Park Cities People November 2024

FROM LEFT: Librarian April Penman and first-grade winners Roman Drutel, Stiles Gulley, Daniel Berlin, Lottie Ewert, Holden Brussard, and Prescott Gage, with Bradfield’s mascot, Blaze. SARAH HODGES

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PEYTON BONO

POLICE, NEIGHBORS TEAM UP FOR RABBIT RESCUE

University Park police officers don’t just hop to it when people are in danger. They respond to bunnies in trouble as well.

Police Officer

Michael Calderon was dispatched to Caruth Boulevard on Sept. 24 after neighbors reported that they’d found a bunny in a bush. While rabbits in general aren’t an unusual sight in the Park Cities, this bunny was.

She was Coconut, or Coco for short, a big, white, fluffy bunny with pink eyes. Michaele Frederick’s family brought Coco and fellow rabbits Bugs and Chelsea home for her three children this summer. Frederick speculated that Coco must have burrowed her way out of the yard and hopped to freedom down the alley.

Calderon and residents worked as a team to catch Coco and put her in a box. Though capturing Coco wasn’t difficult, holding onto her was more challenging, according to Calderon.

Calderon was appreciative of neighbors’ help. He used to work near the Bronx Zoo, and has experience responding to calls involving raccoons, a hawk, and kittens. But in 10 years as a police officer, he had never previously been involved in a rabbit rescue.

While neighbors and police were trying to determine who owned the bunny, Frederick was notified that Coco had been

found and came to claim her.

“She’s a sweet little bunny and we’re glad to have her back,” Frederick said. “And it’s very nice of the neighbors to be so considerate to help find her.” She added that she loves the communication and community in the Park Cities.

Frederick fortified her backyard to prevent additional bunny escapes, but Coco must have enjoyed her time on the run. Despite efforts to keep her at home, she quickly escaped again. Only this time, she made it back without the assistance of law enforcement.

Paid parking in Snider Plaza?

Fall means plenty of football and family gatherings, as well as an abundance of

leaves to rake out of yards. Parking, however, is in shorter supply.

In Snider Plaza, the problem of where to park is almost as old as the shopping area itself. But finding a workable solution may require locating additional parking spots for Plaza employees, who occupy more than half of its spaces, according to an August 2023 survey.

This spring, the Snider Plaza employee parking task force recommended the city implement paid parking in the surface lot, and use the proceeds to hire a parking management company and pay for employe parking elsewhere.

City Council members have also discussed increasing enforcement for parking violations as a potential solution.

Coco safely at home with one of her people, 10-year-old Yardley Frederick, who shares Coco with her twin sister Waverly. Coco while on the lam. MICHAELE FREDERICK AND LIZA RAYNOR

SARAH HODGES

Crime Reports Sept. 9-Oct. 6

Sept. 9

Reported at 11:20 a.m.: A resident of the  4500 block of Lorraine Avenue returned home from dinner at Mi Cocina to find that his wallet was missing and he had an alert for a $1,411.58 transaction at Walmart.

Sept. 10

A porch pirate stole packages containing ammunition and clothing before 1:04 p.m. from a home on Centenary Drive

Sept. 11

A burglar broke into a 2017 Mercedes-Benz while the car’s owner was in a restaurant in The Plaza at Preston Center before 2:47 p.m. and took a backpack and iPad Pro.

Sept. 12

Reported at 1:33 p.m. in the  4400 block of Westway Avenue : A company was tricked into wiring $240,000 to convincing scammers who purported to be from a group the company did business with and claimed the company needed to pay an invoice.

Sept. 14

Reported at 9:18 a.m.: A scammer told a resident of the  5500 block of Key Street that her information had been infected with a virus and persuaded her to make three transactions from her bank account, transferring $30,000 into Bitcoin.

Sept. 15

A speed demon rammed a 2024 Chevy Corvette in the 3700 block of Mockingbird Lane at about 11:50 a.m. causing approximately $5,000 in damage, then failed to stop.

Sept. 16

A joyrider stole a 2022 Ram 1500 TRX from in front of a home on  Villanova Drive at about 7:09 a.m.

Sept. 17

A license plate looter stole the front plate from a vehicle on Milton Avenue at around 6:05 p.m.

Sept. 18

A thief went shopping in an unlocked 2023 Tesla at about 5:29 p.m. on  Preston Road and stole a blue leather tote bag and

an iPad with a white keyboard case.

Sept. 19

A man seen loitering near areas where children play was arrested at about 5:18 a.m. after police accused him of jaywalking in the 6200 block of Hillcrest Avenue

Sept. 20

Police arrested a man for narcotics violations at about 1:15 a.m. on  Mockingbird Lane after discovering him with several drugs, including a plastic bag with a white crystal substance, orange M N8 pills, white pills, drug paraphernalia, and a bottle for the heartburn medication Zegerid.

Sept. 22

A shady thief stole a pair of sunglasses from an unlocked 2021 Tesla in the Tom Thumb parking lot on  Villanova Drive at about 6:44 p.m.

Sept. 23

Reported at 11:08 p.m.: A scammer appeared to pay a woman in the  3500 block of Normandy Avenue  $1,500 to use her likeness to paint a portrait, then demanded the money back. The con-artist’s methods escalated to death threats, including pictures of dead people and individuals holding firearms.

Sept. 25

Reported at 1:15 p.m.: A scoundrel stole a Tecovas wallet, a Canon camera and lens, and a camera bag on Aug. 12 from a 2022 Cadillac at Hillstone restaurant in The Plaza at Preston Center

Sept. 27

A thief wearing a shirt with the word “Essentials” on it decided he needed a fragrance from Carolina Herrera in  Highland Park Village at about 4:18 p.m., but apparently didn’t think he needed to pay for it.

Sept. 28

One or more pedaling pilferers stole a blue Trek 1.2 Alpha bicycle and a teal Huffy bicycle from Emerson Avenue at about 2:22 p.m.

Sept. 29

The Honda EU2200i Generator is advertised as light and portable, so it must have

been easy for a thief to enter an unlocked 2006 Casita travel trailer on  San Carlos Drive at about 1:39 p.m. and carry one off.

Sept. 30

A thief cleaned out a woman’s Land Rover Range Rover, stealing her Celine tote style purse, while she dropped off her dry cleaning before 1:29 p.m. in the 4100 block of Lomo Alto Drive

Oct. 1

Officers responded to the  McCulloch Intermediate/Highland Park Middle School campus at about 10:38 a.m. after a student displayed a steak knife at school.

Oct. 2

A sneaky scoundrel stole a North Face backpack, two laptop computers, Kendra Scott jewelry, a keyboard, over ear headphones, and a prescription bottle from a 2020 BMW X5 SUV that was mostly left locked as its owner made multiple trips to and from Whole Foods in the 4100 block of Lomo Alto Drive

Oct. 3

Reported at 12:36 p.m.: A mail marauder washed two checks totaling $3,250 mailed by a resident of the  3600 block of Cornell Avenue, made them out to a fraudulent recipient, and cashed them.

Oct. 4

A youngster was cited for juvenile driving under the influence at about 11:57 p.m. after they were stopped in a 2004 Lexus LX 470 on Druid Lane

Oct. 5

A Ford F-150 ignored a red light, may not have heard a police siren, and went the wrong way down an alley and one-way street, before finally entering the Dallas North Tollway via an exit ramp prior to 1:10 a.m. during a pursuit that began in the 4600 block of Mockingbird Lane

Oct. 6

A classy crook broke the window of a 2022 Cadillac Escalade to steal items including a PURPLE BRAND T-shirt and jeans at about 8:30 p.m. on Preston Road

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No Crime Wave, But Rising Concern

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

The number of crimes in University Park isn’t on the rise, according to statistics compiled by the city. But recent events have made residents question whether more should be done to prevent criminal activity.

There were 341 Group A Crimes reported in University Park between January and August 2024, as opposed to 333 in the same months of 2023. And this summer, fewer crimes were reported than last year, according to police department statistics.

Group A Crimes generally include serious offenses, such as assault, burglary, and fraud. Other, more minor, offenses are only tracked by the National Incident-Based Reporting System if there is arrest data.

The number of serious crimes may not be up, but thanks to headlines and recent activity witnessed by residents, concern is.

In September, a man identified as 46-yearold Omar Nasir was seen loitering near area schools and, in at least one case, apparently taking photos of students.

Nasir was arrested by University Park police officers on Sept. 19 after they accused him of jaywalking. He posted a $200 bond and was released, only to be arrested again by Dallas police, this time for allegedly injuring an elderly woman who identified herself as his mother. When this issue went to press, he remained in jail on a $10,000 bond.

University Park resident Ashley Cook hosted a community meeting at her home on Oct. 6 to explore how neighbors can partner with police to address illicit activity.

“I grew up here, and we just didn’t have so

many people coming into the Park Cities and committing crimes,” Cook said.

Creating crimes of opportunity, such as by leaving car doors unlocked and key fobs inside, encourages criminals to return, UP patrol Lt. Allison Smith explained to about 35 residents who attended the meeting.

Criminals have learned that the area is an “easy target,” Smith said. “If they come here and steal one car that way, they know that there’s others that way.”

Residents discussed amending city ordinances to restrict sleeping in UP parks at any time of day. Parks are closed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. But during the day, police are not empowered to remove homeless individuals unless they have outstanding warrants or are committing a crime, Smith explained.

Residents suggested increasing law enforcement’s presence in Preston Center west of Preston Road and around Boone Elementary by paying off-duty officers to do patrols. Those areas are both in Dallas, which means UP officers cannot routinely patrol there, Smith said.

Resident Gareth Walters proposed offering a situational awareness class or conversation.

“I find that there’s a tremendous break between law enforcement and the civilian population,” he said, explaining that people may not know how to evaluate the area around them. “People have got blinders on because they don’t know, they don’t want to get involved.”

Smith said she would take residents’ ideas back to the University Park Police Department.

“I feel like we’ve got some great initiatives that we can work with,” Cook said at the meeting’s conclusion, “and I love that everyone’s so willing to help support the police.”

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CEDAR CREEK LAKE A TOP CHOICE FOR SECOND HOME BUYERS

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb Claudia.Carson-Habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Sun-kissed faces at a recent Preston Hollow dinner party sparked conversation about jaunts to Newport Beach and Florida’s 30A, with guests revealing that, aside from the top-notch restaurant and shopping scene, one of the great things about Dallas is its central location, “offering convenient access to vacation destinations with the ability to fly to the east or west coast in three hours.”

But, Dean Lontos, who owns a second home on Cedar Creek Lake, added the rhetorical, “Why board a flight when you can drive an hour outside of Dallas and find everything you need for a fun weekend?” to the discussion.

combined with boating, fishing, and family fun has made private ownership in the area a coveted commodity.

“Over the years, property values have steadily increased, with growth driven by rising demand from Dallas residents seeking the perfect weekend escape,” said Dallas’s Allie Beth Allman & Associate’s Holly Davis, who specializes in the area.

“Recently, we’ve seen a bit of a plateau in prices, which is … great news for buyers — it creates an ideal window to invest in lakefront property before the next wave of growth.”

“Sometimes we bring a carload of guests; other times, it’s just our family coming to decompress from our busy schedules.”

