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DECEMBER 2019 VOLUME 39 NO. 12
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Christmas lighting traditions to continue without the Big Pecan. Page 8 BECKER DEMMING
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Park CitiesPeople
December 2019 Vol. 39, No. 12 parkcitiespeople.com @pcpeople @peoplenewspapers
2 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
SIGHTS AND LESSONS AFTER A TORNADO
I
f you don’t regularly find yourself at Preston and Royal, or Walnut Hill and Marsh, for that matter, you wouldn’t have a difficult time forgetting that a tornado walloped north Dallas on Oct. 20. But business owners, residents, and students who found their homes, livelihoods, and places to learn decimated in seconds will never forget. To see the toy store you routinely use as “incentive/bribery” to get fidgety children through a sit-down dinner at a restaurant, the book store that always provided book lovers a cozy home away from home, and the grocery stores where you could always count on finding exactly what you need – even on Thanksgiving Day – shuttered thanks to 140-mile-per-hour wind and flying debris is sobering. To know that many of the owners of those businesses were local – and even considered friends and family – was heartbreaking. I began covering this tornado from my linen closet on that Sunday night. Early Monday morning, I left my home with my camera and managed to walk near the destruction wrought on the Preston and Royal intersection. There were buildings without windows, buildings without roofs, and mannequins on a clothing store floor, flung there after windows blew out, but for all the world looking like they, too, had taken cover.
I eventually made my way over to Walnut Hill and Midway, where Walnut Hill Elementary sat, pumBETHANY meled by the same E R I C KS O N tornado. It was stunning to think about how different these stories we reporters wrote over the past few weeks could have been if this tornado had struck at noon on a Monday, instead of 9 p.m. on a Sunday during a Dallas Cowboys game. It was hard to picture all that chaos calming anytime soon. But remarkable things began to happen. Dallas ISD was able to put thousands of students back in classrooms in three days. Communities and neighbors rallied to help each other and the most vulnerable victims of the storm, the students permanently displaced from their campuses. A documentary production team reached out to me two weeks after the tornado, and asked, “Do you think it resonates that tornadoes don’t care about how much your house is worth or how much you make a year?” It does. But what resonates more is that in the aftermath, the communities that rolled up sleeves to help didn’t either. Bethany Erickson Deputy Editor bethany.erickson@peoplenewspapers.com
Contents
Crime ............................ 4 News .............................. 8 Community ................. 14 Sports .......................... 20 Business ....................... 24 Schools ........................ 33 Crystal Charity Ball..... 39 Society ......................... 42 Living Well & Faith..... 50 Weddings ..................... 53 Classifieds .................... 55
EDITORIAL Editor William Taylor Deputy Editor Bethany Erickson Deputy Editor Rachel Snyder Sports Editor Todd Jorgenson Production Manager Melanie Thornton
CORRECTION: Woody and Meredith Abbott founded the Rabbott Company to provide products to help parents. Their last name was mispelled in the October issue. People Newspapers regrets the error.
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O P E R AT I O N S
Senior Account Executives Kim Hurmis Kate Martin
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Park Cities People is published monthly by CITY NEWSPAPERS LP, an affiliate of D Magazine Partners LP, 750 N. Saint Paul St., Suite 2100, Dallas, TX 75201. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. No reproduction without permission. Submissions to the editor may be sent via e-mail to editor@ peoplenewspapers.com. Correspondence must include writer’s name and contact number. Main phone number, 214-739-2244
4 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Crime S KU L D U G G E RY of the MONTH
NOT FAST ENOUGH
NEIGHBORS JARRED BY CVS SHOOTING BUT RALLY TO HELP MOTHER, NEWBORN By Rachel Snyder People Newspapers
F A woman intended to run into her home in the 3400 block of Hanover Street for just “a moment,” but even that turned out to be too long. Before she came back out at 9:51 p.m. Oct. 12, an opportunistic thief had taken the 2019 Lexus ES 350 that had been left idling in the driveway.
or people who live nearby or work in the shopping center in the 3000 block of Mockingbird Lane, where a pregnant CVS employee was shot in early November, the news of the violent attempted robbery proved jarring. University Park Police reported Orelia Hollins, 29, was shot in the waist by a masked robber in the store at 6:39 a.m. Nov. 2. The robber reportedly fired two shots, hit Hollins, and fled after another employee struggled to open the register. University Park Fire Department paramedics took Hollins to Presbyterian Hospital right after the shoot-
This kind of thing happens in east Dallas, where I live. It doesn’t happen here. Wendy Birdsall
OCT. 8
OCT. 11
A construction company reported at 12:17 p.m. that someone stole $2,000 worth of property from a home being built in the 3300 block of Wentwood Drive.
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COURTESY UPPD
A video released by the University Park Police Department shows a man fleeing the CVS store after the shooting on Nov. 2. Call Assistant Chief Jim Savage (214-564-4148) or Lt. John Ball (214-987-5354) if you can identify this person. Bellaver said staff members would donate their tips up to $1,000, he would match, and he hopes the restaurant’s corporate office would contribute as well. “I came in to prepare (orders Saturday), saw the caution tape… went around, talked to other managers (nearby) and pieced things together,” he said. “It’s a small community here.” Wendy Birdsall said she’s worked
at the sandwich shop for the last eight years and knew Hollins. “Highland Park, SMU, (University Park) is like a bubble. This kind of thing happens in east Dallas, where I live. It doesn’t happen here,” Birdsall said. “It hit home.” Police reported CVS is also offering a $25,000 reward for information about the shooting, and investigators were following up on leads at press time.
CRIME REPORTS OCT. 8 – NOV. 1 Reported at 6:04 p.m.: Someone broke into a black F150 and stole a backpack that contained a MacBook, calculator, and a wallet in the 6400 block of Hillcrest Avenue.
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ing, where she was admitted to surgery immediately upon arrival and gave birth to a boy. Assistant police chief Jim Savage said authorities visited Hollins recently and she and the baby are improving as of Nov. 9, but are expected to remain hospitalized for a while. Savage said the timing of the robbery — early in the morning on a Saturday — is consistent with someone who would want to strike when there wouldn’t be many people in the store. “We don’t get (a lot of ) robberies (in University Park),” Savage said. Guy Bellaver, owner of Roly Poly Sandwiches in the same shopping center, announced shortly after the shooting that the shop would help raise money for Hollins.
OCT. 12
A woman reported at 1:20 p.m. that she arrived back at home in the 4200 block of Potomac Avenue at noon on Oct. 10 after two days away to discover her wedding ring stolen from her drawer.
OCT. 13
At 9:38 p.m., youths attempted to break into the Snack Shack in Curtis Park.
OCT. 15
A woman reported at 8:05 a.m. that she left a key in the lock of her gate in the 3200 block of Drexel Drive and a 24-inch bicycle was taken between 3 p.m. Oct. 14 and 8:15 a.m. Oct. 15.
OCT. 16
A woman reported the keys were in a 2019 Range Rover when it was taken from the 3700 block of Caruth Boulevard sometime after 5:20 p.m.
OCT. 18
A man reported at 8:31 a.m. that someone took the $500 prescription glasses from a FedEx envelope in his mailbox in the 4200 block of Belclaire Avenue and left the empty envelope inside.
OCT. 19
A man reported at 11:12 p.m. that the key fob was in his unlocked 2018 Range Rover when someone drove the vehicle away
from his driveway in the 4500 block of Lorraine Avenue.
OCT. 21
A man reported at 10:43 a.m. that a tree service company dumped a large pile of debris in his driveway in the 4400 block of Purdue Street.
OCT. 22
A man reported at 10:49 p.m. that his 2017 Land Rover, which was left unlocked with the keys inside, was taken from the 3800 block of Bryn Mawr Drive.
OCT. 23
A man reported at 7:29 a.m. that someone was caught on video surveillance going into his backyard in the 3300 block of Mockingbird Lane, looking around the yard, then leaving.
OCT. 24
A man reported at 6:48 p.m. he left the keys in his unlocked 2013 Range Rover in the 3900 block of
Shenandoah Avenue and someone took it. His wife said it was still there at 7 a.m. but an employee said it was gone by 9 a.m.
OCT. 29
A man reported his 2018 BMW X2 missing f rom his driveway in the 4500 block of Belclaire Avenue at 7:20 a.m., and he suspected he may have left his keys inside. Officers also found some items, including a binder, a tumbler, and a pair of drumsticks that belong to the owner of the car in the street at the intersection of Belclaire Avenue and Roland Avenue.
NOV. 1
A valet reported at 11:14 p.m. Nov. 1 that he brought a Dodge Ram to the front of the Tulum restaurant in the 4200 block of Oak Lawn Avenue, and went back inside to let the guests know their vehicle was ready, but when they got back outside, the truck was gone.
8 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
News
THE MAYOR WHO DIDN’T STEAL CHRISTMAS HPISD Schools Goodwin: Lighting to continue without landmark ‘Big Pecan’
Tornado Ready
New facilities include safe places to shelter By Rachel Snyder People Newspapers
WILLIAM TAYLOR
ABOVE: Mayor Margo Goodwin tells journalists about how the historic pecan has been in irreversible decline for several years. LEFT: Crews preserved lumber from the trunk and larger limbs of the Big Pecan for commemorative uses to be determined later. Highland Park’s landmark pecan served as the town Christmas tree for the final time in 2018. The sister tree, seen behind it, becomes the new focal point of the celebration this year.
WILLIAM TAYLOR
By William Taylor People Newspapers
M
argo Goodwin didn’t set out to become the Highland Park mayor who took the Big Pecan tree down. The timing just worked out that way. “Mother Nature knows when it’s time, and that tree knows it can no longer support that canopy,” the mayor told journalists at Town Hall a few days before Preservation Tree Service would begin cutting down the landmark. Goodwin said her predecessor, Joel T. Williams, had reached out to let her know he regretted that removal of the town’s 150-year-old-plus landmark tree would come on her watch. Ronnie Brown, the former director of town services who worked for the town for 42 years, told her, “I’m glad I’m retired and won’t have to oversee that process,” she said. Goodwin expected the process to take three days, but after just one, a stump remained at the site that began serving in 1927 as the focal point of what has become known as the oldest Christmas tradition in Dallas County. The annual lighting, held at 6 p.m. the first Thursday in December, will go on, the mayor promised. This year, the celebration comes on Dec. 5.
BECKER DEMMING
“We will have new traditions with a new tree,” she said. Well, not exactly new. The town plans to light an adjacent big pecan that’s not even half as old and not yet as large as the 75-feet by 75-feet the great monarch reached before its decline. The replacement tree – called the “sister tree” by some – shares the DNA of the old pecan. Someone had the foresight to graft part of the old tree many decades ago, Goodwin said. “I was 10 years old when they planted that one,” Dale Cole Jenkins said. “The year was 1951.”
We will have new traditions with a new tree. Mayor Margo Goodwin Jenkins identified herself as a descendant of Joseph Cole, the Civil War veteran who saved the pencil-thin sapling he had just plowed over because he’d seen too much death already. She and her son, Becker Demming, came out to Armstrong Parkway and Preston Road in October, to watch and photograph their “family tree” come down and see its wood hauled off.
“It was hard, but I didn’t shed one tear,” she said. Jenkins is glad that Urban Timber Harvest will mill, kiln-dry, and store the recovered lumber for commemorative uses to be determined later by the Town Council. “This way, the tree lives on,” she said. It took four men almost a week to decorate the old tree with more than 5,000 lights, according to hptx.org. Kathleen Stewart, in her first year as director of town services, wasn’t sure what it would take to prepare the sister tree for Christmas. “We may not know until we fully light it the first time,” she said. Goodwin expects residents to turn out as usual. “When I go to the tree lighting each year, I meet people whose grandparents have been there, whose parents have been there, little children,” she said. “It’s just a wonderful way to kick off the holidays.”
R E M OVA L C O S T S S O FA R $2,800 - electrical landscape lighting removal and power decommission $13,150 – milling and storing of wood $4,875 – tree removal and stump grinding $3,235 – sod replacement and Installation $1,800 – irrigation modifications TOTAL: $25,860
To r n a d o e s SEE MORE ripped through ONLINE Dallas neighborhoods just a Check out our short drive from sister paper at the Park Cities, prestonhollowpeople. leaving behind com for thorough mangled homes, coverage of the shops, and tornadoes and their school buildings aftermath. as well as a critical reminder of the need for storm preparation and precautions. Oct. 20 was a Sunday, and the tornadoes arrived around 9 p.m. when many people were home watching the Dallas Cowboys or engaged in other activities. Imagine if the roof of Walnut Hill Elementary School had come off during the school day. Imagine if a Highland Park ISD school took a hit like that.
The basement at the high school is larger than anything we’ve had previously. Jon Dahlander No one wants that, but district officials said their schools would be ready. HPISD communications director Jon Dahlander explained how rules put in place after a powerful EF5 tornado ravaged Moore, Oklahoma, in May of 2013 called for any new school construction to include safe spaces for students and staff. With schools across the district getting rebuilt and renovated as part of the $361 million bond proposal approved by voters in 2015, campuses in Highland Park ISD have plenty of areas that can serve as safe rooms in the event of a tornado. Bradfield Elementary, which was finished with upgrades the summer of 2019, features a new parking garage that can serve as a shelter in the event of a tornado and work on a similar garage is underway for the new building going up to replace Hyer Elementary. University Park Elementary also has a parking garage that could serve as a storm shelter if need be. Highland Park Middle School has a parking garage as well, and Highland Park High School has a basement where students and staff can take shelter. “The basement at the high school is larger than anything we’ve had previously,” Dahlander said. “It’s a very good situation (at Highland Park ISD).” Fortunately, he said, the district’s schools haven’t had to use the garages or basement as a shelter so far.
10 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
New Texas Law Protects Right To Speak Up at Local Meetings HPISD, University Park, Highland Park leaders not anticipating many changes
Highland Park Town Administrator Bill Lindley said, “For clarity in response to the legislation, the meeting agendas will include, ‘A member of the public may address the governing body regarding an item on the agenda either before or during the body’s consideration of the item, upon being recognized by the presiding officer or the consent of the body.’”
