2017 March Lake Highlands

IN MOD WE TRUST

Master in mid-century modern restoration

As chemo kills cancer, an innovation saves hair Rebuilding after a lifealtering accident

FEATURES

20 MIRTHFUL MILIEU

Wes Anderson meets “Mad Men” at Erin Michaels’ White Rock-area abode.

28 COMING HOME

After a death-defying accident and months of hospitalization, a paralyzed cyclist navigates his new life.

32 COOL HEADS PREVAIL

Cancer-killing treatments don’t have to mean hair loss — it’s all in the design.

“We had 10s of thousands of good miles. She’s a beautiful bike, a good girl. We went down hard together.”

Jim Heitzenreder, a gravely injured cyclist, after retrieving his crumpled bicycle from the police station page 28

Art by Erin Michaels. (Photo by Danny Fulgencio)

OPENING REMARKS

By RICK WAMRE

No shame

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Frank McClendon

I’m thinking about making my interaction with stop lights optional. Same with stop signs.

If it fits my schedule, and if I have a little extra time on my hands, I’ll stop. But if I have other things to do, or if I’m in a hurry, or if I just don’t feel like stopping is the right thing to do for me, I won’t.

I’ve been pondering this move for awhile. It has always been an annoying time-suck for me to be stopped randomly when I’m running late for lunch. But I knew it was the right call after reading an online neighborhood brawl over a pickup truck parked in a handicapped space outside a Starbucks.

Apparently, the truck’s driver decided that, despite not having a handicapped sticker or license plate, using the space for a short period of time would be fine.

A well-meaning neighbor, noticing the infraction, posted a picture of the truck on Facebook. But the neighbor didn’t stop there: He did a little research and identified the truck owner’s name and business, suggesting online that anyone willing to park illegally in a handicapped space wasn’t worth being patronized.

I wasn’t offended by any of this. The truck driver was clearly wrong, and the neighbor was just making the digital equivalent of a citizen’s arrest by calling attention to a crime.

But an awful lot of people in this forum felt otherwise. Some piled on the neighbor for “cowardly” publicizing the infraction online as opposed to walking up to the truck’s owner in person and calling him out.

Others were offended by outing the guy’s business — why, they grumbled,

should his employees and family be deprived of income just because the guy parked in the wrong parking spot?

It was pretty entertaining reading, in a train-wreck-is-beautiful kind of way, and it made me realize something: A lot of us don’t believe the law needs to be interpreted literally.

Illegally parking in a handicapped space isn’t the right thing to do, but apparently shaming someone for violating that law isn’t right, either.

There’s a lot of that type of thinking going on these days. We’re using religion, in some cases, and personal values, in others, to justify doing what we think is right as opposed to following the rule

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contributing editors: Sally Wamre

of law. We’re kind of conscientiously objecting to laws we don’t believe are right and, therefore, shouldn’t apply to us.

All of which brings me back to my new red light philosophy. I’ve told you publicly of my plans, so I don’t want any complaining later when I exercise my rights to sidestep the law if I feel it’s necessary.

Just keep an eye out for me at intersections, and don’t even think about filing a claim against my insurance policy. I’m not so sure that being forced to pay for insurance is a good idea, either.

Rick Wamre is president of Advocate Media. Let him know how we are doing by emailing rwamre@advocatemag.com.

contributors: Angela Hunt, Lauren Law, George Mason, Kristen Massad, Brent McDougal

photo editor: Danny Fulgencio

214.635.2121 / danny@advocatemag.com

contributing photographers: Rasy Ran, Kathy Tran

Advocate, © 2017, is published monthly by East Dallas – Lakewood People Inc. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for the content of all advertisements printed, and therefore assume responsibility for any and all claims against the Advocate. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. Opinions set forth in the Advocate are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s viewpoint. More than 200,000 people read Advocate publications each month. Advertising rates and guidelines are available upon request. Advocate publications are available free of charge throughout our neighborhoods, one copy per reader. Advocate was founded in 1991 by Jeff Siegel, Tom Zielinski and Rick Wamre.

I’m going rogue, and it’s none of your business right?

We’re using religion, in some cases, and personal values, in others, to justify doing what we think is right as opposed to following the rule of law.

L A UNCH

MARCH 25

DREAM + INSPIRE + DESIGN HOME

TOUR AND AUCTION

Enjoy brunch and an auction at 10 a.m.noon at the Dallas Arboretum before strolling through four expertly designed and decorated neighborhood homes, until 5 p.m. The Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA puts on the annual event which supports educational opportunities for area families.

Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, lhaecpta.org, biddingforgood.com, $40

Out & About

MARCH 3- 26

‘JACK AND THE BEANSTALK’

Kathy Burks’ troupe provides its own take on the classic fairytale. The performance, geared toward children ages 4 and older, features appearances from the likes of the Man on the Moon and a chatty hen.

Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, 214.740.0051, dct.org, $22-26

MARCH 4

‘THE THREE LITTLE PIGS’

See the three little pigs take down Wolfgang Bigbad during this quirky children’s opera at 1 p.m. The production highlights the importance of reading and learning. NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway, 214.363.7441, northparkcenter. com, free

MARCH 7-APRIL 11

AARP TAX HELP

AARP Foundation Tax-

Aide is offering free assistance at local libraries from 10 a.m.4 p.m. on Tuesdays. The program is geared toward community neighbors ages 50 and older, and those in need should bring a W-2, last year’s tax return and Social Security cards for any dependents.

Audelia Library, 10045 Audelia Road, dallaslibrary.org, 214.670.1350, free

MARCH 17

CELTIC SOUNDS

The Selkie Girls bring a bit of Ireland to Dallas with their Celtic-folk hybrid sound. The concert starts at 8 p.m. Uncle Calvin’s Coffee Shop, 9555 N. Central Expressway, 214.363.0044, unclecalvins.org, $15-18

MARCH 30

CELEBRATE

THE LAKE

After running in the Celebration! White Rock Lake 5k or 10k, grab dinner and a drink from local vendors at Winfrey Point from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Proceeds from the race and block party will be used to renovate White Rock Lake Park. Winfrey Point, 950 E. Lawther Drive, whiterockdallas.org, $20-$45

MARCH 31-APRIL 1

STAGED READING

Celebrate WingSpan Theatre Company’s 20th anniversary with a staged reading of “Rose.” Written by Martin Sherman, the performance chronicles the life of a Jewish woman, from surviving the Warsaw ghetto to exploring the United States. Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther Drive, wingspantheatre. com, $10

Shawn Watkins hangs out in his newly built guest house with dogs Mia and Bubba.

Q&A SHAWN WATKINS HOME REMODELER

By CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB

After 12 years in the restaurant business opening store after store, where, hands on, he learned how to make aesthetic visions reality — Shawn Watkins switched gears. About 13 years ago, he brought his hardwon construction and design chops to Watkins Remodeling. His restaurant-biz buddy, Glenn Hartzell, serves as his right hand man — both don long hairstyles restricted to artists or otherwise freelancing males (“I used to have to wear a suit,” Hartzell says, incredulous). Watkins is husband to Jalie, father to two Wallace Elementary students (plus dogs Bubba and Mia). Along with Jalie’s mom, they share a 3,500-square-foot mid-century masterpiece in Highland Meadows, a Lake Highlands nook studded with architectural gems. Nestled amid a thicket of trees and brush, the Watkins’ house is one of the last projects by award-winning architect Niles F. Resch, who died in 1958, shortly after its completion.

Many of the homes in your neighborhood look like they might have in the 1950s — how does an area maintain such character?

The story from some of the oldtimers is that this whole quadrant over here is an architectural enclave, that all the lots were purchased and built on by architects. Next door is a Ju-Nel home, the one behind was featured in Architectural Digest, the one on the corner supposedly was built for a veteran, and it was one of the first ADA [American with Disability Act]-compliant houses. I’ve been in a lot of these and they are all cool — built in the ‘50s some in the ‘60s.

PHOTOS BY DANNY FULGENCIO

Funky patterns in tiles and backsplashes are fabulously of-the-moment, and don’t forget the pops of color. Classic staples such as hearty woods — think walnut or mahogany — will always be a part of mid-century modern style.

Why did you and Jalie choose this place?

We had finished remodeling our Lochwood home and knew we’d only move for the perfect mid-century modern, goodboned house.