Dean Lontos

The concept evidently hasn’t been lost on his neighbors, with Cedar Creek Lake quickly becoming the go-to destination for the Dallas crowd ready to put down supplemental roots. Luxury lake living

One of Davis’s listings, an expansive, nearly 9,000-square-foot lakefront retreat at 4510 Long Cove Drive in Malakoff, comes with premium amenities and little need to fret the crew of teens heading in for the weekend. The house boasts ample water closets — six full and one half to be exact. After a day of wakeboarding and jet skiing, the fun continues with a cook-out at sunset, and cornhole games and fireside smores rounding out

Coastal Getaways, Treetop Hideaways, Snowcapped Landscapes

Shifts in vacation destinations aren’t unusual among Dallas’ jet-setting crowd, with Aspen maintaining its top spot for chionophiles escaping the Texas heat.

Vacation home sales in Whitefish and Vail have also risen, according to Compass real estate professional Chad Schulin.

And with JSX’s non-stop public charter service including destinations to Taos, Destin, Orange County, and Cabo, who wouldn’t welcome private boarding for a fraction of the cost of a private plane?

the night. And for that gaggle of teens heading down the lane for late-night socializing, a six-seater golf cart sits ready.

“Everyone has their own vision of the perfect lake retreat. For some, a grill, simple dock and boat are all that’s needed to enjoy quality time entertaining friends and family. Others seek a more elevated experience, preferring access to amenities like golf, tennis, pickleball, hiking and biking trails, and maybe even the option for a catered dinner after a day of activities,” Davis said.

She added that Cedar Creek Lake’s proximity to Dallas and ability to satisfy a range of preferences, “from large lots with infinity pools, bunk rooms, and sleeping space for 30 guests, to cozy lakefront cottages with perfect patios,” makes it an ideal spot for a second home.

“It’s a perfect getaway for our family,” Lontos said. “Sometimes we bring a carload of guests; other times, it’s just our family coming to decompress from our busy schedules.”

And, if a buyer is inclined to develop an exclusive enclave of homes, or just wants to build a private personal retreat on the lake, Davis revealed there is a 10-acre property available for purchase — nestled a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge with a meandering creek running through it.

If 18 holes of morning golf and an afternoon dip in a pool are your thing, Pelican Hill Resort’s 36-hole championship golf course and coliseum pool in Newport Beach offer a coastal backdrop in an idyllic SoCal destination.

If relaxing in a remote location is more your cup of tea, sip one alongside Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit in a peaceful treetop retreat at the One&Only Mandarina, set amidst a coastal rainforest — the Shangri-La’s canopy of Higuera trees enveloping the secluded spa area, which includes a mud grotto, cold plunge pools, steam, and sauna set among the natural volcanic rock.

With subscription-based vacation clubs such as Inspirato offering members a curated portfolio of luxury vacation homes and resorts that span the globe, travelers can explore Florence, Italy from their historic villa or sip an adult beverage in an Adirondack chair from their Nantucket seaside cottage. If a day of alpine skiing followed by apres-ski at Aspen’s Little Nell is more your speed, a co-ownership in a 5,000 square foot Aspen retreat could be your happy place.

Not ready to commit to second home ownership? Pacaso offers a 12-month trial of the turnkey vacation option.

– By Claudia Carson-Habeeb

4510 Long Cove Drive in Malakoff offers luxury lake living with picturesque views. A large outdoor space invites fireside chats and s’more-making; a relaxing porch swing lulls houseguests. LOVING REAL ESTATE MEDIA

With a check-in window of just 20 minutes before flight time at JSX’s dedicated hangars, an ocean, beach, and mountain view from a rainforest treehouse is not out of the picture. JSX, ONE&ONLY MANDARINA

Your Rug Might Be the Most Important Decorating Choice You Make

CLOCKWISE: Creating custom rugs by taking wool carpets and cutting them to size, then having them either serged or bound in leather is a good solution for rooms with an unusual shape or size. The earthy colors and tribal pattern on this Ralph Lauren rug made it the perfect choice for this African themed guest room. Because this hand-tufted wool and silk rug, ordered custom to fit the small dining room, is a perfect square, the round table fits perfectly on top. Also, the rug can be rotated for even wear. NATHAN SCHRODER AND MICHAEL HUNTER

Real Estate Market Snapshots

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

While some people treat rugs as an afterthought, for interior designers like me, rugs are the foundation of a room. Rugs have a major influence on a room’s color scheme and overall mood. In fact, many of us start our designs by picking the rug first.

MARGARET CHAMBERS

The following are some things to keep in mind next time you’re rug shopping:

Choosing the right size

When it comes to rugs, the most common pitfall is choosing one that’s too small. A rug should be large enough to extend under the front legs of every piece of furniture in a seating area. On the other hand, a rug that leaves almost no floor showing tends to

look like wall-to-wall carpeting. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 12 to 18 inches between the rug and the wall.

Choosing the right material

Another thing to consider is what material you want your rug to be. Wool is the most popular choice because it is beautiful, durable, and cleanable, making it perfect for families with children.

“A beautiful rug has the power to instantly add interest to a boring room or pull together one with too much going on.”

Silk can handle more foot traffic than you might think, but the cleaning process is slightly more involved and expensive than with wool. Natural fiber rugs such as sisal and jute are very affordable but cannot be cleaned if you spill something on them (unless you use a fiber protection method as soon as you get them).

If you decide to buy delicate rugs, place them in low-traffic rooms where they won’t risk getting wet or dirty.

Choosing the right style

Contemporary rugs with large-scale designs do best in contemporary spaces. Oriental rugs are versatile enough to fit in both traditional and contemporary homes. Tribal rugs can go with many different styles, but work especially well in contemporary or Southwest style homes. Transitional rugs will contain both modern and traditional design elements, such as an ornate pattern in a modern, neutral color scheme. Rugs with a “weathered” look are ideal for beach-themed, transitional, and Bohemian rooms.

Finding the perfect rug can solve many different design problems. A beautiful rug has the power to instantly add interest to a boring room or pull together one with too much going on. By following these guidelines and choosing your rugs carefully, you can lay the groundwork for some truly dazzling rooms.

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

WITH DESIGN BY MARGARET CHAMBERS

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Lane, Kami K. Lane, Lauren Langley, Rob Langley, Caitlin Laughlin, Thomas Laughlin, Jen Lavelle, Kevin Lavelle, David Leake, Melissa Leake, Andy Leatherman, Kristi Leatherman, Aron Leckband, Kendrick Leckband, Ellen Lee, Emily Lee, Kasha Lee, Paul C. Lee*, Paul C. Lee, Jr., Rebecca R. Lee, Richard Lee, Warren Lee, Christi Leinart, Marcus Leinart, John Lesikar, Natalie Lesikar, Campbell Lewis, Chamlee Lewis, Katherine Lewis, Lisa Lewis, Mike Lewis, Scott Lewis, Bob Lilly, Jr., Julie Lin, Shelley Lipscomb, Steve Lipscomb, Bill Lokey, Renne Lokey, Jenifer Longhofer, Matt Longhofer, Jackson Mabry, Rachel Mabry, Leslie Malaise, Matt Malaise, Lisa Mallonee, Scott Mallonee, Jaideep Mani, Laurie Martin, Todd Martin, Carrie Martinez, Jeff Matthews, Tracy Matthews, Rochelle Mayfield, Tim Mayfield, David McBee, Meredith McBee, Chris McCallan, Laura McCallan, Becky McCamey, Bob McCamey, Alexandria McCombs, Scott McCombs, Ginna McLanahan, Ward McLanahan, John McNight, Amy McNulty, Jed Melson, Jen Melson, Caitlin Merritt, Jeffrey Merritt, Brooke Messer, Jennifer Messer, Kent Messer, Will Messer, Keana Meyer, Blake Michelson, Megan Michelson, Chris Miller, Elizabeth Ward Miller, Justin Miller, Kay Miller, Lindsey Miller, Sarah K. Miller, Stephen Miller, Jan Milligan, Cynthia Mills, Robert Mills, Jeff Montgomery, Rebecca Montgomery, Dawn Moore, Eddy Moore, Barry Moore, JoAnne Moore, Sandy Moore, Steve Moore, The Morrow Family, Anna Moss, Carla Moss, Matt Moss, Ryan Moss, Kelli Mueller, Leigh Mundinger, Will Mundinger, Jennifer Nash, Noble Nash, Charlie Nau, Rosebud Nau, Lakshmi Nayar, Neblett Family, Rachel Lee Neumann, Clayton Newman, Lynsie Newman, Cindy Newsom, Duane Newsom, Anne Nixon, Larry Nixon, Francesca Nor, Jennifer Norris, Lee Norris, Dan Novakov, Lydia Novakov, Ann O'Boyle, Brian O'Boyle, Jr., Jack O'Boyle, Jamie O'Boyle, Jimmy Ogden, Bill Ogle, Lisa Ogle, Annie O'Grady, Tim O'Grady, Caroline Olson, Fred Olson, Sherri Owen, Brett Owens, Craig Owens, Honey Owens, Kristi Owens, Les Owens, Shannon Owens, Lauren Palmer, Scott Palmer, Allison Parks, Robb Parks, Caroline Patterson, Steven Patterson, Hadley Paul, Jana Paul, Missy Rogers Peck, Tim Peck, Beth Peters, Nick Peters, Don Peterson, Kerry Peterson, The Petka Family, Jessica Pielsticker, Jacky Pincoffs, Peter Pincoffs, Andrew Porteous, Krista Porteous, Jordan Pounds, Trevor Pounds, Andrew Powell, Douglas Prieto, Natalie Prieto, Andrew Prine, Karie Prine, Adrienne Pulliam, Clark Pulliam, Rankin Family, Kasey Ratliff, Katherine Ratliff, David Reed, Rachel Reed, Christena Renna, Vanessa Renna, Kersten Rettig, Kyle Reynolds, Megan Reynolds, Alex Richter, Nicole Richter, Brooke Roberson, Rod Roberson, Kristen Roberts, Whit Roberts, Audrey Robertson, JD Robertson, John Roby, Rich Rosalez, Alan Rose, Leslie Rose, Andrew Rosen, Sheri Rosen, Paul Rowsey*, Andrew Rugg, Jessica Rugg, Molly Salmon, Katie Samler, Matt Samler, Joy Sanders, Todd Sanders, Brittany Sargent, John Sargent, Katherine Sbaiti, Mazin Sbaiti, Alexis Scarff, Robert Scarff, Mark Schultis, Lauren Schultis, Blake Schwarz, Julia Schwarz, Field Scovell, Lyle Scovell, Catherine Seals, Jeff Sears, Murphey Sears, Jenni Marks Scoggins, Catherine Sharpe, Tom Sharpe*, Allen Shank, Angie Shank, Tom Sharpe, Jared Shelton, Kathryn Shelton, Aaron Sherman, Amy Sherman, Gretel Shipley, Justin Shipley, Nick Silva, Liz Healy Silva, Chip Simmons, Marcy Simmons, Jeffrey Simon, Yasmin Simon, Allison Small, Ryan Small, Doug Smellage*, Ashley Smetko, Scott Smetko, Andy Smith, Cindy Smith, Jamie Smith, Joan Smith, Jon David Smith, Melinda Smith, Patty Smith, Steve Smith, Don Snell, Chrissy Snelling, Clay Snelling, Betsy Sorenson, Tyler Sorenson, Jen Sowders, Christy Sowell, Zach Sowell, Drew Speicher, Elizabeth Speicher, Heather Herring Stanton, Sam Stanton, Elizabeth Steed, Joel Steed, Dina Jones Steele, Bruce Stensrud, Vicki Stensrud, Greg Stephens, Lisa Stephens, Janey Steward, Walker Steward, Elizabeth Stewart, Rachel Stienke, Ragen Stienke, Jeff Stone, Karen Stone, Carol Storey, Gerry Storey, Abby Storms, Jeff Storms, Herb Story, Mary Kay Story, Michael Swaldi, Tamara Swaldi, Lindsey Swenson, Smokey Swenson, Ann Swope, Claire Swope, Jeff Swope, Tobin Swope, The Tauschers, Joe Taylor*, Mary Taylor, Laura Thornton, Ryan Thornton, Neely Thrash, Trent Thrash, Sarah Toraason, Cathy True, John True, Kay True, Scott Trulock, Jon Turnbull, Lauren Turnbull, Lee Anne Ulrich, Preston Ulrich, Stacey Underwood, Jenny Vahrenkamp, Josh Vahrenkamp, Ed Valentine, Shyla Valentine, Allison Vanderwoude, Mike Wagner, Kelsie Wagner, Price Wagner, Sara Wagner, Ben Walder, Tracy Walder, Jane Wallingford, Jessica Turner Waugh, Jeff Waugh, Jamie Whatley, Trey Whatley, Rebecca Whitaker, Scott Whitaker, Andrew Whitcomb, Katie Whitcomb, Leland White, Monica White, Marty Wick, Page Wick, Alinda Wikert, Jim Wikert, Colista Williams, Kellyann Williams, Joel Williams, Robert Williams, Susan Williams, Bill Wilshusen, Tiffa Wilshusen, Stephanie Wilson, Will Wilson, Jacquelyn Woldert, Kevin Womack, Krystle Womack, Jenny Wood, Nathan Wood, Chase Woodall, Leslie Woodall, Carrie Woodward, Richard Woodward, Doug Woodward, Genevieve Woodward, Samantha Wortley, Laurie Wright, Nelson Wu, John M. Yeaman, Kathy Yeaman, Ana Yoder, Jim Yoder, Dick Zadina, Peggy Zadina, Andrew Zeitman, Lauren Zeitman.