By Bethany Erickson People Newspapers
Back in the day, it was called a soapbox. Nowadays, if you want to vent your spleen about something your government is doing (or not doing), the portion of an open meeting reserved for public comment is one option. Only, until September, some governments didn’t do it. So, House Bill 2840 sought to rectify the matter and make public participation in local government meetings uniformly offered across Texas. “Before House Bill 2840, there were concerns that some local governments were not giving the public a sufficient opportunity to participate in open meetings,” Texas Rep. John Turner explained. “For example, it was possible to allow public comments only at the end of a meeting or even not allow public comments at all,” he said. What does the law require? Residents are allowed to comment before or even during consideration of agenda items. It also allows for double the time for non-English speakers to accommodate translation unless simultaneous translation services are available. It still lets entities set up reasonable rules such as time limits and sign-up requirements. It also outlines what kind of meetings and what kind of entities must allow comment, so committee meetings and other
COURTESY UNIVERSITY PARK
FROM LEFT: Neighbors Justine Gentry and George Muszejnski used the public comment portion of a University Park City Council meeting in January to express concerns about short-term rentals near their homes on Granada Avenue. discussions that may have once been open, but not open to comment, are likely now required to offer it. However, for most local government entities, it didn’t change a lot. Highland Park ISD, University Park, and Highland Park all offered the public the chance to comment both on agenda items and non-agenda items, generally at the beginning of the meeting. “We have practiced policies similar to those in HB 2840 for years,” explained University Park communications director Steve Mace. “To get an idea of how many people
want to talk on a particular item or topic, we have a Request to Speak form for council meetings. “However, you can speak without filling out the form, and if you prefer not to speak, you can leave written comments,” he added. “Every council agenda also includes a Public Comments section so people can comment on items that are not on that night’s agenda. “People occasionally make comments or ask questions during work sessions, even though that is primarily a time for presentations from staff,” Mace said.
Before House Bill 2840, there were concerns that some local governments were not giving the public a sufficient opportunity to participate in open meetings. John Turner But that doesn’t mean there haven’t been a few tweaks. “HPISD allows comments from the public at the beginning of every board meeting, before any votes are taken,” said district spokesperson Jon Dahlander. “We will, however, add an opportunity for the public to make comments at board workshops, even though votes are not taken at those meetings.”
12 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Authorities Allege Park Cities Man Led Drug Trafficking Operation
Gary Bussell, 50, and Gina Corwin, 51, among 10 indicted in federal court
FROM LEFT: Gary Collin Bussell and Gina Corwin.
By Rachel Snyder People Newspapers
The news that two Park Cities residents were involved in an alleged drug trafficking operation brought into focus that, while such cases don’t typically occur here, anything can happen. Authorities identified Gary Collin Bussell, 50, of Highland Park, as the leader of the alleged drug trafficking operation in court documents filed Nov. 6. Gina Corwin, 51, of University Park, was also among the 10 indicted on seven counts in the operation, which started as early as 2014, according to court records. They face up to 20 years in prison if
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convicted, and those indicted in connection to an overdose death face at least 20 years in prison, according to the indictment. The operation was uncovered after a Fairview man’s death in December of 2018 was linked to the use of fentanyl and Alprazolam f rom the suspects, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas. “(A task force officer’s) investigation revealed that (the) defendant supplied the narcotics, which contained fentanyl, that resulted in the overdose death on December 28, 2018,” the court filing reads. “Specifically, defendant supplied the narcotics to co-defendant Westin, who
in turn sold the narcotics to the victim, resulting in the victim’s death. (The officer) testified that defendant was aware of the fatal overdose (as well as other multiple non-lethal overdoses) associated with the narcotics he was distributing, but notwithstanding defendant and his drug trafficking organization continued distribution. Defendant ’s response to the death/overdoses was reported to be dismissive.” Authorities estimate Bussell is responsible for the distribution of approximately 3,000 oxycodone pills per month and 2,000 counterfeit Adderall pills per month, records state. Authorities allege in the filing that Bussell’s teenage daughter engaged in a narcotics transaction in Dallas with another unidentified person that resulted in a shooting that killed that person, according to the filing. “(The task force officer) further testified that the Bussell (drug trafficking operation) was distributing narcotics across the street from an elementary school in Dallas… which was maintained by co-defendant Seymour,” the filing reads. “Defendant reportedly directed numerous customers to that location across
the street from this school to complete narcotics transactions.” Authorities alleged in the filing that Bussell also had a money-laundering operation and is associated with a shell company. Investigators also claim he told others he intended to flee the country and made efforts to get a false passport, according to court records. Authorities also filed a notice of intent to seize a Remington shotgun and a Mossberg .22 rifle reportedly used in the operation. University Park assistant police chief Jim Savage said his department doesn’t see drug trafficking cases, and the most common drug UP officers encounter while on patrol is marijuana. “We don’t see trafficking (cases),” Savage said. He said officers would sometimes encounter people trying to forge prescriptions or find contraband from time to time during traffic stops, but nothing at the level of this case. Highland Park DPS public information officer Lance Koppa said most of what he encountered as an officer on patrol involves contraband found in traffic stops.
P E O P L E I N C LU D E D I N T H E I N D I C T M E N T: Gary Collin Bussell, 50, of Dallas Ben Westin, 28, of Carrollton Scott Perras, 27, of McKinney Frank Eric Dockery, 45, of Blue Ridge William Grant Allbrook, 32, of The Colony Austin Seymour, 24, of Dallas Lisa Young, 32, of Dallas George Wagner, III, 46, of Garland Gina Corwin, 51, of Dallas Todd Shewmake, 34, of McKinney Charges: • possession with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances resulting in death and aiding and abetting • conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance • accessory after the fact • misprision of a felony • possession with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances and aiding and abetting • possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime • possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime • possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
14 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Community
FORMER VEGAS SHOWGIRL GETS ANOTHER CURTAIN CALL Linda Stewart shares memories of performing with the Rat Pack By Tanika Turner People Newspapers
A
n excited hum moved through the room as residents of The Preston of the Park Cities retirement community waited for the guest of honor to appear. Many were thrilled to learn one of their neighbors used to be a Las Vegas showgirl and would show off her memorabilia at a community photo shoot. Linda Stewart’s story begins in Dallas. She grew up in Highland Park with her mother and her father, who was in the U.S. Army. Stewart attended SMU until her sophomore year when she won the Miss Dallas- Fort Worth Press Photographer Pageant. As the winner, she received an all-expensepaid trip to Las Vegas to audition to become one of the Texas Copa Girls.
She loves reminiscing about those times and remains quite the dancer to this day as an active participant in our recreational programs. Molly Meyer While many families may have choice words to say about a child leaving school to perform in Vegas, her family thought differently. “They were thrilled with it,” Stewart said.
JAMES EDWARD
TOP, FROM LEFT: Macol Stewart Cerda, Janice Haney-Plunk, Mary Black, Linda Stewart, Jocelyn White, and Stewart Stewart. BOTTOM: Linda Stewart showed off memorabilia from her days as a Vegas showgirl. Stewart did not go unaccompanied. Her aunt traveled with her, eventually becoming the bookkeeper for the show. The Texas Copa Girls - the
Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders of the showgirl world - performed at the Sands Hotel and Casino, now the home of the Venetian. Showgirls during that time were
known for being elegant, graceful, and unattainable. One non-negotiable requirement was height. A short showgirl was considered to be around 5 feet 8 inches tall. They
were 18 years of age or older and usually had a dance background. In Stewart’s case, she did not have any dance training. “I learned while I was there,” she said. Showgirls, while graceful and talented, were known for their large and lavish outfits. According to the book Showgirls of Las Vegas, written by Lisa Gioia-Acres, the girls would sometimes wear a costume that costs more than $12,000. That’s more than a headliner such as Danny Thomas was making per show. Some of Stewart’s fondest memories were of the celebrities she had the chance to meet. While dancing with the Copa Girls, she performed with the Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. She even went on a few dates with Sinatra, she said. Stewart left Las Vegas after about four years, moved back home to Texas, and did several modeling jobs. One of her most notable modeling gigs was as the face on a Camel cigarette ad. Stewart also played Pat Boone’s girlfriend in the movie State Fair, although her character lost the guy to Anne Margaret’s character. She, to this day, recalls her line: “Please come back alive.” Eventually, life slowed down, and she married Maco Stewart III, a former member of the Texas House of Representatives. After having children, she continued to visit Vegas. “She loves reminiscing about those times and remains quite the dancer to this day as an active participant in our recreational programs,” said Molly Meyer, the community life director at The Preston of the Park Cities.
Read About Stress, History, and French Flair The holidays can be a stressful time. Why not sit down and take a break with a book from a local author?
“Turn Your Brain On to Get Your Game On” By Leigh Richardson $14.99 thebrainperformancecenter.com/ The founder of the Brain Performance Center in Dallas discusses ways to protect brain health, train the brain to reduce stress and anxiety, and what happens to our brain as we sleep.
“The Last Card: Inside George W. Bush’s Decision to Surge In Iraq”
Edited By Timothy Andrews Sayle, Jeffrey A. Engel, Hal Brands, and William Inboden $22.97 jeffreyaengel.com. University Park resident Jeffrey A. Engel and others look into the process by which Bush came to authorize the deployment of roughly 30,000 additional troops to Iraq in 2007. They draw on interviews with the former president as well as former vice president Dick Cheney, national security adviser Stephen Hadley, secretary of state
Condoleezza Rice, White House chief of staff Joshua Bolten, and secretary of defense Robert Gates. “Readers will find this a gripping description of how the president made one of the toughest calls of his time in office,” Retired U.S. Army General David Petraeus said.
“French Refreshed”
By Betty Lou Phillips $39.49 bettylouphillips.com The Dallas interior designer recently published a new design book with a modern take on French design.
“Phoebe Douse: Secret Society for Special Abilities and Artefacts”
By Lucille Samuels $12.99 lucillesamuels.com The Dallas traveler and operator of a global education company introduces readers to a Texas teen with extraordinary abilities in her first in a series of young adult novels. “The foundation of these stories are built on history, culture, personal experiences and underscores that everyone has a special ability if they are open to discovering them,” Samuels said. – Compiled by Rachel Snyder
December 2019 15
It’s Definitely Christmas It is always a bit jarring coming home to America after traveling abroad. The exhilaration of having experienced another civilization and seeing another culture’s lifestyle invites comparisons. The credit card fraud alert LEN BOURLAND on my Mastercard (while traveling) due to crooks on a spending spree, the slight sore throat, and one lost pair of earrings in no way clouded the adventure. In my case it was hard to think frosty, Christmas thoughts having just come out of the jungle of the magnificent Iguazu Falls along the Argentinian and Brazilian border in South America. Yet upon arrival despite it being only Halloween, the holiday season was in full swing. It begins with candy and “Trick or Treat!” and ends with champagne and “Happy New Year!” In this case I arrived to the comforts of home where I learned so many others had lost theirs in a freak tornado. My housekeeper’s family, some acquaintances, and church members were homeless and moving in with relatives and rentals. My son and family had camped in my bungalow during their power outage. It’s hard to think Christmas shopping and Ho, Ho, Ho! when for some there is still no longer a chimney for Santa to shimmy down. Yet everywhere in Dallas I also hear messages of gratitude for a community coming together, that nobody was killed, that sticks and bricks can be repaired. Which brings us to the great message of Christmas: new life, hope, renewal, and, for many, salvation. I’m still basking in the glow of the milestone birthday present I gave myself: the experience of the most majestic waterfalls on the earth. Think the force of Niagara, with the vastness of Victoria and then multiply it. The plume coming off the “Devil’s Mouth” could be seen for miles. I got rainbows and thundering waters and the shivers and tingles that simply come from bearing witness to something that has no words. It’s the incredible majesty of creation…like a nativity scene. On a late humid spring night in the Southern hemisphere, the canopy of the Southern Cross blanketed my balcony. I definitely heard the heavenly host in those rumbling falls. But it can happen anywhere. Despite the traffic and weather, look in the eyes of children singing hymns or dancing the Nutcracker, the halo that surrounds all new infants, the grateful smiles of the elderly when helped, or just look up at the stars. It’s definitely Christmas. Len Bourland can be reached at lenbourland@gmail.com
18 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Park Cities Renaissance Man
Ed Bernet energized by new creative passions By Kirk Dooley
Special Contributor Twenty years ago, musician Ed Bernet didn’t realize his life would make a right turn when his friend John Roach convinced him to sign up for a night sculpting class at SMU. The duo had been standout football players at Highland Park and SMU. Bernet played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Texans. Roach played for five NFL teams. Bernet, now 86, had been a musician since his junior high days and in the 1960s went on to become the proprietor of the Levee, where his Dixieland band and his Levee Singers held court to packed houses. In addition to playing music for decades at venues ranging from the Golden Scots Reunion to the Park Cities Fourth of July Parade, Bernet booked bands and other entertainment for special events. He also began booking big name entertainment like Tony Bennett, the Dixie Chicks, Alabama, the Commodores, Michael Martin Murphy, Gary P. Nunn, Jerry Jeff Walker, Charlie Pride,
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Ed Bernet has found stardom in football, music, and, most recently, sculpture.
Dolly Parton, and many others. After the SMU art class reactivated Bernet’s creative juices, he got serious about sculpting. As he learned the craft, he sculpted each of his nine grandchildren as a gift to his wife, Susie. Soon he began getting requests for sculptures of people’s children and grandchildren. He recently finished sculptures of the three children of Dodge and Dee Carter, the five grandchildren of Jay and Kathy Owens, and the two grandsons of Ron and Nance Chapman. Harlan Crow commissioned
him to do a 24-inch bronze of George W. Bush at Ground Zero, and both Crow and Bush are pleased with the result. Both know a thing or two about art. Bernet has now done sculptures of Bennett Miller, John Maisel, Blake Tucker, Al Gonzalez, and several others on request. He has recreated a 7-foot tall wooden grandfather clock for Burk Murchison. Bernet’s friend, Dick LeBlanc, asked for a wooden recreation of the chapel where he got married as a gift for his wife. Bernet made a small recreation of HPPC’s Wynne Chapel
and nailed it. That has led to more than three dozen commissions of small wooden churches. His website, edbernet.com, has lit up with requests. Since he hasn’t done life-size and larger sculptures, Bernet has become an agent representing artists who do. For his friend developer Steve Van Amburgh, he brought in Dallas sculptor Angela De la Vega to create a large sculpture at KDC’s CityLine development. For his f riend LeBlanc, the CEO of Hanover Properties, Bernet represented Colorado sculptor Jane
DeDecker who created public sculptures for Hanover’s developments in the Fort Worth area – Berkshire, Somerset, and Wellington. Most folks in their mid-80s tend to slow down. But Bernet accelerates. Whether he’s playing music at the Pocket Sandwich Theater or sculpting art at home or booking music, entertainment, and large sculptures, Bernet seems to be at the top of his game. So what ’s next for this one-person creative brand? Stay tuned. Ed Bernet’s story is a sculpture in progress.
parkcitiespeople.com | December 2019 19
Costumes and Canines This year’s Paws on Parade turned out to be a “Thriller” with a pooch dressed as Michael Jackson proving just “Bad” enough to see its competition and “Beat It” on the way to a Best in Show finish.