What are the hallmarks of such as house?

Watch your step — split level is a big thing in mid-century. It incorporates nature — large windows and glass doors that allow ample sunlight. Exposed beams, wood ceilings, prevalent brick, thick woods, white rock or concrete walls, low-pitched roof. The cool part of having the original blueprints, which were left here, is that we know what has been done and we know the architect’s vision. See, that spiral staircase on the outside of the house was original. We know the

So you’ve decided you want to make a change and are considering a remodeling project in your home, but where do you start? You’ll find there are several qualified companies in our area, so here’s a list of questions to ask to help you make a decision. Choosing wisely is always in the details!

How do I choose a residential contractor?

Local Experience Professional Insurance

• How many years of experience and expertise does the company have with local building codes and conservation standards in the area, and specifically in your neighborhood?

• What is their architectural philosophy for blending modern design features into established neighborhoods?

• Do they have similar projects to yours with photos and addresses in which you can visit?

• Which insurance protects you as the home owner? Builder’s risk and general liability insurance will protect you from claims which could arise from property damage or job site injuries.

• Ask to see insurance certificates of coverage limits and the procedures in place should an accident occur on the job site.

• Request a list of claims, if any, for the past five (5) years to ensure their Project Managers are enforcing job site safety.

Process Trade Organizations

• Does the company actively participant in trade organizations?

• Such as, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Dallas Builders Association (DBA), & National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI).

• Once your home project cost and contract has been agreed upon, then what happens? An organized company with a clear process outlining each step of your home project so you can know exactly what to expect along the way.

architect died shortly after this build. We aren’t even really sure that he finished everything. It is still a work in progress today, but in the two years we’ve been here, we have done a lot.

Like what?

We’ve updated living area, gutted the master, mostly the bathroom. Torn out and redone the closet, changed out all the interior wood to walnut, a very mid-century wood that I love. This second bathroom has all original tile. We raised the ceiling to bring the original wood out and stained it. Many of our lights are salvaged from other jobs. Downstairs has three bedrooms where the kids and Grandma live — it has a door to the pool area — we’ve redone some of the paneling and walls. You’ll see more walnut. We did polished concrete on the floor. We just finished the [two-level, 850-squarefoot] guesthouse out back; we cleared out some bamboo in the yard for it. This is a half-acre property. There is still a ton of bamboo, trees, foliage and nature — the homes around here were built into the hillside. The guesthouse floors are concrete. It has TVs, a bathroom

• Participants in these organizations stay informed of the industry trends, construction techniques and business practices, which can all save you time and money.

References

• Ask for a list of satisfied customers with phone numbers to call and hear reviews firsthand.

• Ask your peers, neighbors, and other people involved in all aspects of the industry for reviews.

• Some positive feedback would be hearing that the company is organized, responsible, attentive to detail, and responsive to warranty issues.

• What can you expect from the Project Manager during construction, specifically regarding daily communication, job site cleanliness and privacy preferences?

• What type of warranties does the company offer and how are those issues handled once the project has been completed?

There is more equity in homes, interest rates are still low, a lot of additions going on as well, all over the White Rock area.

Darin Breedlove, CR, CGR, CGP, CAPS, Sara Haley, & Lance Tyler

A majority of the materials and accessories in the Watkins’ restored 1950s-era home are reclaimed from other remodeling jobs or purchased at estate sales. Iron salvaged from a destroyed industrial building has a second life as a headboard in the guesthouse bedroom. Eye-catching patterns, such as arabesque seen on a lampshade, can be easily replaced when they go out of fashion, while classic materials such as rich wood and leather are timeless.

and TVs in the bathroom?

Yes, ha, you never know whern you’re going to need it ... guest bedroom, more walnut in key places, fun tile in the shower. The accessories pay homage to accents in the main house. Most are salvaged pieces, such as this iron yellow headboard fashioned from demolished buildings in Dallas. I am an estate sale junkie — that’s where so much of this comes from. Like this Marilyn [Monroe] painting, this calf-skin rug, these embroidered pillows, these chairs, the pool table [not seen is a 165 inch drop-down poolside TV, for movie night].

What’s with this amazing giraffewearing-a-floral-crown painting?

This was done by a friend of mine, Heather Gauthier. She’s doing another piece for me for the guesthouse. A four-byfour elephant with butterflies coming up around it, dark background.

Aside from your own place, has work increased recently in Dallas?

Remodels are big right now and people are doing bigger jobs, too. There is more equity in homes, interest rates are still low, a lot of additions going on as well, all over the White Rock area.

What trends stand out today?

We see more of different types of wood and color. Even brass is coming back, surprisingly. Yes, golds and brasses, farm house-y kind of look — when it’s done right it looks really good. Home automation is big, and voice-activated … Amazon Echo allows for all-over voice activation. Technology is ever evolving but this stuff now is easily integrated into different hubs, and it’s easy to update software and firmware, like you do with your apps, so that it will not go obsolete within a couple years. Arabesque is back — so many cool patterned tiles are out right now. The Edison bulb is back, and in various shapes and sizes. The thing is, with things that are easy to replace, you can have fun, go trendy, and then keep the bigger things more classic.

Tips for estate sale shopping?

I follow estatesales.net and put in our zip code. Of course I look at anything that indicates “mid-century.” Definitely look every Monday and Thursday and arrive early.

See more photos online at lakehghlands.advocatemag.com

Interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

DELICIOUS A taste of home

Havana Café offers Cuban cuisine, just like owner Ernesto Velez’s mother made it

By ELISSA CHUDWIN

PHOTOS BY KATHY TRAN

DID YOU KNOW: Ernesto Velez left Cuba when he was a 23-year-old trombone player in a band, and he’s excited to show off his talents once the mojito bar opens. “In Cuba, you live in a bubble,” he says. “There was only propaganda, so that’s how I decided to get out here.”

Ernesto Velez is even more anxious than his customers to open the mojito bar adjacent to Havana Café.

Velez leased the Casa Linda Plaza space next door to his Cuban eatery with plans to serve perfectly crafted cocktails and tapas by August 2016. As months passed and the “mojito bar coming soon” poster remained in the window, restaurant staff and patrons alike grew restless.

“We’re very frustrated,” he says. “Almost every day, somebody asks me, ‘When is the mojito bar opening?’”

The long-awaited watering hole has yet to launch because of an unexpected City of Dallas code compliance issue, Velez explains. A fire wall separates the café and bar, so it’s against city code to alter the wall. The only way Velez can connect the two spaces is to install sprinklers, an expensive and time-consuming process.

The former co-owner of Havana Social Club in Victory Park is used to rolling with the punches, and he’s determined to open the mojito bar by June. In the meantime, Velez is focused on the menu’s every detail. He plans to offer a wide selection of rum and serve Cuban, Spanish and African small dishes that cost no more than $10 per plate.

“I just want people to come here and have a good time,” he says.

Neighbors have flocked to Havana Café since its inception five years ago. In a city overflowing with Mexican restaurants, authentic Cuban cuisine was a

welcome to change of pace.

“The only difference is ingredients are hard to find,” he says. “Cuban food is more organic.”

The establishment’s simple, yet flavorful offerings stem from Velez’s nostalgia for his mother and grandfather’s cooking. Velez’s bestseller is ropa vieja made with

lean brisket and sofrito sauce, but his favorite is arroz con puerco, or yellow rice with bites of pork in a sauce of white wine, tomatoes and spices. The pork is roasted for 11 hours every night.

“In this business, the most important thing is just to buy good meat or good ingredients,” he says.

HAVANA CAFÉ

Ambiance: Casual eatery

Price Range: $10-$15

Hours: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. MondaySaturday, 12-7 p.m. Sunday 1152 N. Buckner Blvd., suite J-126 214.660.9611

havanacafedallas.com

THE goods

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to advertise call 214.560.4203

THE STORE IN LAKE HIGHLANDS

JELLYCATS! Perfect for Easter! The softest toys you ever hugged. We have a huge selection of these incredibly cuddly animals, and companion books, too.

Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 10233 E. NW Hwy@Ferndale (next to Rooster’s) 214.553.8850

FLEECE

Spring Break “Kids Camp” March 14-18, ages 8-17 at Fleece your LYS. Knit and crochet classes for all ages. Learn a skill that lasts a lifetime. Located in Medallion Center 6464 E Northwest Hwy., Ste 330 214.238.3820 fleeceboutique.com

Angelo’s frutti di mare

Few places in the White Rock area bring back as many warm-and-fuzzy memories as Angelo’s Spaghetti House. For 21 years, it served up old Italian staples that simmered over with garlicky goodness.

