2014 February Preston Hollow

NIGHT & DAY: YOUR GUIDE TO ALL–DAY ROMANCE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Republican John Carona. Leadership we can trust today ... And for our next generation.

Texas success story. Founder & CEO of the nation’s largest residential realty management firm, John Carona built his business from the ground up, through hard work and determination. He brings that same strong work ethic and hands-on approach as our State Senator.

Lifelong conservative. Senator Carona is driven by a core belief that government should be limited and accountable. And as our State Senator, John Carona has been a tireless leader for balanced budgets, cutting waste, and reining in government.

Getting things done. As a go-to leader for our families and businesses, Senator Carona has authored or served as chief sponsor for more than 550 bills that have become law, reducing regulation, streamlining government, and protecting our families.

A proven waste cutter. A thoughtful leader who believes that government should be smaller and more efficient, Senator Carona has led for cutting waste at state agencies that are overfunded, over-reaching, or obsolete.

Promoting jobs & growth. As Chair of the Business and Commerce Committee in the Texas Senate for the past three legislative sessions, Senator John Carona led for laws to protect consumers, encourage small business growth, and create higher-paying jobs.

Doing what’s right. A leader for stronger ethics, Senator Carona sponsored the law requiring legislators to openly record their votes, and led to end “ghost voting,” prohibiting lawmakers from voting on behalf of absent colleagues. He’s actively led for every major piece of ethics reform addressed by the Texas Senate throughout his service.

John Carona grew up here, attended Dallas ISD schools, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. He is married, a father of five, and grandfather of five – so far!

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TRUE ROMANCE

A co-worker says Valentine’s Day killed two of his dating relationships; he says he broke up with his then-girlfriends on the day itself when he realized he just didn’t care enough about these women to keep dating them.

From a guy’s standpoint (or at least this guy’s standpoint), what he did was a noble gesture. Rather than pretend to think something he didn’t, he told the truth on a day when the truth should count for something.

From the women’s standpoint, I imagine the feeling wasn’t necessarily mutual, at least not at that date and moment in time, because who wants to hear the truth about a relationship just prior to some expected wining and dining?

My own Valentine’s Day history is checkered with less-than-romantic incidents, so I know of what I speak.

After my wife and I were married, I became obsessed not with turning Valentine’s Day into a personal romantic showcase, but with avoiding friendly fire on that day for not being romantic enough, something that just seems to come naturally to me.

Scheduling a wildly expensive dinner at a dress-up restaurant initially seemed like a safe bet, and our first Valentine’s Day as a married couple was spent under the twinkling lights of a tree growing partially inside said restaurant.

The setting was romantic, the company divine, but another known shortcoming of mine reared its ugly head during the appetizer. My wife can tell you now that the more expensive the meal, the more antsy and disagreeable I become as I watch food masquerading in my mind as $20 or $50 bills floating in on a plate and then just as quickly floating away from the table and from my wallet.

And when I became antsy about money, I became distracted from conversation. When

that happened, my wife wanted to know what was wrong, and I resisted telling her for her own protection. She asked again, and I resisted again because I didn’t want to make her mad or spoil her fun. Then she dug deeper because she didn’t know why I wouldn’t tell her, and I started to grump because I couldn’t believe I was spending all this money just to have a bad time, so I told her what I was thinking. And then she figuratively reached across the table with her eyes and tried to strangle me because she knew the pricey dinner was my idea.

On this particularly memorable night, we made it to the car without bloodshed, although my grumpiness provoked her to grumpiness during the meal. And then somewhere on the drive home, as we continued discussing the meal, I said something that double-grumped her enough that she ordered me to stop the car so she could get out and walk home.

I kid you not.

Even as a self-anointed loving and supportive husband, I admit that my first thought wasn’t to roll down the window and beg her to hop back in the car, even though I’m sure she was justified; instead, I was hacked enough to consider speeding away to see how much of the hockey game I could catch on TV.

But again, that was only my first thought. And after some silent obscenities and after pondering various scenarios — all of which seemed to end with me impaled on a broom handle — I lowered the car window while creeping down the street, and like a good and chastened husband, I begged her to get back in the car.

After some more lively discussion, she eventually agreed, and I’m pleased to say that after many happy years and more mature behavior on my part, we’ve never again celebrated a Valentine’s Day with one person in a moving vehicle and another walking beside it.

Over the years, regardless of what has or has not been spent on a holiday seemingly invented by greeting card companies and florists, the ones we’ve enjoyed the most are the ones where we’ve just been together, period.

And she’s just fine with that. So far.

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Why, for some of us suckers, Valentine’s Day is synonymous with doomsday

Launch

community | events | food

On target

New center aims to make archery more accessible

The new Texas Archery Academy facility at Central and Walnut Hill opened in January, giving neighborhood residents a safe, convenient place to hone their archery skills. While there may not seem to be that many local bow-and-arrow enthusiasts right now, Preston Hollow resident Clint

Montgomery, one of the executive directors of both the TXAA and the Texans Archery Club, says it’s his mission to expose more people to the sport. “I’ve never met anybody who didn’t want to shoot a bow,” he says.

The 13,000-square-foot space beneath

Spec’s “had been dark for probably 15 years,” Montgomery says. But now the facility boasts several indoor ranges designed for everyone from young children to serious competitors. There are also party rooms for kids or corporate groups and a technical range where serious archers can

Clint Montgomery: Danny Fulgencio

record themselves and analyze their form. Even the parking garage will be put to use as an after-hours range for members.

Anyone can drop in for a 30- or 60-minute session, held every hour from about 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. No reservations, equipment or previous training are necessary. But it hasn’t always been that easy to get a start in archery.

“People have always wanted to shoot,” Montgomery says. “There’s just been nowhere to go.” While hunters and other enthusiasts have traditionally had private clubs and ranges, most people just didn’t have a convenient, affordable way to learn and practice archery, he says. “The community outreach has been missing.”

That’s why the TAC, which was started in the 1960s as a benefit for employees of Texas Instruments, sponsors the academy — to make archery more accessible to the public. A nonprofit that was formed in 2011, the TXAA provides instruction, hosts tournaments, and operates indoor training facilities in Plano and San Antonio in addition to the new Walnut Hill location. TXAA ranges are open to the public, but members of the TAC are given free access to the ranges and equipment and can enjoy extended hours. A TAC membership is $120 a year.

Montgomery hopes that more people in the area start picking up bows. “Archery is not just bowhunting,” he says. “We teach everybody.” Because it requires self-discipline, control and focus, he says, archery is a great activity for children. “Every kid can do it, whether they’re in a wheelchair or captain of the football team,” he says. Montgomery has even taught toddlers, who shoot at big foam monkey targets. “Even though they can’t tie their shoes, they’re obeying the range commands,” he says.

And while he’s in favor of team sports, Montgomery says archery provides something they don’t. “It’s like golf,” he says. “It teaches you about yourself.”

If you’re not looking to do any self-exploration, that’s OK with Montgomery. “We don’t want to burden [beginners] with too much,” he says. “Just walk in and have fun.” —Larra

Keel

What gives?

Small ways that you can make a big difference for nonprofits

Pass on your teddy Foster Kids Charity, located at 9221 LBJ Freeway, Suite 110, hosts the Valentine Teddy Bear Drive, Saturday Feb. 1, from 10 a.m.-noon. Donate gently used teddy bears and help prepare snack bags gifts for local foster children to receive for Valentine’s Day. To participate, call 469.248.2786 or email michelle@fosterkidscharity.org.

Put on your running shoes

Brace the cold winter air and run a 5k, 5 mile or 10 mile run on Feb. 2 starting at 8:30 a.m. at Norbuck Park (Northwest Hwy and N. Buckner). After the race, visit the beer garden, try a chair massage, or simply enjoy the live music. Those averse to running can sign up to volunteer and participate in the festivities. Race proceeds to benefit Preston Hollow-area nonprofit The Family Place. Cost is $20 for children 12 and $40-$70 for adults. Call 214.443.7717 or visit familyplace.org to register.

Attend a Gala Benefit the North Texas chapter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at the 30th annual Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show, held Feb. 12, starting at 10 a.m at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. The gala draws an audience of more than 800 social and civic leaders in the area. This year, organizers hope to raise more than $480,000 toward blood cancer research. Purchase tickets at saintvalentinesdayluncheon.org 972.996.5932.

KNOW OF WAYS

that neighbors can spend time, attend an event, or purchase or donate something to benefit a neighborhood nonprofit? Email your suggestion to launch@advocatemag.com.

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Out & About

February 2014

FEB. 8-MARCH 1

‘Between Oak & Mulberry’

This gallery exhibit, curated by University of North Texas professor Vincent Falsetta, displays art from eight UNT alumni, with an artist’s reception Feb. 8 from 6-8 p.m. View the exhibit all month long during gallery hours WednesdaySaturday, noon- 5:30 p.m. Norwood Flynn Gallery, 3318 Shorecrest, 214.351.3318, norwoodflynngallery.com, free

more LOCAL EVENTS

or submit your own

PRESTONHOLLOW.ADVOCATEMAG.COM/EVENTS

FEB. 1

The Story of Bessie ‘Queen Bess’ Coleman

Master storyteller and actress M. Waddyi Thibodeaux of Flying Geese Productions re-enacts the story of “Queen Bess,” the first woman to earn an International Aviation License and the world’s first licensed AfricanAmerican aviator. Presentations are at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.

Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon, 214.350.3600, flightmuseum.com, $5-$8, children under 3 free

FEB. 5

Keys to Optimal Health

From 7-8:30 p.m. Central Market healthy living expert Tzyion Zadoka offers insights on nutrition and healthy living principles that will, according to the event website, “unlock your extraordinary wellness potential.”

Central Market, 10720 Preston, 972.860.6500, centralmarket.com, free

FEB. 6, 13, 20, 27

Tax assistance

Every Thursday from noon-4 p.m. this month, AARP will provide assistance to seniors filing taxes at the Preston Royal Library.

Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214.670.7128, dallaslibrary2.org, free

FEB. 7

Willy Porter

This month, guitarist and singersongwriter Willy Porter will showcase his strumming prowess on Uncle Calvin’s stage. Porter boasts an extensive performing background, including touring with Tori Amos and Jeff Beck. Martin Swinger will open. Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse, 214.363.0044, unclecalvins.org, $15-$18

FEB. 7, FEB. 14

Preston Royal Purls Knitting Social

From 1-3 p.m., bring your own knitting projects and meet fellow crafters, or come learn how to knit for the first time. Beginners receive free needles and yarn. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214.670.7128, dallaslibrary2.org, free

FEB. 9

Free family yoga

Learn some family-friendly partner poses from a certified yoga instructor from 1-2 p.m.

Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven, 214.739.2737, jccdallas.org, free

“Shatter 15,” acrylic/glass on paper: Jessica McCambly

FEB. 9-MAY 5

The Works of David Bates

Nasher Sculpture Center presents the work of Dallas native and Southern Methodist University alumnus David Bates. View 45 sculptures and 20 related paintings and drawings through May.

Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora, 214.242.5100, nashersculpturecenter.org, $5-$10 (free on first Saturdays)

FEB. 15

Backyard chicken sale

Dan Probst of Bageniece Farms visits North Haven Gardens to answer your questions about how to start and maintain your very own chicken coop. Purchase hens, organic feed, hay and more from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., or until supplies last.

North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven, 214.363.5316, nhg.com, free

FEB. 19

‘The Neverending Story’

Bring the family to a screening of the 1980s film “The Neverending Story” at 7 p.m.

Studio Movie Grill, 11170 N. Central, 214.361.2966, studiomoviegrill.com, $2

FEB. 22

Leila Meacham book signing

At 3 p.m. New York Times bestselling author Leila Meacham will sign copies of her latest novel, “Somerset,” which critics describe as “a tale rich with American history and pitch-perfect storytelling that stands on its own as a sweeping saga, spanning the 19th century.”

Barnes & Noble, 7700 W. Northwest Highway, Suite 300, 214.739.1124, barnesandnoble.com, free

Delicious

Tuckedaway behind the AMC theater on the second floor in NorthPark Center, a space once inhabited by Starbucks has undergone quite a transformation in recent months. A restaurant with an allwhite interior — a clean and crisp palette immediately draws attention to the fiery colors of freshly chopped grapefruit, golden beets and butternut squash on display in the salad case. In the center of the restaurant, executive chef Ben Hutchison sautés meat and warms bread baked by local Village Baking Company for panini and ciabatta sandwiches.

“The whole idea that we want to promote is that people should know where their food is coming from — we should be able to go see our cows and chickens and look them in the eyes,” says owner Michael Siegel. He and his wife, Robyn, opened Green House Market in December after the success of their Green House gourmet food truck, which also emphasized fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Michael says that instead of expanding to three food trucks to meet customer demand, the couple opted to swap the food-truck biz for a brick-and-mortar location. Keeping in line with the philosophy of their food truck, the flank steak comes from Local Yocal farms in McKinney, and the chicken breast and fish come from Texas as well. Menu items at the restaurant are made to order and served fast-casual. Robyn adds that they now offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, which they couldn’t do with the food truck. There also are several pieces of artwork on display inside Green House Market. Robyn is an art advisor and says that she selects pieces for the restaurant that explore the themes of form and function, pertaining to food. So if the vibrant colors of your meal aren’t exciting enough for you, there’s some cool modern art to look at, too.

Whitney Thompson

Salad with butternut squash, golden beets, grapefruit and flank steak: Mark Davis

GREEN HOUSE MARKET

8687 N. Central 214.809.5977

thegreenhousemarket.com

AMBIANCE: MODERN

PRICE RANGE:

$7-$15

HOURS: 8 A.M.-10 P.M. DAILY

TIP

THE MENU HAS SYMBOLS INDICATING GLUTEN-FREE, VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN OPTIONS

| MORE SPOTS FOR LOCAL FARE |

1 True Food Kitchen

Order Texas redfish or Gulf brown shrimp for some fresh local flavors. The menu changes four times a year, so you can always eat fresh, seasonal fare.

8383 Preston Center Plaza, 214.377.3333

truefoodkitchen.com

2 Neighborhood Services Bar and Grill

The double-cut chicken breast comes from Vital Farms, just outside of Austin, and is served with russet frites and arugula salad. Burgers are served on buns made at Village Baking Company.

10720 Preston, Suite 1101 214.368.1101

neighborhoodservicesdallas.com

3 Hopdoddy Burger Bar

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill burger joint. Angus beef sourced from Austin is ground fresh daily. Plus, burger fixins such as mushrooms, goat cheese and eggs are all from Texas. 6030 Luther, Suite 100 214.363.2337

hopdoddy.com

THE PERFECT V-DAY TREAT

Chocolate caramels

So many wonderful traditions tell the story of Valentine’s Day. Who doesn’t love a bouquet of red roses, a heart full of chocolates and yummy Champagne? Mix it up this year and share the love of handmade food with family and friends; there is nothing more romantic than that. I want to share one of my favorite treats: chocolate caramels. These little gems are ideal because they fall somewhere between the chewiest caramels and the most decadent dark chocolate fudge. If you love chocolate, play around with the different intensities, and choose your favorite brand to make these bite-sized confections your own. Before serving or wrapping the caramels individually, garnish each one with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, nuts or spicy red hearts. Pour yourself a glass of Champagne and toast to chocolate caramels that are sure to be a Valentine’s Day tradition.

Chocolate caramels

The perfect combination of chewy caramels and chocolate fudge

INGREDIENTS:

500 ml heavy cream

1 ¾ cup granulated sugar

2 ¾ cup corn syrup

1 ½ tablespoons butter, cubed

1 ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

9-inch square pan lined with foil

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the first four ingredients in a saucepan, and cook to 245 F, stirring constantly.

Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cubed butter and chopped chocolate and stir to combine (do not over-mix or the ingredients will separate).

Immediately pour the mixture into the foil-lined pan.

Let it cool at room temperature until set. Cut the caramel into the desired shape and size.

Leave the caramels plain or dredge in powdered sugar or a mixture of cocoa powder and powdered sugar.

Wrap caramels in wax paper and store in an airtight container until ready to serve. Makes about 50 1 ½-inch pieces, takes 30 minutes

Chocolate caramels: Kristen Massad

Kristen Massad writes a monthly column about sweets and baked goods. The Preston Hollow resident graduated from the French Culinary Institute in New York City and owned Tart Bakery on Lovers Lane for eight years. She blogs about food and lifestyles at inkfoods.com.

WITHLOVE,EMILYTOMAN &WHITNEYTHOMPSON

When it comes to planning the perfect date, Preston Hollow has plenty to offer, from scenic country drives to cozy, romantic dinners to vibrant cultural experiences. We even have a few dingy dive bars if that’s your speed. So, here it is — your cheat sheet to celebrating Valentine’s Day right here in the neighborhood, plus some tips to keep in your back pocket just about any time of year.

Photos by David Leeson, Kim Leeson & Advocate staff

7 A.M.

Start the day with a breakfast picnic at PRESTON HOLLOW PARK one of the only public green spaces in our neighborhood. While it may not have the city’s best view of the sunrise (or any at all), it offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the outdoors before the daily swarm of children descends upon the popular park. Pack some breakfast sandwiches from home or hit up a family-owned doughnut shop. We love the eclectic, indulgent tastes at YUMMY DONUTS (4355 Lovers at

Douglas). If you’re coming from the north, try INWOOD DONUT (11814 Inwood at Forest). Burn off the calories with a tennis match on the park’s public court. (This is Texas, so at the time of publication, it was not known whether Valentine’s Day temperatures would be in the low 30s or the high 70s. Come prepared. If the wintry weather proves too brutal — or you’re just not keen on early mornings — go ahead and sleep in and skip to the next activity.)

TAKE AN ARCHERY CLASS TOGETHER

The TEXAS ARCHERY ACADEMY (9550 N. Central at Walnut Hill) recently opened a new facility near our neighborhood, making the once-obscure sport more accessible to those who want to try their hand at shooting a bow. See page 7 to learn more from its Preston Hollow owner.

8-9 A.M.