Personal Past, Neurodiverse Son

Inspire Workplace Innovation

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb Claudia.Carson-Habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Travis Hollman is no stranger to personas created around his public image.

Known as husband to Real Housewives of Dallas alumna Stephanie Hollman, as the catalyst to having the indoor pool removed from an infamous Turtle Creek Drive foyer, and as the guy who ensures athletes with multi-million dollar salaries dig their behind-the-scenes digs, the CEO of Hollman Lockers doesn’t stay idle.

for the neurodiverse employee in the corporate workplace.

Diagnosed with Legg-Perthes disease at a young age, Hollman described his elementary school years as “both difficult and formative” — the memories of sitting at the back of a classroom in his wheelchair still palpable.

“It made me tough; it made me who I am, but I don’t ever want my kid to go through what I did.”

Travis Hollman

His state-of-the-art designs are featured in big-league locker rooms including the Dallas Mavericks, the Chicago Cubs, and Duke University.

But it’s his role as dad that’s inspired what he calls his “passion project.” Emanating from his personal struggles as a youth, and his son Cruz’s learning differences, Hollman set out to affect change

“Yeah, it was tough,” Hollman said. “But I don’t look at that time as a negative, because I believe if you like where you are now, all the stuff that came before is what got you here.”

Just when he thought he’d conquered life’s biggest hurdle, Hollman faced yet another obstacle.

“When dyslexia caused me to fail the third grade, I had no choice but to be resilient,” said Hollman, recalling that during his childhood, “those who couldn’t reach normal milestones were considered the dumb kids.”

When he finally got tested in the seventh grade, his dyslexia had already

long affected his reading ability and his social environment.

“I had no friends my whole childhood, but I really didn’t know any different,” Hollman said.

He chalks up classroom bullies’ behavior to a lack of societal awareness.

Hollman described a return visit to his childhood home during which the current resident, not recognizing that he was the same boy who’d grown up there, inquired how his special needs brother was faring.

“It made me tough; it made me who I am,” Hollman said, adding with resoluteness, “but I don’t ever want my kid to go through what I did.”

Hollman’s quest to alter the perception of the “often-misunderstood brain” gained momentum as the entrepreneurial father of two turned his challenging youth and his son’s journey with neurodiversity into his latest innovation, creating a workspace adaptable to unique sensory needs.

“I’ve witnessed first-hand how adjusting learning patterns and environments can positively affect workflow, self-esteem, and productivity,” Hollman said, citing statistics that indicate the system is due for an overhaul.

“This, for me, is highly personal,” he said, “not only for my son, but for every individual faced with a physical, mental, and learning disability.”

Comings and Goings

NOW OPEN

Abbey Glass

The Plaza at Preston Center

The approachable, luxury womenswear brand steeped in confidence, timelessness, and playful elegance recently celebrated the grand opening of its new boutique.

Galleria

Dallas

Various Stores

• UNIQLO, a Japanese brand that features functional clothes designed with innovative features in a wide variety of colors and styles, opened on Oct. 18.

as well as the Oak Essentials skincare line.

NorthPark Center

Various Stores

• Givenchy is bringing French luxury to NorthPark shoppers with its first Texas store on level one between Neiman Marcus and Dillard’s.

• Pandora, the world’s largest jewelry brand which designs, manufactures and markets high-quality jewelry at affordable prices, has opened on level one.

La Casita Coffee

Half Price Books

The coffee shop from James Beard-nominated pastry chef Maricsa Trejo and her husband Alex Henderson has opened inside the flagship store on Northwest Highway.

Highland Park Village

Various Stores

• French luxury brand Chloé has opened its first Texas location, which features women’s ready-to-wear, jewelry, shoes, handbags, eyewear, and beauty.

• The California-based lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne’s pop-up location is its largest store to date and carries apparel, accessories, home, and apothecary products,

San Marzano

• Rothy’s, the sustainable lifestyle brand known for transforming single-use plastic into stylish, versatile, and washable shoes, bags, and accessories, opened a NorthPark location on Oct. 9.

3700 McKinney Ave., Suite 148

The New York-based restaurant known for its fresh, housemade pasta and bread has started offering high quality food at affordable prices in the West Village.

COMING

CATCH Dallas

3005 Maple Avenue

A simple yet elegant menu that features locally inspired dishes, beloved CATCH classics, sushi selections from Tokyo’s Toyosu market, and a variety of Japanese Wagyu will arrive in Uptown on Nov. 8.

Glossier

NorthPark Center

Glossier, which makes skincare, makeup, body care, and fragrance products optimized for real life, will open a new retail space on level one near Macy’s on Oct. 25. — Compiled

Acoustics, lighting, and surface materials can be tailored to meet individual needs. Visit mespacedesigns.com to learn more. Travis Hollman’s customized MeSpace workspace is tailored to improve productivity. KATHY TRAN AND COURTESY MESPACE

by Sarah Hodges and Claudia Carson-Habeeb

Jenni Kayne’s COURTESY PHOTOS

CATCH Dallas

FAMILY LAW

Jim Mueller, Managing Partner

VERNER BRUMLEY MUELLER PARKER

The team at esteemed law firm Verner Brumley Mueller Parker PC understands that navigating family law issues can be one of life’s most challenging experiences. That’s why they say they’re not just family law attorneys, but attorneys for clients’ families. The firm’s sought-after law experts are committed to helping clients protect and preserve what matters most. With over a century of combined experience, the dedicated team expertly supports and advocates for clients through every step of the legal process.

“We pride ourselves on offering personalized attention to every client and meeting them where they’re at,” said Jim Mueller, owner and managing partner of Verner Brumley Mueller Parker. “We take a very hands-on, empathetic approach with our clients, and we want them to know we can be their point of contact for nearly anything.”

Clients come away from their experience with the firm raving not only about the effective, masterful representation they received, but also about the relationships they

were able to form with their lawyers. They feel incredibly grateful that during one of life’s greatest hardships, the team at Verner Brumley Mueller Parker listened to their concerns, understood their goals and developed strategy to address their unique situations.

The firm specializes in a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, complex property division pre- and post-marital agreements. Whether dealing with a complex high-net worth divorce or straightforward

custody negotiations, the Verner Brumley Mueller Parker team has the knowledge and skills to advocate for clients’ best interests.

“The diversity of our experience means there’s going to be very little that is going to be presented that somebody in our firm hasn’t dealt with firsthand over the years,” Mueller said. “We help clients pursue the best possible outcome for their case so they can face the future with confidence.” With a record of reaching successful resolutions in

countless family law cases, the firm has created a reputation of excellence for itself in Dallas. Mueller, who graduated cum laude from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University, is honored to have the opportunity to serve a community he feels so connected to.

“For everything that has changed over the years, one thing that is as true today around here as it ever was, is that longevity is key,” he said. “I tell clients all the time, this is not going to be an easy process, or the most pleasant process. You

want to have a relationship with a team that can communicate effectively with you, that you can trust and that has the skill and experience to deliver you the best end result possible. I feel we do that better than anyone.”

4311 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 450 Dallas, Texas 75219 214.526.5234 vernerbrumley.com

RANDALL EMERGES AS SCOTS’ STEADY SOPHOMORE LEADER

Despite being the youngest player on the team, QB has ability, maturity

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

Buck Randall remembers telling his mother when he was in third grade that he would be starting quarterback as a sophomore in high school. Nobody could have predicted then the validity of his primary-school prophecy.

Randall followed through by earning the starting nod for Highland Park this year, becoming the first sophomore to lead the Scots offense since Matthew Stafford more than two decades ago.

But it’s more than just wish ful thinking that got Randall to this point. His elite array of skills and abilities enabled him to win a four-way battle for the starting role — with three fellow signal-callers who are older and more experienced — that lasted through the spring and into fall practice.

toward that.”

He was named the starter only a few days before the season opener against Rockwall-Heath, a game in which he had two touchdown passes and a rushing score.

“Buck is an accurate passer that makes good decisions,” said longtime HP head coach Randy Allen.

“It was always my main goal,” Randall said. “I had been working

“He has the ability to turn a bad play into a good play by scrambling

while keeping his eyes down the field. He is tough and durable so he can take a hit, and he has good running ability.”

Randall was a standout for the HP freshman team last season, but now he’s playing in front of thousands of fans rather than dozens. That required an adjustment and a calming of the nerves.

“It is so different,” Randall said. “It takes about a drive or two

to realize I’m just playing football, and I’ve been doing this a long time.”

It didn’t take Randall long to settle in. He was stellar during an early-season win over neighborhood rival Jesuit Dallas. He surpassed 1,000 passing yards in just four games against some strong defenses.

However, beyond his statistics, Randall has shown an uncommon poise and maturity in commanding

such a complex offense as the youngest player on the entire roster.

“He is a leader and competes for the team,” Allen said. “He has receivers that can make difficult catches. He has an offensive line and running backs that can passblock to give him time to throw.”

“It was always my main goal.” Buck Randall

After he became a starting candidate, Randall developed chemistry during the offseason with some of his senior teammates that has since paid off. They have helped him improve in terms of reading defenses and learning from mistakes such as turnovers and sacks.

That camaraderie extends to his fellow quarterbacks who are now Randall’s backups, ready to help however they can.

“It’s all love in the QB room. We’re all good friends now,” Randall said. “There’s no beef. It’s all encouragement.”

HP Senior About More Than Just Her Smashing Spikes Georgia-bound Richter an all-around leader on the court for the Lady Scots

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

With its advantage dwindling to 14-11 in the fifth and deciding set of a recent volleyball match, Highland Park called a timeout. Lady Scots head coach Michael Dearman was drawing up a play in the huddle when senior Alex Richter spoke up.

“It was match point, and she wanted the ball. I love that confidence,” Dearman said. “And she got the kill.”

“She always stayed steady during the toughest times.” Michael Dearman

Richter has more than 1,500 kills and counting in her four-year varsity career at HP. But she’s become known for her versatility and durability as much as her big arm swings.