Bernadette and Jim Fisher named it for her grandfather, in honor of the rich history of recipes in the family. She cooked up the meals she remembered having as a child, ensuring those homemade flavors permeated the corner of Gaston and La Vista. Neighbors flocked there for the weekly lunch buffets, or to the cozy booths for romantic nights out.

It all came to an end in 2013 when the business was booted unceremoniously out of its location. A few months later, The Ginger Man opened another franchise in its place, only to close in 2016. For now, the space sits vacant, although the high-profile corner should attract interest quickly.

ADVOCATE ORNAMENT

Call 214.560.4203

But for those missing the classic Italian flavors, here’s Angelo’s original frutti di mare recipe, one of their all-time best sellers, first published in the Advocate in 1999.

FRUTTI DI MARE (serves two)

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cayenne

½ teaspoon white pepper

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon thyme

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon minced garlic

WORD ON BODY TEXT IS ABSOLUTE LIMIT ON TEXT. WE WILL NOT COUNT ADDRESS, ETC.

3 sticks margarine

¾ cup white wine

1 cup chopped onions (optional)

1 pound seafood (shrimp, crab, scallops or any mix)

16 ounces cooked angel hair pasta

In a medium saucepan, melt margarine and add garlic, but don’t brown.

Sautee it 2 minutes, then add spices and cook until the mixture bubbles.

Add onions, wine and seafood and cook until the seafood is pink (be careful not to overcook it).

Toss with angel hair pasta.

Serve hot.

PHOTO BY MARK DAVIS

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ESTATE of the ARTIST

Inside the home, and mind, of an unapologetically whimsical fabric designer

Story By CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB

Photos by DANNY FULGENCIO

At left, artist Erin Michaels’ home is filled with items that remind her of her family, travels and heroes. The abode is a museum of sorts, yet loved and lived-in, by, for example, her dog Hank, hiding under a granite coffee table. Above is jack-a-lope, “Poots,” who keeps watch over a long hallway.

A pad’s worth of prescriptions for psychiatric medications, scribbled by doctors in the 1950s, mounted on a faintly smudged white canvas underwrites a stop-inyour-tracks entryway. The outré design is one of homeowner Erin Michaels’ own creations.But even as admirers express curiosity, she dismisses that sort of art as hobby and moves along to the next thing — a lanky cut of driftwood that resembles a headless eunuch who, she says, casts an eerie shadow across the blank wall at dusk.

“Art can be expensive,” which is her reason for self-producing a portion of the fantastical items that adorn her mid-century contemporary-style abode. “Most of [the décor] is just what I like and what makes me happy.”

Rooms are festooned with a combination of unique collectables and remarkable derivatives of famous, otherwise unattainable, items: a version of Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica,” a violent depiction of suffering and death during the Spanish Civil War, spans one master-bedroom wall. Above the bed is a reproduction of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s “Nude.” A drawing in a children’s book inspired a mural in her 9-year-old son’s quarters.

Color, irony and nostalgia, employed with precision, symmetry and disaffected whimsy, influence the home’s every element — strung together, it all looks like a Wes Anderson storyboard.

The room-roaming dog, donning a plaid bowtie collar, only adds to the effect.

A jack-a-lope called “Poots” overlooks the hallway (“That was Hank Williams’ nickname,” she explains); an entire guest suite imitates a 1950s motel room complete with “bad art” and vintage TV set; shelves of records, an old Crosby player and vintage cameras fill one nook; a

Joseph Cornell-esque assemblage (in a glass dome rather than a box) showcases a mouse wearing a scarf riding a saddled partridge. “That one creeps some people out,” Michaels says, “so I keep it off in the bedroom.”

Michaels works as “right-hand man” to renowned photographer Laura Wilson, who, though famous in her own right, also is mother to actors Owen, Luke and Andrew Wilson (all of whom have starred in at least one movie directed by the aforementioned Anderson).

But that isn’t Michaels’ actual job either, she says.

“I’m there mostly to learn from her and have a mentor. She is an amazing woman.”

Michaels suffers from a touch of what

she calls “Artistic Attention Deficit Disorder.”

Her main gig, if you must pin her down, is as designer for Moda, a Dallas-based fabric company that her family owns.

Her line shines in its quirkiness — bucking horses, sock monkeys, cats, geometrically shaped cats, cats wearing the cone of shame, all in bold colors and often representative of pop culture throughout the decades. She’s in an equine-loving, Texas-proud phase right now, she explains, pointing to a paint-by-numbers pinto, left drying in her workshop. (Note: That paint-by-numbers smell may produce an intense rush of childhood memories.) Her customer, in general, is the quilting

community. “It is a small but passionate industry, with loyal and lovely buyers,” she says. Moda sells only to brick-andmortar stores, so, in Dallas, items are available at Urban Spools in Casa Linda.

Michaels purchased her home in 2011. Before construction even wrapped, she knew it was perfect.

The Old Lake Highlands development where she lives originally was built to hold four 2,000-square-foot homes, but now will feature three slightly larger dwellings; construction has yet to commence on the third. Architect Cliff

“That thing creeps people out, so I keep it in the bedroom.”

Michaels’ home embodies her witty, charmingly deranged sensibilities. A replica of Picasso’s “Guernica” monopolizes one wall in the master bedroom, where a faintly anatomically correct heart of gold serves as an accent pilliow (left). A cat wearing the so-called “cone of shame” is central to one of her current best-selling fabric designs (above). The kitchen area (below, left) is sleek, uncluttered, monochromatic — cozy enough for a quick dinner with her young son, with a bar that stretches into a party-accomodating dining room. The mouse in a scarf riding a saddled quail? She concedes there is no real explanation for that one (below).

The guest room (above) resembles a dive-y 1950s motel room, right down to the old analog alarm clock. Below, Finn’s bedroom is a shrine to “Star Wars,” circa Jar Jar Binks, Legos and outer space. As in the bathroom (right) clean lines and natural woods are tempered with a touch of offbeat sculpture and splashes of color.

Welch’s “small and specialized” firm designed the entire enclave. He also advised Michaels as she added a garage and studio behind the home, as well as a back wing including a bedroom and play area for son, Finn, whose clear affinity for vintage Star Wars, dinosaurs and astrology plays well off his mom’s sensibilities.

Welch says he draws architectural inspiration from modern structures of the last century — “regional materials, local climate, and surrounding context ... natural light, clarity of form ... honesty of materials” are fundamental to each project.

“Our hope is that the architecture we are creating today may someday be worthy of restoration by future generations.”

Michaels previously lived in a mid-century built home, but maintenance became cumbersome for the hardworking single mother. This gave her the style she loves (“Can you tell I love the 1950s?” she asks rhetorically. “It always comes back to that.”), with modern materials.

It is always a work in progress, she says. Though the big things, like the studio and other expansions, are complete, her affinities are ever evolving. Therefore, the tapestry that surrounds her will continue to morph.

“My house is my sanctuary, my identity,” she says.

Taking a risk, she has agreed to participate in next month’s White Rock Home Tour, where ticketholders will be allowed to explore her abode. “It’s terrifying letting people into your most vulnerable space,” she says, “but I also want to share it, and it’s for a good cause.”

Look for details about the White Rock Home Tour in the April Advocate magazine and online at whiterockhometour.org

AFTER THE FALL

How a hardcore cyclist is adapting in a body he can no longer control

By CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB

A50-plus mile bike ride from his Lake Highlands area home to White Rock Lake to Sunnyvale and back constituted a typical Saturday morning for Jim Heitzenreder.

“It’s like an old guys’ game of pick-up basketball,” he says of rolling lakeside on weekends, where he always finds a little friendly competition among fellow cyclists.

As he peddled away on Nov. 5, his wife Alison Heitzenreder stood in the doorway, watching until he was out of sight.

“That wasn’t something I normally did. Call it women’s intuition,” she says. “I felt something was wrong.”

She shook it off and kept her haircut appointment. At the salon, though, she found herself obsessively checking Strava, a smartphone application that tracks runners’ and cyclists’ miles. For

someone whose 50-year-old husband puts in 10,000 miles per year on Dallas’ oft-treacherous roads, it’s also, usually, a good way to offset apprehension.