For a third year, the town of Highland Park partnered with the Moody Family YMCA and city of University Park to put on the parade and fall festival. To see more photos, visit parkcitiespeople.com.
CHRIS MCGATHEY
State Championship Collection Preserves Gridiron History
It’s been 75 years since the Highland Park football glory days of Doak Walker and Bobby Layne, but the recent success the Scots have enjoyed on the gridiron – three straight state championships – is unprecedented. The glory of these statewide achievements has been captured in three coffee-table books about the 2016, 2017 and 2018 state champions written by Kirk Dooley, featuring the photography of Brad Bradley and Melissa Macatee. These keepsake books were created with the blessing of the football team parents and are available to all Highland Park football fans. The hard-bound books average 168 pages each and are designed by wellknown Dallas graphic artist John March (who incidentally designed the original Park Cities People in 1981). The books are $40 each or $100 for all three. They are published by Half Court Press and can be purchased through www.halfcourtpress. us. For multiple orders or to host a book-signing gathering, contact the author at kirkdooley@sbcglobal.net. “None of the three state championship teams was picked to win the state title. All three were predicted to
A small team created the keepsake books. FRONT, FROM LEFT: Kirk Dooley and Charlotte Dooley. SECOND ROW: Melissa Macatee and Brad Bradley. BACK ROW: John March. lose in the semifinals and then the finals,” Dooley said. “The way these guys found ways to win close games has been inspirational.” All 48 games over three seasons have been summarized in the three books. Several playoff games – the 2016 state championship game against Temple, the 2017 state championship game against Manvel, the 2018 quarterfinal game against Tyler John Tyler and all three semifinal wins over Denton Ryan – prove out in living color the Highland Park motto, “Scots Find a Way.” The current team was predict-
ed by Texas Football magazine to win the state title this season. And Coach Allen has become the third winningest coach in Texas high school football history. “Coach Randy Allen and his staff deserve the recognition they get in these books,” Dooley said. “The Scots have always enjoyed a rich sports tradition and under the leadership of Coach Allen and his coaches and trainers, Highland Park is now the winningest program in the history of Texas high school football.” – Staff report
20 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Sports
SISTERS ON SKATES: SIBLINGS CATCH FIRE ON ICE Penn State-bound twins keep hockey opponents seeing double By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
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f the relationship between twin sisters Audrey and Erika Shirer seems a little chilly, that’s only because they spend so much time together on an ice rink. The Highland Park seniors are among the elite players trying to grow hockey among girls in the Dallas area. But while mainstream popularity might come down the line, the siblings are thriving in an atypical sport.
We had a few birthday parties that were figure skating parties. We decided we wanted to play another sport. Erika Shirer They are fixtures on Team Texas, the girls program in the Dallas Stars Elite Hockey Club, which won the USA Hockey girls national championship last spring in Cleveland. And in 2021, they will each join the Division I women’s program at Penn State, whose ros-
ter is filled with athletes from hockey hotbeds. Indeed, the Shirers have come a long way since being introduced to the sport about a decade ago. “We had a few birthday parties that were figure skating parties. We decided we wanted to play another sport,” Erika said. “We liked being on the ice, so why not ice hockey? As the sport has grown in Texas, so have opportunities for girls to develop their skills and play against top-notch competition. Because they’re the same age, they’ve almost always been on the same team — although Audrey is a forward while Erika plays defense. While there’s an element of sibling rivalry, their relationship on the ice is strictly supportive. “It’s fun when she’s out there with me,” Audrey said. “We kind of know what the other one is thinking and can coordinate things.” With girls hockey in the state still growing, Team Texas has had to get creative with scheduling to prepare for its travel-team tournaments. Last year, team officials organized a handful of games against local boys teams before nationals.
CHRIS MCGATHEY
Highland Park seniors and identical twins Erika, No. 2 and Audrey Shirer, No. 7, are teammates on Team Texas with the Dallas Stars Elite club program and have committed to play women’s hockey at Penn State. This season, the squad plays a full schedule in the Varsity Silver division as the only female team in the AT&T Metroplex High School Hockey League. “It really prepares us for playing against girls,” Erika said. “Some of them are bigger and faster than us. Our styles are different.” Such obligations make life hectic for the Shirers during hockey season, which generally runs from October through spring. They’re usually on the ice six days each week for games and practices.
“We have to manage our time well,” Audrey said. “It can be rough. Sometimes we end up going to bed pretty late.” Through their success and the expansion of the sport in general, the sisters hope to generate interest in hockey among their peers and classmates. “They think it’s cool since a lot of them don’t know too much about hockey,” Erika said. “We want to grow the sport and improve it. It’s important to spread it and have an impact.”
Coach Randy Allen’s Latest Milestone: 400 Wins and Counting
Scots leader moves into third place on all-time Texas high school football victories list By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
Randy Allen didn’t need to get to 400 wins to become a legend. Rather, his latest milestone just adds to the amazing legacy of the longtime Highland Park football coach. Perhaps it’s fitting that Allen’s historic 400th career victory — in a 4235 overtime win at Lancaster on Nov. 1 — came with plenty of high-stakes drama. As it has done so many times in Allen’s two decades on the sidelines, HP pulled out another late victory with some timely heroics and resilient tenacity. In the process, the Scots essentially secured the District 6-5A Div. I title as a prelude to their playoff run. Allen became the third coach in Texas high school football history to reach the 400-win plateau, joining Corpus Christi Calallen’s Phil Dana-
CHRIS MCGATHEY
Coach Randy Allen talks to journalists after his 400th win, a thrilling overtime victory at Lancaster. her — who finished the regular season with 468 and counting — and former Celina and Pilot Point coach G.A. Moore. “You don’t ever think about reach-
ing a particular won-loss goal,” Allen said. “I’m honored and humbled by the fact that God gave me the opportunity to coach this long. We’ve had some great teams and great coaches.”
Of course, you can’t make it to 400 wins without longevity and a consistent record of success. The success part has never been in doubt for Allen, 69, who has won more than 80 percent of his games during a 38-year career that includes five years at Ballinger, five at Brownwood, and eight at Abilene Cooper before arriving at HP in 1999. His longevity also speaks for itself, although Allen retired for less than two weeks in March 2018, a few months after the Scots won their second straight Class 5A Division I state title. He had 376 career victories at that point. After he changed his mind, Allen led HP to an unbeaten season and another state crown, which added 16 more wins to his ledger. After the 2019 regular season, Allen was up to 248 wins in 21 years on the HP sideline, for a remarkable average of more than 11 per year. That
includes four state championships. Allen’s first victory came in the 1981 season opener when Ballinger defeated Winters. He’s had only two losing seasons since then, and his teams have missed the playoffs just three times. Earlier this year, Allen surpassed his mentor, the legendary Gordon Wood, for third place on the state’s all-time wins list. Allen replaced Wood at Brownwood in 1986.
L E G E N D A RY S TAT U S Highland Park’s Randy Allen is third alltime in victories among Texas high school football coaches. Statistics reflect the end of the 2019 regular season.
Name Wins Phil Danaher* 468 G.A. Moore 426 Randy Allen* 401 Gordon Wood 394
* — active
Seasons 46 44 39 44
22 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Scots Tennis Earns Much Love After 20th State Title With individual play beginning in February, more trophies to come By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers
Highland Park has long since established itself as the most successful high school tennis program in the state. Now, 20 state championships later, the Scots are just lapping the field. Their 20th title, which came on Oct. 31 in College Station, resembled many of the previous 19 — with the Scots winning in dominant fashion. HP left no doubt that it’s still on top with a 10-1 win over San Antonio Alamo Heights in the Class 5A title match. Along the way, HP earned its fourth consecutive state title and extended its winning streak to 83 matches over four-plus seasons. The team has won state in 16 of the past 19 fall campaigns. In the win over Alamo Heights, the Scots (24-0) swept every completed match in boys singles, boys doubles, and mixed doubles. In the semifinals, HP cruised to a 12-2 victory over Georgetown. It marked the 11th time HP and Alamo Heights squared off
S TAT E R O S T E R Players that competed for HP at this year’s 5A team tennis state tournament. Boys Rhett Bailey, Sr. Cole Burnam, Jr. Skyler Carter, So. Peyton Dooley, Sr. Harold Glasscock, Sr. McKay Harman, Sr. Ray Saalfield, So. Girls Hayden Bethea, Jr. Lizanne Boyer, So. Nell Covington, Sr. Cambelle Henderson, Jr. Annika Juergens, Sr. Jourdan Krueger, Sr. Isabella McElfresh, So. Ashlee Newton, Sr. Katherine Petty, Sr. Bridget Stammel, So. Lucy Tilden, Jr. Highland Park’s 20 state championships in team tennis since 1982.
Highland Park’s 20th state team tennis title is also its fourth consecutive one. in the title match. The Mules have won six of those, but none since 2002. The Scots are 3-0 head-tohead since 2012. Earlier this season, longtime Scots head coach Dan Holden won the 400th match of his career. Holden, who came to HP in 2001 following an extended stint
at the Division I college level, has received numerous awards, including a Boys Tennis Coach of the Year accolade from the National High School Coaches Association in 2015. With the individual season set to begin in February, the Scots likely aren’t finished with their
COURTESY HPISD
annual trophy haul. HP claimed two gold medals and two silver medals among the five 5A brackets last spring, and five of those six medalists — including champions Bridget Stammel (girls singles) plus Cole Burnam and Katherine Petty (mixed doubles) — are eligible to defend their title.
Year 2019 2018 2017 2016 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001 1997 1991 1990 1989 1982
Opponent SA Alamo Heights Abilene Wylie Amarillo SA Alamo Heights New Braunfels Montgomery SA Alamo Heights Lake Travis Boerne Champion Montgomery Boerne Champion New Braunfels New Braunfels Wichita Falls Conroe Oak Ridge SA Alamo Heights SA Alamo Heights Wichita Falls Austin Westlake New Braunfels Multiple teams
Score 10-1 11-1 11-2 10-3 10-7 11-1 10-0 10-5 10-0 10-1 10-0 10-4 10-3 10-0 10-0 10-6 9-8 17-1 11-7 12-6 3-0
24 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Business
STORES HOPE HOLIDAY SHOPPING CAN FUEL RECOVERY Twister leaves customers without pizza, merchants miserable By Bethany Erickson
WHO’S OPEN?
People Newspapers
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ore than a week into November, restaurant owner Frank Nuccio still didn’t know in what condition the Oct. 20 tornado left his Marco’s Pizza in the Preston Oaks shopping center. “State Farm insurance and I still are not authorized to enter the center until the structural engineer has finalized their report,” Nuccio said. “I fear I may not be able to salvage any of my equipment. The roof has been peeled off for nearly three weeks, and it’s rained a third of the time.” The shopping center on the southeast side of Preston Road and Royal took a direct hit with the twister shearing roofs off stores and destroying windows and walls. “My gut tells me they’re going to tear most of the shopping center down and rebuild, and if that’s the case, I may not be reopening for up to a year because I would like to stay in this center albeit in a more visible spot,” Nuccio said. “Perhaps some folks reading this are real estate agents that could lease me a temporary space in Preston Hollow that was once a small eatery.” Ben Davis, owner of The Gents Place grooming and lifestyle clubs, has grown disappointed and frustrated with his landlord. “I have gotten my attorney involved, as several other tenants have, and we are hoping they give us an answer soon,” he said. Eric Davidson, a spokesperson with Regency Centers, the property management company for Preston Oaks, said access is coming, but the focus is on safety first. “Some have been able to go onsite, but we’re also working closely with our structural engineers to see what is safe to access and what isn’t due to the damage from the storm,” he said. In the meantime, all Preston Hollow team members of The Gents Place have relocated to the Uptown location across from Breadwinners on McKinney Avenue, and customers looking to support them
BETHANY ERICKSON
Merchants on the south side of Preston and Royal were the hardest hit by the Oct. 20 tornado. can book appointments and buy memberships and gift cards online, Davis said. Businesses on the north side of Royal Lane are faring better. “Since the tornado two weeks ago, we have successfully helped 90% of our retail partners reopen,” said Clair Wei, spokesperson for EDEN Properties, which manages Preston Royal Village. EDEN helped longtime local institution Toy Maven relocate to Preston and Forest in time for the busy holiday shopping season, she added. TJ’s owner Jon Alexis appreciates the community support. “The way it’s brought this neighborhood closer has been something truly inspiring and has reminded me I can truly touch people’s lives in a unique way,” Alexis said.
Holiday shoppers can help impacted businesses who reopened, but what about those trying to recover from more intense damage?
The roof has been peeled off for nearly three weeks, and it’s rained a third of the time. Frank Nuccio First City’s Preston Hollow diners may catch their favorite servers at other locations such as Fish City Grill Lake Highlands, Half Shells – Snider Plaza, or Fish City Grill Frankford. Sedona Salon moved to Ovation
Salon Suites at 9100 North Central Expressway, and Interabang Books stayed afloat through online book sales until finding space at the Pavilion on Lovers Lane. Hard-hit North Haven Gardens regularly updates customers on Facebook and announced that the annual Holiday Art and Gift Market would occur Dec. 7 at Northaven United Methodist Church. “In the near future, NHG will be encouraging patrons that have been wanting to support us to shop in our temporary operations when trees, greenery, and poinsettias arrive after mid-November,” said spokesperson Alexis Patterson. “We’ll also be offering gift cards, garden coach appointments, and a limited menu of offsite classes and workshops during the holiday season.”