Let’s face it. Any time spent not driving in Preston Hollow is precious — unless you escape the car-clogged thoroughfares for the beautiful country lanes of OLD PRESTON HOLLOW. Take a leisurely drive through the estate neighborhoods bound by Northwest Highway, Walnut Hill, Midway and Preston. There’s Sunnybrook, Preston Downs, Inwood Park, Maywood and Meadowbrook, to name a few, all full of architecturally significant homes. Admire the stately exteriors and speculate about what goes on behind the iron gates.

10 A.M.

Give your time and gain some perspective with folks who can teach you a thing or two about love. THE LEGACY AT PRESTON HOLLOW (11409 N. Central) senior-living home accepts volunteers for everything from helping residents with crossword puzzles to running errands to leading bingo. Volunteer coordinator Cheryl Weitz says that volunteers and residents alike benefit from building relationships with residents. “Some of our residents don’t have family visitors, so it’s great for them to have somebody to talk to,” she says. Visitors are welcome to bring baked goods to residents perhaps even some heart-shaped Valentine’s Day cookies. If you miss the morning slots, swing by at 1 p.m. Feb. 14 to help serve residents during their Valentine’s Day dance. Schedule a visit and apply to volunteer, by contacting Weitz in advance at 214.239.5735 or cweitz@thelegacyph.org.

GO ON A CHOCOLATE TOUR

DALLAS BY CHOCOLATE hosts wildly popular tours of chocolate shops and bakeries around the city, often including some near our neighborhood. You can visit several venues in just over three hours, sampling goodies and learning how they’re made. Sign up for a Valentine’s Day tour at dallasbychocolate.com.

MORE AWESOME DATE IDEAS IN PRESTON HOLLOW

NOON

It’s lunchtime, but you may want to resist that pre-programmed urge to eat a full meal and save plenty of room for the evening’s epic dinner required to complete any Valentine’s Day outing. The burrata bar at DOUGH PIZZERIA (11909 Preston at Forest) features small plates centered on the key ingredient, made from fresh mozzarella and cream. Try the truffle and mascarpone burrata, served with tomatoes and a rosemary balsamic reduction on flatbread. Looking for something a little more casual? Keep it simple and stop into a taqueria such as TACOS Y MAS (7752 Forest at N. Central) for $2 tacos.

EXPAND YOUR BRAINS

Just outside the neighborhood is DALLAS MAKERSPACE (2995 Ladybird at Walnut Hill), which offers hands-on workshops for things such as blacksmithing, robot building and computer programming.

SIP SOME WINE

The little shop THE ART OF WINE (11909 Preston at Forest) hosts a daily happy hour 5-7 p.m. On Tuesdays, it offers a $25 painting class 6:30-8:30 p.m. with appetizers and, of course, wine.

FORGET THAT YOU’RE GROWN-UPS

At JUMP STREET (11250 N. Central at Royal) apparently people of all ages can bounce off the walls. The gym offers sports adapted to the trampoline, including basketball, dodgeball and others.

Go on a treasure hunt. Shop at antique stores and pick out a funky gift for each other. THE FORESTWOOD

ANTIQUE MALL (5333 Forest at Inwood) specializes in old sports memorabilia, and you might discover some one-of-a-kind, vintage Valentine’s Day jewelry. NORTH DALLAS

ANTIQUE MALL (11722 Marsh at Forest) offers plenty of mid-century modern, Mad Men-era knick-knacks. Plus, you can find some of those old records and eight-tracks you listened to back when you first started dating. Shop for a cause and stick to a tighter budget at THE FAMILY PLACE RESALE SHOP (11722 Marsh at Forest) or ST. VINCENT DE PAUL THRIFT STORE (3052 W. Northwest Highway at Bachman), where you never know what you’ll find — from designer clothing to chic furniture.

Create something together. Stop into a neighborhood art studio and work some magic. From 4-5 p.m. every Friday, the popular mosaic shop

SMASHING TIMES (6025 Royal at Preston) hosts a craft class where you can learn how to create a fused glass pendant. Call ahead to reserve a spot for $30 per person. Or, grab your mate and round up a group of eight to 12 friends for a B.Y.O.B. painting party at PAINTING WITH A

TWIST (5202 W. Lovers at Inwood)

Two- or three-hour private parties are available for groups to paint and enjoy beverages noon-6 p.m. Canvas, easels and paint are provided, but space is limited, so reserve early.

Linger over a romantic dinner. Some of our favorite hideaways with great pasta are the rustic Princi Italia (5959 Royal at Preston) and the cozy and intimate ZIO CECIO CUCINA ITALIANA (4615 W. Lovers at Travida). Dig into French soufflés at RISE NO. 1 (5360 W. Lovers at Inwood), and don’t skip the marshmallow soup. For upscale American cuisine, try the warm, lowlit HILLSTONE (300 Preston at Northwest Highway) or THE MERCURY (911909 Preston at Forest) for some serious indulgent dining. Remember to make reservations as soon as possible.

Let go and party a little. There aren’t many places to get down in Preston Hollow, but you might be surprised at what lies in some corners of our neighborhood. For a true dive-bar experience, VELVET ELVIS (3720 Walnut Hill at Marsh) draws a mixed crowd beyond the 20-something hipsters and features pool tables and live rock music from just about every decade. Oh, and cheap, strong drinks (we already splurged on dinner). Right next door, there’s A STEP UP LOUNGE (3720 Walnut Hill at Marsh) with a similar atmosphere worth popping in for look-see. For a more cultural experience, STRATOS GREEK TAVERNA (2907 W. Northwest Highway at Webb Chapel) presents a live belly-dancing show at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and makes for a pretty wild night. If you want to keep it low-key, you can’t beat the folk music shows at UNCLE CALVIN’S COFFEEHOUSE (9555 N. Central at Walnut Hill), which keeps to its Friday-night schedule on Valentine’s Day, featuring singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky.

MIDNIGHT

Cozy up to a classic movie. This is an easy one. Every Friday and Saturday night, the INWOOD THEATRE (5458 W. Lovers at Inwood) features Midnight Madness, screening a different beloved film from a variety of genres in its theater of cozy couches. On Valentine’s Day weekend, you can catch Woody Allen’s famous love story, “Annie Hall,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1977.

Planting the seed

Early steps are being taken to transform our neighborhood public schools, but significant community support is needed

Story by Emily Toman

When it comes to education, Preston Hollow is full of choices. Pretty soon, public school might actually become a stronger contender on that list.

Dallas ISD approved the International Baccalaureate program for Preston Hollow Elementary, Franklin Middle School and Hillcrest High School.

The IB curriculum focuses on transdisciplinary, cross-cultural education aimed at developing better critical-thinking skills and helping students, essentially, “learn how to learn.”

The program has successfully been implemented at Woodrow Wilson High School and at its feeder school J.L. Long Middle School. As the IB coordinator there puts it, “We’re teaching to think versus just filling students up with rogue knowledge.”

IB is designed to help prepare students not just for college but also for the world.

“Our whole educational process is looking toward a global perspective,” says Nora Berry, executive director of the Hillcrest feeder pattern.

The program would replace the current curriculum at the elementary and middle school level. At the high school level, students can opt in, and that’s where it takes some serious commitment.

“I call it Advanced Placement on steroids,” says Preston Hollow’s DISD trustee, Mike Morath, who graduated with an IB diploma from Garland High School, having accumulated 36 hours of college credit. “It’s a way to inject rigor into a campus.”

The process begins with Preston Hollow Elementary, where administrators will submit the application for the Primary Years program in April. Upon acceptance, there’s a three-year implementation period. The process starts over for the Middle Years program at Franklin in 2015, followed by the diploma program at Hillcrest in 2017.

This doesn’t happen overnight, and the

board’s approval doesn’t guarantee it will happen at all. That’s where the community comes in.

Volunteers are working to establish the Hillcrest Foundation, modeled after the organization in the Woodrow community that raises funds to support IB and other programs and improvements that the district can’t fund on its own.

To launch IB in the Hillcrest community, about $150,000 of supplemental seed money is needed, along with at least $50,000 annually to keep the program going.

Cost factors to consider include the initial application fee, teacher training, curriculum resources, and the hiring of an IB coordinator, to name a few. District funding depends, in part, on the amount of outside fundraising.

“The key is to try to get folks to kick in private funds,” Morath says.

Hillcrest mom and volunteer Debbie Sherrington is leading the effort to form the foundation and says the biggest

challenge is persuading Preston Hollow parents to choose their neighborhood schools.

“Nine times out of 10, they love what they see; it’s just getting them in the door,” she says.

But it’s not just about changing the tarnished perception. Public schools receive funding based on the number of students attending the school.

“The point at which you attract more students to the school who were previously at private schools, that creates additional revenue for the district,” Morath says.

To help fund IB, it would take only about 60 additional students to enroll in the Hillcrest feeder pattern. Still, it’s no easy feat to change even a few hearts and minds. The hope is that the IB program will.

Incoming members of the Preston Hollow Early Childhood Association are almost always asked the same two questions: “Are you new here?” and then “Where are your kids going to school?”

Students work on an assignment at Preston Hollow Elementary: Kim Leeson

Inevitably, the scales tip toward private education, and it’s hard not to follow suit, says Jennifer Bryarly, a neighborhood resident and former president of the PHECA.