Jim met his buddy James Aston at the 7-11 on Garland Road and they headed south. When they turned toward home it was almost 10 a.m.

They chatted as they rode, “About everything and nothing,” Jim says. There likely was some political talk, the presidential election was two days away, but he doesn’t remember specifics.

They were traveling the I-30 service road, approaching Loop 12 when Jim heard the cacophony of crunching metal at his back. All in a flash, he looked down at his speedometer, pushed his pace and thought only of outkicking whatever horrible situation was hurtling his way.

That is Jim’s last recollection of the day that changed his life.

There was no escaping the out-of-con-

trol vehicle that propelled into his path.

Aston, thrown from his bike, incurred a concussion, bruises and lacerations.

Jim took the brunt of the collision; an initial police report shows it resulted when 18-year-old Lester Flores, weaving in and out of traffic at about 80 miles per hour, hit another car.

The second vehicle, when it struck Jim, severed his spinal cord and dislocated multiple vertebrae.

Flores at time of publication is in Dallas County Jail facing charges for “aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury.”

Checking her phone again, Alison watched her husband’s route deviate from the norm. Strava suddenly showed “a b-line toward Downtown Dallas,” she says. “I didn’t immediately put him at Baylor Hospital, but I knew something had happened. I started texting and calling.”

PHOTOS BY DANNY FULGENCIO

When the call from Jim’s phone came, a hospital worker told her in vague terms about the accident.

“I could hear the clank of machines and things in the background, and then Jim’s voice: ‘I am OK, baby.’”

In a recreation room on the third floor of Baylor Rehab Institute in early January, Jim, sitting in a motorized wheelchair that he controls with his chin, says he doesn’t remember saying that, though he’s not surprised he did.

“That is my packaged line,” he says.

He smiles, his eyes twinkle, his shoulders shrug for emphasis. No evidence remains of the bumps, cuts and bruises that covered his face in November. A nurse teases him about running over her toes; he challenges her to a race.

It’s enough to momentarily distract from the neck brace, sternly holding him face-forward, and his inability to move any other part of his body.

His first memory following the crash was waking up Nov. 7, seeing election results pouring in on the news and thinking, “I didn’t vote.”

He recalls relief in ICU when doctors removed a breathing tube. “It was like

an alien invading your body — I was like Sigourney Weaver,” he says.

It meant he could talk again — not being able to do so had been frustrating.

Alison, perpetually by his side, walks with a slight limp. She explains that a childhood stroke partially paralyzed her right side.

reconstructed his shattered fifth vertebrae. When the doctor broke the news that he was going to be quadriplegic, Alison rejoiced.

“Because it meant he was going to live,” she explains.

Jim agrees. “I had a couple semi-pity parties, but I was really thankful I still had a fully functioning brain, that I was alive, that she had never let me go without a helmet.”

Supportive family, neighbors and friends from their Highland Park Presbyterian Church surrounded the couple at the hospital.

“I remember thinking how sweet it was having so many people praying for us,” Alison says.

“We’re down to about 25 percent of us combined that works now,” Jim says as they smile at one another.

For Alison, panic was followed by an unexpected peace, she says, “Something kicked in. The Lord scooped me up and carried me.”

Within several hours, Jim underwent an operation to fuse his third and fourth vertebrae. A few days after that, surgeons

In addition to moral support, friends, neighbors and strangers alike have united to help fund Jim’s medical expenses beyond what insurance will cover. Many have contributed through REACT, a spinal cord injury recovery 501(c)3. Tax-deductible donations are accepted via PayPal at neuroreaction.org. The Oddfellows took up a collection at a Christmas party and wrote Alison a check. A fellow Sunday school student helped Alison prepare

At left is Jim Heitzenreder’s bike, after the accident, and, above, Heitzenreder himself.

“I could hear the clank of machines and things in the background, and then Jim’s voice: ‘I am OK, baby.’”

the house for the day Jim would come home, a massive undertaking.

Jim says that he has seen the very best come out in his friends and neighbors during this time. “It is a great example of communities coming together just to help someone get through something.”

In their strength and optimism, the Heitzenreders in turn have inspired others.

Dallasite Bill Dunham had never met Jim, but visited on behalf of a mutual friend who could not travel. He says his “chance encounter” with the couple “stunned and motivated” him in various ways.

“I was struck by Jim’s positive attitude, resiliency and his strong faith,” Dunham notes. “He didn’t show any signs of depression or bitterness towards the driver who hit him. I am so impressed and inspired by his determination, which he’ll need as he transitions to his new reality at home.”

Baylor released him in mid-January, and the couple was ecstatic to go home to a newly remodeled house.

A new ramp provides Jim access to his front door. Four interior doorways have been widened to accommodate the wheelchair. The bathroom is redone, from the studs up, to make way for a specially designed tub and shower.

“And we had to get a van,” Alison says. A good thing, because before heading home, Jim wanted to collect his bicycle from the police station.

“We’ve had 10s of thousands of good miles together,” he says. “It’s a beautiful bike, a good girl, we went down hard together.”

Alison and Jim Heitzenreder are a team when it comes to facing “the new normal,” which includes wheelchairs and a part-time caretaker.

He isn’t sure how he might replace his passion for cycling, he says. Along with everything else, that is a day-by-day discovery process. “Looking too far into the future would be overwhelming. The reality is, wallowing would be useless.”

If anything can be derived from his situation, he hopes it involves drivers thinking a little more about cyclists’ rights and safety, he says. Jim says and he doesn’t hold a grudge against the young driver, who is facing serious charges, though he does make a couple jokes about condemning the guy to be his caretaker for a period of time. Alison says she’s too busy to give the kid a second thought.

There are things the Heitzenreders could use (a $20,000 therapeutic cycle, for example, that would allow Jim to exercise his muscles) and things they hope (maybe he will use his arms again someday — every spinal cord injury is different, they point out, so you never know). But overwhelmingly they feel “wonderful,” Alison says.

A Godsend caregiver comes every morning, and, though it isn’t easy, Alison learned after three days how to get Jim to bed on her own, so they have time together alone.After spending months having people in and out of the room day and night, that is a blessing, she adds.

“He still has the biggest smile,” she says of Jim. “And he keeps me happy, as we are getting to normal, the new normal.”

NEIGHBORS HELP SOLVE A CHILLING PROBLEM

Cold days in hell help chemo patients hang onto hair

By CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB

Cancer is a thief — taker of lives, livelihoods, loved ones, body parts and, for many attempting to wrest themselves from its grip, hair. For some, especially women, hair loss can be one of the most unsettling aspects of chemotherapy, the reoccurring use of strong drugs to help kill cancer cells, an experience many describe as hellacious.

RASY RAN

Lizzie Cronin knows firsthand. She was that mom at whose home her children’s friends from Lake Highlands High School liked to gather. A few years ago when she discovered a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma, PHOTOS BY

Lake Highlands’ Rhonda Svedeman and Lizzie Cronin run Chemo Cold Caps.

she feared the treatments — back-toback surgeries followed by six rounds of chemo every month — would rob her of the cherished role.

“You will be bald, and everyone will know you are sick,” she thought. She worried about the effect of her changing appearance on her kids, her husband, and, “well, myself when I looked in the mirror.”

The dread loomed large as she faced therapy, she says. In the end, though, only her closest family and friends learned of her illness.

“Today when I talk about having cancer, a lot of people ask, ‘When?’ and they are so surprised. They’ll say, ‘You never looked like you had cancer.’ ”

Cronin saved about 80 percent of her thick blonde locks via scalp cooling, which, through a ton of research, she and her husband Bill learned was a viable solution to chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

FINDINGS TO GOOD USE

The realization eventually led to the creation of Chemo Cold Caps, a nationally recognized company Lizzie and her friend Rhonda Svedeman now operate out of two neighborhood office suites. One is a typical administrative center with desks and computers and framed family photos; the other is a sterile storeroom showcasing metallic shelves accommodating an impeccably organized, and odd, array of objects: blue beanies, ice coolers, rolls of tape or bandages, thick gloves, pantyliners, spray bottles, stacks of folding hand carts and futuristic, shower-cap-shaped items.