Aaron Brothers Paper Source Zoe’s Roam Starbucks Steelcity Pops Hair Bar Sephora Face Haus Lilly Rain Sur La Table Pure Barre FedEx Element Massage Ballard Designs Royal China Kasart European Wax Short Stop Cousin Earl’s Sport Clips Ken’s Man Shop Snap Kitchens TJ’s Seafood Market & Grill Shake Shack The Shade Store Premier Sports Chiropractic Tom Thumb Neuhaus Café Flower Child Dougherty’s Pharmacy Custom Ink Spa Habitat Pinkberry Chico’s Soma Dry Nail Bar The Cobbler Relax the Back Spec’s Barnes & Noble Princi Italia Interabang Books (new location) Sedona Salon (new location) The Toy Maven (new location)
parkcitiespeople.com | December 2019 25
Underground Parking Solution Must Wait
University Park leaders: Snider Plaza to get landscaping, utility upgrades By Rachel Snyder
use 50 spaces in the parking garage at Hilltop Plaza at a discounted rate — for 65 cents per hour each. The garage, at the south end of Snider Plaza, opened in October with the public allowed to use it for free for one hour, then $3 per hour thereafter.
People Newspapers
Snider Plaza’s appeal comes from its collection of longstanding businesses, not the shopping center’s parking, infrastructure, and landscaping. “We don’t have a collective sense of trees out there,” University Park City Manager Robbie Corder said. “They weren’t planted all at the same time; some were live oak, others are maples.” The city will soon seek input from business owners and the public and rely on Catalyst Group and Space Between Design Studio to develop a plan for landscape improvements at the shopping center at Hillcrest and Daniel avenues. Utility replacement planning also will proceed, except for on the storm sewers, public works director Jacob Speer said. The stormwater planning will wait for the landscaping plan. “The utilities in and around Snider Plaza, most of them are either in the alleys or in Hillcrest itself,” he told council members at a recent work session. “What we’ve told the engineer to do is, right now, ignore Snider Plaza proper and design the utilities in the alleys and Hillcrest because all of that can be designed regardless of what we do and how we do it in Snider Plaza,” he said. It’s essential to make sure the utilities ac-
We don’t have a collective sense of trees out there. They weren’t planted all at the same time; some were live oak, others are maples. Robbie Corder RACHEL SNYDER
Snider Plaza boasts a mix of longstanding businesses and newer ones, but its landscaping lacks a cohesive design, and its infrastructure is too old. commodate the landscape plan, Speer said. “A lot of the infrastructure is at the end of its useful life. We’ve experienced some water main breaks in the area in the last few years,” he said. Max Fuqua, owner of Plaza Health Foods, a health food store that’s been in the plaza since 1947, said he’d like to see more
parking in the area. “We need more parking, more parking enforcement, and more parking for employees,” Fuqua said. “(Increased) online sales make it hard for people to come to a store without parking.” A new agreement with SPC Park Plaza Partners will allow Snider Plaza tenants to
Speer said a parking study around 2007 included options such as using street rightof-way, increasing the number of spaces using a combination of public and private land, and an underground garage. “That’s a very expensive option,” he said of the garage proposal. “Right now, we’re not ready to move forward with that underground parking garage.” However, Speer said city leaders hope to design the infrastructure in a way that keeps the option to add an underground parking garage later if they choose to build one.
26 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Comings and Goings COMING
NOW OPEN
The Forge on Dyer
Class Studios
5615 Dyer St. Suite 100 This fitness studio focuses on whole-body wellness with training, performance, and recovery without the commitment of a monthly membership fee. Its grand opening is scheduled for Dec. 7.
THE FORGE
TOP GOLF
NEW OWNERS
The Conservatory
The Barre Code
5757 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 350 The studio offers a comprehensive full-body fitness program designed for women and focuses on cardio, strength, and restoration. It celebrated its grand opening under new owners in mid-October.
Preston Center Fitness guru Jasmine Zutter opened her first Class Studios location at West Village in February 2018. Now, the hybrid studio, which includes cycling and circuit training under one roof, has expanded to Preston Center.
THE CONSERVATORY
Highland Park Village Find some Hudson Yards New York style in the Park Cities. The Conservatory serves as a window into the brand’s digital flagship, theconservatorynyc.com. Find some products in the store. Order others for delivery.
Topgolf Swing Suite
8250 N Central Expressway Located in Doubletree by Hilton Dallas-Campbell Centre, the suite features two simulator bays that can accommodate eight players each. Guests can also enjoy baseball pitching, hockey shots, and other activities. There’s also a common area where guests can dine with food and drinks from 82fifty Restaurant and Bar.
Yeti
3130 Knox St., Suite 120 Yeti, known for coolers and cups that keep everything cool in Texas heat, opened on Knox-Henderson for only a limited time. The lease runs through 2021 but gives the Austin-based company a chance to learn the market.
32 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
HOUSE OF THE MONTH 4012 Miramar Avenue
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ituated near legendary Lakeside Drive in Old Highland Park, this four-bedroom, three-story home has seen beautiful enhancements throughout the years. Updates to the historic residence, built in 1915, include an expanded gourmet kitchen, private master suite balcony, plant watering system, and the addition of guest quarters above the large three-car garage. Enjoy a lovely outdoor experience ideal for entertaining, complete
COURTESY EBBY HALLIDAY REALTORS
with fireplace, TV, kitchen, and spacious living area to host family and friends. Abundant natural light from French doors with retractable phantom screens fills the island kitchen, large breakfast room, and den. Additional highlights include the luxurious master suite with a sitting area and coffee bar, a card room with wet bar, stainless steel appliances, lush landscaping, and a grand entryway leading to the formal living room.
parkcitiespeople.com | December 2019 33
Schools
HOMESCHOOLED FOR EXCELLENCE IN HIGHLAND PARK
Parents of five embraced flexibility, customization, family adventures By Dalia Faheid
People Newspapers
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my Pruitt decided to homeschool her first-grader, Austin, for one year and enjoyed how it offered him more stimulation and flexibility than a traditional educational environment. That was 22 years ago. Homeschooling became a lifestyle for the Highland Park family. All five of her children – Austin, Taylor, Chandler, Stanton, and Sterling, so named after Texas towns – have graduated with high accolades. “Basically, our entire life is about learning,” Pruitt said. “I see in my now-adult children, a lifelong desire to learn.” Pruitt and her husband, Bryan, both high school valedictorians who went on to receive medical degrees, valued academics, and had a passion for teaching. Because homeschooling was not considered mainstream, Pruitt preferred to call it “parent-directed education.” She created a structure with matching uniforms and a designated classroom inside their home. Homeschooling’s flexibility enabled Pruitt to tailor the curriculum to each child’s learning style and talents. For example, her oldest son, Austin, “could
COURTESY PHOTO
FROM LEFT: Chandler, Taylor, Bryan, Stanton, Amy, Sterling, and Austin Pruitt. spend hours composing and writing music.” It also allowed the family to travel and volunteer together, “without being tied to a school calendar,” Pruitt said. “We’ve taken American history trips when we studied American history. We went to the Alamo when we studied Texas history. We traveled to Europe together to see Rome, London, Venice, Paris after studying the corresponding histories,” she said.
Although teaching five children could get hectic, it fostered mutual support.
Basically, our entire life is about learning. Amy Pruitt “Every now and then, I would walk into the schoolroom, and my older daughter would be
helping my little one with math, or my older daughter would be reading to a little one who was distracting me while I was working with one of the other children,” Pruitt said. Contrary to homeschooling misconceptions, they still got involved in clubs and sports. The Homeschool Athletic Association allowed them to compete against Hockaday, Greenhill, Trinity Christian, and St. Mark’s. Her two sons became Eagle
Scouts. Her daughters were elected representatives of the Youth and Government program and supported philanthropic efforts through the National Charity League. All earned academic scholarships and, having taken AP and dual credit classes, started at Harding University, a Christian liberal arts school in Arkansas, with 4.0 GPAs and over 30 hours of college credit. Austin, 29, is a professional pianist. Taylor, 27, is halfway through medical school at UT Southwestern. Chandler, 24, is in her second year of dental school at The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. Stanton, 20, an accounting major, also plans on going to dental school. The youngest, Sterling, 18, plans to attend medical school. Pruitt said she feels “a deep sense of satisfaction and pride” and plans to help other parents in their homeschooling journeys. According to the Texas Homeschool Coalition, more than 300,000 Texas children are homeschooled, with a 7% annual growth rate. Her advice? Take homeschooling one school year at a time, not being afraid to seek help along the way from the available resources and parents who are going through a similar process.
HP, UP, HPISD Cooperate For Student Safety
Town, city fund resource officers for elementary school campuses By Rachel Snyder
“The collaboration between the city and the town has been remarkable,” he said. “We talk to one another on a daily basis.”
People Newspapers
Highland Park ISD will soon have four additional officers to help secure campuses thanks to a partnership between the district, the town of Highland Park, and the city of University Park. Highland Park Mayor Margo Goodwin said the town would provide about $200,000 to the district to hire two district police officers to help secure Armstrong and Bradfield Elementary schools, particularly during arrival and dismissal. The town will also provide two patrol vehicles for district officers’ use. The city of University Park, for its part, will hire two officers who will be assigned to Hyer and University Park Elementary Schools during arrival and dismissal. “The relationship between the city and the town and the district has never been stronger, and I’m so proud to be able to say that,” HPISD Board of Trustees vice president Kelly Walker said. University Park Mayor Olin Lane Jr. said the city already provides a school resource officer for the middle school and the high school.
COURTESY HPISD
FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT: School Board President Jim Hitzelberger, UP Mayor Olin Lane Jr., and HP Mayor Margo Goodwin. BACK ROW: HPISD Police Chief Mark Rowden, UP Police Chief Greg Spradlin, and Chief Rick Pyle, director of public safety for Highland Park. “It’s been an ongoing and cooperative effort,” Lane said. “(The goal is) for every school to be covered with a (police) presence.” University Park Police Chief Greg Spradlin also praised the collaboration between the city,
town, and district and said they hope to have the new officers trained and ready in early 2020. Spradlin said there would then be a selection process to determine which officers will serve as the school resource officers.
The relationship between the city and the town and the district has never been stronger, and I’m so proud to be able to say that. Kelly Walker HPISD Superintendent Dr. Tom Trigg said the new officers would improve security for the district. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to partner with the town and the city where it concerns the safety of our schools,” Trigg said in a statement. “The four additional officers will further ensure a secure environment for our students and staff members every day.”
34 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Principal Works to Create Boone Identity
Fifth elementary will have own culture within HPISD traditions By Rachel Snyder
ABOU T AM AN DA R E Y E S
People Newspapers
JOB: Principal, Michael M. Boone Elementary School
The principal of Highland Park ISD’s recently-named Michael M. Boone Elementary School is working to create an identity for the campus well before it opens. Amanda Reyes, who was principal at Olson Elementary in Allen ISD for four years most recently, said she was excited by the prospect of starting a new school.
I’ve learned how much the community reveres the schools. Their presence is amazing. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen as a principal. Amanda Reyes “It was a bucket list thing,” Reyes said of the opportunity to open the school. “(The opportunity) doesn’t come along very often...Knowing Highland Park schools and (the district’s) reputation for excellence (was also attractive).” HPISD’s fifth elementary campus served as the temporary home for Hyer and University Park Elementary schools during their reconstructions. It will open as Michael M. Boone Elementary in August of 2020. HPISD Superintendent Dr. Tom Trigg praised Reyes when
EDUCATION: Bachelor of science in applied learning and development from the University of Texas at Austin and a master of education in educational administration from Concordia University-Texas.
COURTESY HPISD
ABOVE: Boone Elementary Principal Amanda Reyes will begin hiring staff this spring. AT RIGHT, FROM LEFT: Boone PTO leaders Blythe Koch and Andrea King. she was hired. “We want our fifth elementary school to be just as successful as our other campuses, and we believe Amanda Reyes is the right leader to make that happen,” Trigg said. “This is the first new school to open since Hyer opened in 1949, so her initial task will be building energy and excitement around our first new elementary school in more than 70 years.” Reyes said she’s grateful she was hired a year in advance, and she’s taken that opportunity to get to know parents, students who will attend Boone, and the broader community. Now, Reyes said the Parent Teacher Organization is forming. “They’ll be instrumental in everything we do,” she said. “I’ve learned how much the
community reveres the schools. Their presence is amazing. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen as a principal.” Blythe Koch will serve as president of the Boone PTO for 2020-21 and Andrea King as president-elect. “The opening of Boone Elementary School is going to be such an exciting year,” said Koch, a 1997 graduate of Highland Park High School. “I look forward to collaborating with parents from UP, Hyer, and Armstrong as we build community at Boone, create new traditions for our children, and support our outstanding faculty and staff.” The mother of three has been active with the Hyer PTA, serving most recently as fundraising chair.
The Kings moved to University Park almost five years ago from North Carolina and have three children. Andrea King is the special events director for the UP PTA. “I’m excited to have a small part in creating something new at Boone Elementary that will benefit the community and children for years to come,” she said. Reyes said a committee is being set up to help determine identifiers like the school mascot and colors, and she hopes to begin hiring staff by the spring of 2020. “Everyone that’s approached me is very excited about what we can do to set Boone apart... and continue the tradition of high expectation for kids and providing every resource possible for kids to succeed,” Reyes said.