She admits being somewhat of a late bloomer in the sport despite her imposing height and athletic ability as an outside hitter.

Still, during her freshman year, that spot was filled with upperclassmen, essentially leaving Richter with a choice: Move to the middle for a year on varsity, or play on the JV squad.

She chose the temporary position switch,

of course, and even played primarily as a right side/opposite hitter as a sophomore because of another roster logjam.

“She did a great job. It was exactly what we needed,” Dearman said. “Whenever we needed someone to step up, she always

stayed steady during the toughest times.”

After exercising some patience, Richter had a breakout season as a junior for the Lady Scots in her customary role, as the leading hitter and a six-rotation player also responsible for digging, blocking, setting, and serving.

“I like that you get to do everything,” Richter said. “You get the most sets, but you also get to experience every type of role.”

Richter was set 82 times during a fiveset win over Plano East. And during a road match against Richardson Pearce, she was almost unstoppable despite being razzed by a partisan crowd.

“My role as our go-to player forced me to step up and be a leader,” she said. “Even if I wasn’t a captain, it was an unspoken leadership role that I had.”

Richter’s motivation has only grown during her senior year, as she hopes to lead HP on a deep playoff run before beginning her college career next fall at the University of Georgia, where she will reunite with former HP teammate Ceci Gooch.

“Everyone’s goal is to win state,” Richter said. “We have a really high chance. That would be a great way to end my high school season.”

Buck Randall has thrived as Highland Park’s sophomore starting quarterback this season. MELISSA MACATEE

Alex Richter has been a leading hitter for Highland Park in each of the past two seasons. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Scots Look to Leverage Experience, Chemistry Into Playoff Success in 5A HP boys, girls each bring back several starters to face daunting new district

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

For many basketball programs, four returning starters isn’t unusual. But it’s definitely an outlier at Highland Park, known for loading its lineup with seniors.

A year after playing with a youthful roster by their standards, the Scots hope that experience edge will pay dividends during a shift to Class 5A this season.

“You can’t replace the experience,” said HP head coach David Piehler. “Those guys have been in the trenches. That will be an asset for us.”

Leading the returnees are Jacob Ariyo, Caden Cantrell, Colin Noble, Will Saunders, and Henry Beckett. They all played critical roles on a squad that finished 25-9 at the 6A level last year. Saunders and Beckett were only sophomores.

Piehler expects this year’s team to be more perimeter-oriented with more long-range shooters and less reliance on a traditional post-up game. He’s been encouraged by what he’s seen from the Scots in fall exhibition leagues and showcases.

“The experience shows in terms of how we play together,” Piehler said. “I’m encouraged by how they’ve looked this fall, and I think they will continue to improve.”

Kellen Cantrell and others will join the varsity roster after a stellar JV season. Yet while expectations are high, the Scots will face a difficult District 12-5A schedule that includes Carrollton Newman Smith, The Colony, and Frisco Lone Star.

“There’s a difference between 5A and 6A, but it’s not the gap that you would think,” Piehler said. “Our district is going to be tougher from top to bottom.”

Lady Scots look to keep growing If last season established the foundation in head coach Todd Monsey’s system, the HP girls should continue to build this year with some familiar faces.

“A year ago, we were establishing expectations, and right now we’re working on trying to exceed those expectations,” Monsey said. “They really bought into the system and believe in what we’re doing. It has helped our confidence tremendously.”

Monsey praised the offseason leadership of his four returning starters on a roster that remains young, with just three seniors. Tyler Corwin and Lila Collins are seniors in the backcourt, while Kate Danner and Cate Young each return in the post.

Last season, the Lady Scots won 26 games and reached the second round of the 6A playoffs. They will seek a deeper postseason run this

HP BOYS SCHEDULE

Lake Highlands 7 p.m.

winter. Monsey said HP will continue to play its up-tempo style to capitalize on its depth.

“I think we’ll be a much more balanced team this year,” Monsey said. “We want our kids to play fast and we want our kids to make the decisions.”

25TH ANNUAL ABPA HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2024 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM

The Lady Scots are in a new District 12-5A that includes four playoff teams from last season, so the schedule will be challenging.

Jacob Ariyo and Tyler Corwin will look to lead the Highland Park basketball teams back to the playoffs this season. CHRIS MCGATHEY

GARAGE BARBER MAKES HOUSE CALLS

Off the field, Scots cornerback, contrabass bugle player also cuts hair

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Highland Park High School senior Ashton Pham-Davis is a cornerback on the varsity football team, an Eagle Scout, and vice president representing the brass section of the Highlander Band.

And in his spare time, he’s made about $12,000 cutting hair in his family’s garage.

Pham-Davis began giving haircuts during the Covid-19 pandemic after his father bought him a set of clippers from Target. At first, the haircuts were simple. But Pham-Davis started looking up different styles and learned about techniques from watching videos online.

“I’m putting so much faith in him, and I feel like I just trust him so much.”

Reuben Obel

Fellow HP band member Reuben Obel became Pham-Davis’ first client when he asked his friend for a buzz cut. After that first cut, Obel came back for more, and Pham-Davis realized that he was pretty good at cutting hair.

He thought about making haircutting a business when he went to college. But as word of his skill spread, more friends began asking Pham-Davis for haircuts, and

he realized that he could open his business right away.

In his sophomore year, Pham-Davis began charging for his services. Initially, he asked for $15 a haircut, but he raised his price to $20 when customers told him that he was “better than Supercuts.” For more complicated haircuts, including the popular low-taper fade, Pham-Davis charges about $25. He does house calls, but charges $5 extra for the drive.

During the school year, Pham-Davis typically does eight to 12 haircuts a week. Before dances, he gets extra busy and can do as many as 16. He’s cut his little sister’s hair and colored his mom’s hair, but so far

has not ventured into women’s cuts.

LEARN MORE

easier than with a typical barber.

“I can talk to them, but we don’t really have the same chemistry,” Obel said. “When it comes to a haircut, I feel like that’s super important. I’m putting so much faith in him, and I feel like I just trust him so much.” Pham-Davis focused intently on Obel’s cut. He knows from experience the importance of getting it right. Just before school photos one year, Pham-Davis told a barber he wanted a middle part with layers and a low taper, but he ended up with a side part.

“This is a bit different than the usual salon,” Pham-Davis said, explaining that his garage isn’t temperature controlled. “It’s a lot warmer.”

Obel, who appreciates Pham-Davis’ flexibility and liberal cancellation policy, remains a loyal customer. Since Obel was Pham-Davis’ first client, his friend doesn’t make him pay for cuts.

One Sunday this fall, Obel was in Pham-Davis’ garage getting a mid-taper fade, which he described as a sharp and clean style favored by soccer players. He explained that communication with Pham-Davis is

Dream Day: Young Cancer Fighter Tackles Trash Fire

“That one bad experience with a barber made me realize how important a haircut is to other people,” he said. “It could affect your confidence by a lot. No one wants a bad haircut.”

Pham-Davis’ mom, Julie, said she’s proud of her son’s initiative. The business has taught him time management and responsibility, and helped develop his listening skills. She makes her son blow out the garage after cuts but has found a use for leftover clumps of hair. She puts them around her garden to stop rodents from eating her plants. “I think it might work,” she said, “because I haven’t seen them lately.”

Kewan Gibson, 8, becomes honorary member of Highland Park DPS

By Colton Stroud People Newspapers

Kewan Gibson, an 8-year-old pediatric cancer patient, had the chance to prove his strength with the Highland Park Department of Public Safety (HPDPS).

Outfitted with a badge of honor, armor, and helmet, Kewan became an investigator and a firefighter.

Kewan had already walked the runway with Highland Park firefighters at the annual Children’s Cancer Fund (CCF) Gala in April.

HPDPS personnel partnered with CCF again this fall to give Kewan the firefighting experience of his dreams.

On Sept. 14, Kewan promised to faithfully execute his duties to the best of his abilities as Chief Chuck McGinnis, Highland Park’s director of public safety, administered the oath. The young Honorary Public Safety Officer received his badge.

HPDPS officers cross train to fulfill emergency medical services, police, and firefighting duties. Getting all the certificates required

typically takes years, but fighting cancer takes another level of determination.

“What you’re doing, and the road you’re traveling on, none of us can even imagine,” McGinnis told Kewan.

The honorary position came with a busy first day. Kewan and

his family toured the facility and met the crew before the duties began.

Kewan completed an investigation by following obscure clues, discovered what it was like to eat like a firefighter, and learned to play a boardgame similar to the game Aggravation.

He was winning too, when duty interrupted.

“Trash fire,” the station’s speakers played.

The crew moved down to the station’s apparatus bay, where Kewan suited up for the job ahead.

In full gear, Kewan jumped into a firetruck, which rolled into

the surrounding neighborhood in search of the fire.

Pressed for time, remaining crew members gathered just outside the bay, where they used a large metal tray and a healthy amount of accelerant to create a fire worth putting out.

Upon his return, Kewan jumped out of the firetruck, got a lesson on how to use a firehose, and prepared his line of fire. Water erupted out of the hose.

“Kewan’s gonna lead the way to what this department’s gonna be,” Officer J. Nguyen said. “He’s gonna be up in front; we’re gonna follow his lead, his courageousness, his honor, his integrity, the way he lives his life; we’re gonna follow him.”

The fire roared, shockingly tall for how small it started, but Kewan, determined, proved a natural with the firehose.

The crowd clapped and cheered as the final flames went out. The boy’s firefighting day was done, but he had other plans.

Kewan headed back inside to finally finish that game.

Ashton Pham-Davis gives Reuben Obel a mid-taper fade. SARAH HODGES

To learn more about Ashton Pham-Davis’ business, Pham Fades, look for him on Instagram @phams_fades or follow him @ phamsfadez on TikTok.

CLOCKWISE: Kewan Gibson in full uniform, stands in front of a firetruck. Kewan Gibson uses a hose to extinguish a trash fire. FROM LEFT: Jen Strong, director of programming and events at Children’s Cancer Fund, with Kewan Gibson. COLTON STROUD AND LANCE KOPPA

‘Park Cities People’ Applauds

• Kevin Gray, co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist in the indie rock band the White Animals, which recently released ‘Star Time,’ its first album of new music in more than 20 years. Nashville Scene called ‘Star Time’ “arguably the best” of the group’s career. Critic Steve Simels christened it an “instant classic.” Pioneering Adult Alternative WRLT-FM named ‘Ready to Go’ from the album “DJ Pick of the Week.” ‘Star Time’ is available on streaming services.

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

KYLE CREWS 214-538-1310

SANDERS AVREA 214-458-1964 ANI NOSNIK 972-896-5432

• 1954 Highland Park High School graduate Garry Weber, who was recently celebrated with the dedication of the Garry Weber Indoor Practice Facility and Garry Weber Commons at HPHS. Weber’s generosity has been key to the success of the Highland Park Education Foundation’s Lead for Tomorrow campaign. His support will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of students.

TREY BOUNDS 214-883-4600 ROBIN BROCK WEBSTER 214-543-8963 MARY ALICE GARRISON 214-543-7075 MORIAH LOVETT MCRAE 501-563-0234

CARLA JOHNSON 405-229-6976 MOLLY MASSEY 214-263-8216

• Obelisk Award honorees Samuel S. Holland and Daniel Tobey. Holland, Algur H. Meadows Dean and an award-winning professor of music at the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU, is being honored as Visionary Nonprofit Arts Leader. His team is responsible for raising over $145M in new funding for the Meadows School, has forged impactful partnerships with major arts organizations, and has launched groundbreaking programs like the Online Master’s in Creative Technology.