The women have created new ways to deliver existing cold-cap technology, and every item in the room is essential to their trademarked system, Svedeman says.

Saving a head of hair can result in a patient feeling more optimistic, more themselves, which can be pivotal to healing, the women, and their three part-time staffers, believe.

As one local patient puts it, “Cancer, if you let it, can take over your life. I can’t express how freeing it is to be able to go out in the world and still have hair. Chemo baldness is a public announcement of your fight no one has to know

I am fighting cancer unless I want them to know. It is one less thing to worry about and gives me back some normalcy in my days.”

HOW IT WORKS

Scientific studies, including one published in Oncologist journal in 2013, suggest scalp hypothermia might prevent alopecia by constricting blood vessels in the scalp, thus reducing the amount of chemo that reaches the cells of the hair follicles. The cold also decreases the activity of the hair follicles, researchers theorized, making them less attractive to chemo, which targets rapidly dividing cells.

Real-life results have been mixed. Clearly, the operators say, every patient should speak with his or her doctor before embarking on any supplementary medicinal treatment.

The Cronins’ personal experience, with follicle-freezing caps ordered from a company in England, indicated that cooling worked. But the complexity of the procedure probably resulted in letdowns for a large number of users.

“This is not an easy task,” Lizzie explains. “The caps go on your head at minus-23 degrees Fahrenheit and need to

be changed every 20 minutes for almost seven hours. Along with the caps, we had to purchase two coolers and 100 pounds of dry ice for every round of chemo to keep the caps cold.”

And that was just the start — there were extensive supplies required — the aforementioned sanitary pads are taped to ears to prevent frostbite, for example and rules for handling dry ice that made cold capping a prohibitively complex ordeal for some cancer patients.

“There are so many parts and requirements to make it work, and if you don’t begin the regimen at the start of chemotherapy, then the horse is out of the barn,” Lizzie says. “It won’t work.”

This system is not a standard service at cancer care centers, so all labor is entirely left to the patient and loved ones.

Lizzie says that after her tress success, her husband committed to start a

company that would not only increase awareness of the scalp-cooling route, but also create a more user-friendly system.

Status quo methods were so arduous, and, at about $500 a month, costly for something not guaranteed to work. For those willing to give cooling caps a shot, the Cronins’ wanted to provide the best possible chance at success.

“Our goal was to make sure that [they] knew that going bald was not the only option,” Lizzie says.

The first thing they needed was something that would more efficiently hold the caps in place, so Bill sought the help Svedeman, a family friend, neighbor and talented seamstress who helped create a strap to secure the cold cap.

“They sat at the kitchen table cutting and sewing for about two hours coming up with the right design,” Lizzie recalls.

Then there was the problem of having to keep the caps at the right temperature longer. For that, Rhonda came up with an insulating cap. It looks like a shower cap, but thick and silver, and it fits over the whole cooling ensemble.

Neighborhoodmade Chemo Cold Caps are a patented design and system for cooling heads in order to preserve hair follicles during chemotherapy.

“Cancer, if you let it, can take over your life. I can’t express how freeing it is to be able to go out in the world and still have hair.

When a patient orders from Chemo Cold Caps today, she receives all she needs to most effectively cool the scalp during treatment: An ice chest containing six DigniCaps — the only brand approved by the FDA — a clipboard containing specific instructions based on the patient’s individual chemo regimen, a supply bag containing the sundry items used in preparation. The only thing the recipient needs to add is dry ice, and she receives specific instructions on how to do so.

Chemo Cold Cap clients also are paired with a personal consultant or “capper,” one of three trained specialists who supports her throughout the process. A capper joins local clients for the first treatment and demonstrates the process. For out of towners, there is extensive communication, videos and other forms of support.

The cap, especially with straps and insulation added, is snug and uncomfortable even while room temperature at -23 degrees it seems unbearable for the first few moments, some report, and the process is tedious. The cost is $500 a month. But many testify that it is so worthwhile.

“It was a learning experience at first, and then you got into a groove. My daughter, daughter-in-law and neighbor caught on quickly doing two rounds each. It is true that the caps are very cold but not something you can’t do,” notes a patient named Ann from California. “I feel healthy with a positive attitude when I look in the mirror every day. This helps with my overall recovery.”

Some patients learn about cold caps from their oncologists, while other doctors and nurses do not know about or recommend the procedure.

Cronin and Svedeman hope that soon the caps and their trademarked system, and other cooling components that they hope to patent soon, will be a regular element of chemotherapy treatments.

Something that even will be covered by health insurance.

An option that won’t require cancer patients to cart an ice chest on a handheld dolly to chemotherapy treatments.

“We hope all this (looks around the storeroom) will be considered rudimentary someday.” Svedeman says with a smile, “That it will be in a museum.”

Chemocoldcaps.com, 800.290.7196.

DALLAS ACADEMY

950 Tiffany Way, Dallas 75218 / 214.324.1481 / dallas-academy.com

Founded in 1965, Dallas Academy’s mission is to restore the promise of full academic enrichment to students with learning differences in grades 1-12. A meaningful connection with each student is established to overcome barriers to success. Dallas Academy offers students an effective program and strategies to meet the special educational needs of bright students with learning differences, while including the activities of a larger, more traditional school. Classes are small, with a student-teacher ratio of 6 to 1 where students are encouraged, praised, and guided toward achieving their goals. Diagnostic testing is available to students throughout the community.

HIGHLANDER SCHOOL

9120 Plano Rd. Dallas / 214.348.3220 / www.highlanderschool.com Founded in 1966, Highlander offers an enriched curriculum in a positive, Christian-based environment. By limiting class size, teachers are able to build a strong educational foundation to ensure confidence in academics, athletics, and the creative and performing arts. Highlander offers a “classic” education which cannot be equaled. Monthly tours offered; call for a reservation.

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

3815 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas 214-526-5113, htcsdallas.org For more than 100 years, Holy Trinity Catholic School, has been committed to the religious, intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth of each student. This commitment is carried out in a nurturing atmosphere with an emphasis on social awareness, service to others, and religious faith in the Catholic tradition. The Immaculate Heart Program at Holy Trinity School was initiated to fully realize our school’s mission of developing the whole child by meeting the needs of one of the most underserved and underperforming groups in catholic schools, children with dyslexia.

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

Four East Dallas Locations / 214.826.4410/ DallasSpanishHouse.com Spanish Immersion Program in East Dallas! Nursery, Preschool, Elementary and Adult Programs available. Our new dual-language elementary

campus is now open at 7159 E. Grand Ave. Please visit our website at DallasSpanishHouse. com for more information.

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 athletics 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.

UT DALLAS CHESS CAMP

800 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson 75080 / (972) 883-4899 / utdallas.edu/chess ) 2016

Summer Chess Camp Campers learn while they PLAY. Chess develops reading, math, critical and analytical skills, and builds character and self-esteem. Just don’t tell the kids…they think chess is fun! Join beginner, intermediate or advanced chess classes for ages 7 to 14 on the UT Dallas campus. Morning (9am-noon) or afternoon (1-4pm) sessions are available June 13-17, June 20-24, July 18-22, July 25-29 and extended playing classes. Camp includes t-shirt, chess board and pieces, trophy, certificate, score book, group photo, snacks and drinks. Instructors are from among UT Dallas Chess Team Pan-Am Intercollegiate Champions for 2010-2012!

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.

ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL

6121 E. Lovers Ln. Dallas / 214.363.1630 / ziondallas. org Toddler care thru 8th Grade. Serving Dallas for over 65 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.

By GEORGE MASON

The right to remain impartial

Before we “totally destroy” something, we might ask why it’s there to begin with.

President Trump has pledged to use all the tools at his disposal to get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment. In 1954 then-Texas Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson proposed an amendment to the IRS tax code that prohibited charitable organizations (including religious ones) from endorsing political candidates or collecting money to support candidates for public office, while at the same time claiming tax-exempt status. This rule reinforces the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prevents the government from establishing religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

Nowadays some preachers argue they are being denied religious freedom by this restriction. They believe the First Amendment only applies to government interference in religion and does not restrict pastors from endorsing candidates or churches from engaging in partisan politics.

The dangers of abolishing the Johnson Amendment are legion, but consider what is already permitted under current law. Religious leaders may speak boldly and unapologetically about social and political issues. We may with no fear of prosecution speak for the right of a woman to have a legal abortion or against that right. We may speak for the proposal to build a wall on our southern border or not to. We may advocate for increased public school funding or for a voucher program that would subsidize private and religious schools with taxpayer funds.