EXPERIENCE: Principal for Olson Elementary in Allen ISD for four years, assistant principal at Anderson Elementary from 20112015. From 2002-2011, she taught kindergarten in Allen ISD. She began her teaching career in 1993 as a bilingual teacher for first and fourth-grade classrooms in Irving ISD. W H AT ’ S I N A NAM E ? Michael M. Boone, a Highland Park High School alumnus and co-founder of the Haynes and Boone law firm, has served as president of the HPISD Board of Trustees, chair of the SMU Board of Trustees, and president of the Dallas Citizens Council. On Jan. 24, 1949, he and half of his University Park Elementary classmates and teachers walked together from UP to open the new Hyer Elementary School on its first day of classes.
parkcitiespeople.com | December 2019 35
Boone Draws from Armstrong, Hyer, UP
W H AT A R E P E O P L E S AY I N G A B O U T T H E BOUNDARIES? “From the beginning, we knew we are not going to be able to satisfy everyone’s preferences, but we are committed to do our work in an objective manner, and truthfully, this is not an easy task.” Paul Rowsey, Boundary Rezoning Committee chairman
By Rachel Snyder People Newspapers
The attendance zone for Michael M. Boone Elementary School will draw most heavily from areas served by Hyer and University Park elementary schools now, according to boundaries approved in October by the Highland Park ISD Board of Trustees. But the zones of all four operating elementary schools will change at least some to accommodate the opening of the fifth elementary school next August. Here are the basics: • Families of third-graders whose zone changes next year will have the option of having their students attend fourth-grade at their current school or their new one for 2020-21. • Boone’s zone will include 18 students now in kindergarten through second grade from Armstrong, 88 will move from Hyer, and 187 from UP. • University Park’s zone will add 22 from Armstrong, 15 from Bradfield, and 29 from Hyer. Armstrong From McFarlin Boulevard and Williams Parkway at Turtle Creek, south along the west side of Turtle Creek to Turtle Creek Bend, north and east along the district boundary to a point on the district boundary north of University Boulevard and North Central Expressway, west on the north alley of University to Durham Street, south on Durham
“I feel like I lost the ability to make the best decision for my individual children and my family.” Jennifer Melson “For these… children that we’re talking about, this impact is tearing them away from their established community, it’s pulling them away from their friends, their teachers, the administration that they know. It’s not making them feel adjusted or part of a community.” David Hoffmann to University, west on University to Airline Road, north and west on Airline to Daniel Avenue, west on Daniel to Hillcrest Avenue, south on Hillcrest to McFarlin, west along the median on McFarlin to Williams. Boone From Hillcrest and Northwest Parkway, south along Hillcrest to the alley between Hanover Street and Purdue Avenue, east along the alley to Airline; south on Airline to Daniel/Airline, southwest on Daniel to University to Durham, north along Durham to the alley north of University, east along the alley north of University to the intersection with Central, northeast along the west side service road of Central to Milton Avenue, east on the north
side alley of Milton to Olin Lane, north on Olin to Lovers Lane, east on Lovers to the west service road of Central, north along the west service road to the district boundary on the alley north of Southwestern Boulevard, west along the north alley of Southwestern, east to the district boundary at a point between Durham and Boedeker Street, north to Northwest, west to Northwest and Hillcrest. Bradfield From Lovers and the tollway, south along the east side of the tollway to the intersection with Lemmon Avenue, south along the district boundary to Turtle Creek, north along Turtle Creek, west to McFarlin and Williams, west on McFarlin to Shannon Avenue, north on Shannon
to the north alley of McFarlin, west to Preston Road, north on Preston to Druid Lane, west on Druid to Westchester Drive, south on Westchester to Emerson Avenue, west on Emerson to Douglas Avenue, north on Douglas to Lovers, west on Lovers to the tollway. Hyer From Northwest and the tollway, south along the east side of the tollway to its intersection with Lovers, east on Lovers to Preston, north on Preston to the alley on the north side of Purdue, east along the alley to Baltimore Drive, north on Baltimore to Southwestern Boulevard, east down the center of Southwestern to Hillcrest Avenue, north on Hillcrest to Northwest, west on Northwest to the tollway.
University Park From Lovers and Douglas, south on Douglas to Emerson, east on Emerson to Westchester, north on Westchester to Druid, east on Druid to Preston, south on Preston to the north alley of McFarlin, east on the alley of McFarlin to Shannon, south on Shannon, east along the center median of McFarlin to Hillcrest, north on Hillcrest to Daniel, east on Daniel to Airline, north on Airline to the alley north of Purdue, west along the alley north of Purdue to Hillcrest, north on Hillcrest to Southwestern, west along the center of the street on Southwestern to Baltimore Drive, south on Baltimore to the alley north of Purdue, west to Preston, south on Preston to Lovers, west on Lovers to Douglas.
36 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Student Achievements: Four to Celebrate
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MARCHING FOR GLORY
DECKED OUT FOR CHARITY
COURTESY PHOTOS
The Highlander Band took home the silver medal from the University Interscholastic League 5A state marching band contest Nov. 5 in San Antonio, the highest-ever finish for Highland Park. The band also received its first-ever UIL area marching championship recognition and won grand champions at the Mansfield Preview of Champions and Midlothian Marching Showcase. The Highland Park drumline earned a second-place award for AA Division II and best front ensemble and best tenors/quads captions at the Plano Drumline Competition.
A Highland Park teen raised $5,000 for Cancer Support Community this year after turning the decorations at his home, which made it a popular Halloween destination, into a fundraiser this year. Luke Jackson, 13, has been collecting inflatable Halloween decorations and turning his family’s house in the 4300 block of Edmondson Avenue into a local tradition for the last five years. Don’t miss the Jacksons’ Christmas decorations, either.
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Members of the University Park Chapter of the Young Men’s Service League completed their “Ultimate Gift” day project at the Bonton Farm Extension, a 40-acre farm that serves the Bonton neighborhood in south Dallas. League boys and mothers built raised plant beds, built and sanded Christmas boxes, and mulched and weeded the fields.
Left Photo: These girls made the Highland Belles drill team 2019-2020 honor squads. FRONT, FROM LEFT: All Americans include Sophie Folts, Jamie Wander, Riley Cheek, Kristen Wander, and Ellie McFarland. SECOND ROW: Olivia Jolas, Olivia McFall, Hannah Stone, Kaki Kennedy, and Campbell Willis. THIRD ROW: Shelby Pettit, Devoney Duclow, Chloe Walsh, Ava Tiffany, Lola Jahant, and Neely Womble. Right Photo: FRONT, FROM LEFT: Kick Company includes Sophie Folts, Jamie Wander, Riley Cheek, Kristen Wander, and Ellie McFarland. SECOND ROW: Olivia Jolas, Olivia Pettijohn, Elisabeth Wiebe, Charlotte Glieber, Margaret Kemp, Sophia Lindley, Campbell Willis, and Rebecca Greaves. THIRD ROW: Bailey Eubanks, Piper Soetenga, Chloe Walsh, Ava Tiffany, Mary Margaret Ramey, Lauren Welp, and Lola Jahant. Sophie Folts was again named Miss High Kick.
A GIFT OF SERVICE
MAKING THE HONOR SQUADS
parkcitiespeople.com | December 2019 37
Common Unknown REASONS Why People Experience Dizziness. You Know, That Dizziness That Just Takes The Enjoyment Out Of Life – Now What To Do About It! By Leading Balance Expert, Dr. Jeffrey Guild, Physical Therapist
David and Carolyn Miller gave $50 million to the Cox School of Business.
Largest Alumni Gift Ever
David and Carolyn Miller donated $50 million to the Cox School of Business, the largest alumni gift in its history. This donation will help support the school’s plan to modernize curriculum by offering more scholarships, collaborating across the campus on new interdisciplinary programs, and enhancing facilities. David earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and MBA from SMU. He has served on the SMU Board of Trustees for 11 years and as a Cox School of Business executive board member.
RACHEL SNYDER
David said he appreciates SMU President R. Gerald Turner’s leadership of the university and the improvements he has made to both the university and the school of business. He also stated that Dean Matt Myers has a vision and a plan for how to take Cox to a higher level. “Our gift is all about supporting that vision,” Miller said. The Millers’ past support includes the David B. Miller Endowed Professorship, the Don Jackson Center for Financial Studies, the MBA-Military Scholarships, and the David Miller Endowed Scholarship fund.
Are you worried about losing independence because of dizziness or vertigo? Are you becoming increasingly frustrated with dizziness, unsteadiness, and a sensation of spinning interfering with your life? Here are some common unknown reasons why people can feel dizzy and a SOLUTION to get rid of the problem. 1. Vertigo (An Inner Ear Balance Problem): This is the classic spinning sensation when you roll over in bed, but it’s not always that simple… The symptoms can be a vague dizziness, unsteadiness, fogginess. This problem is more common with age and often goes unrecognized, but is simple for a specialist to identify and get rid of. 2. Moving Less Over Time: You might notice this if you become dizzy from walking and turning your head (Or maybe you don’t move your head much anymore to avoid the dizziness). Remember when you could ride a roller coaster when you were 10 years old but not when you were 40? To sum it up simply, if you don’t use it, you lose it. The inner ear balance system takes a lot of use to stay working properly. 3. Time Spent In The Hospital: In order to keep working well, our balance system needs us to be upright, move our heads a lot, and interact in a complex world (Crossing busy streets, bending down and picking up
grandchildren, turning our heads quickly to notice something interesting). Hospital stays do not offer much of these, so it is not uncommon for people to suffer from dizziness and balance problems for months and even years afterwards. Want more information & solutions? My new special report about vertigo provides Actionable Tips that will help you keep or regain your independence. And the best thing is it’s 100% FREE, and you’re under no-obligation to buy anything when you call. IMPORTANT: For obvious reasons, my offer to send you this report FREE must come with a restriction on the number I can mail out… so it’s critical that you call TODAY and request your free report now. What To Do Next? Call: (214) 712-8242 (Leave a Message 24/7) & Choose: • Option 1: Have your FREE Report mailed or emailed to you • Option 2: Free Report + FREE Balance/Dizziness Testing Author Dr. Jeffrey Guild, Physical Therapist is owner of Optimove Physical Therapy & Wellness. (214) 712 – 8242 www.OptimoveDFW.com J.Guild@OptimoveDFW.com
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38 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Lions, Leopards, and Rhinos Love of animals takes teen to Africa By Rachel Snyder People Newspapers
A Highland Park teen pursued his dream of working with animals by going to a South African wildlife preserve for his first international trip alone. It wouldn’t be his last. Race Eiland, 16, said he’s always had a passion for animals and wanted to travel to Africa, so when he found the program for people younger than 18 to volunteer in the summer of 2018 via Global Vision International, he was eager to go. Race arrived in Johannesburg in July 2018 before traveling to the Limpopo region of the country to meet his volunteer coordinator and fellow volunteers. “There were (volunteers) from England, some from France, and another from Turkey,” he said. “I was fortunate to (go) at such a young age.” Race said he was the only volunteer from the U.S. He said his work included identifying and researching species of animals in surrounding reserves. “When we saw a lion or a
Race Eiland enjoys time with nature during his adventures in South Africa and at Palo Duro Canyon. leopard, we would tell the safari guides where the animals were that tourists would want to see,” Race said. Race’s mom, Randi, recalled preparing him for the trip. “There was a lot of fear,” she said. “I wasn’t sure he had the documents he needed to stay… His dad and I had to trust that everything would be fine.” Randi said the trip also taught her son things she and his father couldn’t. “He definitely learned what he could live without,” she said. Race became friends with a fellow volunteer, Josh, from England.
Josh ended up visiting Race in Texas this summer. He took Josh to some local highlights, including the Perot Museum and the George W. Bush Presidential Center, before they traveled southwest to San Antonio. “We spent the day showing Josh the Alamo and the River Walk,” Race said. “It ended up being cool for me, too, because I hadn’t been to the Perot Museum in a little while, we
went to the Sixth Floor Museum, which I’d never been to.” The pair then packed some snacks and continued to the Cadillac Ranch and Palo Duro Canyon. The temperatures there warmed up quickly, so they went to stay at a hotel and made plans to visit Caprock Canyon. Race said he enjoyed Caprock Canyon when they arrived. “It was really cool to see the bison in their natural habitat,” he said.
He definitely learned what he could live without. Randi Eiland
COURTESY PHOTOS
Their next stop was Tulia, where they visited the Swisher Museum, an old theater, and shops. “We made great friends,” Race said. “It was a really great experience with the people there.” He’s continued traveling, most recently to the Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservancy in Zimbabwe. Race said he enjoyed the proximity to the rhinos there. At one point, he was even able to scratch a rhino with a stick. “It ended up looking like a huge dog,” he remembered. Race said he hopes to study zoology, wildlife management, or marine biology.
parkcitiespeople.com | December 2019 39
Crystal Charity Ball CRYSTAL CHARITY BALL THEME TAKES TRIP TO SOUTH AMERICA
LEFT: Scenes from the 2018 “A Celebration in Nouvelle Orleans” theme. This year, the Hilton Anatole will be “South American Mosaic.” PHOTO BY KONRAD KALTENBACH RIGHT: Charles and Pat McEvoy attend the Circle of Angels dinner for the top donors to the Crystal Charity Ball. Pat McEvoy is ball chair. PHOTO BY DANA DRIENSKY
By Rachel Snyder People Newspapers
I
t’s a thankful season, and the Crystal Charity Ball — the crown jewel of Dallas’ myriad of spectacular galas— will honor those who helped raise a record-setting $6.8 million for local children’s charities. The ambiance of the 2019 extravaganza will transport attendees to colorful South America. This year’s event chair, Pat McEvoy, has served on the Crystal Charity Ball Committee since 2004 and held various duties within the organization. McEvoy’s also been involved with fundraising for Goodwill, Genesis Women’s Shelter, the Center
for BrainHealth, the Food Allergy Center at Children’s Medical, and more.
It will be lively; it will be fun; it will be elegant. Pat McEvoy She said the theme of this year’s event, “South American Mosaic,” is a nod to her love of traveling and experience in South American countries. “It’s inspired by Argentina and Brazil…and the natural beauty (there),” McEvoy said. “It will be lively; it will be fun; it will be elegant.”
This year, the record-setting $6.8 million will benefit the Child and Family Guidance Center; Community Partners of Dallas; Cristo Rey Dallas High School Inc.; For the Nations Refugee Outreach; Interfaith Family Services; Jubilee Park and Community Center; Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic Inc.; Mercy Street Inc.; Promise House Inc.; and Readers 2 Leaders. There are an additional 100 committee members that help raise funds for the organization’s beneficiaries. McEvoy said this year’s event would also feature a silent luxury auction. Underwriters who give $5,000 or more will receive two tickets to the Dec. 7 soiree.