Tobey, who is being recognized as Business Champion for the Arts, is a medical doctor, successful software founder, and global cochair and chair of DLA Piper Americas AI & Data Analytics practice. He has significantly impacted the AT&T Performing Arts Center as a board member and has served as the organization’s board chair since 2020. His steadfast leadership, strategic foresight, and dedication to the arts is credited with helping secure AT&T PAC’s future as well as the arts and culture ecosystem the Center supports.

The Obelisk Awards are the annual recognition event of the Business Council for the Arts. The 36th annual Obelisk Awards presented by Capital One will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14, at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District.

Compiled by Sarah

Wet, Wild, And Woof

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

Summer’s not over until wet dogs wag their tails and shake themselves dry at the Holmes Aquatic Center.

Pet parents shouldn’t count on staying dry.

University Park’s Doggie Splash Day, held Sept. 28 between publication of the October and November issues of Park Cities People, is an annual favorite for pooches and Park Cities residents.

The event, which closes out pool season, is open to pre-registered dogs of humans living in Highland Park ISD.

Pre-registrations numbered more than 100 this year, not counting the waiting list.

Four-legged participants enjoyed swimming, leaping from the diving board, playing with balls, and treats.

– Compiled by Chris McGathey

Colt, the border collie. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Hawker, the dalmatian.

Ginger, the toy poodle

Maverick, the golden retriever, with Kate Honrbach of Lucky Dog Barkery.

Scout, a chocolate lab.

Lucas, the chihuahua, with Ean Dennis.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Alexandra Lambring Billmyre, Austin Holmes, Amy T. Ford, Ryan Nordhaus*, Rob McAngus*+, George Parker*, Jim Mueller*+†^, Charlie Hodges (Of Counsel)*+†^, Abby Foster*+, Shane Landers, Kim Meaders, Ravi Mohan, Maddison Clark and Jason Naumann

ACC Membership Brings New Excitement to Campus

By Josh Hickman Special Contributor

The palpable excitement on campus due to admission into the “Power Four” ACC has reinvigorated Mustangs fandom to a fever pitch, raising the bar for SMU sports teams across the board.

“It’s not something that just happened over a year,” associate athletic director Alex Gordon said. “It’s been invested in for a long time.”

SMU officially became part of the Atlantic Coast Conference over the summer.

“July 1st of this summer it was all-hands-on-deck to be as prepared as possible to be ready to go on day one,” Gordon said.

The Mustangs’ first ACC home game — a 42-16 win against Florida State — provided a great start.

“We said we want to come in and

compete at the highest level right away,” Gordon said. “We’re here to have a tremendous experience inside the stadium — for student athletes, for fans, for spectators.”

Ticket sales have doubled, the university reports.

“We’ve averaged over 4,000 student tickets out for the first two games that aren’t even ACC games, which is crazy,” Gordon said. “50% of our student population are claiming tickets for these games.”

The Florida State game was sold-out, including faculty staff tickets. Being Family Weekend on

campus, tailgating was in full gallop and the boulevard was overflowing with food, drinks, and smiling Mustangs supporters sporting their best SMU-logoed fashions.

“The energy around campus has been great,” Gordon said. “The partnerships on campus and in the community have been really great. Everybody’s just tried to level up, knowing that we’re expecting twice the size of crowds that we’ve had for the last 10 or 15 years, that those crowds are what we’re going to deal with every weekend, not just when one of the TCUs or the Baylors come. And it’s not just football.

We hosted Nebraska in volleyball and sold out 7,000 seats. It was a step-up in league, not just for football but for all of our sports.”

Area businesses — particularly restaurants — are enjoying the influx of attendees.

“We were packed,” noted a sandwich maker with New York Subs, which has operated across the street from SMU since 1974.

“It was more packed than the TCU game, which is hard to imagine,” said SMU grad and self-described Mustangs fanatic Mickey McGuire of the Sept. 28 ACC showdown. “When you’re playing

the upper echelon of college football — names people recognize — that makes a big difference.”

In the past, many people would go to the boulevard but not the game – never buying a ticket, McGuire said. “Or they would wait until the second quarter to come in.”

McGuire saw that as a problem. “But now most people are going to the game. The atmosphere was intense right from the getgo,” the fan said. “Before, if I had an extra ticket, it was hard to find somebody to go to the game. I don’t have that problem anymore.”

AT LEFT: Family Weekend and an inaugural home ACC game vs. Florida State had SMU fans packing the boulevard for pre-game tailgating. ABOVE, FROM LEFT: Mickey McGuire, Ryan McCraney, and Collin Cole.

JOSH HICKMAN AND COURTESY MICKEY MCGUIRE

HAVE A PROBLEM? ASK THESE ARMSTRONG INVENTORS FOR HELP

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Are you struggling to get your frozen ice cream out of the carton? Did greedy goblins steal the candy you left on the porch last Halloween? Does the time it takes to tie the laces on your hockey skates keep you off the ice?

Armstrong Elementary students tackled these and other problems this fall during their school’s Invention Convention. Ninety students put their creativity to work during the annual event, which is a tradition unique to HPISD’s smallest elementary school.

“I think it continues to grow, and I think it will continue to grow and flourish more and more, because it’s just such a fun, creative event.”

Ashley DeArman

Fourth-grader Jackson Hohertz and his partner Peter Dvorocsik were inspired to create an anti-theft Halloween bucket after a hungry trick-or-treater took all the candy — along with the container — that Jackson’s family left on their porch.

His candy dispenser can be hung above a door, Jackson explained. When trick-ortreaters come by, they should pull a string to release one or two pieces of candy at a time. A piece of cardboard covers the candy in the bucket so that hungry visitors can’t reach in and grab a handful.

First-grade twins Joules and Ames Joyner solved the problem of hunting for a thermometer when they’re sick or spreading illness by sharing the same supplies. They each built themselves a personalized All-In-One Sick Cup, a large water bottle with an attached

straw, snack cup, thermometer, tissues, hand sanitizer, cooling pack, and vomit bag.

Their mom, Michelle, explained that the family has had lots of experience dealing with illness. The twins decided on the project after brainstorming about all the problems they encounter and possible solutions.

“They’re not sharing their sick day items. That’s why they want everyone in the family to have one, not just one person,” she said.

Third-grade twins Vera and Edith Garner designed a Treasure Pillow to foil a troublesome sibling: an older brother who steals their things. The girls took the stuffing out of an LOL doll pillow, added Velcro dots, and hid

their favorite squishy toys and slime inside.

The girls decided to use the pillow after experimenting with a basketball (too hard to cut open) and volleyball (too floppy.) The doll pillow had the added benefit of not being something their brother would want to play with.

Armstrong celebrated its young inventors with a popsicle party and robotics demonstration from Code Ninjas. All participants received small prizes, along with a photo of them and their creation.

Awards were given in each grade for “creativity,” “proficient planning,” and “bright idea.” But the Invention Convention is about participation rather than winning. The event

aims to put students’ creativity to work, to generate excitement about tackling dilemmas, and to show students that they can think outside the box and problem-solve, explained cochairs Ashley DeArman and Lauren Jordan.

Armstrong’s young inventors were excited to show their creations to visitors and to explain how they’d come up with their designs themselves. Participation in the Invention Convention has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic and almost doubled this year.

“I think it continues to grow, and I think it will continue to grow and flourish more and more,” DeArman said, “because it’s just such a fun, creative event.”

CLOCKWISE: Ames and Joules Joyner with their All-In-One Sick Cup. Jackson Hohertz with the Halloween Candy Dispenser designed by him and his partner. Edith and Vera Garner with their Treasure Pillow. Sumner Mims demonstrates his Retractable Flag Football Belt. SARAH HODGES

Bradfield Students Blaze New Trails at CAMP READ-A-LOT

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Bradfield Broncos broke records at this year’s CAMP READ-ALOT themed Reading Rodeo, raising more than $155,000 for their school during a week of page-turning fun and friendly competition.

“You read so much,” music teacher Jonathan Foley told kindergartners and first graders during the school’s Sept. 27 awards ceremony.

“And then you read even s’more!”

Bradfield students read for a total of 286,538 minutes during Reading Rodeo week. They enjoyed donuts during the celebration while cheering on the winning readers with help from their school mascot, Blaze the Bronco.

Third-grade twins Cordelia and Betty Taylor both won medals for being their classes’ top readers. The girls each logged 2,207 reading minutes.

“We read all car rides, and we also read at night ’til 10 o’clock,” Cordelia said. “That was our strategy. And so, we read six hours every day.”

Cordelia said that her favorite books are those in the Harry Potter series. Betty prefers Diary of a Wimpy Kid

The school’s top fundraiser, fourth-grader Greyson Binswanger, made more than 190 phone calls to

collect $26,132 for his school. He’s led Bradfield in money raised for four years running.

“I made a lot of calls,” he explained, “and just didn’t give up.”

More than 30 volunteers teamed up with Bradfield’s teachers and staff to make CAMP READ-ALOT a week full of excitement and surprises for the Broncos. Planning for the celebration began in the

summer, said Missy Peck, who cochaired the event with Caitlin Bonner and Lauren Calano.

“It’s so worth it to see how excited they get and to get them to read,” Peck said. “It’s so important. It helps with all their other cognitive learning.”

The fun began on Sept. 18 with a camp-themed kick-off celebration and continued with daily

reading rewards.

Every day, the class with the most reading minutes at each grade level was able to share their love of books with a new class pet, MR. READ S’MORE. Several of the stuffed campfire marshmallows traveled around the school during CAMP READ-A-LOT.

The class at each grade level that read the most minutes at the

end of the week was awarded a trophy and their own MR. READ S’MORE, who students will be able to keep in their room for the entire year. Prizes were also given to the class at each grade level that raised the most funds.

“You read so much. And then you read even s’more!”

Jonathan Foley

Families could join the fun by reading to their Broncos. All reading at home and at school counted in CAMP READ-ALOT, including independent reading, listening to a parent or sibling read, and listening to an audio book.

During the week, Bradfield families also shared their love of reading with the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center by donating more than 1,000 books to the nonprofit. CAMP READ-A-LOT, Peck said, starts the year off right by boosting both school fundraising and student interest in books.

“It gets the kids really excited about reading,” she said, “which is really important.”

Bradfield’s top fourth-grade readers and fundraisers celebrate their success with Blaze the Bronco. FROM LEFT: Anderson Evans, Jessalyn Wang, Vika Tauscher, Benjamin Berlin, Greyson Binswanger, Charlotte Cohen, Sarah Grace Walder, Henry Clarke, Trey Carrizales, Finn Purvis, and librarian April Penman. SARAH HODGES

In Texas, there is a spirit of giving. And here in the Park Cities, this "ain’t our first rodeo!”

We love supporting educators and our great school district!

Mad for Plaid is the Highland Park Education Foundation’s annual campaign. It is the best way to directly support our District’s great educators. During the 2024-2025 school year, the Education Foundation has committed a historic $1.8 million gift to HPISD that will aid the District in raising the bar for competitive educator salaries districtwide.

EVERY STUDENT EVERY TEACHER EVERY SCHOOL

AND

Critical School Bond Secures Future, Will Not Raise HPISD Property Tax Rate

Peter Hegi

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

We write to support the passage of a $137.3 million maintenance and efficiency bond and urge all Park Cities residents to vote yes to Proposition A, which will provide much needed funds to address Highland Park Independent School District (“HPISD”) facility needs, raise teacher pay, and secure a legacy of excellence in HPISD for years to come.

State “recapture” of locally-raised property tax revenue for HPISD schools compels HPISD to do more with less – less money for maintenance, less money for academic programs, and less money for teacher pay.