What’s more, our communities of faith may organize, rally and take positions on matters of moral and ethical concern that we believe strengthen our civic life or undermine it. We may without fear of the loss of our tax-exempt status advocate for public policies that reinforce our spiritual values or oppose them when they don’t.

If religious leaders and their institutions were to endorse candidates and become partisans in the political process, we would become only one more special interest group for politicians to pander to. Some politicians crave the support of religious leaders and organizations. After all, when it’s not just human endorsement they can claim, but also divine approval, what more could you ask for? Some politicians already curry favor with pastors by putting them on advisory councils, attending their prayer breakfasts and sometimes even speaking in their churches.

WORSHIP

ANGLICAN

ALL SAINTS EAST DALLAS / allsaintseastdallas.org

Sunday worship 5:00 pm / Live in God’s Presence. Live Out His Love. Meeting at Central Lutheran Church / 1000 Easton Road

BAPTIST

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

Worship & Bible Study 9:15 & 10:45 Traditional, Contemporary, Spanish Speaking / 214.860.1500

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 / nhbc.net / 9626 Church Rd.

Sun: LifeQuest 9:00 am / Worship 10:30 am / 214.348.9697

Wed: AWANA and Kids Choir 6:00 pm / Student Ministry 6:30 pm

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

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

Sunday School 9:30 am / Worship 8:30 am - Chapel

10:50 am - Sanctuary / Rev. Deborah Morgan-Stokes / edcc.org

LUTHERAN

CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA / 1000 Easton Road

Sunday School for all ages 9:00 am / Worship Service 10:30 am

Pastor Rich Pounds / CentralLutheran.org / 214.327.2222

FIRST UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH / 6202 E Mockingbird Ln. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am / Call for class schedule. 214.821.5929 / www.dallaslutheran.org

METHODIST

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RICHARDSON 503 N Central Exwy / fumcr.com / 972.235.8385 / Dr. Clayton Oliphint

8:45, 9:45, 11:00 am sanctuary / access modern worship 11:00am

The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. wisely said, “The church must be reminded that it is neither the master nor the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state.” When we give up our power to speak prophetically to those with political power, we give up the one precious gift that is ours. We would be like the foolish Esau who hungered to be fed in the moment and gave up his birthright to Jacob for a mess of pottage.

Calling upon political leaders to act wisely is part of our calling. Applying that same standard to ourselves will keep us from hypocrisy. We shouldn’t need an amendment to remind us of that, but happily we still have one just in case.

George Mason is pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church. The Worship section is underwritten by Advocate Publishing and the neighborhood businesses and churches listed here. For information about helping support the Worship section, call 214.560.4202.

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 & 11:00 am Traditional / 11:00 am Contemporary

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

LAKE POINTE CHURCH – WHITE ROCK CAMPUS

Classic Service at 9:30 & Contemporary Service at 11:00 am lakepointe.org / 9150 Garland Road

PRESBYTERIAN

LAKE HIGHLANDS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / 214.348.2133 8525 Audelia Road at NW Hwy. / www.lhpres.org

9:00 am Contemporary, 9:55 am Christian Ed., 11:00 am Traditional

NORTHRIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / 6920 Bob-O-Link Dr. 214.827.5521 / www.northridgepc.org / Welcomes you to Worship

8:30 & 11:00 am / Church School 9:35 am / Childcare provided.

If the church gives into partisanship, it gives up its calling

When it’s not just human endorsement politicians can claim, but also divine approval, what more could you ask for?

BIZ BUZZ

WHAT’S UP WITH NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESSES

WOONERF NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNED

A Woonerf-inspired development is underway south of Richland College. Unless you are an architect or city planner (or Dutch) the term might not be familiar. The CEO of Urban Edge Developers, Diane Cheatham, offers insight. Cheatham is the founder of of the nationally renowned Urban Reserve neighborhood, where she lives, and her planned Urban Commons, located off Forest Lane near I-635, was unanimously approved by the Dallas City Council Jan. 11. Urban Commons, Cheatham says, will provide sustainable development and modern design, like Urban Reserve, but at lower price points. While homes in Urban Reserve can push the million dollar mark, these will run closer to $200,000-$600,000. The project consists of 75 to 80 homes built by design teams, in groups, around landscaped common areas. Houses will be smaller, from 600 to 2,800 square feet.

“Modern architecture and national green building standards will apply. A limited, carefully selected palette of materials will ensure cohesive design, low maintenance and durability. Expansive front porches on each residence will reinforce a sense of community and provide a proven eyes-on-the-street approach to security,” the developer notes. Design will take advantage of the thicket and creek traversing the 10-acres. Streets will incorporate Woonerf details — that’s an urban planning strategy that creates shared streets where pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles travel together without traditional safety infrastructure to guide them.

Solar panels located on slanted garage roofs will bank electricity that powers street lighting, irrigation and well pumps, as harvested water maintains the landscape. “The goal is net-zero potable water use for landscape irrigation,” Cheatham says. The project’s design team includes Cheatham, master planner Robert Meckfessel, landscape architect Kevin Sloan, civil engineer consultant Dayton Macatee and Ed Murchison of Virginia Cook Realtors. A website will offer periodic updates about the development: urbancommons.live.

22-23 APRIL 2017

BENEFITING BLUE RIBBON HEXTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Campesina area home values

January MLS home sale statistics*, plus annual totals REAL ESTATE REPORT *Statistics are com piled by Ebby Halliday Realtors, and are de rived from Dallas Mul ti ple List ing Service (MLS). Numbers are believed to be re li able, but are not guar an teed. The Ad vo cate and Ebby Halliday Realtors are not re spon si ble for the ac cu ra cy of the in for ma tion. NorthwestHwy

Walnut 63535-LBJ L

Forest Royal Park

Walnut W Hill

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4 3 2 1 6 7 9 12

8 11 13 14 15 Audelia Ferndale Plano Rd Jupiter Abrams FairOaks

Whitehurst eh Church 75C entra E xpressway W e s t Fo r k J a c k s o n B r a n c h Greenville ille y 10 Skillman an Ski PERRY FLOWERS 469.233.9099 PERRYFLOWERS@EBBY.COM

AREA SOLD SOLD Year-To-Date Year-To-Date AvgDayson Avg.Sales Avg.Sales JAN‘17 JAN‘16 Sales‘17 Sales‘16 MarketYTD PriceYTD‘17 PriceYTD‘16 1 7 4 7 4 25 $212,943.00 $176,250.00 2 2 1 2 1 84 $354,950.00 $470,000.00 3 1 0 1 0 31 $301,500.00 $0.00 4 5 4 5 4 26 $287,700.00 $263,750.00 5 1 2 1 2 4 $248,500.00 $281,000.00 6 0 1 0 1 0 $0.00 $383,500.00 7 1 4 1 4 0 $567,000.00 $439,750.00 8 2 0 2 0 95 $562,500.00 $0.00 9 6 7 6 7 31 $351,000.00 $351,771.00 10 2 2 2 2 50 $582,500.00 $460,750.00 11 1 0 1 0 14 $550,000.00 $0.00 12 0 0 0 0 0 $0.00 $0.00 13 3 1 3 1 28 $509,667.00 $274,995.00 14 0 4 0 4 0 $0.00 $348,000.00 15 3 6 3 6 18 $274,967.00 $258,533.00 AVG 2.27 2.40 2.27 2.40 27.07 $320,215.13 $247,226.73 lakehighlands.advocatemag.com MARCH 2017 37

CLASSES/TUTORING/ LESSONS

ART: Draw/Paint. Adults All Levels. Lake Highlands N. Rec. Ctr. Days: Mon & Wed. Students bring supplies. Nights: 1xt month workshop, supplies furnished. Jane Cross. 214-534-6829,

CREATIVE ARTS CENTER More than 500 adult art classes/ workshops from metal to mosaic! www.creativeartscenter.org

VOICE TEACHER with 40+ years experience. M.M. LSU www.PatriciaIvey.com • trilletta@msn.com • 214-769-8560

EMPLOYMENT

PET SITTERS, DOG WALKERS reply to http://www.pcpsi.com/join

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

FINANCIAL CONSULTANT Five Rings Financial has part-time opportunities! JR@FiveRingsFinancial.com 214-702-0033 x502

SERVICES FOR YOU

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

COMPUTER HELP! Viruses, Data Recovery, Upgrades, WiFi Problems, Onsite Tech. 214-533-6216 WebersComputers.com

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let A Seasoned Pro Be The Interface Between You & That Pesky Windows Computer. Hardware & Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $60/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 214-660-3733 / stykidan@sbcglobal.net

FLAWLESS DETAIL Mobile Car Cleaning. 3M Paint Protection Film (Clear Bra). Established 2009. Exp/Insd. flawlessdallas.com 214-280-5920

SING YOURSELF SILLY

When the Lake Highlands pop choir, Espree, submitted both formal and fun photos from their winter show, they knew the risks (you can see the formal one on our website). Don’t let the goofy poses fool you; their pop, rock and Broadway-number performances were pitch perfect.