C RY S TA L C H A R I T Y B A L L
WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 7 WHERE: Hilton Anatole INFO: crystalcharityball.org
$149 MILLION raised for more than 100 children’s charities since 1953
Add Sparkle For Winter Formals It’s almost time for the grand dame of Dallas’ myriad of spectacular galas, the Crystal Charity Ball, so we asked the staff at luxury boutique Tootsies about some trends in formal wear to help get glam for the big event.
Swarovski insets will absolutely glow at Crystal Charity! What are some trends in formal wear you’d like to see go away? We would love for everyone to stop being so sensible when it comes to choosing a dress. Tootsies always loves a daring detail to set yourself apart in a sea of black gowns. Perhaps it is a plunging neckline or a metallic fuchsia hue; if you love it, go for it. With this year’s jubilant theme of South American Mosaic, we say embrace the bold and have fun with your formal wear!
What are some trends in formal wear for this December? Sparkle is always an excellent choice for winter formal wear. This year we are seeing new ways to shine from designers like Galvan London who are adorning their gowns with small, strategically placed strips of sequins as well as go-to designers such as Badgley Mischka that designed a perfect evening gown with a sequin capelet draped over the shoulders. Winter white is also a lovely trend for evening wear. Far from being bridal, a sleek ivory Safiyaa gown with minimalist
Favorite trends? We love a long-sleeved gown here at Tootsies, and our buyers scour the globe for chic formalwear options with sleeves. No matter your age, a long sleeve adds mystery and sophistication to a gown. COURTESY TOOTSIES
40 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
BENEFICIARIES CHILD AND FAMILY GUIDANCE CENTER
assistance. Its three clinics serve over 33,000 patients, 54 percent of them uninsured. It uses a high-volume group service delivery model, shared medical appointments, and an interactive approach to healthcare in a group setting that brings patients with common needs together with one or more healthcare providers.
The Commitment: $953,800 Established in 1896, the oldest child guidance center in Texas is a provider and referral source for mental health and related services for children ages 3-18. It is serving over 5,500 children and 5,500 adults a year.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS OF DALLAS
The Commitment: $660,552 The agency provides resources to the caseworkers of Child Protective Services (CPS), including items for children who have been removed from their homes by CPS. The agency served more than 20,000 children last year, 78 percent of whom are younger than 10.
MERCY STREET
The Commitment: $751,758 The Dallas program provides mentors, sports programs, and leadership development to children in grades 4-12. The relationships developed through the mentoring program and the leadership skills gained have increased the high school graduation rates of the student participants.
CRISTO REY DALLAS COLLEGE PREP
The Commitment: $910,799 Since 2015, the private, college preparatory high school has served students whose families couldn’t otherwise afford private education. Located in Pleasant Grove, it occupies a former elementary school campus designed in the 1950s to house 250 students. A corporate work-study program allows 472 students to work one day a week at one of 141 corporate partners. In turn, all corporate partners pay Cristo Rey Dallas for the students’ time, which offsets 63 percent of a student’s yearly tuition, allowing the family to contribute as much as they can afford.
FOR THE NATIONS REFUGEE OUTREACH
The Commitment: $711,857 The faith-based educational and family services nonprofit helps refugees adapt to life in the U.S. The agency has preschool classes for children ages 3-4 and after-school programs to help children with homework and offers supplemental reading and math instruction. An eight-week summer program meets daily with lessons in math, reading, science, and art, plus opportunities to go on field trips.
PROMISE HOUSE
COURTESY PHOTOS
INTERFAITH FAMILY SERVICES
The Commitment: $314,152 For nearly 30 years, the agency has provided transitional housing, support services, and children and teen programs for working families who are homeless. Also, there are programs to help parents become stable, obtain higher-paying jobs, and reduce debt. There is also free and low-cost on-site childcare as well as after-school and summer programs.
JUBILEE PARK AND COMMUNITY CENTER
The Commitment: $474,650 Since 1997, the agency has worked for
community renewal and enrichment to the Jubilee Park neighborhood, a 62-block area in Southeast Dallas. It offers after-school and summer programs and helps families and members of the community identify and access resources that help provide stability and enhance their quality of life.
LOS BARRIOS UNIDOS COMMUNITY CLINIC
The Commitment: $558,390 Since 1972, the west Dallas clinic has provided children with healthcare and supportive
The Commitment: $756,072 The agency began in 1984 to provide support for homeless and runaway youth with a 16-bed emergency youth shelter but has expanded programming to include crisis intervention, transitional housing, counseling, education, and outreach to neglected, abused, and at-risk youth. At the Emergency Youth Shelter in south Dallas, residents receive basics like food and shelter, along with access to medical, dental and mental health services, counseling, therapy, tutoring, and other educational resources.
READERS 2 LEADERS
The Commitment: $750,000 The literacy program serves west Dallas kindergarten and elementary students by offering instruction to more than 450 children each year with in-school, after-school, and summer camp programs. The goal is to develop and grow the reading skills of underserved Dallas children ages 3-12 so that they can succeed in school and graduate prepared to live productive lives.
42 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Society
FOUNDATION AIMS TO HELP AFTER THE CRISIS Looking Ahead
Women with Promise focuses on education, mentorship
JANUARY
10 - ARTS Awards, honoring home industry excellence, 6 p.m., Hilton Anatole Hotel. 31 - National Council of Jewish Women Dallas 107th Birthday Luncheon, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency Dallas 31 - Big Climb Dallas, benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, starting times as assigned, Bank of America Plaza.
FEBRUARY
1 - Catholic Foundation Award Dinner, honoring Joe Dingman, 6:30 p.m., Hilton Anatole. 7 - UNICEF Dallas Gala 2019, benefiting UNICEF, 6:30 p.m., Ritz-Carlton Ballroom. 22 - Rhapsody, Turtle Creek Chorale’s Anniversary Gala featuring Tony Award-winning Idina Menzel, 6 p.m., The Statler.
Society Online
Visit parkcitiespeople.com to see full galleries of these and other events: Jada Pinkett Smith Captivates Audience Jada Pinkett Smith captivated the New Friends New Life Annual Luncheon audience of nearly 1,000 on Oct. 11 at the OMNI Dallas.
COURTESY WOMEN WITH PROMISE
FROM LEFT: Board members Alana Ackels, Barbara Doucet, Leisha Cadwallader, Shannon Summers, Kate Lengyel, Dawn Wright, Lynne Stewart, and Jana Vanantwerp.
By Liliann Albelbaisi People Newspapers
I
n Dallas, many organizations serve women in crisis. The founders of Women With Promise realized they wanted to be helping those women after the initial needs from the crisis were met. “When you improve the lives of women, you have a lasting and cascading impact to other women and their families for generations to come,” foundation founder and president Leisha Cadwall said. She noted that helping women helps their children. To that end, women professionals in 2013 created the foundation to utilize their network to help women in need get to the next step: education. Marketing chair Shannon Summers said the mission is “to empower women to build a future filled with promise and success – which we define as having the ability to live self-sustaining lives that support women and their families.” With fundraising and donations received, the foundation established a scholarship fund in 2018 to “provide scholarships for non-traditional students who have suffered a tragic life, homelessness, poverty, and abuse.”
Beyond scholarships, the organization helps those served jumpstart their careers by connecting them to a network of other women. “Let’s support women through their journey, not only with scholarship money but match them with a mentor and tap into their potential,” said Shannon Summers, marketing chair. The organization has raised $250,000 to date and partnered with organizations such as Hope’s Door New Beginning Center, Agape Resource & Assistance Center, Inc., Project Hope, Genesis Women’s Shelter, YoungLife, and the Wesley Inn at the Promise House. Recent work included giving $10,000 to Hope’s Door New Beginning Center to fund education programs at the center. The foundation has also provided funding for Agape Kid Summer Camp, developed a 400-book library for The Wesley Inn at the Promise House, provided educational and life skills programs for homeless teen mothers, helped complete a home for homeless women and children, and provided monitored security systems for a woman’s shelter. Women With Promise is operated by volunteers with no administrative costs and all of its funds staying in north Texas. Summers said she was personally moved
to be a part of Women With Promise when the first recipient of their scholarship, who was a sex trafficking victim, was able “to dream again” with the help.
I F YO U G O WHAT: Cocktails, Couture and Cookies with Santa WHEN: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 WHERE: Neiman Marcus, 1618 Main St. TICKETS: $60 ($150 VIP) INFORMATION: womenwithpromise.org
KidneyTexas, Inc. Celebrates 20 Years Celebrating its 20th anniversary, KidneyTexas Inc.’s The Runway Report Transforming Lives Luncheon and Fashion Show brought friends and family together. 2,300 Park Lovers at Park & Palate Park & Palate Grand Taste, presented by Republic National Distributing Company on Oct. 26, indulged 2,300 Park lovers with tastings f rom more than 40 of Dallas’ favorite restaurants, pitmasters, and chefs.
44 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
UNLIKELY HEROES RECOGNIZING HEROES
Cassadee Pope
Kellie Rasberry
Shaun and Val Alexander Gary and Janet Greve
Taylor Dayne
Cathy Kelley
Anjelah Johnson
Ryan and Kelle Sherpy Steve Kemble and Chad Collom
Noel and Vanessa Bouchè
PHOTOS BY THOMAS GARZA
Rebecca Bender, Kathy Bryan, Jeri Moomaw, Erik Gray, Leah Albright, and Rebekah Charleston
Rich Emberlin and LeeAnne Locken
More than 400 supporters gathered at The Ritz Carlton-Dallas on Oct. 26 to celebrate the work of Unlikely Heroes, a non-profit organization that rescues and restores child victims of trafficking worldwide at the 7th Annual Recognizing Heroes Awards Dinner & Charity Benefit. The evening featuring a live musical performance by three-time Grammy-nominated pop icon, Taylor Dayne, an exclusive VIP cocktail reception, silent auction, and red carpet arrivals with special guests.
46 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
$8 MILLION RAISED AT 21ST TWO X TWO
John and Lisa Runyon with Howard and Cindy Rachofsky Lucy Wrubel, Suzanne Droese, and Brooke Hortenstine
Marguerite Hoffman, John Van Doren, and Aram Moshayedi Teal Black and Eric Muscatell
Kristen and Joe Cole
Tina and Minjung Kim
Jessica Nowitzki, Dana Arnold, Meghan Looney, and Nasiba Hartland-Mackie
Jennifer and John Eagle PHOTOS COURTESY BY TWO X TWO FOR AIDS AND ART
Nancy Rogers and Hamish Bowles
Christen and Derek Wilson with Patty and Bobby Nail
Jordan Jones and Christian Munoz
On Oct. 26, the 21st annual TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art benefit dinner and contemporary art auction raised $8 million with funds benefiting amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, and the Dallas Museum of Art. Five hundred people attended the sold-out black-tie event co-hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky at their home, The Rachofsky House, along with Lisa and John Runyon. The Gala evening was designed by Todd Fiscus of Todd Events, who transformed the 7,000-square-foot geodesic dome tent into a dramatic Moroccan-inspired fete.
parkcitiespeople.com | December 2019 47
FEATHER FÊTE & BURGERS
Chef Jim Smith - Alabama State
Jim DiMarino, Brittanie Oleniczak, Justin Bundick, and Clint Bradley
Jared Hanes and Ashley Douglas
Logan and Kyle Shiels
Chef Luke Rogers - Savor Restaurant COURTESY PHOTOS
Zakarian and Shane Allen
DIFFA/Dallas’ signature culinary event, Burgers & Burgundy, took place Oct. 11 at Klyde Warren Park. Twelve renowned chefs convened at the events’ new venue to serve unique slider and wine pairings to patrons and guests. This year’s event featured a Feather Fete theme and all patrons were invited to incorporate feathers into their looks for the evening. The night included the reveal of the 2019-2020 Style Council Ambassadors, DIFFA Legends, and this season’s House of DIFFA theme.
48 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
OPENING OF DEKELBOUM RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
Doug and Ann Smellage with Annell and Kelly Williams
Sandra Estess, Pat Staudt, Cecilie Holman, and Ronnie Holman
New family suite
Ronald McDonald with RMHD guest Larissa Dip
Shiloh (RMHD Chief Cheer Officer) with Jax (RMH Lubbock Chief Cheer Officer)
Karl E. Rathjen, M.D. PHOTOS BY BRET REDMAN
Suzy and Larry Gekiere
RMHD Young Friends – David Lisch, Katherine Bahcall, Dennis Moore, Ronald McDonald, Kathlyn McGuill, Caroline Overman, Madelyn Irwin, Chanel Patel, and Zahra Ali
Kelly Williams, Natalie Dossett, Heather Gandy, Jill Cumnock, and Bert Crouch
New butterfly installation by Carlyn Ray
There was much to celebrate on Oct. 10, when Ronald McDonald House Dallas (RMHD) cut the ribbon to open The Dekelboum Family Foundation Wing. The $11.5 million expansion at RMHD offers 30 new guest rooms, allowing RMHD to serve 800 more families a year while their children are being treated for critical illnesses or injuries in the Dallas area. In 2018, RMHD hosted over 1,400 families, but had to turn away nearly 800 families because the House was at full capacity. The 18,000 squarefoot two-story addition, designed by HKS Architects and built by Hill & Wilkinson, includes two stunning art installations, six larger suites for longer-stay families, and 24 guest rooms.
50 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Living Well and Faith Things To Do
SNOWDAY DALLAS CAPTURES NOSTALGIA OF MISSING SCHOOL
Interactive photo experience one of many holiday-themed activities
It’s just so much fun to take wild risks and turn crazy ideas into a reality. Scot Redman
Snowday Dallas includes six photo booths.
By Liliann Albelbaisi People Newspapers
D
allas residents have seen their fair share of interactive spaces such as the Sweet Tooth Hotel and Candytopia that were fully decked out with sweets. Snowday Dallas is arriving next, and the latest venture from Scot and Kristi Redman is bringing more than candy to the Plaza at Preston Center. The Redmans are known for many things surrounding fashion, photography, and film in Dallas. In the last year, they created an immersive 3D photo booth experience that included an array of nine
cameras that takes photos all at the same time to get the same picture from multiple angles. While the end of November through early January will bring many holiday-themed attractions and events, the Redmans are offering the nostalgia surrounding the idea of having a snow day and being able to miss school. Snowday runs Nov. 21 through Jan. 5. Tickets are $30 with children younger than 3 admitted for free. Visit snowdaydallas.com. “We wanted to give Dallas an experience like it had never seen before, especially during the holidays,” Redman said.
