in many cases, were raised ourselves,” said Corby Ferrell, president of Benchmark Bank’s Park Cities branch. “Our chairman, as well as numerous board members and branch employees, are graduates of Highland Park High School. When you live here, you have a vested interest to ensure that the neighborhood thrives. We take pride as a company, and as

individuals, in supporting our schools and local philanthropic organizations. Our customers are our friends and neighbors. We are all part of a community that we love serving.”

For Benchmark Bank, part of contributing to a thriving community is providing customers with security and comfort when it comes to their finances. From savings account set-up to loan management, Benchmark advocates for its clients and provides top tier service through a knowledgeable and proficient team.

The Benchmark Bank team is committed to serving the Park Cities and Preston Hollow communities for years to come, and plan to continually refine and update their banking capabilities while never losing the face-to-face, personal interactions that set them apart.

BenchmarkBank.com

7019 Hillcrest Avenue 972.673.4060

LAUREN RUMINER

University Park Quiz (From Page B4) Often Offers Surprising Answers

1. It’s up for debate. Snider Plaza predates Highland Park Village by several years, according to Taylor Armstrong, Preservation Park Cities archives chairman. But what about the plaque in Highland Park Village near the current site of the Christian Dior boutique? It states that Highland Park Village was “the first of its kind” and “is the prototype for modern shop ping centers.”

Highland Park Village was the first shopping center with a unified architectur al style and single own ership. Snider Plaza, in contrast, was “built by several owners without a single architectural style echoing a small town’s downtown diversity,” Armstrong said. Depending on how you define shopping center, Snider Plaza may be the Park Cities’ first, even though Highland Park Village was the first shopping center of its type.

“Wentworth,” which is also the name of a university, according to Coffee’s 2009 speech. The street was renamed to avoid confusion with a street in Oak Cliff also called Wentworth.

4. The original name of McFarlin Boulevard west of Preston Road was San Lorenzo Drive. 1925 plans for “Loma Linda, An Addition To The Town Of University Park,” include Spanish-sounding names for all the streets west of Preston Road between University Boulevard and Stanhope Avenue. Westchester Drive was originally Santa Rita, Douglas Avenue was Santa Rosa, Larchmont Avenue was San Lucas Drive, and Windsor Parkway was Loma Linda Parkway.

But if you guessed that this section of McFarlin was once called Roberts, you’re close – that was the name of McFarlin Boulevard near SMU.

the pup was replaced by a revolving roster of cheerleaders’ energetic younger brothers and sisters, according to the Morning News . But a pitbull has never helped cheer for the Scots.

7. “Old Frank,” a slave for more than 40 years, was the first burial in the Daniel Family Cemetery in 1850, according to the Historical Marker Database. But the conditions in University Park in the 1850s must have been hard on all members of the Daniel family. Isabella Harwood, the daughter of early settler Frances Sims Daniel, died in 1851, just two years after her arrival. Frances Sims Daniel herself died in 1853.

shot the buffalo. He gave its meat to the Salvation Army and mounted its head on his office wall.

What happened to the rest of the herd?

According to a May 19, 1931 article from The Dallas Morning News , two of the buffalo out of the original herd of eight remained at large and the hunt for them extended north 100 miles from Dallas. The fate of those last two buffalo has been lost in the annals of history.

10. Frogs. Hyer’s first principal, Newton Manning, was a “grown-up kid.” He showed up for Hyer’s carnival in a clown suit, complete with a red nose, and donned a Santa costume before Christmas, according to a 1969 Dallas Morning News article.

2. Before incorporation, University Park was called SoMethUn, according to 2009 speech by former mayor Roy C. Coffee Jr. The name came from the bill of lading on building materials used to construct SMU’s Dallas Hall. Because no city surrounded the university, SoMethUn was written to indicate the supplies’ destination.

3. Most of the streets north of Lovers Lane are named for the nation’s univer sities, including Stanford, Bryn Mawr, Amherst, and Colgate. Hanover Street gets its moniker from the town surround ing Dartmouth College. Caruth is named for one of the two original families who owned the land that later became Uni versity Park.

But what about Wentwood? No, it’s not named after Wentwood Forest in Wales. Wentwood was originally called

5. Let’s hope you like chicken! Bubba’s is on the menu for break fast, lunch, and dinner in the University Park jail. But what if an inmate is vegan? Not to worry, says University Park Community Information Officer Paige Ruedy. Bubba’s has vegan and vegetarian options, such as vegetable sides, and the police department will ensure that it meets all dietary restrictions before placing an order.

Seven and a half. Seven are entirely within University Park’s city limits: First Unitarian Church, Highland Park Presbyterian Church, Park Cities Baptist Church, University Park United Methodist Church, Preston Road Church of Christ, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, and Christ Lutheran Church. Part of Highland Park United Methodist Church is in University Park, and part sits in Highland Park, Armstrong said.

6. A pitbull. Until at least 1947, Highland Park High School’s mascot was a scottie pup, who attended games in a specially made blanket adorned with school’s colors. But at least once he had help. At a 1937 football game, the dog was joined by a goat presented by the Highland Park Dads’ Club as a “special aid to Scottie,” according to The Dallas Morning News articles. Sometime prior to 1957,

9. Snider Plaza by W.W. Caruth Jr. in 1931. There had been a wild west show at the Caruth plantation, Coffee explained in his 2009 speech. But the show’s buffalo broke through a fence and headed down Lovers Lane. Most of the buffalo turned north, but one buffalo went south to Snider Plaza and started terrorizing the area’s residents. University Park’s lone police of ficer called Caruth, who came over and

Manning also brought a farm’s worth of animals to the school over the years, including goats, rab bits, chick ens, and a calf.