SERVICES FOR YOU

MY OFFICE Offers Mailing, Copying, Shipping, Office & School Supplies. 9660 Audelia Rd. myofficelh.com 214-221-0011

NEIGHBORHOOD ENERGY EXPERT Helps you earn rewards for free energy, travel points & more. Call Elaine today for a free electric bill review. 214-500-3667 Make the Switch & Save!

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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

BOOKKEEPING NEEDS? Need help preparing books for CPA? No job too big or small. 22 Yrs. Exp. C.A.S. Bookkeeping Services. Cindy. 214-577-7450 cascastle@sbcglobal.net

LEGAL ISSUES? The Law Office Of Lauren C Medel, PLLC. LaurenMedel.com. 972-773-9306

LICENSED PHYCHOLOGIST Academic, behavioral, ADHD, emotional testing. Children, adolescents, adults. Therapy. Dr. Katherine Pang 214-531-7624 lighthousepsychtesting.com

PARADIGMFAMILYHEALTH.COM Affordable Family Medicine. Healthcare you deserve! 214-810-3553 Mobile. SEO Friendly. Maintainable.

NEED A NEW WEBSITE? AdvocateWebDesign.com 214.292.2053

PET SERVICES

DOGGIE DEN DALLAS Daycare, Boarding, Grooming, Training. 6444 E. Mockingbird Ln. 214-823-1441 DoggieDenDallas.com

HOUSE CALLS OF DALLAS Personalized Care For Your Pet Or Home. Everything from traveling or away for the day. Insured/ Bonded.214-505-2525.housecallsofdallas.com

BUY/SELL/TRADE

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models. 2000-2016. Any Condition. Running Or Not. Top $$$ Paid. Free Towing. We’re Nationwide. Call Now. 1-888-985-1806

RANGERS, STARS & MAVS

Share front-row Texas Rangers, Stars & Mavs seats. Tickets are available in sets of 10 games (sets of 2 or 4 tickets per game available). Participants randomly draw numbers prior to season to determine a draft order fair to everyone. Call 214-560-4212 or rwamre@advocatemag.com

ESTATE/GARAGE SALES

ALL POINTS ESTATE SALES and Property Services. Call Pat 214-802-2781 - AllPointsEstateServices.com

WANT TO MAKE MONEY? Richardson Mercantile is looking for dealers who want to join one of the best antique malls in DFW. Need details? Go to richardsonmercantile@gmail.com 214.560.4203

AC & HEAT

CONCRETE/ MASONRY/PAVING

BRICK & STONE REPAIR

Tuck Pointing / Crack Repair. Mortar Color Matching. Windows,Doors, Cracks Etc. Don 214-704-1722

Family Owned & Operated

Serving the Dallas area for over 30 years

We raise our kids here, too!

972-274-2157

www.CrestAirAndHeat.com

APPLIANCE REPAIR

JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE

TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898

USED APPLIANCES FOR SALE Washer $125. Dryer $89.1 yr. Warranty. Repair. 972-329-2202 Serving

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

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

CLEANING SERVICES

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

AFFORDABLE CLEANING Insd./Bonded. Move In/Out. Routine Cleaning. Reliable. Dependable. Residential/ Commercial. References. 28+yrs. Delta Cleaning. 972-943-9280.

ALTOGETHER CLEAN

Relax ...We’ll Clean Your House, It Will Be Your Favorite Day! Bonded & Insurance. Free Estimates. 214-929-8413. www. altogetherclean.net

AMAZON CLEANING

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

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

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM

Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS

BILL’S COMPUTER REPAIR

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

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

BRICK, STONEWORK, FLAGSTONE PATIOS Mortar Repair. Straighten Brick Mailboxes & Columns. Call Cirilo 214-298-7174

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

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com 50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333

BRIGHT LIGHT ELECTRIC • 214-553-5333 TECL 31347 Brightening Homes and Businesses

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

LAKEWOOD ELECTRICAL Local. Insured. Lic. #227509 Call Rylan 214-434-8735

TEXAS ELECTRICAL • 214-289-0639

Prompt, Honest, Quality. TECL 24668

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

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

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.

AMBASSADOR FENCE INC. EST. 96 Automatic Gates, Fences/Decks, ambassadorfenceco.com 214-621-3217

FENCING & WOODWORK oldgatefence.com . 214-766-6422

HANNAWOODWORKS.COM

Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers. 214-435-9574

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

#1

EST.

COWBOY

FENCE & IRON CO.

214.692.1991

cowboyfenceandiron.com

DALLAS HARDWOODS 214-724-0936

Installation, Repair, Refinish, Wax, Hand Scrape. Residential, Commercial. Sports Floors. 30 Yrs.

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

FLOORING & CARPETING

Willeford

hardwood floors

Superior Quality: Installation Refinishing Repair • Cleaning & Waxing

Old World Hand Scrape 214-824-1166

FOUNDATION REPAIR

• Slabs • Pier & Beam

• Mud Jacking • Drainage

• Free Estimates

• Over 20 Years Exp.

972-288-3797

We Answer Our Phones

GARAGE SERVICES

IDEAL GARAGE DOORS • 972-757-5016 Install & Repair. 10% off to military/1st responders.

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

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

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS

EAST DALLAS WINDOW CLEANING Power Wash. Free Est. Dependable. Derek. 214-360-0120

JIM HOWELL 214-357-8984 Frameless Shower Enclosures/Custom Mirrors. Free Estimates

LAKE HIGHLANDS GLASS & MIRROR frameless shower enclosures • store fronts replacement windows • mirrors 214-349-8160

PRO WINDOW CLEANING prompt, dependable. Matt 214-766-2183

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

HANDYMAN SERVICES

CONSUMERS CHOICE AWARDS 2007-2016

Making Homes Safer One Call at a Time

TECL20502

972-926-7007

arrowelectric.net

Phones Answered 24/7

EXTERIOR CLEANING

G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/Exterior. 214-808-8925

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

HANDY DAN The Handyman. ToDo’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

HANDY MANNY PAINTING/HOME REPAIR Int./Ext. Manny 214-334-2160

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

HOME REPAIR HANDYMAN Small/Big Jobs + Construction. 30 Yrs. Exp. 214-875-1127

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

HANDYMAN SERVICES

WANTED: ODD JOBS & TO DO LISTS

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

Your Home Repair Specialists

972-308-6035 HandymanMatters.com/dallas

HOME INSPECTION

•

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

LSI LAWN SPRINKLERS “Making Water Work” Irrigation system Service & Repair. Specializing In Older Copper Systems. LI #13715. 214-283-4673

MAYA TREE SERVICE Tree Trim/Remove. Insd. CC’s Accepted. 214-924-7058 214-770-2435

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

TRACY’S LAWN CARE • 972-329-4190 Lawn Mowing & Leaf Cleaning

U R LAWN CARE Maintenance. Landscaping. Your Personal Yard Service by Uwe Reisch uwereisch@yahoo.com 214-886-9202

HOUSE PAINTING

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

A+ INT/EXT PAINT & DRYWALL

Since 1977. Kirk Evans. 972-672-4681

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

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

TONY’S PAINTING SERVICE Quality Work

Since 1984. Int./Ext. 214-755-2700

TOP COAT 30 yrs. exp. Reliable, Quality Repair/Remodel Phil @ 214-770-2863

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

KITCHEN/BATH/ TILE/GROUT

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS LLC

Complete Kitchen And Bath Remodels. Tile, Granite, Marble, Travertine, Slate. Insured. 214-563-5035 www.blake-construction.com

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

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

STONE AGE COUNTER TOPS

Granite, Quartz, Marble For Kitchen/Bath-Free Est.. stoneage.brandee@gmail.com 940-465-6980

TK REMODELING 972-533-2872

Complete Full Service Repairs, Remodeling, Restoration. Name It — We do it. Tommy. Insured. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

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

1. Walk around the exterior of your home. Check the caulking, roof tiles and gutters. Replace anything worn so it will fit tight in case of rain or wind.