COURTESY PHOTO
“It’s just so much fun to take wild risks and turn crazy ideas into a reality.” Their goal? With the help of the Bayer Brothers and MOTUS, it is “to have it extremely interactive, and to hit all sensory levels.” It will even be cold inside to further enhance the snow day experience. Redman said the 3,000-square-foot space would be “insanely utilized” with 10 different rooms and six high-end photo booth experiences. They even managed to get an RV in there. Guests have an option to have high-quality pictures that they couldn’t get from their phones, Redman said.
Holiday in the National Parks: Christmas at the White House 2007 When: Nov. 21 – Jan. 5 Where: The George W. Bush Presidential Center Cost: Included with the price of admission Get a peek into what the holidays looked like in the White House during the Bush years. The exhibit examines First Lady Laura Bush’s visits in support of National Parks. It features a replica of the Blue Room Christmas Tree with 347 hand-painted ornaments featuring scenes of the National Parks. Go to bushcenter.org. The Christmas Village When: Nov.29 – Dec. 3 Where: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Cost: Included with the price of admission Park Cities residents Pauline and Austin Neuhoff donated a Christmas Village that includes a bakery, candy shop, and Santa’s house. Visit dallasarboretum.org. Espresso Nutcracker When: Dec. 13 Where: Majestic Theater Cost: $22.50-$32.50 The Dallas Black Dance Academy presents its second annual performance of Espresso Nutcracker, a different take on the tale. For one night only, see a jazz-inspired version of the original music by Tchaikovsky alongside Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite. Visit attpac.org or call 214-880-0202.
parkcitiespeople.com | December 2019 51
A Magical Christmas Morning
Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting I’ve always believed Christmas morning is positively magical. Our tall, fragrant spruce tree – freshly cut in the forest – glows with lights and glistens with cherished ornaments Randy and I have collected CHRISTY ROST since our first Christmas HOME + KITCHEN together. A fire crackles in the hearth, snow falls outside our windows, and holiday music plays softly in the background. Each year, Randy and I spend Christmas at Swan’s Nest – our 1898 historic, Breckenridge, Colorado home. Our Christmas-in-Colorado tradition started when the boys were little. We’d pack luggage, gifts, kids, and dog into the car and drive almost 15 hours nonstop to the family condo. Our quarters were cozy, but we cherished those mountain Christmases. Our first Christmas at Swan’s Nest lasted three hours. We had purchased the house the prior year and were in the midst of restoration that would take more than two years. We were staying in the condo in the meantime, but had set up a tree in Swan’s Nest’s living
CHRISTY ROST
room, and packed gifts, Christmas breakfast, and blankets for the 20-minute drive to the house. There was no heat or running water, and it was minus 17 degrees outside, so we had hung sheets of plastic to form a cocoon of sorts, and fired up four electric heaters connected by extension cords to the garage. No one removed their coats, hats, or gloves for the celebration. We feasted on homemade panettone and sipped mugs of hot cocoa and coffee, while opening gifts and doing our best to stay warm. These days, Christmas morning is a more comfortable celebration. A breakfast of eggs, grits, and bacon or ham keeps us fortified after leisurely opening our stockings and the first round of gifts. But, we still begin with a sweet, homemade bread, and mugs of hot cocoa and coffee by the hearth. This year, I’ve created a recipe for super-soft cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting that ‘s sure to become our new Christmas morning tradition. Merry Christmas and warmest wishes. Visit christyrost.com or follow public television chef Christy Rost on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ChristyRost.
Sweet Dough Ingredients: in a warm place until the dough 1 ½ cups milk ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces 5 cups bread flour 2 packages active dry yeast 2/3 cup sugar 1 ¼ teaspoons salt 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions: In a medium saucepan, heat milk and butter over medium heat until warm, about 115 degrees. Remove it from the heat and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups of the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Pour in warm milk mixture and beat 2 minutes at medium speed with an electric mixer. Add eggs and vanilla and beat 2 minutes more. Stir in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth and springs back when pushed with a finger. Transfer it to a greased bowl, turning the dough over once to grease its surface. Cover with a towel and set it aside
has doubled in size. (I heat the oven for one minute just until it is warm, turn it off, and place the dough in the oven to rise.)
Filling Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter, very soft 1 cup brown sugar, packed 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice 1 tablespoon butter, to grease baking sheet Directions: Remove the dough from the oven when it has doubled, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Punch down the dough with a fist, transfer it to a floured surface, and knead 1 minute until smooth. Roll it out on a floured pastry cloth to form a ½ -inch thick 11” x 14” rectangle. In a medium bowl, stir together butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice until it is well blended. Sprinkle the mixture over the dough and spread it evenly to the edges with an offset spatula. Tightly roll the long edge of the dough to form a 14-inch long spiral, using the pastry cloth to assist. Use fingers
to seal the roll along the bottom and ends. Grease a 17” x 11” x 1” baking half sheet with butter. Slice dough into 1 ½-inch thick slices with a serrated knife and place them on the baking sheet. Cover with a towel and set aside in a warm place to rise, about 45 minutes. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 15 to 20 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Remove them from the oven and cool 15 minutes. Mix frosting and spread it on rolls while they are still warm. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Frosting Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened dash of salt 1 tablespoon milk 1 teaspoon vanilla Directions: In a medium bowl, beat butter, cream cheese and salt together with an electric mixer until well mixed. Add milk and vanilla, and beat until smooth.
Yield: 15 large cinnamon rolls
52 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
Holiday Guide to Shopping Better at Central Market Nothing tests your reputation as a good or bad cook like preparing a home-cooked holiday meal. Good food starts with sourcing, and even if you’re a good cook, you can be a lousy shopper and vice versa. The mecca for top ingredients always, but especially around the holidays, is KERSTEN RET TIG Central Market, and if you’ve shopped there around the holidays, you know it can get crazy. Here are a few tips to reduce shopping stress: 1. Cart selection – now isn’t the time to employ the extra-long “race cart” your kids are begging to ride, nor is it the right time to teach your 4-year-old how to push a shopping cart. 2. There are about 10,000 varieties of edible, non-hallucinogenic mushrooms. Central Market sells about 20 kinds at any given time. Some of them look pretty rad, I know. I love that your Oklahoma kin have never seen so many different mushrooms in real life but, it’s a mushroom display, not an eight-top dining table. Please have your extended family take shifts ogling the mushrooms so I can get the shiitake out of there.
S O N G PA I R I N G “I Wanna Be Sedated” by Ramones.
Central Market boasts aisles of tempting items and can get crazy near the holidays. 3. If you have memory problems, please write down that eight-digit number for organic shallots, so the queue for the scale isn’t backed up to the fresh cranberry pond. 4. Please tell all family members to keep their hands out of the cranberry pond. 5. The gauntlet of meat and sea-
food counters is enough to make a person go vegan. This area is as crowded as I-635, but there’s no flyover express lane, so be strategic about where you park your cart so others can get through. And be ready when your number is called. 6. Yes, you should sample that wine. And that one, and that one,
KERSTEN RETTIG
and that one. And maybe they should put this sampling station at the front of the store so our senses can be dulled before we jump in here. 7. Pro tip: If you get tired of navigating your cart up and down every aisle, park it in the Asian food aisle because no one is ever there during
peak holiday shopping times. 8. The spoons in the bins near bulk spices ARE NOT for taste testing. Do not take it upon yourself to sample 13 kinds of chili powder. And since this area also gets crowded, please let grandma know that, yes, they even have Lemon Pepper, so let’s not take up space looking for it. 9. Bread and cheese samples are just that, samples. Don’t ask the nice lady in the hairnet to make you a grilled cheese. Use tongs, people, and if you’re sick, just proceed to the check-out line. 10. Please tell family members to keep their hands out of the olive bins. 11. Don’t write a check to pay for your groceries. 12. Happy shopping, cooking, eating, and happy holidays! All kidding aside, Kersten Rettig, a Park Cities-based writer with more than 30 years’ experience in food and beverage marketing and PR, says Central Market is vigilant about food and guest safety, but don’t try to sample chili powder. Follow her on Instagram @ KickshawPapers.
parkcitiespeople.com | December 2019 53
Gee, Your House Smells Terrific (But at What Cost?) By Jennifer Helms
Special contributor This past weekend, I saw a commercial for an essential oil diffuser by a mainstream air freshener company. The ad showed vibrant flowers and beautiful ocean waves and described its new product as “transforming natural essential oils into a fragrant mist.” The images of nature and plants and reference to natural essential oils caught my attention. This sounds like a great way to safely deodorize a room or a house. No matter how well we clean, our homes can be the source of all kinds of unpleasant odors - from diapers to rotting food, to sweaty clothes. We want our homes to smell fresh and inviting. And what better way to get rid of the stink than to get a really good air freshener? I mean, I want people to come into my home and think it smells like Tahitian spring mist! Ironically, the products we know as air fresheners end up contaminating our air by releasing synthetic chemicals that can cause health and environmental concerns. Mainstream air fresheners typically contain a variety of synthetic fragrances. “Fragrances” are chemical compounds that have a pleasant odor. But the term “fragrance” on
FROM LEFT: Lisa Solomon and Jennifer Helms. any ingredient label can include more than 3,000 different chemicals. The EPA has found that the harmful particles released into the air by air fresheners (known as Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs) can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, liver and kidney damage, and even cancer. They also contain phthalates which are known to cause hormonal
WEDDING
LAUREN THOMPSON & WILLIAM BAILEY
JOHN CAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
L
auren Elizabeth Thompson and William Ross Bailey exchanged wedding vows on Saturday, August 17, 2019, at half-past six at Highland Park United Methodist Church. The Rev. Matt Tuggle, executive minister and groomsman, officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Philp Thompson, Jr. of University Park. She is the granddaughter of the late Ms. Dorothy Eloise Malone of Highland Park, the late Mr.
Jacques Bergerac of Biarritz, France, the late Mrs. Mary Carol Thompson McKean, and the late Mr. John Philp Thompson, both of Highland Park. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy William Bailey of Preston Hollow. He is the grandson of the late Mr. Arthur William Bailey, Jr., the late Mrs. Roberta Hatch Bailey of Waco, Texas, the late Mr. Emmett Marshall Ross, and the late Mrs. Dorothy Dodd Ross of Grand Prairie, Texas.
COURTESY PHOTO
abnormalities, birth defects, and reproductive problems. And aerosol spray air fresheners contain propellants like butane and propane, which come with their own list of dangers. Now that stinks! So, how am I supposed to get rid of the smell of burned bacon from this morning? Or the odor from the diaper pail? 1) Open the doors and windows. Did you
The Wedding Weekend began with the Rehearsal Dinner at The Mansion on Turtle Creek hosted by the groom’s parents. The special evening started with a private cocktail party in the Mansion Bar. The Veranda glowed with the beauty of the candle-lit room filled with all white flowers accented with touches of blue and silver. The seated-dinner was followed by an after-party featuring the Ray Johnston Band. The bride was escorted down the aisle on the arm of her father and presented in marriage by her parents. For her wedding dress, Lauren wore an elegant, one-of-a-kind couture gown designed by Nardos. The fitted, silk faille strapless gown had French lace appliqués beaded with crystals and a sweeping cathedral length train. Covered buttons down the back of the dress accentuated the timeless look. Her ethereal veil gracefully extended past the edges of her train and featured the same lace scattered along the trim. A piece of lace from her mother’s wedding dress was sewn into her gown with her married monogram adorned in blue - representing Lauren’s something old and something blue. Lauren carried a white silk handtied bouquet of orchids, roses, and hydrangeas. Assisting the bride as matron of honor was her sister, Caroline Thompson Richards. Bridesmaids included Bridget Dodd Bailey, Laura Carroll Cartwright, Sarah Adelaide Ehrlich, Katherine Mills Gibson, Julia Skorburg Grisham, Madison McKinley Isner, Shelby Mayer Johnson, Katie Collins Miller, Isabel Leaman O’Neill, Britain Bailey Peakes, Kiley Dunlap Pipkin, Merritt Ames Shivitz and Leslie Asha Ticku.
know indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air? Sounds crazy, but it is true. Ventilate the house and get some real fresh air circulating. Now, if it is 100 degrees outside and the mosquitos are swarming in to enjoy your A/C, then. . . 2) Diffuse REAL essential oils in an ultrasonic diffuser. Be careful to buy 100% pure essential oils that have not been chemically altered. We love and trust Young Living Essential Oils. 3) Try a stove top simmer. We love this recipe in the winter months. It smells amazing and lasts for hours. (add additional water as needed) Fill a large saucepan or crockpot with water. Then add: 2-3 cinnamon sticks 1 orange, peeled 1 apple sliced in half 1T whole cloves 1T whole allspice berries 5 whole star anise Bring to a simmer (or for a crockpot, set on low or high with the top off ) Jennifer Helms along with Lisa Solomon co-founded Cleerlife, a one-stop shop for all things clean, green, and nontoxic. Reach her at info@cleerlife.com or visit cleerlife.com.