Last year, state policies sent $0.58 of every property tax dollar HPISD collected to schools outside of our district. With 85% of HPISD’s operating budget already allocated to teacher salaries, there is zero margin for pay increases, unexpected building maintenance (like the recent multi-million dollar plumbing repair at the middle school), or building improvements without cutting academic programs. The problem necessitates pursuing other funding opportunities.

Earlier this year, we served on a Community Advisory Committee (“CAC”) that explored the possibility of passing a maintenance

READ MORE

Park Cities People isn’t taking a position on Highland Park ISD’s bond proposal or any of the other matters voters must consider on the Nov. 5 ballot. However, we’ve been pleased to publish reader viewpoints, including an opposition Letter to the Editor that ran in our October issue and the guest column presented here. Visit peoplenewspapers.com to see more of our coverage.

bond in HPISD. The process shed light on the status of HPISD’s finances, which continue to be materially diminished by state recapture laws (aka, “Robin Hood”). To make matters worse, the state has not increased basic school funding since 2019 despite 20% inflation.

Over the six weeks the CAC met, several things became abundantly clear:

Our middle school and certain other facilities are aging and in desperate need of renovation and repair (including updates necessary for student security).

Strategic bond dollars can be used

to pay down portions of HPISD’s annual school budget, freeing up portions of the budget to increase teacher pay.

HPISD can strategically use the bond to complete a land acquisition plan begun in 2015, and primarily focused near the high school, which someday will allow for newer/better HPISD facilities.

The bond is a critically necessary bridge for ensuring HPISD remains a top-tier school district for generations to come.

The proposed bond will not increase our tax rates.

Without over-simplifying —

passing the bond is a no brainer!

Amid state policies that have sent almost $2 billion in HPISD tax dollars to schools outside of our district, the solution to increasing HPISD teacher pay and ensuring educational excellence must be multifaceted, creative and strategic in its thinking and approach. The solution will require voting yes to Proposition A on Nov. 5, continuing to grow a university-style endowment via the Highland Park Education Foundation’s Lead for Tomorrow Campaign, and parents, PTAs, Dads Clubs, and community organizations continuing to play their part in supporting

teachers and schools with their time, talent, and treasure.

We invite you to join the movement to increase teacher pay within HPISD and ensure HPISD’s legacy of educational excellence.

Learn more about ways you can be part of the solution at these websites:

• https://www.scots4scots.com/

• https://bond2024.hpisd.org/

• https://www.leadfortomorrow.org/

Scots find a way!

Peter Hegi, with support from the Community Advisory Committee:

Robert F. Begert

Rebecca Bell

Benjamin Carpenter

Brad Cheves

Pete Chilian

Dallas Cothrum

Michael Denton Jr.

Elizabeth Gambrell

Margo Goodwin

Robert T. Halpin

Leslie Kibby

Thomas Laughlin

Connie O’Neill

Nick Peters

Peter Pincoffs

Paul Rowsey

Elizabeth Speicher

Claire Swope

Price Wagner

Jane Wallingford

Stephanie Wilson

Parish opens the school year with Panther Nation Block Party, reveling in spirited fellowship with the whole family as students embark on the next phase of their educational journey. Through Wisdom, Honor and Service, as an inclusive Episcopal community, the School is devoted to helping students become creative learners and bold leaders, and find balance and joy as they discover themselves in a community of belonging and engagement. From parent and family activities, social/emotional programs, signature programs exploring leadership, STEM and global studies to award-winning arts, championship athletics and premier facilities, possibilities are infinite at Parish!

Portrait of an Ursuline Graduate

An Ursuline graduate is a woman of faith and reflection. She embodies Serviam by using her gifts to learn from and serve others. She appreciates multiple perspectives and celebrates the uniqueness of all locally and globally. She encourages and exemplifies integrity and resiliency. She is a lifelong learner who engages with others ethically, critically, and empathetically. She is an independent, innovative thinker who instigates and embraces change. She strives to build a strong sense of community.

Join us at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school for grades 9-12 for our Admissions Showcase on November 16, 2024. For more information contact us at 469-232-1800 or www.ursulinedallas.org.

Where it Gets

Shepherd Episcopal School has provided an environment where children realize the best versions of themselves. Our students develop independence through structured intellectual exploration, foster meaningful relationships by engaging with and learning from multiple perspectives, practice empathy, grow spiritually by serving others, and respect the inherent dignity of every human being. By the time they leave Good Shepherd, they display a thriving sense of confidence and character, embracing curiosity and creativity, valuing all voices, respecting the environment, and embodying a servant’s heart.

MEADOWBROOK SCHOOL

Meadowbrook prepares confident, school-ready students in an intimate, structured and nurturing environment. We exist to empower your child with an individualized curriculum, proven for 54 YEARS. Our dedicated teachers, a one-of-a-kind curriculum, and passionate and invested families create an environment where every child loves school, is excited about learning and feels good about themselves. To learn more or book a tour, visit our website at www.meadowbrook-school.com

Hope Day School’s innovative curriculum for young children merges classroom learning with nature. Children study Texas habitats – the Gulf Coast, the forests of the Big Thicket, the Chihuahuan desert, the Guadalupe River. Events for children and families include the Texas Animal Olympics, spelunking through a bat cave, and family portraits in a bald eagle’s nest! The engaging curriculum aligns with state learning guidelines and has been shared by Texas Parks & Wildlife. Schedule a tour today! 469-328-1750

HOPE DAY SCHOOL

GOOD SHEPHERD EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Here’s

GOOD! Since 1959, Good

Congratulations National Merit Semifinalists

People Newspapers recognizes the 2025 National Merit Semifinalists from schools we cover for achieving a status earned by fewer than 1 percent of high school seniors nationwide.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) expects 95 percent of the 16,000 semifinalists named nationwide to become finalists and half of finalists to win a National Merit Scholarship. Students will learn in early 2025 whether they are finalists, but NMSC typically doesn’t announce those names to the media.

CISTERCIAN PREPARATORY

Silas Choi

Adam Delgado

John Duhe

Joshua Hays

Carter Kenny

Dhruva Kumar

Riley Murphy

Archer Oliver

Rishabh Rengarajan

John Weinberg

GREENHILL SCHOOL

Ali Agha

Neha Bachu

Saida Bidiwala

Jonaki Bose

Ishaan Kandoth

Varun Mukund

Elizabeth Nassi

Pranav Sreenivas

Aditi Vikram

Sherry Zhang

EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF DALLAS

John H. Cronin

Cindy Y. Lin

HIGHLAND PARK H.S.

Mary S. Brady

Elverum, Jake L.

David C. Guo

Natalie K. Koch

Neelan Krishna

Andrew S. Li

Yiyoung Liu

– Compiled by staff

Graham M. Longhofer

Asher G. Pinson

Yincheng Qian

Lakshmi Vemula

Emma L. Wang

Emma Z. Wang

Danica Xiao

Lauren Y. Yue

HILLCREST H.S.

William C. Turner

HOCKADAY SCHOOL

Anna C. Crook

Elizabeth J. Gum

Aimee W. Guo

Anika Kapoor

Faiha Khurram

Rayna Li

Olivia Qiu

Elizabeth A. Steger

Ava J. Thigpen

Shreya Vijay

Mary A. Walton

Carissa Ye

Kendal E. Young

JESUIT DALLAS

Leonardo M. Hernandez

Keagan T. McDuffie

Conor C. Parro

Ewan M. Randles

Carter A. Weiss

ST. MARK’S SCHOOL OF TEXAS

Zachary Andrews

Carson Bosita

Matthew Bybee

Surya Dinesh

Austin Dunbar

Theodore Fleiss

Noah Grant

Neel Jain

Andrew Jin

Linyang Lee

Luke Lemons

Wyatt Loehr

Shyam Maddukuri

Akash Manickam

Jeremy Mau

Akul Mittal

Adithya Munshi

Jaden Ouyang

Deven Pietrzak

Arjun Poi

Samuel Posten

Hilton Sampson

Daniel Sun

Joseph Sun

Andrew Xuan

Max Yan

Junkai Yang

Neil Yepuri

Ethan Zhang

TRINITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Karys Karlow

URSULINE ACADEMY

Logan Foster

Ana Meza

DANCE WITH THESE STARS

Park Cities couple judges ballroom internationally, teaches in Dallas

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Iam a terrible dancer. I quit step aerobics after falling off my step, and I try to avoid any activity that requires me to move to music.

So, I was intimidated when champion ballroom dancers Gocha Chertkoev and Shorena Gachechiladze suggested I take a lesson in their studio.

Me: “My coordination is terrible.”

Shorena: “So maybe dancing is good, right?”

Shockingly, after about 15 minutes of instruction I could do a bouncy, but passable, cha-cha, and had decided that maybe dancing wasn’t so hard.

Success in classrooms and competitions is nothing new to Shorena and Gocha, who have been bringing Dancing with the Stars sparkle to Dallas for more than 30 years.

The couple came to the area from Tbilisi, Georgia as teenagers after the dissolution of the Soviet Union at the end of 1991. They had competed together as ballroom dance partners since childhood.

But as the husband and wife team began excelling in the Soviet Union’s dance world, that world crumbled around them.

The couple planned to emigrate to London until the parents of a former student contacted them: Would

Gocha and Shorena like to help train teachers at a new dance studio in Preston Center?

“We had terrible information about America,” Shorena said. “It was bad propaganda.”

Fortunately, Shorena and Gocha weren’t the type to listen to politicians.

The couple arrived in Dallas to culture shock and July heat. They initially planned to stay for three months.

“But we loved America so much,” Shorena said, “and then we met such nice people.”

With help from passionate dancer and Park Cities resident Martha Anderson, the pair became

Chertkoev and Shorena Gachechiladze give lessons by appointment six days a week. Instruction is available to groups, individuals, couples, and parent and child pairs. The studio also offers preparation for first dances at weddings. Visit gsballroomdance. com or email gsballroomdance@ gmail.com.

Highland Park residents, sent their son to Bradfield Elementary, and achieved professional success representing the United States in competitions around the world.

After retiring from competition, they opened Gocha and Shorena’s GSBallroom Dance Studio almost 17 years ago in a former post office

on Knight Street.

The studio’s exterior still has its post office façade, but nothing is ordinary once you step through its doors. This isn’t just a business to Gocha and Shorena; this is their home.

“Because I’m here all day long, I have a more decorated or different look than the average dance studio,” Shorena explained, showing a visitor comfortable furniture, memorabilia, and her own competitive dance costumes based on her husband’s designs.

As instructors, the couple focus on quality, not numbers. They try to create positive energy and rejuvenate their students.

Though no longer competitors, Gocha and Shorena stay involved in the world of professional ballroom. Gocha is head judge and executive producer on Dancing with the Stars in Tbilisi, Georgia, while Shorena appears as a guest judge. The pair travel as judges representing the United States, and Gocha was instrumental in bringing the first ballroom reality show, Ballroom Bootcamp, to TLC.

Through their nonprofit, Community in Motion, they promote movement and dance to seniors and at-risk youth. It’s Shorena’s passion to spread the love of dance to everyone, especially the young.

“Honestly, nothing is better than ballroom dancing,” Gocha said. “It’s better than exercise. It’s better than jogging. It’s better than anything.”

Jeanne Skartsiaris Penned Award-Winning Novel One Page at a Time

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

When Jeanne Skartsiaris started writing The Magdalenes more than 20 years ago, she didn’t know how to write a book.

Her finished novel “was a mess,” Skartsiaris said. “But I was never a good student, English-wise. I just like to tell stories.”