2. Rake leaves and replace old garden hoses. Remove tree limbs from sidewalks and driveways. Then start working on your seasonal landscaping plan.

3. Check your AC, and replace dirty air filters

4. Clean your windows, check smoke alarms and change batteries. Then sit back and enjoy the weather.

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.

LocalWorks.advocatemag.com

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

#1 WHITE ROCK TREE WIZARDS

Professionals, Experts, Artists. Trim, Remove, Cabling, Bracing/Bolting. Cavity-Fill Stump Grind. Emergencies, Hazards. Insd. Free Est. 972-803-6313. arborwizard.com

A BETTER TREE MAN Trims, Removals, Insd. 12 Yrs Exp. Roberts Tree Service. 214-808-8925

BURRIS TREE SERVICE | 469-939-3344 Expert tree service. | Prune. Stump grind. Plant.

CHUPIK TREE SERVICE

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

DALLAS GROUNDSKEEPER Organic Lawn Maintenance designed to meet your needs. 214-471-5723 dallasgroundskeeper.com

DALLAS K.D.R.SERVICES • 214-349-0914

Lawn Service & Landscape Installation

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

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

LAWNS,

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.

AC PLUMBING Repairs, Fixtures, Senior Discounts. Gary Campbell. 214-321-5943

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

Sewers • Drains • Bonded 24 Hours/7 Days *Joe Faz 469-346-1814 - Se Habla Español*

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

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

THE PLUMBING MANN LLC

All Plumbing! Since 1978. Family Owned. RMP/Master-14240 Insured. 214-FAST-FIX/ 214-327-8349

Spring is the perfect opportunity to prepare your house for sunshine and flowers.

PLUMBING

We Solve Your Plumbing Problems

HUNTER PLUMBING

214-324-2733

POOLS

LEAFCHASERS POOL SERVICE Parts/Service. Chemicals/Repairs. Jonathan. 214-729-3311

REMODELING

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

Complete Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths, Additions. Hardie Siding & Replacement Windows. Build On Your Own Lot. Insured. www.blake-construction.com 214-563-5035

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Remodeling Dallas For Over 17 Years www.ObrienGroupInc.com 214-341-1448

RENOVATE DALLAS renovatedallas.com 214-403-7247

REMODELING

Bob McDonald Company, Inc. BUILDERS/REMODELERS

30+ Yrs. in Business • Major Additions

Complete Renovations • Kitchens/Baths

214-341-1155

bobmcdonaldco.net

ROOFING & GUTTERS

GUARDIAN ROOFING & SOLAR

Roof Repair & Solar Installation. Project Mgr. John Beasley 214-772-7362 guardianroofingandsolar.com

BERT ROOFING INC.

Family owned and operated for over 40 years

Residential/Commercial • Over 30,000 roofs completed • Seven NTRCA “Golden Hammer” Awards • Free Estimates

Jeff Godsey Roofing

Roof

THE market

D.M. LANGUAGE CONSULTING FIRM

Language Consultant

211 N. Ervay 9th Floor 972.905.1026 dmlanguageconsulting.com DMLconsulting16@icloud.com

We specialize in training your employees to communicate in Spanish or English. Call now to set up your specialized workshop!

URBAN THRIFT

Thrift store 9850 Walnut Hill Ln. 214.341.1151 Facebook.com/UrbanThriftStore

New stuff & sales everyday! We accept ALL donations! You’re welcome to come drop them off or schedule a FREE pick up! We give back to our community!

ECHO BOUTIQUE

Upscale resale & unique gifts 9020 Garland Road (Between The Arboretum & Casa Linda) Dallas, TX 75218 214.370.4444

Exciting New Spring Arrivals Daily! Upscale resale -unique gifts-designer consignment-hand picked vintage work by local artists and artisans.

LAKE HIGHLANDS ACUPUNCTURE

Bryan Ellett, L.Ac. 10252 E. Northwest Highway 214.267.8636 lakehighlandsacupuncture.com

The World Health Organization recommends acupuncture for: chronic pain, high blood pressure, depression/anxiety, digestive problems (IBS, heartburn), common cold, allergies and more! Come see why! Now accepting insurance!

By ANGELA HUNT

‘Learn your role’

What is the role of a citizen in our city government?

Our answer depends on whether we view our government as a team or as a tool.

When we think of our government as a “team,” then cheerleading becomes the highest form of patriotism, regardless of how corrupt, wasteful, despotic or inefficient the government or its officials may be. Thoughtful criticism is castigated and blind loyalty championed. Systemic problems are not addressed because to identify them in the first place is to be disloyal.

When, however, we view our government as a tool — as an implement — then we recognize critique as our patriotic duty, necessary to keep our government in optimal working order. We appreciate that we alone are the mechanics responsible for maintaining this fragile machine we call democracy. We take pride in identifying our government’s weaknesses and failures because we know that without undertaking this most crucial of civic tasks, our democracy would fall into disrepair.

These two divergent perspectives on government fell into stark relief during a recent Dallas Park Board meeting.

The Park Board is unique among city commissions: appointed by the Dallas City Council, this panel of 15 volunteers is obligated by our city charter to oversee Dallas’s Park and Recreation Department. Given the breadth of this responsibility, Park Board members would be shirking if they didn’t fervently investigate city park contracts, actively inquire about park operations, and put their noses into anything and everything involving our taxpayer-funded park and recreational facilities.

But this is Dallas. Team Dallas. And it’s kind of tacky to ask tough questions. A bit unmannerly. A smidge uncouth.

Park Board member Jesse Moreno found that out the hard way a few weeks ago when he made the mistake of asking tough questions about Fair Park, and more specifically, about the State Fair of Texas.

For the last two years, the City of Dallas has been stumbling and fumbling around the issue of Fair Park, haphazardly trying to figure out what to do with this

they get those pants on Big Tex. Park Board members Marlon Rollins, Paul Sims (my husband) and Becky Rader asked pointed but reasonable questions about State Fair finances and operations.

But they were talking to an empty chair: once the highlight reel was over, State Fair representatives had hightailed it to avoid the hot seat. Regardless, other board members took offense on behalf of the State Fair. Board member Sean Johnson loudly scolded his curious colleagues for their impertinent queries, admonishing them to “Learn your role! Learn your role!”

massive recreational asset. Throughout the process, the city has acted as if the State Fair didn’t exist. This is odd because the State Fair has a long-term contract with the city to rent Fair Park four months every year, making it essential to any future plans. It is the elephant in the middle of Fair Park.

So when the State Fair was scheduled to appear before the Park Board in late January to present highlights from the 2016 fair, Moreno saw this as an opportunity to finally ask the organization some illuminating questions.

As vice president of the Park Board, Moreno used a parliamentary move to allow other board members to question the State Fair about things other than how many corndogs were sold or how

Indeed. So what exactly is the role of a citizen in our government? Those who think it is to sit politely, nod at the appropriate times, smile, backslap, applaud, and relentlessly cheer Team Dallas will be pleased to know that soon after the Park Board meeting, eight of 15 council members voted to remove Moreno as vice president of the Park Board and replace him with Sean “Learn Your Role” Johnson.

Those with a different perspective, who recognize government as a tool and believe that citizens have a civic responsibility to actively challenge the way our city government works, to question the decisions it makes, to investigate and interrogate, well then, they will be quite relieved to know that Dallas City Council elections are May 6.

Your role is to vote.

Angela Hunt is a former Dallas city councilwoman. She writes a monthly opinion column about neighborhood issues. Her opinions are not necessarily those of the Advocate or its management. Send comments and ideas to her ahunt@advocatemag.com.

Democracy requires thoughtful questions to thrive, especially on the Park Board

But this is Dallas. Team Dallas. And it’s kind of tacky to ask tough questions. A bit unmannerly. A smidge uncouth.