The calf, which was bottle-fed by students, had to go when it could no longer fit through the school’s door. The chickens also created problems. “They flew into classrooms until their wings were clipped,” according to the Morning News. No records exist, however, of Manning welcoming any amphibians into the school, including frogs.

HOW DID YOU DO?

8-10: Congratulations! You’ve earned your doctorate in University Park history.

5-7: Not bad! Keep studying up and you can call yourself a Scotsman.

2-4: You’ve spent too long cruising the Miracle Mile. Time to hit the history books!

0-1: When did you get here? Are you still unpacking?

Share your quiz results on your Instagram Stories and tag us @PeopleNewspapers for a chance to be reposted!

SARAH H ODGES

SARAH HODGES

SARAH HODGES

SARAH HODGES

SARAH HODGES

Moody Family YMCA

Happy 100 year anniversary to the City of University Park from your friends at the Moody YMCA

MOODYFAMILYYMCA.ORG

Exciting changes are happening for Tolleson Wealth Management. With a freshly redesigned Highland Park office and a newly opened location in University Park, the Tolleson team is looking forward to continuing to build relationships and strengthen financial futures.

“Serving our local University Park community is important to us and our goal to provide all things financial for families,” said Tolleson Wealth Management president and CEO Carter Tolleson. “The City of University Park has hit an exciting milestone with 100 years, and we are honored to celebrate as a new neighbor.”

Tolleson Wealth Management has served Dallas for more than two decades and continues to offer comprehensive services such as investment management, estate planning, trustee and estate settlement, philanthropy and private banking. Last year, Tolleson Wealth Management promoted Tracy Fulton to president of Tolleson Private Bank. His promotion was

one of a few key leadership positions named to recognize and honor dedicated tenured team members.

“I believe in the power of a strong community bank and am excited for this leadership role,” Fulton said. “We are looking forward to continuing to serve with excellence and a high-touch approach, while also bringing our services to new families. We invite all to visit and see our new space.”

The new Tolleson offices at 8111 Douglas Ave. near Preston Center is a convenient location for all University Park community members. The team is proud to celebrate University Park’s centennial milestone and be a part of its vibrant community.

Tolleson Wealth Management

5500 Preston Road #250

214.252.3250

tollesonwealth.com

Tolleson Private Bank, Member FDIC

LAUREN RUMINER

PICTURED: Tracy Fulton, President of Tolleson Private Bank; Jessica Ingram, Branch Manager; Carter Tolleson, President & CEO of Tolleson Wealth Management

Sharon Perry Martin Retirement Closes Founding Chapter of City’s Library

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

University Park lost its first – and only –library director when Sharon Perry Martin retired after more than 11 years of service.

“The only job just about I ever wanted my whole life is to be a librarian, and to be one here has really been wonderful and been a lot of fun,” Martin told the University Park City Council when its members recognized her at their Feb. 20 meeting. “Thank you for trusting me … with that brand-new library.”

The city aims to name a replacement by June.

Martin joined the staff of the University Park Public Library before there was a library. She began her work with the task of opening the library’s building in The Plaza at Preston Center, setting the library’s budget, and transitioning it from a book barn into an official municipal library.

Martin, the library staff, and volunteers managed to open the building’s doors after three weeks of shelving and tagging books.

Martin had come across the UP job posting by happenstance while helping a colleague at the Dallas Public Library find a job.

“I thought, ‘what an opportunity to go to work for a community that worked so hard to get a library and to get started from the ground up,’” she explained.

The book-loving community was Martin’s favorite aspect of her job. As the director of a small library, Martin knew her readers, their families, and the types of books they enjoyed.

When she received new books, she would email users to tell them a requested book was available. If she hadn’t seen a customer in a while, she might check and

make sure they were well.

Although Martin came to University Park in 2012, she could count 29 years as a librarian. She was inspired to pursue the career by an aunt who, like her, loved books and history and worked as a librarian in southern Louisiana.

After Martin graduated with master’s degrees in library science and history from the University of North Texas, she began her career in the Dallas Public Library.

She worked there for 17 years, 18 if you counted her practicum as a student.

“Libraries have been at the front edge of technology,” Martin said, crediting technological advances with allowing the library to deliver services during the pandemic.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, the library continued to offer its Halloween party via Zoom and, at times, viewers could see Martin’s dogs running behind her during Facebook live programs.

With funding from real estate professional Christine McKenny, the library started “UP @ the Library Family Time.” The Saturday programs have featured

LOOKING FOR NEW BOOKS?

Here’s what Sharon Perry Martin recommends:

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Husbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams (forthcoming in June)

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

guests from the Dallas Zoo and the Perot Museum.

Under the guidance of the library’s “wonder woman,” Zoe Williams, University Park has also started offering two monthly programs for older children: Elementary Explorers, which features STEAM content, and Create and Chill, which involves a creative or art project. Martin said the programs are very popular, each attracting 20 to 25 participants.

Martin’s husband, Mike, has been retired for 10 years, almost as long as she’s worked in the University Park library. The pair have plans to travel, beginning with a trip to Switzerland and a riverboat cruise on the Rhine that ends in Amsterdam. Closer to home, neither has seen Big Bend or the Marfa Lights, and the pair plan to spend more time with their four grandchildren and possibly at their place in Oklahoma.

Martin already reviews advanced copies of books and may create a personal book review blog. She has also started volunteering with local pageants. Last October, she participated in the Miss Senior Texas Pageant, her first pageant since 1979.

“Being a librarian is just the best job in the world,” Martin said. “But working in this community has made it even better.”

Sharon Perry Martin holds an advance copy of James Patterson and Matt Eversmann’s The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians, which will hit shelves on April 8. An interview with Martin is featured in the book. SARAH HODGES