But it doesn’t always start out that way. “You don’t move into this neighborhood planning to go to private school,” she says. “Maybe half do.”

That’s because most parents realize how hard it is to get into the highly sought-after neighborhood public school, George Bannerman Dealey Montessori, and then opt for private school — as was the case for Bryarly and many of her friends. Few parents seriously consider Preston Hollow Elementary because they simply “don’t hear very good things.”

Bryarly’s two boys ended up at Christ the King Catholic School. Would she have considered Preston Hollow Elementary had IB been in place?

“Absolutely. I wish that was an option back when I was looking,” she says.

But IB isn’t just a way to attract more middle-class families to DISD, Morath says. While more enrollment means more funds for public schools, the increase has little effect on demographics.

The fact remains that 88 percent of students in DISD receive free and reduced lunches. If every parent pulled their child from private school and enrolled in the neighborhood public school, that number goes down to 80 percent. The district still has to do a better job of educating its majority, and IB can help do that.

“DISD is a system of low-income children,” Morath says. “If all we’re trying to do is attract more middle-class families to DISD, then we might as well give up now.”

However, it’s those middle-class families — those who often have the time and money to contribute — who have the most influence in turning things around.

“Whether you send your kids to public schools or not, do it for the well-being of the city,” Sherrington says. “We need good public schools.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Volunteers with the Hillcrest Foundation are finalizing details of a fundraiser scheduled for April 12. To learn more about the foundation and how to get involved, contact Debbie Sherrington at 214.762.6957 or dsherr@airmail.net.

A life-long Republican born and raised in the district, Court Alley is a graduate of Highland Park High School and the University of Texas at Austin. Court is married to Dr. Mary Clare Alley and they attend Park Cities Presbyterian Church. The Alleys are proud parents of a one-year-old son, Ford Foster Alley.

Call for a Tour

Ages 2-6 yrs • AMS Affiliated

For nearly 30 years we have been giving children the opportunity to develop at their own pace in a safe and nurturing environment.

• Godly Play

• Computer

• Fine Arts

• Drama

• Gymnastics

• Spanish

• Ballet

7900 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75225 214.363.9391

www.stchristophersmontessori.com

THE KESSLER SCHOOL

Pre K – 6th Grade / 1215 Turner Ave, Dallas TX 75208 / 214-942-2220 / www. thekesserschool.com The Kessler School offers an innovative academic environment that gives students a solid foundation, confidence, and a love of learning. Located just minutes from downtown Dallas; The Kessler School’s mission is to “educate the whole child,” and provides an individualized approach to teaching – meeting the student where their needs are. Students are educated socially through community time, physically through daily PE, academically through a well-rounded curriculum, and spiritually through a fostering of awareness and individual growth.

LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931 / lakehillprep. org Kindergarten through Grade 12 - Lakehill Preparatory School takes the word preparatory in its name very seriously. Throughout a student’s academic career, Lakehill builds an educational program that achieves its goal of enabling graduates to attend the finest, most rigorous universities of choice. Lakehill combines a robust, college-preparatory curriculum with opportunities for personal growth, individual enrichment, and community involvement. From kindergarten through high school, every Lakehill student is encouraged to strive, challenged to succeed, and inspired to excel.

SPANISH HOUSE

5740 Prospect Ave. & 4411 Skillman / 214-826-4410 / DallasSpanishHouse.com

Spanish House is a Spanish immersion school with two Lakewood locations for children ages 3 months - Kindergarten. We offer half-day and full-day programs, with extended care available from 7:30am - 6:00pm. We also offer after-school and Saturday classes for PK and elementary-aged students, both on- and offsite. Additionally, we have an adult Spanish program for beginning, intermediate and advanced students.

ics and community service.St. John’s goal for its students is to develop a love for learning, service to others, and leadership grounded in love, humility, and wisdom. Accredited by ISAS, SAES, and the Texas Education Agency.

WHITE ROCK NORTH SCHOOL

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas / 214.348.7410 / WhiteRockNorthSchool.com

6 Weeks through 6th Grade. Our accelerated curriculum provides opportunity for intellectual and physical development in a loving and nurturing environment. Character-building and civic responsibility are stressed. Facilities include indoor swimming pool, skating rink, updated playground, and state-of-the-art technology lab. Kids Club on the Corner provides meaningful after-school experiences. Summer Camp offers field trips, swimming, and a balance of indoor and outdoor activities designed around fun-filled themes. Accredited by SACS. Call for a tour of the campus.

WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL

100 S. Glasgow Dallas 75214 / 972-502-4400 / woodrowwildcats.org A proven college preparation program and a true high school experience. Woodrow graduates attend, year after year, our state’s and country’s finest colleges including Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, TCU, Tech, West Point, Georgetown, Duke, North Carolina, Princeton and Yale, often with meaningful scholarships. With academic programs equaling the best private and magnet schools, Woodrow’s diverse student body also enjoys a traditional high school offering arts, music, dance, theater, math and science clubs, debate and writing competitions and a broad, inclusive and successful sports program, with cheerleaders and drill team. “It’s all at Woodrow and it works.”

YORKTOWN EDUCATION

5170 Village Creek Drive Plano, 75093 972-733-0800 YorktownEd.com Yorktown

CLAIRE’S CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL

8202 Boedeker Dr., / (214) 368-4047 / clairesdayschool.com At CCDS, we encourage a child’s sense of exploration and discovery in a loving, nurturing, and safe environment. We offer a parent’s day out program with a play-based curriculum fostering socialization, motor skill development, and an introduction to academics for children aged 4mo – 3yrs. Our preschool for children aged 3-5 further develops these skills, along with a more focused approach to pre-math and prereading. At CCDS, we have developed our own science, math, and reading enrichment classes to ensure kindergarten preparedness for every child. We make learning fun!

HIGHLANDER SCHOOL

9120 Plano Rd. Dallas / 214.348.3220 / www.highlanderschool.com Founded in 1966, Highlander School offers an enriched curriculum in a positive, Christian-based environment. Small class sizes help teachers understand the individual learning styles of each student. Give us a call for more information.

ST. CHRISTOPHER’S MONTESSORI SCHOOL

7900 Lovers Ln. / 214.363.9391 stchristophersmontessori.com St. Christopher’s Montessori School has been serving families in the DFW area for over a quarter of a century. We are affiliated with the American Montessori Society and our teachers are certified Montessori instructors. Additionally our staff has obtained other complimentary educational degrees and certifications, including having a registered nurse on staff. Our bright and attractive environment, and highly qualified staff, ensures your child will grow and develop in an educationally sound, AMS certified loving program. Now Enrolling.

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

848 Harter Rd., Dallas 75218 / 214.328.9131 / stjohnsschool.org

Founded in 1953, St. John’s is an independent, co-educational day school for Pre-K through Grade 8. With a tradition for academic excellence, St. John’s programs include a challenging curriculum in a Christian environment along with instruction in the visual and performing arts, Spanish, German, French, and opportunities for athlet-

Education is an independent, academically challenging school for grades 1-12. With a customized Do What You LoveTM curriculum, students are educated with higher standards at earlier ages. Education is personalized based on performance and not on age or grade levels. Yorktown graduates are in the top 1% of the country for SAT & ACT results and have a 100 percent college acceptance rate, with an average of $150,000 in college credit and scholarships. Enrolling first through 12th grade for the 2014-2015 school year.

ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL

6121 E. Lovers Ln. Dallas / 214.363.1630 / ziondallas. org Toddler care thru 8th Grade. Serving Dallas for over 58 years offering a quality education in a Christ-centered learning environment. Degreed educators minister to the academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of students and their families. Before and after school programs, Extended Care, Parents Day Out, athletics, fine arts, integrated technology, Spanish, outdoor education, Accelerated Reader, advanced math placement, and student government. Accredited by National Lutheran School & Texas District Accreditation Commissions and TANS. Contact Principal Jeff Thorman.

HEALTH

PRESENTED BY

WELLNESS

ADVISOR

TREATING INFERTILITY

For the “roller coaster” that is infertility treatment, Dr. Satin Patel believes in personalized, guided care that fully supports patients and their partners.

Dr. Patel is the medical director for the Assisted Reproductive Technology Services program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. He also founded North Texas IVF, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice,which constantly evolves to provide the latest fertility treatments to give patients the best possible chances of having a baby.

“Part of our mission is to hold the hands of our patients throughout, and education is a big priority before we move on anything,” Dr. Patel says. “I personally see all my patients, so there is continuity of care. I’m always available to them. It’s seven days a week.”

One such treatment is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, which involves a biopsy of embryos to screen for abnormalities, a lifeline for those who are at risk of transmitting a genetic disease to their children.

Overall, PGD can be used in conjunction with in-vitro fertilization to improve the odds of conception and lower the risk of miscarriage or multiple births.

Treating infertility isn’t only a medical process, but one that can be full of psychological distress, often straining relationships and resources. Dr. Patel and his staff reassure and inform throughout a journey that typically includes multiple procedures and exams. One-on-one conversations, demos, apps and videos all play a part in helping patients understand what is happening and inviting them to be active participants in their care.