The Magdalenes got so many rejections that Skartsiaris shelved it.

It wasn’t until about 13 years later, after she had found a publisher for a different novel and written two young adult books, that she gave it another look.

She decided that The Magdalenes was a good book, so she refined it, and, as it turns out, she was right. Even before its publication, the novel started earning accolades. In 2019, the San Antonio Writers Guild awarded The Magdalenes firstplace in fiction in its 27th annual writing contest.

The praise has kept coming since publication in August 2023. The Magdalenes was a 2023 Page Turner Awards finalist, received a five-star review with Reader Favorites, and is a finalist for the 2024 American Fiction Awards and the 2024 Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award.

“I’m so proud of this because I love this book,” Skartsiaris said. “And I can’t take credit. The characters, they’re the ones who wrote it. I just sit down and write, and they just come through.”

The Magdalenes tells the story of Jude Madigan, a Park Cities based plaintiff’s attorney with a painful past. Jude’s law firm is given a commission to handle an estate with the condition that Jude must act as trustee, which means overseeing the construction and finances of a Catholic halfway house for prostitutes. Jude is puzzled by the requirement, but reluctantly complies, and begins healing through the process.

For Skartsiaris, writing is a journey, and one she takes each page at a time. She didn’t initially pursue a career as an author, and published her first book in her 50s.

“I didn’t even think I was going to go to college, because I wasn’t smart enough,” she said.

Skartsiaris started her career in medical legal photography for a plaintiff’s law firm. She has worked as a sonographer since 2003. Her formal writing training is limited to SMU’s The Writers Path creative writing program, though she has connected with other authors and has worked with two critique groups over the years.

Skartsiaris doesn’t outline her books. She listens to her characters, and once they start talking, writes down what they say.

Skartsiaris describes herself as introverted and not crazy about being the center of attention at book signings. But she loves getting her book to readers who give it rave reviews, as well as the feeling of accomplishment that comes from seeing her work in print.

“You just keep trying, and trying,” she said. “Eventually, if it’s good enough, it’ll be picked up.”

TOP: Shorena Gachechiladze spreads the joy of dancing to Silver Dancers through the nonprofit Community in Motion. BOTTOM: Gocha Chertkoev and Shorena Gachechiladze in 2023 judging the finals of Dancing with Stars in Tbilisi, Georgia. COURTESY GOCHA AND SHORENA’S GSBALLROOM DANCE STUDIO

HIT THE DANCE FLOOR!

Gocha

Jeanne Skartsiaris, who did a recent book signing for The Magdalenes, also wrote the novel Dance Like You Mean It, and the young adult books Snow Globe and SurvivingLife ALEX WARD

Add a Step to Your Charleston, South Carolina, Vacations

Pimento cheese and palmetto trees, cobblestone streets and charming, colorful architecture are hallmarks of Charleston. Ranked by Travel + Leisure magazine 10 years running as America’s favorite city, Charleston is rich in history and contemporary attractions.

“Charleston has many layers of history and visitors would be remiss to not dive into it while you’re here.”

Like many of you, I have been to Charleston to partake in fresh oysters, sweat through walking tours of downtown, and eat rainbow-sprinkled soft serve ice cream at Leon’s. But, on my last trip, I added a step to my Charleston and stayed not in one of the gorgeous new hotels in downtown, but at the Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort.

Initially unconvinced that I would enjoy staying across the harbor rather than in the heart of downtown, I arrived at the resort with its spacious veranda and cozy nautical-themed lobby and felt very at home. Its location in Mt. Pleasant affords large guestrooms, each with an electric fireplace and views of the sprawling pools, marina, waterfront, and the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier permanently parked within walking distance.

The Beach Club offers free hourly shuttles to and from downtown,

but the water taxi is a novel way to tour the coastline and can drop you at convenient downtown spots. My taxi dropped me at the International African American Museum, a fascinating and brilliantly developed museum that tells the story of the African American experience in thousands of creative, intentional ways. Charleston has many layers of history and visitors would be remiss to not dive into it while you’re here. Take a guided tour of the homes and museums that deal with the

which is why I would recommend renting a car while you’re there. Just outside of Charleston are magnificent historical homes and gardens very much worth the drive.

Visit Middleton Place, home of America’s oldest landscaped gardens, and have an early lunch at the restaurant there that serves excellent southern cuisine. Drive another few minutes to Magnolia Gardens for a tour of the gardens and historic home. If tea is your thing, visit America’s only tea factory at the Charleston Tea Factory.

American south’s heavy history. Charleston, and South Carolina in general, has done an excellent job updating the narrative surrounding the dark history of slavery. Ft. Sumter is also an informative jaunt, which also provides a nice water-front tour of the city.

Food tourists have many excellent options here. Some of my favorites are Fig, Raw 167, The Ordinary, and Wild Olive which is a short drive outside of downtown.

I find Charleston’s attractions appealing for a day-and-a-half,

Modern Charleston offers plenty of contrast to its history. The Charleston Literature Festival runs November 1-10 and will bring almost 40 authors for engaging conversations on contemporary works. Art is abundant, and the Gibbes Museum of Art has a stunning collection of modern art and photography. Local modern art galleries showcase works from internationally known artists. Put visiting Charleston on repeat. There are different ways to explore the city and region that are as relaxing as they are enriching.

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

What are the options for senior living? How can you be sure the standards remain high? What if your parents have different needs? What if those needs change?

At Belmont Village, we understand each situation is unique. Our experienced advisors will listen to your family’s story, then help you consider the questions you need for the answers they deserve. So you can confidently navigate the options from active adult to memory care and know what to look for in terms of management, food, care, and accommodations for couples with differing needs.

Our advisors are here to help. Just ask. BelmontVillage.com/JustAsk | 214-306-7687

Though located across the harbor, Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort is only a complementary hourly shuttle ride away from downtown. COURTESY BEACH CLUB AT CHARLESTON HARBOR RESORT

KERSTEN RETTIG

Move Over Mashed Potatoes: New Side Dish A Crowd Pleaser

It’s my favorite time of year. The air is filled with that distinctive fragrance I recall from my childhood of autumn leaves clustered on lawns and sidewalks. I can hear them skipping down the street outside our windows each time a breeze catches them.

Temperatures now alternate be tween warm and sunny days and chilly evenings. I’ve draped textured lap robes over the arm of the sofa, ready to lend needed warmth when the room feels chilly, while a woodsy candle lends a soft glow and aroma to the room.

With Thanksgiving just weeks away, my thoughts turn to table décor, the thrill of hunting for the perfect turkey for our celebration, and side dishes for this year’s menu.

Cornbread dressing is a given. I love that this make-ahead dish can be divided into three easy tasks — baking the cornbread one day, assembling the dressing the next, and after covering and chilling overnight, baking it in the oven during the final hour before guests gather around the table. It’s recipes like this one that ensure grand holiday celebrations are manageable no matter how many come to dinner.

Sweet potatoes are another tradition in our family, but rather than the familiar mashed sweet potatoes, my version features par-boiled potatoes that are later

peeled, sliced, arranged in a casserole dish, and finished with a cinnamon and spice brown sugar and apple cider sauce. You’ll find this irresistible, make-ahead holiday recipe on my christyrost.com website.

This year I’ll add a new side dish to our Thanksgiving celebration — potato bacon casserole. I think the true test of any recipe is when my guests consistently request a second helping, and I can truthfully say it never fails each time I serve this dish.

It’s one of the recipes I developed for this fall’s “Sunday Dinner” episode of At Home with Christy Rost . The perfect opportunity to test the recipe arose when I invited a representative of my show’s wine sponsor to dinner. She and another guest loved these creamy, buttery mashed potatoes accented

with fresh chives, layered into a casserole dish with shredded cheddar cheese and crisp bacon.

The first of many dinner gatherings that month, it quickly became apparent my potato bacon casserole was a crowd pleaser and would pair beautifully throughout the fall and winter with Thanksgiving turkey, roast beef, pork loin roast, or chicken.

I hope you enjoy it. Happy Thanksgiving!

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

POTATO BACON CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

3 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, rinsed, peeled, and cut into ½ -inch cubes

8 strips bacon, crisp and crumbled

3 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 3 pieces

2 tablespoons fresh chives, rinsed and chopped Kosher or sea salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

3 to 4 tablespoons milk or half-and-half

3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

Place the potatoes in a large stockpot with enough water to cover, add ½ teaspoon of salt, and bring them to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cover. Cook until the potatoes are very soft and a sharp knife pierces them easily. Drain, steam the potatoes for 1 minute over medium heat, then remove them from the heat. Add butter, allow it to melt, and season with salt and pepper. Use a potato masher or handheld electric mixer to mash the potatoes until they are creamy, adding milk as needed. Stir in fresh chives.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a casserole dish with nonstick spray. Spread half of the whipped potatoes in the bottom of the casserole, top with half of the cheese and half of the crumbled bacon. Spread the remaining potatoes over the bacon, sealing the edges, and top with cheese and the remaining bacon. Cover the casserole with foil. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until the casserole is hot and slightly puffed. If desired, remove the foil and bake 5 to 10 minutes more to brown the cheese.

Yield: 8 servings

Potato Bacon Casserole. CHRISTY ROST

CHRISTY ROST

Partners Card Fundraising Legacy Continues

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb Claudia.Carson-Habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

Each year Dallas shoppers eagerly anticipate the arrival of Partners Card, the celebrated fundraiser offering cardholders 10 days of discounted retail therapy.

More valuable, however, is the fundraiser’s impact on the victims of domestic violence. Proceeds provide safe shelter, protection, and services for survivors — a single card purchase covering a night of refuge and care for a survivor of family violence at The Family Place.

The exclusive discounts combined with the important cause motivated Jenn Spalding to postpone purchasing items she’d been eyeing at alice + olivia and johnnie-O.

“It’s not anything I needed right away,” said the Preston Hollow mother of two, “so I thought why not wait and benefit a worthy cause and my wallet at the same time.”

The Family Place’s Tiffany Tate, who joined the organization in 2014 and took the helm as CEO in 2024, has focused on expanding community outreach.

Tate attributes her dedication to victims of family violence to a recommendation given to her six months into her new role at the organization by now retired Family Place CEO Paige Flint.

Flint encouraged her protégé to sit in the lobby and listen to the personal stories of survivors.

It wasn’t long before they deeply impacted Tate’s perspective of the survivors’ strength and resilience, her understanding evident throughout the nonprofit’s facilities.

The Family Place has two client waiting rooms — one for single women that

provides peace and quiet and one for families with children — plus personal lockers to store important documents as clients prepare to rebuild their lives.

The addition of an animal kennel at the shelter addresses another difficulty many victims face when leaving the life they know behind.

“Most often, victims will not leave without their pets,” Tate said. “An autistic child who recently brought his dog with him to the shelter would not have been able to manage the difficult transition without the animal.”

She explained that by allowing victims to leave an unsafe environment with their pets, “a degree of comfort is provided, while giving the parent more control over the situation

and reinforcing their role as protector.”

Acknowledging the significant impact Partners Card events have on awareness and fundraising, Tate said she too gets excited for the annual shopping event, adding, “I have my list of where to use the card this year planned out.”

Last year’s event raised more than $1.37 million, which covers approximately 20,000 nights of safe shelter for domestic violence survivors.

Need more incentives to get involved in the 32nd annual Partners Card event held Oct. 25 through Nov. 3?

Tate mentioned the ever-expanding need for counseling services, next year’s goal for a full-service hair salon for survivors, and the many supplies and services needed for the four-legged (and sometimes even fishtailed) companions.