Members of the house party were Charlotte McHenry Blount, Macon Howard Blount, Sarah Theresa Christian, Kenner Smith Francis, Claire Anderson Galpern, Lindsay Elyse Marsh, and Hattie Grace Wheeler. Hayes Crawford Richards and Cooper Arthur Peakes were the ring bearers, and Cameron Nadine Peakes served as her flower girl. Attending the groom as best man was his father, Roy William Bailey. Groomsmen included Greer Mayberry Bickley, Richard Emery Byrd, Jr., Toby Joe Loftin, John Russell Green Ordway, David Greer Oxford, Matthew Morgan Peakes, John Philp Thompson III, William Crawford Thompson, Matthew Alfton Tuggle, Timothy Sanders Wallis, Richard Edgar Walsh, Neth Sommer Wiedemann, and John Forrest Williamson. The ushers were John Bratton Doak, Patrick Joel Hurley, Jarrett Newton Link, William Michael Prieur, James Moody Proctor III, and David Joseph Richards. A reception followed the ceremony at Brook Hollow Golf Club. The evening began with a garden-inspired cocktail party in the Oak Room. Cascading blush and white roses and hydrangeas surrounded the passageways welcoming guests into the ballroom. The bride and groom stepped onto the monogrammed dance floor for the first dance of the evening to “This Will Be” by Natalie Cole. A room off the ballroom was transformed into the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, paying tribute to one of the bride’s favorite destinations. Known as the Pink Palace, the bride incorporated the color pink and the hotel’s iconic Martinique
banana leaf print into the decorations of the bar. The bride’s cake was a stunning seven-layer cake with a delicate design adorned with fresh white flowers, while the groom’s cake was a replica of The University of Alabama’s BryantDenny Stadium; it even had the fight song around the edge! The reception included food stations from the bride and groom’s favorite restaurants. The evening ended with the newlyweds departing from Brook Hollow with sparklers and driving off in a white 1954 Ford Convertible. The bride is a graduate of Highland Park High School. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Relations from the Moody College of Communication at The University of Texas at Austin. Lauren was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, where she served as Pledge Class President and Pledge Trainer. She is a client service associate for Wealth Partners Alliance, which is affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services. The groom is a graduate of The Episcopal School of Dallas. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the Culverhouse College of Business at The University of Alabama, where he was President of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After managing the late T. Boone Pickens’ Energy Horizons Fund, he founded Saltstone Capital Management, an energy investment firm in 2016. Upon their return from a honeymoon in France, which paid tribute to the bride’s heritage and where the groom’s parents honeymooned, the couple has made Dallas their home.
54 December 2019 | parkcitiespeople.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING CONTENT BRIGGS FREEMAN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Properties where anything is possible
4311 Lakeside Drive, represented by Faisal Halum for $12,950,000 Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty has an unmatched legacy of selling homes, from historic to new. But the brokerage represents parcels of land, too — in cities or on wide-open ranges — where you could build exactly what you wish. One of the finest estate lots in Volk Estates, the 2.22 cleared acres at 6905 Vassar Avenue border Turtle Creek on the southern and western sides, making it the ultimate building site. Rich in history, the neighborhood is an enclave of prominent homes surrounded by parks — but wonderfully close to shops, restaurants and Dallas Love Field. It is also within the Highland Park Independent School District. 6905 Vassar Avenue is represented by Joan Eleazer for $13,950,000. The Point is the rarest opportunity in Highland Park. At the convergence of Preston Road, Armstrong Avenue and Lakeside Drive, The Point is two properties that could be one ultimate address. Known as 4311 and 4321 Lakeside Drive, the properties form a 2.34-acre peninsula of trees, light and shade — offering intriguing possibilities for homes or an estate. 4311 Lakeside Drive is represented by Faisal Halum for $12,950,000. To see all the homes, ranches and land offered by Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, go to briggsfreeman.com.
THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP
Custom-built in Armstrong Elementary
3805 Mockingbird is currently being offered for $1,675,000. This custom-built Sharif Munir home is generously setback on a 203 ft deep lot that is on the block adjacent to the Dallas Country Club, and only two blocks from Highland Park Village and coveted Armstrong Elementary in HPISD. 3805 Mockingbird features 4 bedrooms, 4.1 baths, and 4,641 square feet. The expansive footprint offers a rare downstairs master suite and terrific entertaining areas, all centered around the recently updated saltwater pool and spa. The kitchen offers stainless steel appliances and opens to a breakfast area and the family room with fireplace and wet bar. A front and rear staircase lead to three more generous sized bedrooms and a game room with two balconies. Additional outdoor amenities include a putting green, turfed yard, fire pit and grill area. Parking includes front circle drive with porte cochere and oversized rear 2-car garage with sliding gate. Contact Jason Bates (jbates@daveperrymiller.com) or Ryan Streiff (ryan@daveperrymiller.com) for more information or visit DPMFineHomes.com.
DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN
Family Friendly University Park Has Beautiful Homes
University Park, home to Southern Methodist University and President George W. Bush’s Presidential Library, is one of the area’s most sought-after communities. Only five miles from downtown Dallas, UP is close to great dining, shopping and entertainment. Here are two homes in this neighborhood to visit. The four-bedroom Mediterranean estate at 3242 Bryn Mawr Dr. was designed by William Briggs and built by Tom Black. It features a front courtyard, while inside are beamed ceilings, arched doorways and mahogany flooring. The wellequipped kitchen features Brazilian marble countertops. The master suite has an updated bath and is adjoined by an office. Outside is a covered loggia with a fireplace, glass pool fence and turfed backyard with a pool, spa and fountain. The five-bedroom home with a stucco finish has a fabulous front with arched entryways and windows. The home at 4113 Colgate Ave. has a large living room with a fireplace. The kitchen has top-of-the line Viking stainless-steel appliances and a beamed ceiling. Arched stone walls separate the kitchen from the family room. French doors open to the outdoor living space that has a covered patio with a fireplace beside a heated pool and spa, a built-in grill and flawless landscaping. To find your dream home, visit www.alliebeth.com.
West Highland Park Home filled with designer touches
EBBY HALLIDAY REALTORS
Grand Vie Showcases Luxury Listings and More
Visit grandviemagazine.com to view the fall/winter 2019 edition of Grand Vie: Luxury in Living magazine. The fall/winter 2019 edition of Grand Vie: Luxury in Living magazine, the luxury-home publication of Ebby Halliday Realtors, recently mailed to homes across North Texas. The 28th edition of Grand Vie features some of D-FW’s premier luxury properties for sale and inspiring editorial content, including “The Art of Table Setting,” featuring ideas to elevate your tablescapes and entertain in style; “Weekend Getaways: Waco,” offering tips for a visit to the Central Texas city with small-town charm and vibrant local businesses; “Houses of Art,” highlighting some of the top cultural events of the season; and special sections for lake, farm, ranch and recreation properties. Also, in the fall/winter edition: “All About That Paper: Not Your Grandmother’s Style,” features wallpapering advice from local designers Shay Geyer and Tiffany McKinzie. In addition to the exposure received from Grand Vie, Ebby Halliday luxury listings benefit from national and international exposure provided by luxury marketing partner Luxury Portfolio International and its website, luxuryportfolio.com, one of the most-visited luxury home sites in the world. To view the digital version of Grand Vie, visit grandviemagazine.com. To learn more about Ebby Halliday Realtors, its Associates and all of the homes available for purchase in North Texas, visit ebby.com.
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN
A Dream Mansion that Pays the Mortgage
This stunning transitional at 4636 Belclaire Ave. (4636belclaire.dpmre.com), built in 2007, was redesigned in 2017 by the highly regarded Amy Berry. Offered by Sharon Redd and Chela Moros, the four-bedroom, four-bath home with two half-baths is offered for $1,849,000. It encompasses 5,169 square feet (per building plan) and has a two-car garage. Formals are comfortably elegant with golden detailing and hand-painted walls. The bright family room flows easily with French doors opening to the covered patio and yard. The gourmet kitchen is fetching and functional with marble island, breakfast bar, built-in refrigerator, stainless-steel appliances and abundant countertop space. A private guest suite completes the first floor. Upstairs the master suite has a sitting area and luxe bath with marble countertops, heated floors, jetted tub and dual closets. The adjacent flex room can be used as nursery, office or exercise room. Two bedroom suites and a game room complete the second floor. To schedule a showing, contact Redd at 469-8355363 / sharon@dpmre.com or Moros at 806-773-4031 / chela@dpmre.com. Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate (daveperrymiller. com) is a division of Ebby Halliday Real Estate, Inc., 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.
Have you dreamed of living in a Gone With the Wind Tara-like estate where you could raise horses? But you worried you couldn’t afford the mortgage for such a spectacular property? Ask Juli Harrison or Kimberly Rote to show you the famous Lone Star Mansion on more than 17 acres in Burleson. This unique property is an antebellum mansion set in the Texas horse country south of Fort Worth. Offered for $2,685,000, the Lone Star Mansion at 629 John Charles Dr. is a 7,676 square-foot, five-bedroom estate, originally constructed in 1985. Like the plantation home in the famous Civil War movie, the home is set back along a curved driveway between white wooden fences. It leads to a circular drive in front of the two-story columned veranda. Inside are exquisite interior finishes, crown moldings, marble fireplaces, hardwood flooring and glass half-moon transoms above double doors. The kitchen has curved walls and features stainless-steel appliances. The large, oval-shaped master bedroom has spectacular views. Relax in steam and dry saunas or enjoy a game of billiards in the media room down a curved flight of stars in the finished basement. Outside, a pool has a broad terrace. A gem of this estate is the Carriage House, built in 2015, which is perfect for wedding receptions and other special events. The Carriage House has a commercial kitchen and walk-in cooler for catered events. Picture perfect grounds feature a pond with a gazebo that would be a perfect background for wedding photos. For more information, visit www.alliebeth.com.
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN
Enjoy Watching Football in Your New Home
Watching football at the stadium is exhilarating, but with today’s luxuries, the best way to enjoy every run, pass or kick may be in your own home. Relax in your overstuffed chair as you watch the games on a giant screen television with high-quality speakers that bring all the game’s sights and sounds to you. And delight in the luxury of having a well-stocked refrigerator only feet away. A place to invite your friends and family to your new home to root in comfort for your favorite teams. Here are two Football Friendly Homes. The five-bedroom transitional classic home, built in 2018, has timeless architecture and is designed with all the modern technology. The home at 6466 Lavendale Ave. in Preston Hollow features both a media room and game room for football-watching parties. It has an island kitchen and a separate catering kitchen. The two-bedroom home at 5710 Orchid Ln. in Preston Hollow has been totally updated. It features an open floor plan with a quartz fireplace, hardwood flooring and a vaulted ceiling. In the kitchen are stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, a gas range, coffee bar and a decorative accent wall. To find your perfect game day home, visit www.alliebeth.com.
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN
High Rise Homes Present Exciting Opportunities
High-rise living these days offers a wide range of options. Residences feature spectacular views and amenities that appeal to all generations. The buildings are close to some of the city’s best dining and entertainment. Most buildings put a premium on service and security, with a concierge and parking valet, making your high-rise residence a perfect place to call home. There are holiday parties, weekend get-togethers and other resident events that create lasting friendships. Here are two homes in high-rise buildings that view. In the prestigious high-rise, The Residences at the Ritz Carlton, there is a four-bedroom custom-designed home with two large master suites. The home at 2555 N. Pearl St., No. 202, features two living and dining rooms and hardwood flooring throughout the 4,256 square feet of living space. An oversized terrace has treetop views of the private pool and courtyard. In the luxurious Azure, a two-bedroom, corner-unit res idence has more than 1,400 square feet of living space. The condominium at 2900 McKinnon St., No.1004, has an open floor plan with a kitchen that has Sub-Zero and Miele appliances, a built-in espresso maker, wine refrigerator and gas cooktop. The residence also features an outdoor balcony that overlooks vibrant Uptown. To find your high-rise dream home, visit www.alliebeth.com.
ALLIE BETH ALLMAN URBAN
2555 N Pearl Street #RR4 3 Bedrooms | 4.1 Baths | 6,079 SqFt Offered For $6,700,000
Designed by renowned architect Robert A. M. Stern and finished by Mark Molthan, Platinum Custom Homes, this stunning, one of a kind 6,079 sf brownstone inspired, contemporary townhome has three bedrooms and a study with a full bath that could be a fourth bedroom. High speed elevator connects the private garage with all levels of luxury living. Custom finishes and furnishings by acclaimed artist and designer Allen Kirsch. Regency Row is a private enclave of custom homes at The Tower Residences at the Ritz-Carlton. Owners enjoy 5-star services from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel. For more information please contact Kyle Crews (214) 538-1310.
parkcitiespeople.com | December 2019  55
Churches Celebrate Christmas With Songs By Tanika Turner People Newspapers
The holidays are a time for fun, family, friends, and music. These and other area churches will offer the sounds of the Christmas season. Go back to the manger, experience songs and flavors from around the world, and enjoy instrumental takes on favorite carols. A Journey to the Manger When: Dec. 8 Where: HP United Methodist Church Cost: $20 adults; $15 students
For the annual Tower Arts Concerts, conducted by Alan Raines, the Highland Park Methodist Church Chancel Choir and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will lead a musical journey to where it all began: back to the manager. Performances are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Visit hpumc.org. All the Nations Music Festival When: Dec. 14 Where: Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School Park Cities Baptist Church teams up with the Dallas Zomi Community Church and the Healing Hands Community
Church for the All the Nations Music Festival. The holiday celebration starts at 1:30 p.m. and includes music and food from all around the world. Visit pcbc.org/events. Christmas Pipings: A Holiday Concert When: Dec. 10 Where: Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church Cost: Free The concert featuring Ryan Anthony on the trumpet, Gary Beard on the organ/ piano, and PHPC’s own Bradley Hunter Welch will include Christmas favorites from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Visit phpc.org/event.
COURTESY PHPC
FROM LEFT: Ryan Anthony and Gary Beard will perform Dec. 9 at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church.
CLASSIFIEDS To place your ad in People Newspapers, please call us at 214-523-5239, fax to 214-594-5779, or e-mail to classified@peoplenewspapers.com. All ads will run in Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People and online on both websites. Pre-payment is required on all ads. Deadline for our next edition is Monday, Dec. 2. People Newspapers reserves the right to edit or reject ads. We assume no liability for errors or omissions in advertisements and no responsibility beyond the cost of the ad. We are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion. ANNOUNCEMENTS
H E A LT H
HOME SERVICES
BURIAL PROPERTIES
Premier Family Estate burial property at Sparkman/Hillcrest with Internment Rights for up to Twelve individuals. Property is private, hedged and landscaped, and carries forward a Forever Perpetual Maintenance agreement. For further detail please contact owner by telephone 214.585.2609 or via email: fmafg@mac.com CHILD CARE
HOME SERVICES
#1 Home Cleaning Service for a Reason! www.DallasMaids.com (469) 487-6669
Dina Taylor
Professional Organizer
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Weight Loss, Energy, Focus,
Depression, Impotency and Fatigue etc.
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BE SEEN. BE HEARD. BE HERE. Classifieds: 214.523.5239