Prospective parents of all backgrounds are welcome at North Texas IVF, including singles and same-sex couples. Newborn portraits by Dallas photographer Kimberly Wylie line the walls of the practice, highlighting why Dr. Patel believes his field is a “unique, special facet of medicine.”

“The gratification is unparalleled,” he says. “Patients and their families never forget. That gratitude is priceless.”HCA

BUSINESS BUZZ

The lowdown on what’s up with neighborhood businesses

Send business news tips to livelocal@advocatemag.com

Chipotle coming to NorthPark Center

Our neighborhood currently boasts three Chipotle Mexican Grill locations, and come spring, we’ll have another one. Chipotle spokeswoman Danielle Winslow says they are scheduled to open in NorthPark “early next spring.” NorthPark Center spokeswoman Victoria Snee says that the location within the shopping mall has not yet been decided.

Snap Kitchen ‘close to signing leases’

Back in July, Austin-based restaurant Snap Kitchen announced plans to expand to Dallas, opening several stores in early 2014. They have been eyeing hot retail areas such as Preston Hollow and the Park Cities, but no leases have been signed, so we’re still in the dark for now. Spokesman Daniel Helfman says he plans to know more by March. “We’re really close to signing leases,” he says, and the challenge is that they’re trying to open several stores at once. With locations in Austin and Houston, Snap Kitchen serves takeout food for the healthconscious, focusing on fresh, organic produce and “Snap Juice.” You can order breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and desserts that feature full nutrition labels and suit just about any diet including Paleo, gluten-free, vegan and diabetic. Customers can call in orders ahead of time and pick them up curbside — a rather appealing scenario in our neighborhood, where parking is scarce during peak hours.

More business bits

Williams-Sonoma closes Dallas stores

Two Dallas branches of Williams-Sonoma stores, located in Galleria Dallas and Highland Park Village, closed their doors for good last month. The good news? The WilliamsSonoma that’s located in NorthPark Center the one closest to Preston Hollow — isn’t going anywhere. It will be the last remaining Williams-Sonoma storefront in Dallas proper.

Upgrades at Medical City

Medical City Children’s Hospital just finished renovations in 66 patient rooms on the hospital’s sixth floor. Upgrades include sleeper sofas, fresh paint, new TVs with DVD players, and wood-look laminate flooring. The $750,000 project took four months to complete.

—Whitney Thompson

GET IN CONTACT

NorthPark Center 8687 N. CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY 214.363.7441

NORTHPARKCENTER.COM

Medical City Children’s Hospital 7777 FOREST 972.566.8888

MCCHILDRENSHOSPITAL.COM

The Iron Bed 8416 PRESTON CENTER PLAZA 469.232.9880

THEIRONBED.COM

Pickles and Ice Cream 8300 PRESTON, SUITE 400 214.361.1898

PICKLESANDICECREAM.COM

Ylang 23 8300 PRESTON, SUITE 700 972.980.0819

YLANG23.COM

Devonshire Pilates Bar 5425 W. LOVERS 214.706.9988

THEPILATESBARRE.COM

more BUSINESS

BUZZ

every week on

PRESTONHOLLOW.ADVOCATEMAG.COM/BIZ

1 High-end furniture and interior design store The Iron Bed opened a location in The Plaza at Preston Center, between Corner Bakery and Kid Biz. 2 Pickles & Ice Cream relocated to Suite 400 within Preston Center to make way for jewelry store Ylang 23, which is slated to open later this month. The jewelry store closed its longtime Galleria location last month and is slated to reopen in Preston Center, Suite 700, later this month.

3 Devonshire PilatesBarre, located at Lovers and Inwood, opened in January. It is the second location for the University Park-born Pilates studio.

AM I A NARCISSIST?

10 questions to determine whether you live for others or only yourself

If you want to engage in some disconcerting reading on some quiet evening, go online and read the clinical descriptions of “Narcissistic Personality Disorder.” Most of us have had to deal with narcissists at some time in our lives; if you have, you know it’s no mean task.

In a nutshell, a narcissist is a person who grew up with little or no inner sense of “self.” The only self they know is the one they see in the eyes of others, and so they learn well-honed behaviors over a lifetime, designed to elicit positive responses from others. The truest narcissists are highly skilled at this; at first impression they may be very impressive to others. The only problem is that if you are no longer helpful in their self-centered project, you are expendable.

Jesus showed much wisdom when he told his followers to deny themselves. This was not a call for poor self-esteem, but a reminder that a life built around the needs of the self alone will be an empty life indeed.

Both the clinical information and the spiritual wisdom serve as a challenge to all of us to do some honest self-examination. To what extent am I selfish? Am I self-centered or other-centered? Considering this, I thought I’d compile a little 10-question test made up of the things I need to ask myself.

• Do I worry more about myself or others?

• Which do I do more: talk or listen?

• How would I feel if I had to live with me?

• Do I talk mostly about myself, or do I ask others to tell me about them?

• When I’m in a social gathering, do I concentrate on the person I’m talking with, or do I look over their shoulder to see who

else is in the room?

• When was the last time I wrote a note to someone going through a hard time?

• What portion of my income do I keep for myself, and how much do I give to the needs of others? How about my time?

• When someone disagrees with me, religiously or politically, do I start a fight or do I seek to know the true reasons for their opinion?

ANGLICAN

ALL SAINTS DALLAS / 2733 Oak Lawn / 972.755.3505

Radical Inclusivity, Profound Transformation. Come and See! 9:00 & 11:00 am Sunday Services. www.allsaintschurchdallas.org

BAPTIST

PARK CITIES BAPTIST CHURCH / 3933 Northwest Pky / pcbc.org

All services & Bible Study 9:15 & 10:45. Trad. & Blended (Sanctuary), Contemporary (Great Hall), Amigos de Dios (Gym) / 214.860.1500

PRESTONWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH / “A Church to Call Home”

Sundays: Bible Fellowship (all ages) 9:15 am /Service Time 11:00 am 12123 Hillcrest Road / 972.820.5000 / prestonwood.org

WILSHIRE BAPTIST / 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

Pastor George A. Mason Ph.D. / Worship 8:30 & 11:00 am

Bible Study 9:40 am / www.wilshirebc.org

BIBLE CHURCHES

NORTH HIGHLANDS BIBLE CHURCH / www.nhbc.net

Sunday: Lifequest (all ages) 9:00 am / Worship 10:30 am

Wed: Student Ministry 7:00 pm / 9626 Church Road / 214.348.9697

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

EAST DALLAS CHRISTIAN CHURCH / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185

Sunday School 9:30 am / THE TABLE Worship Gathering 9:30 am

Worship 8:30 & 10:50 am / Rev. Deborah Morgan / www.edcc.org

MIDWAY HILLS CHRISTIAN CHURCH / 11001 Midway Road

Sundays: School for all ages 9:30 am / Worship service 10:50 am 214.352.4841 / www.midwayhills.org

METHODIST

LAKE HIGHLANDS UMC / 9015 Plano Rd. / 214.348.6600 / lhumc.com

Sunday Morning: 9:30 am Sunday School / 10:30 am Coffee

Worship: 8:30 am & 10:50 am Traditional / 10:50 am Contemporary

This is my favorite: What kind of driver am I? Do I consider others? Do I use my turn signals? Do I obey speed limits designed to keep the roads safe? When shopping, do I put my cart back where it belongs, or do I leave it in the middle of a space? How often do I let someone go in front of me with a wave and a smile? You can tell — I think my behavior behind the wheel is the best place to decide whether I am a narcissist!

Finally (and I do mean finally), when I die, what will the headline of my obituary say? What will they say at the funeral? How would I feel about that?

Just a few uncomfortable questions for a February day. And, by the way, don’t forget to buy a card for your Valentine. That would be a good start.

UNITY

UNITY OF DALLAS / A Positive Path For Spiritual Living 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230 / 972.233.7106 / UnityDallas.org

Sunday Services: 9:00 am & 11:00 am

Both the clinical information and the spiritual wisdom is a challenge to all of us to do some honest self-examination.

Blair Monie is senior pastor of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church (phpc.org). The Worship section is a regular feature underwritten by Advocate Publishing and the churches listed on these pages. For information about helping support the Worship section, call 214.560.4202.

CLASSES/TUTORING/ LESSONS

ALL AGES: LEARN PIANO WITH WADE COTTINGHAM LakewoodPianoLab.com Since 1998. 214-564-6456

ART: Draw or Paint. All Levels. Lake Highlands N. Rec. Ctr. Jane Cross, 214-534-6829. Linda, 214-808-4919.

ARTISTIC GATHERINGS

Casa Linda Plaza. Art Classes & Drop In Pottery Painting For All Ages. 214-821-8383. Tues-Sat 10am-6pm

DRUM & PIANO LESSONS Your location. UNT Grad. BucherMusicSchool.com or call 214-484-5360, 469-831-7012

GUITAR OR PIANO Fun/Easy. Your Home. 11 Yrs Exp. Reasonable rates. UNT Grad. Larry 469-358-8784

CHILDCARE

LOVING, CHRIST-CENTERED CARE SINCE 1982 Lake Highlands Christian Child Enrichment Center Ages 2 mo.-12 yrs. 9919 McCree. 214-348-1123.