Save the Dates

October

30 – Help Our Heroes luncheon featuring Med al of Honor recipient Capt. Florent Groberg (US Army, Retired), Frontiers of Flight Mu seum, armyscholarship foundation.org.

November

2 – Canines, Cats & Cabernet, Sheraton Dallas Hotel, operationkindness.org.

2 – “Golden Age of Flight”-themed Red Tie Gala, Frontiers of Flight Museum, cancersupporttexas.org.

3 – Chefs for Farmers food and wine festival: The Main Event, Old City Park, chefsforfarmers.com.

6 – The Jean and Bill Booziotis Distinguished Lecture Presents: “Why Women’s Brain Health De serves a Closer Look in Alzheimer’s Research” featuring Rachel Buckley, PhD, of Harvard Medical School, Communities Foundation of Texas, cvl.utdallas.edu.

14 – Business Council for the Arts Obelisk Awards, JW Marriott Dallas Arts District, ntbca.org.

21 – Dallas Historical Society Dallas History Makers Awards for Excellence luncheon, Fairmont Dallas International Ballroom, dallashistory.org.

April 2025

11 – The Junior League of Dallas’ Milestones Luncheon featuring cookbook author and entrepreneur Alex Snodgrass, Omni Dallas Hotel, jldallas.org.

– Compiled by William Taylor

ABOVE: Co-chairs Elizabeth Ward Creel and Tiffany Moon kick-off off Partners Card at Veronica Beard in Highland Park Village. The fundraiser runs Oct. 25 through Nov. 3. AT LEFT: Tiffany Tate. COURTESY THE FAMILY PLACE

THE

PERRY-MILLER

STREIFF GROUP New Construction Modernist in Knox-Travis Corridor

Unveiling a residence that transcends the ordinary, 3503 Edgewater stands as a testament to curated design excellence in the heart of Dallas’s hottest neighborhood, Northern Heights. This exceptional home, nestled on the most coveted lots adjoining the Katy Trail, epitomizes urban luxury, boasting an unrivaled walkability index and proximity to the city’s burgeoning culinary and shopping scene, the KnoxTravis corridor.

A visionary alliance of talent has given life to this architectural gem. AIA award-winning architect Gary Cunningham’s genius has crafted a lock-and-leave modernist home that seamlessly connects with its surroundings. Internationally-recognized Landscape Architect David Hocker’s Zen-like, low-maintenance grounds are secured behind a 10-foot metal gate and fencing that will soon be cocooned with Wisteria vines. Snelling Homes, an industry leader in luxury home construction, brought this vision to life with unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The tri-level layout bathes the interior in natural light from all angles. Windows adorn every side, creating an ethereal treehouse effect, encapsulating the essence of a private oasis. A stunning architecturallydesigned staircase with vertical slats allows light to permeate while maintaining separation between the gourmet kitchen, dining area, and the main living space. Elevator access to all three levels ensures convenience without compromise, making this home suitable for every stage of life.

Seize this rare opportunity to purchase this exceptional home in Dallas’ hottest locale!

Contact Ryan Streiff (469.371.3008) or more information or to set up a private showing. Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more.

EBBY HALLIDAY

Ebby Halliday Companies

Hosts Power-Packed Summit

Ebby Halliday Companies recently held its highly anticipated CONNECT: EHC Summit 2024 at the Winspear Opera House in the downtown Dallas Arts District. The exclusive, agent-only, real estate event of the year in North Texas brought together sales professionals from Ebby Halliday Realtors, Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, and Williams Trew for a day of inspiration, learning, and networking.

Almost 1,000 agents from the three brands took advantage of the opportunity to hear from an impressive lineup of nationally renowned speakers, including experts in technology, market analysis, risk management, and client relations, as well as a panel discussion with top agents from across Texas.

The keynote address was delivered by internationally renowned speaker Sylvie di Giusto, who captivated the audience with her talk, “You Have Seven Seconds, Make Them Count.”

“This exclusive in-house event at a worldclass arts venue lived up to its promise to be an inspiring day, and our agents walked away more empowered and connected than ever,” says Carolyn Rosson, President & CEO of the Ebby Halliday Companies. “We are continually raising the bar to ensure our agents have access to the best tools and the latest knowledge to thrive in an increasingly complex industry.” Visit ebby.com.

DAVE

Mansion Park Townhome Offers Luxe, LowMaintenance Life

3629 Brown Street (3629brown.daveperrymiller. com) is a stunning townhome in the highly soughtafter Mansion Park neighborhood. This contemporary 3-bedroom, 3.1-bath residence, listed by Sharon Quist and Stacy Baucum for $1,945,000, offers an impressive 4,864 square feet of living space across three expansive levels. It’s ideal for anyone looking to downsize without compromising on elegance – and without an HOA.

Step through the gated private courtyard adorned with an oak tree canopy and zen garden, leading to a light-filled open-concept interior featuring solid oak flooring, soaring ceilings, and floating staircase. The chef’s commercial kitchen boasts dual refrigeratorfreezers, double ovens, a dumbwaiter, and a massive island breakfast bar.

Retreat to the primary bedroom suite, complete with a spa-like bath and a generous walk-in closet. With an oversized two-car garage and an enviable 91 ‘Walk Score,’ enjoy the vibrant surroundings with top restaurants, nightlife, and scenic trails just steps away. For questions or to schedule a showing, contact Quist at 214-695-9595 or sharonquist@dpmre.com.

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

ALLIE

BETH ALLMAN

Luxury homes just listed for sale in sought-after neighborhoods

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents have just announced homes for sale in the Park Cities and Uptown.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents excel at marketing estate properties, and the numbers prove it.

According to Multiple Listing Service statistics, the brokerage sells more homes priced at $3 million and higher across DFW than any other competitor.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates has experts waiting to show you luxury properties available in the region— like these and more.

On a rare double lot in the heart of University Park, a five-bedroom estate showcases multiple living and entertaining spaces. At 3516 Wentwood Drive, find a floor plan that offers game and media rooms and a bar on the first floor.

On a premier block in Highland Park, 3102 Saint Johns Drive offers an updated, four-bedroom estate on a large lot.

It features vaulted ceilings and a new marble fireplace in the family room, plus upgrades including a new fence, air conditioners, new wiring and a hot water heater.

Uncover Highland Park’s hidden jewel: a 5-bedroom, 5.2-bath, corner-lot masterpiece blending classic charm with modern comfort at 3401 Drexel Drive. This sanctuary provides an unparalleled canvas for your ideal lifestyle.

Find the right home with the help of an Allie Beth Allman & Associates real estate expert. Call to connect with an agent.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Allie Beth Allman & Associates lead luxury home sales

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents continue to lead in the sale of homes priced at $1 million and higher in Dallas County and $3 million and higher across DFW,

Allie Beth Allman & Associates has solidified its reputation as the leader in luxurious home sales this year, outselling other brokerages in Dallas County in the first six months of 2024 when it came to homes priced at $1 million and higher.

The brokerage’s agents also sold more than homes priced at $3 and higher across North Texas, far surpassing other brokerages in core neighborhoods like Highland Park, University Park and the Park Cities area.

Here are two of the brokerage’s current listings to consider.

The 11-year-old custom-built home at 3708 Greenbrier Drive sits on a large lot in University Park.

Don’t miss touring the designated home office downstairs, which has a full bath that also serves as a pool bath. The home is ideal for entertaining with a great kitchen and a second living area that opens to the back patio and pool.

If you would prefer a newly constructed home, consider a masterpiece just built by EMRO Homes.

The five-bedroom home at 4222 Myerwood Lane in northwest Dallas has two kitchens and a customizable wine display that make for sophisticated entertaining. It also has three bonus rooms that could be used for whatever your imagination conjures up.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Great estates available from Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents

Allie Beth Allman & Associates consistently lead the DFW real estate market in the sale of estate homes, according to MLS data.

If you’re in the market for an extraordinary estate in Dallas, the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates have been entrusted by the owners of these unparalleled properties to find the most discriminating buyers.

Here are three such properties.

The home at 5414 Edlen Drive has a stone exterior and sits on an acre of manicured grounds.

Inside, guests are greeted by a 25-foot-high foyer with a floating staircase and hand-carved marble fireplaces. You can relax in a dramatic speakeasy, equipped with a luxurious bar and 2,000-bottle wine vault.

An estate designed by Robbie Fusch sits on a 3.3-acre estate at 10777 Strait Lane.

On both floors, the home features French limestone and imported marble with hardwood flooring, Venetian plaster walls and 14-foot ceilings on both floors.

Upstairs, the home theater, inspired by a Parisian opera house, seats 22 and includes a bar.

The six-bedroom estate on three levels at 10540 Lennox Lane has grounds and gorgeous ponds that surpass anything seen in Dallas today.

With a catering kitchen and expansive wine cellar, you can plan elegant dinner parties for friends and family. Challenge your golfing buddies to play your private, two-hole regulation course, complete with sand traps and water

3505 Turtle Creek Blvd PH #18C 4 Bed, 4.2 Bath, 6,638 SF

The Vendome

Listed for $6,900,000 by Kyle Crews & Molly Massey Recently renovated with over 6, 600+ SF of luxury urban living! Restricted access elevator opens directly into both levels of this custom, contemporary, two-story penthouse. Beautiful walnut floors, intricately detailed African Sapele Mahogany paneling, four spacious bedrooms, including a large primary suite with terrace and stunning views of downtown.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN Fresh for fall: Homes for sale in your neighborhood

Turn over a new leaf this fall; connect with an Allie Beth Allman & Associates agent to find your new home.

Fall may be the best season with the return of football, the Texas State Fair and cooler evenings—and it’s the perfect time to find your next home.

Ask the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates about these homes or others coming on the market this fall.

The home at 3832 Greenbrier Drive is one of the most outstanding in University Park for its craftsmanship and carved millwork.

Designed by renowned architect Larry Boerder, the three-story home has a library, billiards room and a wine cellar. The well-equipped kitchen has three ovens and a butler’s pantry.

On a tree-lined street in University Park, a new fivebedroom home has been completed by Schultz Custom Homes at 3209 Purdue St.

The home has an open-concept floor plan with a wet bar that opens to the living room and kitchen. The primary suite has a bath with marble flooring and a large shower with dual heads.

In the heart of Highland Park, builder Ellen Grasso has expanded and remodeled a circa 1929, Tudor-style home.

The five-bedroom home at 4515 S. Versailles Ave. blends chic interiors and modern amenities with leaded glass windows, arched entries and vaulted, beamed ceilings

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN Preston Hollow perfection: Homes for sale to explore

homes for

There are few neighborhoods that the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates know better than Preston Hollow. Trust them to help you find the perfect home, whether it is a one-story ranch or sprawling estate.

The home 9630 Inwood Road features more than 7,000 square feet of living space and a lush garden. The fourbedroom, contemporary-style home on a beautiful lot was built in 1985 and remodeled twice.

The interior rooms include a living room that features a 90-year-old mahogany and marble fireplace. This home has a safe room and study, and there’s plenty of storage space with multiple closets in the primary bedroom. Enjoy vaulted ceilings throughout the charming home at 6433 Joyce Way. When the home was renovated in 2021, the baths were reinvented to add more storage. The kitchen has oak flooring, marble countertops and stainless-steel appliances.

At 6214 Royal Lane, a stunning one-story home offers an abundance of natural light. The spacious living area is centered around a wood-burning fireplace and built-in shelving, perfect for cozy gatherings.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents continue to sell more homes at the luxury level in Dallas County and across Dallas-Fort Worth. Call to connect with an expert agent.

Tour beautiful

sale with the help of an Allie Beth Allman & Associates agent.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN URBAN