EMPLOYMENT

AIRLINE CAREERS begin here. Get FAA approved maintenance training. housing & financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Aviation institute Of Maintenance Houston 877-846-4155 or Dallas 888-896-8006

PET SITTERS, DOG WALKERS Email Recruiting@pcpsi.com

SERVICES FOR YOU

AT ODDS WITH YOUR COMPUTER? Easily Learn Essential Skills. Services include Digital Photo Help. Sharon 214-679-9688

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let A Seasoned Pro Be The Interface Between You & That Pesky Computer. Hardware & Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $50/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 214-660-3733 or stykidan@sbcglobal.net

DISH TV RETAILER-SAVE Starting $19.99/mo (for 12 months) Free premium movie channels. Free equipment, Installation & activation. Call. Compare local deals. 1-800-309-1452

GRAPHIC DESIGN BY SOZA DESIGN Logos, Brochures, Posters & More. wsoza@yahoo.com 214-287-6499

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME 6-8 Wks. Accredited. Free brochure. No computer needed. 1-800-264-8330 Benjamin Franklin High School www.diplomafromhome.com

VAPOR MART ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES 214-321-1944. Across from Highland Park Cafeteria. 9533 Losa Drive #2

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

A WILL? THERE IS A WAY Estate/Probate Matters-Free Consultation. 214-802-6768 MaryGlennAttorney.com

ACCOUNTING, TAXES Small Businesses & Individuals. Chris King, CPA 214-824-5313 www.chriskingcpa.com

BOOKKEEPING NEEDS? Need Help Organizing Finances? No Job Too Small or Big. Call C.A.S. Bookkeeping Services. Cindy 214-821-6903

EDITING. All written genres, all levels. Ph.D Professional Communication, NMSU. University writing instructor 20+ years. 469-263-7004

HOLLOWAY BENEFIT CONCEPTS Benefit strategy for area businesses. www.hollowaybenefitconcepts.com 214-329-0097

OSTEOPATHY—CRANIAL OSTEOPATH For structural or internal problems, head & body, newborn, young child, all ages. Liz Chapek, D.O. 214-341-8742. www.chapek.doctorsoffice.net

REED & RIORDAN PLLC Dallas Family Law Attorneys 10000 N. Central Expy. Dallas 214-570-9555 reedriordan.com

Alyssa Garner poses with Preston Hollow resident Anne Emerson and fellow seventh graders from Providence School Katherine Patterson, Beverly Poston, and Sterling Alpert in a shop while traveling to see Texas landmarks in Houston, Austin and San Antonio.

Light up the night

Neighbors gathered on the Northaven Trail at Edgemere to enjoy holiday light displays, food and fellowship.

His last bow

More than 250 choir, dance and theater students performed in “Winter Songs: A Musical Concert” at W.T. White High School, marking choir director Michael Parker’s final winter concert. Parker has served as choral director since 1999, writing original shows and leading students to top honors at UIL competitions over the years.

Local BULLETIN BOARD

TRAVEL

CRUISEONE DALLAS Doug Thompson

PET SERVICES

POOP SCOOP PROFESSIONALS Trust The Experts. 214-826-5009

Dallas’ First Doggie Daycare

Featuring “Open Play” Boarding

• 14,000+ sq. ft. Play Area Inside

• 5,000+ sq. ft. Play Area Outside 15 Lux Suites w/ Webcams Grooming All Breeds

• Training & Obedience Classes 6444 E. Mockingbird at Abrams www.deesdoggieden.com • 214-823-1441

In-Home Professional Care

Customized to maintain your pet’s routine

In-Home Pet Visits & Daily Walks

“Best of Dallas” D Magazine

Serving the Dallas area since 1994 Bonded & Insured www.societypetsitter.com 214-821-3900

BUY/SELL/TRADE

TEXAS RANGERS AND DALLAS STARS

front row seats. Share prime, front-row Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars tickets (available in sets of 10 games). Prices start at $105 per ticket (sets of 2 or 4 tickets per game available) Seats are behind the plate and next to the dugouts for the Rangers: seats are on the glass and on the Platinum Level for the Stars. Other great seats available starting at $60 per ticket. Entire season available except for opening game; participants randomly draw numbers prior to the season to determine a draft order fair for everyone. Call 214-560-4212 or rwamre@advocatemag.com

TOP CASH FOR CARS Any Car, Truck. Running or Not. Call for Instant Offer. 1-800-454-6951

ESTATE/GARAGE SALES

CLUTTERBLASTERS.COM-ESTATE SALES

Moving/DownSizing Sales, Storage Units.

Organize/De-Clutter Donna 972-679-3100

Friends of the Northaven Trail hosting a holiday party: James Coreas

Michael Parker: Chuck Stewart

214-660-8898

AROTX

972-523-3996

WWW.AROTX.COM

our website or call us WE DO SAME DAY SERVICE

Serving your Neighborhood Since 1993

Repairing: Refrigerators •Washer/Dryers

• Ice Makers •Stoves • Cooktops • Ovens

214✯823✯2629

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

THE CABINET CONCIERGE

The Art of Storage. Call 214-821-5900

Email jin@thecabinetconcierge.com

CARPENTRY & REMODELING

ATLANTIS DESIGN-BUILD, LLC

Complete Remodeling. 40 Yrs Exp.

Additions. 1 & 2 Story. Kitchens, Baths. Small Jobs To Entire House. Renovation & Design. Full Time Supervision. Licensed/Insured. Free Estimates. 281-761-4648

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

Complete Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths, Additions. Hardie Siding & Replacement Windows. Radiant Barrier, Insulation. Bonded & Insured. www.blake-construction.com 214-563-5035

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

D SQUARED Design, Build, Remodel, Additions 214-213-2716

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” To Do’s Done Right! www.handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

KITCHEN AND BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

JCI Remodeling. From Simple Updates to Full Remodeling Services. Competitive Pricing! JCIRemodeling.com 972-948-5361

RENOVATE DALLAS

renovatedallas.net

214-403-7247

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

Cabinet Refacing, Built-ins, Entertainment/ Computer Centers. Jim. 214-324-7398 www.squarenailwoodworking.com

BRIAN GREAM RENOVATIONS LLC

• 1 & 2 Story Additions

• Complete Renovations

• Kitchens/Baths

• Licensed/Insured

CARPENTRY & REMODELING

CLEANING SERVICES

New Construction • Renovations Roofing • Additions

David Hughes

• 214-202-2333

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION & REPAIR

214.341.1448

WWW.OBRIENGROUPINC COM

• Bathrooms

• Kitchens

• Renovations

redoguys.com 214 / 803. 4774

TK Remodeling

Your neighborhood remodeler

•Repair •Remodeling •Restoration

•Complete full service

Name it— We do it

http://dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

Tommy 972-533-2872 INSURED

Unique Home Construction

- Design, Build, Remodel

- Kitchens & Baths

New Construction or Additions

Many references available

Licensed, Insured, Member of BBB

www.uniquehomebuild.com

214.533.0716

CLEANING SERVICES

AMAZON CLEANING

Top To Bottom Clean. Fabiana.469-951-2948

CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133

MAID 4 YOU Bonded/Insured. Park Cities/M Streets Refs. Call Us First. Joyce.214-232-9629

MAID PRISTINE House Cleaning For Perfectionists. Reliable. Leticia. maidpristine.com 972-971-1571

MESS MASTERS Earth friendly housecleaning. 469-235-7272. www.messmasters.com Since ‘91

THE MAIDS Angie’s List Award! Eco-Friendly Products. www.maids.com 972-278-6000

WANTED: HOUSES TO CLEAN

20 yrs. exp., Reliable, Great Prices, Excellent Refs., Free Estimates. No Crews. Sunny 214-724-2555

214.542.6214

PayPal ®

WWW.BGRONTHEWEB.COM

BRIANGREAM@YAHOO.COM

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

YOU HAVE IT MAID SERVICES 972-859-0287 bonded/insured. Youhaveitmaidservices.com

COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS

ALL COMPUTER PROBLEMS SOLVED

MAC/PC Great Rates! Keith 214-295-6367

BILL’S COMPUTER REPAIR

Virus Removal, Data Recovery. Home /Biz. Network Install. All Upgrades & Repairs. PC Instruction, No Trip Fee. 214-348-2566

CONCRETE/ MASONRY/PAVING

BRICK & STONE REPAIR

Don 214-704-1722

BRICK, BLOCK, Stone, Concrete, Stucco. Gonzalez Masonry. 214-395-1319

BRICK, STONEWORK, FLAGSTONE PATIOS Mortar Repair. Call George 214-498-2128

CONCRETE REPAIRS/REPOURS

Demo existing. Stamping and Staining Driveways/Patio/Walkways

Pattern/Color available

Free Estimates

972-672-5359 (32 yrs.)

CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable. Chris 214-770-5001

EDMONDSPAVING.COM Asphalt & Concrete Driveway-Sidewalk-Patio-Repair 214-957-3216

FLAGSTONE PATIOS, Retaining Walls, BBQ’s, Veneer, Flower Bed Edging, All Stone work. Chris 214-770-5001

Swimming Pool Remodels • Patios Stone work • Stamp Concrete 972-727-2727

Deckoart.com

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

4 U ELECTRICAL SERVICE, LLC

We will be there 4 U. 972-877-4183

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com

Family Owned/Operated. Insd. 214-328-1333

EXPERIENCED LICENSED ELECTRICIAN Insd. Steve. TECL#27297 214-718-9648

GOVER ELECTRIC Back Up Generators. New And Remodel Work. Commercial & Residential. All Service Work. 469-230-7438. TECL2293

Business Resources

TO ADVERTISE 214.560.4203

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

LAKEWOOD ELECTRICAL Local. Insured.

Lic. #227509 Call Rylan 214-434-8735

TEXAS ELECTRICAL • 214-289-0639

Honest, Quality. TECL 24668 CCs accepted.

TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658

WHITE ROCK ELECTRIC All Electrical Services. Lic/Insd. E795. 214-850-4891

LIC#17141

PC ELECTRIC 214.533.5949 call.text.email

thepcelectric.com

EXTERIOR CLEANING

BLOUNTS HAULING/TRASH SERVICE

blountsjunkremovaldfw.com 214-275-5727

FENCING & DECKS

#1 COWBOY FENCE & IRON CO. Est. ‘91. 214-692-1991 www.cowboyfenceandiron.com

4 QUALITY FENCING Call Mike 214-507-9322

Specializing in Wood, New or Repair.

A FATHER, SON & GRANDSON TEAM Fences, Gates, Decks. Haven 214-327-0560

AMBASSADOR FENCE INC.

Automatic Gates, Iron & Cedar Fencing, Decks. Since 1996. MC/V 214-621-3217

KIRKWOOD FENCE & DECK

New & Repair. Free Estimates.

Nathan Kirkwood. 214-341-0699

LONESTARDECKS.COM 214-357-3975

Trex Decking & Fencing, trex.com

All Wood Decks, Arbors & Patio Covers

EST. 1991 #1

COWBOY

FENCE & IRON CO.

214.692.1991

SPECIALIZING IN Wood Fences &Auto Gates

cowboyfenceandiron.com

FIREPLACE SERVICE

CHIMNEY SWEEP Dampers/Brick & Stone Repair. DFW Metro. Don 214-704-1722

FLOORING & CARPETING

ALL WALKS OF FLOORS 214-616-7641

Carpet, Wood, Tile Sales/Service Free Estimates

BEAR FOOT HARDWOODS 214-734-8851

Complete Hardwood Flooring Services

DALLAS CARPET OUTLET Carpet/Wood/Tile. dallascarpetoutlet.com 214-342-1100

DALLAS HARDWOODS 214-724-0936

Installation, Repair, Refinish, Wax, Hand Scrape.

Residential, Commercial. Sports Floors. 25 Yrs.

FLOORING & CARPETING

HASTINGS STAINED CONCRETE New/ Remodel. Stain/Wax Int/Ext. Nick. 214-341-5993. www.hastingsfloors.com

N-HANCE WOOD RENEWAL. No Dust. No Mess. No Odor. nhance.com. 214-321-3012.

WILLEFORD HARDWOOD FLOORS 214-824-1166 • WillefordHardwoodFloors.com

Restoration Flooring

HANDYMAN SERVICES

HANDYMAN SPECIALIST Residential/ Commercial. Large, small jobs, repair list, renovations. Refs. 214-489-0635

HOMETOWN HANDYMAN All phases of construction. No job too small 214-327-4606

HONEST, SKILLED SERVICE With a Smile. General Repairs/ Maintenance. 214-215-2582

WANTED: ODD JOBS & TO DO LISTS

Allen’s Handyman & Home Repair 214-288-4232

HOUSE PAINTING BRIAN

25+ Years Experience

469.774.3147

Hardwood Installation · Hand Scraping Sand & Finish · Dustless restorationflooring.net

FOUNDATION REPAIR

• Slabs • Pier & Beam

• Mud Jacking • Drainage

• Free Estimates

• Over 20 Years Exp.

972-288-3797

We Answer Our Phones

GARAGE DOORS

ROCKET GARAGE DOOR SERVICE -24/7. Repairs/Installs. 214-533-8670. Coupon On Web. www.RocketDoorService.com

UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned.214-826-8096

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS

A FATHER, SON & GRANDSON TEAM Expert Window Cleaning. Haven 214-327-0560

CLEARWINDOWSANDDOORS.COM

Replacement Windows & Doors Free Estimate 214-274-5864

LAKE HIGHLANDS GLASS & MIRROR custom mirrors • shower enclosures store fronts • casements 214-349-8160

ROCK GLASS CO Replace, repair: windows, mirrors, showers, screens. 214-837-7829

HANDYMAN SERVICES

#1 AT BIG JOBS. NO JOB TOO SMALL. 40+ years exp. Ron Payne 214-755-9147

A R&G HANDYMAN Electrical, Plumbing, Painting, Fencing, Roofing, Light Hauling. Ron or Gary 214-861-7569, 469-878-8044

ALL STAR HOME CARE Carpentry, Glass, Tile, Paint, Doors, Sheetrock Repair, and more. 25 yrs. exp. References. Derry 214-505-4830

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” To Do’s Done Right. www.handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

Your Home Repair Specialists

Drywall Doors

Senior Safety Carpentry Small & Odd Jobs And More! 972-308-6035 HandymanMatters.com/dallas

HOME INSPECTION

KITCHEN/BATH/ TILE/GROUT

ALL SURFACE REFINISHING 214-631-8719. Tub/Tile/Refinishing. allsurfacerefinishing.com

BATHTUB, COUNTERTOP & TILE Resurfacing: Walls, Tub Surrounds, Showers. Glaze or Faux Stone finishes. Affordable Alternative to Replacement! 972-323-8375. PermaGlazeNorthDallas.com

FENN CONSTRUCTION Any Tile Anywhere. www.dallastileman.com Back Splash Specials! 214-343-4645

HOUSE PAINTING

1 AFFORDABLE HOUSE PAINTING and Home Repair. Quality work. Inside and Out. Free Ests. Local Refs. Ron 972-816-5634 or 972-475-3928

#1 GET MORE PAY LES

Painting. 85% Referrals. Free Est. 214-348-5070

A+ INT/EXT PAINT & DRYWALL

Since 1977. Kirk Evans. 972-672-4681

A1 TOP COAT Professional. Reliable. References. TopCoatOfTexas.com 214-770-2863

ABRAHAM PAINT SERVICE A Women Owned Business 25 Yrs. Int/Ext. Wall Reprs. Discounts On Whole Interiors and Exteriors 214-682-1541

ALL TYPES Painting & Repairs. A+ BBB rating. Any size jobs welcome. Call Kenny 214-321-7000

BENJAMIN’S PAINTING SERVICE Quality Work At Reasonable Prices. 214-725-6768

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

Complete Painting Interior/Exterior, Stain Etc. Custom Finishes, Custom Texture, Custom Trim www.blake-construction.com

Fully Bonded & Insured. 214-563-5035

MANNY’S HOME PAINTING & REPAIR Int./Ext. Sheetrock. Manny 214-334-2160

RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513

ROMEO’S PAINTING Int/Ext. Drywall, Damage Repair. Prep House To Sell. 214-789-0803

TONY’S PAINTING SERVICE Quality Work

Since 1984. INT/EXT 214-755-2700

VIP PAINTING & DRYWALL Int/Ext. Sheetrock Repair, Resurfacing Tubs, Counters, Tile Repairs. 469-774-7111

WHITE ROCK PAINTING References. Mark Reindel 214-321-5280

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” Remodels Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

MELROSE TILE James Estrello Sr., Installer 40 Yrs. Exp. MelroseTile.com 214-384-6746

TOM HOLT TILE 30 Yrs Experience In Tile, Backsplashes & Floors. Refs. Avail. 214-770-3444

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

25% OFF TREE WORK Trim. Roberts Tree Svc. Insd. 10 yrs exp. 214-808-8925

A BETTER TREE COMPANY • JUST TREES Complete tree services. Tree & Landscape Lighting! Mark 214-332-3444

A&B LANDSCAPING Full Landscape & Lawn Care Services. Degreed Horticulturist. 214-534-3816

AYALA’S LANDSCAPING Firewood for Sale! Call the Land Expert Today! Insured. 214-773-4781

BLOUNTS TREE SERVICE Winter Special 20% Off Tree Work. 45 yrs exp. Insured. 214-275-5727

CHUPIK TREE SERVICE

Trim, Remove, Stump Grind. Free Est. Insured. 214-823-6463

COLE’S LAWN CARE • 214-327-3923 Quality Service with a Personal Touch.

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

COVINGTON’S NURSERY & LANDSCAPE CO.

5518 Pres. George Bush Hwy. Rowlett 972-475-5888 covingtonnursery.com

DALLAS K.D.R.SERVICES • 214-349-0914

Lawn Service & Landscape Installation

FOREVERLAWNTEXAS.COM George Berre. Quality Synthetic Grass, Free Est. 214-263-0828

GREENSKEEPER Winter Clean Up & Color. Sodding, Fertilization. Lawn Maintenance & Landscape. Res/Com. 214-546-8846

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061

ORTIZ LAWNCARE Complete Yard Care. Service by Felipe. Free Est. 214-215-3599

RONS LAWN Organic Solutions. Not Environmental Pollution. Landscape & Maintenance 972-222-LAWN (5296)

SERIOUSLY METICULOUS Verdant Grounds. 214-763-0492

TAYLOR MADE IRRIGATION Repairs, service, drains. 30+ years exp. Ll 6295 M-469-853-2326. John

THE POND MAN Water Gardens

Designed & Installed. Drained & Cleaned. Weekly Service. Jim Tillman 214-769-0324

TRACY’S LAWN CARE • 972-329-4190

Lawn Mowing & Leaf Cleaning

WALTON’S GARDEN CENTER

Spend $100. Get a $25 gift card with this ad for regular-priced merchandise to be used by Feb.14. 214-321-2387. 8652 Garland Road

WHITE ROCK TREE WIZARDS Professionals, Experts, Artists. Trim, Rmv, Cable Repair, Cavity-Fill Stump Grind. Emergency Hazards.

MOVING

ALL-TEX MOVERS Free Estimates. 11Yr. BBB Member. www.all-texmovers.com 214-869-6566

PEST CONTROL

A BETTER EARTH PEST CONTROL

Keeping the environment, kids, pets in mind. Organic products avail. 972-564-2495

McDANIEL PEST CONTROL

Prices Start at $85 +Tax for General Treatment

Average Home, Interior, Exterior & Attached Garage Quotes for Other Services

214-328-2847

Lakewood Resident

PLUMBING

A2Z PLUMBING 214-727-4040

All Plumbing Repairs. Slab Leak Specialists. Licensed & Insured. ML# M36843.

ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521 # M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues. plumberiffic69@gmail.com

Sewers • Drains • Bonded 24 Hours/7 Days

*Joe Faz 214-794-7566 - Se Habla Español*

ARRIAGA PLUMBING: Faucet, Sewer, Sink Repairs. Water Leaks. Water Heaters, Gas Testing. Remodels, Shower Pans, Stoppages. Insured. Lic 20754. Since the 80’s 214-321-0589, 214-738-7116,CC’s Accptd

HAYES PLUMBING INC. Repairs. Insured, 214-343-1427 License M13238

JUSTIN’S PLUMBING SERVICE

For All Your Plumbing Needs. ml#M24406 972-523-1336. www.justinsplumbing.com

M&S PLUMBING Quality Work & Prompt Service. Jerry. 214-235-2172. lic.#M-11523

NTX PLUMBING SPEC. LLLP 214-226-0913

Lic. M-40581 Res/Com. Repairs & Leak Location

REPAIRS, Fixtures, General Plumbing, Senior Discounts. Campbell Plumbing. 214-321-5943

SPECK PLUMBING

Over 30 Yrs Exp. Licensed/Insured. 214-732-4769, 214-562-2360

POOLS

ADAIR POOL & SPA SERVICE

1 month free service for new customers. Call for details. 469-358-0665.

DFWPOOLCHEMICAL.COM Never Pay Retail Again. Chemicals, Parts, Motors, Etc.

LEAFCHASERS POOLS

Parts and Service. Chemicals and Repairs. Jonathan. 214-729-3311

LOCK’S POOL SERVICE - 469-235-2072 40 years experience. Pool Electrical TICL #550

MICHAEL’S POOL SERVICE

Maintenance & Repair 214-727-7650

The J Fitness Center hosted a “Cartwheel-aThon” for gymnasts of all levels to raise money for programs at Genesis Women’s Shelter.

Episcopal School of Dallas students William Heidarian, Zoe Long, Kaki Miller and Eric Stern created bowls for the Empty Bowls Project, a community service event that raises money to combat hunger. At the Dallas event, scheduled for March 7 at the Meyerson Center, guests are welcome to partake in a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a cash donation, guests are asked to keep a bowl made by local craftspeople and students as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. The money raised is then donated to the North Texas Food Bank. In 2013, the event raised more than $156,000 to benefit the North Texas Food Bank.

International film and music icon Bette Midler will serve as the keynote speaker for the Woman to Woman luncheon, to be held May 1 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Funds raised will benefit professional mental health and social services provided by Jewish Family Services. Call 469.206.1664 or go to jfsdallas.org for additional information.

Awards

The Texas School Counselor Association awarded Hillcrest High School, Thomas Jefferson High School and Preston Hollow Elementary School the 2013-2014 Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students (CREST) award. Schools honored with the award have demonstrated exemplary student results, community partnerships, parent collaboration and a positive school environment.

Representatives from each of the three schools will receive the award at the 2014 School Counselor Conference in Houston later this month.

People

An article published by Vanity Fair, “How George W. Bush Evolved From the Uncoolest Person on the Planet to Bona Fide Hipster Icon,” detailed how the Preston Hollow resident and former U.S. President is now cool. According to author Juli Weiner, Bush’s “love of animals, biking hobby, Internet savvy” and his painting hobby, plus sending an encouraging letter to lift the spirits of a dejected Alabama football kicker, make Mr. Bush “a hipster icon.”

Parish Episcopal eighth-grader Sam Horowitz was featured in YouTube Rewind, a compilation of the most viewed YouTube videos of 2013. The new video is already at 78 million views and counting. Horowitz told the Advocate, “In 2014, I have another dance video in the works, but I can’t say anything about it yet.

Education

Withers Elementary School student Luke Nayfa is one of eight finalists who advanced to the districtwide 22nd Annual Gardere Martin Luther King Jr. oratory competition Jan. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. held at the Majestic Theatre. The competition, sponsored by law firm Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, was created to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and to encourage the writing and oratory skills of fourth- and fifth-grade students. This year’s prompt was, “If Dr. King were speaking at a March on Washington today, what would he say?”

Yorktown Education, a private, co-educational first through 12th grade school hosts its annual college fair, partnering with more than 20 schools from around the country. Students and prospective parents can learn about the application process and find out about upcoming college campus visits. The event is 2-4 p.m. Feb. 7 at the school, 5170 Village Creek in Plano.

City Hall

The city plan commission approved plans for a new gated community on Forest Lane at Creeway Drive. The four-and-a-half-acre property already is zoned as single-family residential, but developer Charles Hicks, who lives near the site, needed approval for a planned development district, which allows for a shared access development. For years, the lot has been an open green space once home to a large white Georgian house. The Unity Church of Dallas owns the land and intends to sell it to an interested buyer such as Hicks. The lots would sell for $400,000, and the homes at $1 million. The plan will go before the city council this month for final review.

In her holiday newsletter to District 13 residents, Councilwoman Jennifer Staubach Gates expressed her goals for 2014, which include working with the Streets department to improve infrastructure, support the Parks department as they continue to make improvements to green areas, and to increase safety near local schools by partnering with Dallas ISD.

Art

Last month the “Seven Deadly Sins” art exhibit at Kettle Art Gallery in Deep Ellum featured work from Cambridge School alumni Emily Perkins, Ryan Johnson, PJ Smithey, Hannah Sparks and Christina Marie Nelson.

HAVE AN ITEM TO BE FEATURED?

Please submit news items and/or photos concerning neighborhood residents, activities, honors and volunteer opportunities to editor@advocatemag.com Our deadline is the first of the month prior to the month of publication.

SOMEONE FOLLOWED THEM.

Licia and Christopher Dawe had been out doing some Christmas shopping. They had just purchased an Apple MacBook at the mall for their daughter to use at college. On their way to the grocery store before heading home, the couple noticed that two men in a car behind them seemed to be making every turn they took.

The Victim: Licia and Christopher Dawe

The Crime:Burglary of a motor vehicle

Date: Saturday, Dec. 21

Time: Between 1:15 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.

Location: 11700 block of Preston

The Dawes ran into the grocery store to get an item for Christmas dinner. When they came out, they were anything but merry. Someone had shattered a window to gain access to the trunk. The new laptop was gone. The men had indeed followed them from the mall and taken advantage of them.

“Thank God we didn’t drive home,” Licia Dawe says. “The police say they were just after the laptop.”

The burglary was quite a frustration, and they literally only possessed the laptop for minutes. Dawe called mall officials to let them know about the crime. She says there is now a police presence in the parking areas.

Lt. Richard Dwyer of the North Central Patrol Division says it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid keeping anything of value in your car, especially during the holidays. If you think someone is following you, calling the police might be helpful if you think the situation may turn dangerous or criminal.

| CRIME NUMBERS |

5:30 p.m.

Time a woman discovered a blank check, signed, on the 6100 block of Bandera on Dec. 30.

$722

Cost of damage to rear bumper caused during a hit-and-run on the 7900 block of Forest on Dec. 31 at 8:25 a.m.

SOURCE: Dallas Police Department

12 a.m.

Time on Dec. 31 when a woman awoke to the sound of her window shattering; an unknown suspect had thrown an orange traffic cone into her bedroom window at her residence on the 10800 block of Stone Canyon.

$4,000

Estimated cost of rims and tires stolen from a vehicle in the driveway in the 4300 Block of Echo Glen between 9 p.m. on Dec. 30 and 9 a.m. on Dec. 31.

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer and author of “Raising the Stakes”, obtainable at raisingthestakesbook.com. If you have been a recent crime victim, email crime@advocatemag.com.