2017 May Preston Hollow

CLASS OF 2017

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OPENING REMARKS

By RICK WAMRE

Cultivating character

Can a child whose birthright is poverty and a troubled family history blossom?

Not long ago, I found myself face down on the scruffy front yard of a nonprofit near downtown, doing two things I generally avoid: planting and volunteering.

There are people who love getting their hands dirty; I am not one of those. Couple that with my general laziness when it comes to helping others, and it was not starting out to be a fun Saturday.

So while pondering my imminent fate and breaking in my new gloves, a young boy walked up and asked if he could help.

I looked around: Why would any kid volunteer to help a stranger plant stuff?

But he was interested in helping beautify his new home, an Exodus Ministries apartment complex for previously incarcerated women with dependent children.

Yes, you read that right. The 11 mother-and-children family units here have messed up their lives enough that they’re below the bottom of the economic food chain. The mothers all have been locked up — some of them five, six, seven times and have dependent children, no husbands, no jobs and a small sack of belongings when they show up straight from jail/prison at Exodus, said to be the only nonprofit of its kind in Texas.

The 11-year-old boy asking to help dig in the dirt is one of those kids. Most of us spend more on lunch in a week than his mother will see in a month, and that’s if she’s lucky enough to find a job.

I would like to tell you that this young man and I shared an incredible bonding experience, that we each changed our lives for the better that day.

Instead, I showed him how to dig holes for plant balls and how to cover them up, which he did for 10 minutes or so before jumping up and running off — no good-

bye, no hug, no life-changing revelation.

But the kid gave me something to think about. He has nothing except what volunteers have given him, and his mother has 12 months (the length of the Exodus program) to figure out how to make their way in a world where she’s generally not welcome, most often as a felon whose dreams no longer include college, a new car or even a basic “happy ending.”

We can say it’s her fault she’s in this predicament, but we’ve all made some big mistakes in life. Some of us pay for those mistakes forever; some of us get lucky and just move on.

Who knows why we rarely walk in others’ shoes?

If the mother graduates from the Exodus program, she has a chance: Thanks to volunteers and donors, she leaves with an apartment full of furniture, on-site education about finances and being a parent, and a close-knit family of fellow travelers.

The general recidivism rate for people in this situation is about 75 percent, Exodus says; this program reduces that to about 4 percent.

I continued digging holes, frequently glancing down the line of still-unplanted groundcover, knowing that in an hour or two, my volunteer experience would be over. When the kid returned, would his life be better because of what I had done that day?

Like the hard-luck high school seniors we’re profiling in this month’s magazine, this kid needs someone to look up to for more than 10 minutes, someone to help him and his family find their way. And there are hundreds of nonprofits here brimming with similar stories.

The high school seniors found the guidance they need. The person this boy needs is out there, too. Will he find you or me in time to make a difference?

Learn more about Exodus Ministries at exodusministries.org.

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

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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.

L A UNCH Out & About

THROUGH JUNE 17

BLUEBONNET TOURS

The prairie surrounding the George W. Bush Presidential Center is alive with the sight of bluebonnets. Learn more about the state flower on tours offered every Saturday at 10 and 11 a.m. George W. Bush Presidential Center, 2942 SMU Blvd., 214.346.1650, bush43library.org, free

MAY 4

CITY SERVICE

Get to know Sylvia Benenson, local representative of the City of Dallas’ Senior Affairs Commission. Learn about the services that the city offers and speak up about what else is needed. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal Lane, 214.670.7128, dallaslibrary2.org, free

MAY 6

BYE BYE BUILDING

Hillcrest High School alumni and students say goodbye to its original gym, built in 1938, with performances by the band, panaders and cheerleaders. The pep rally is open to the public and starts at 10:30 a.m. Hillcrest High School, 9924 Hillcrest Road, 972.502.6800, free

MAY 10

‘ARE YOU MY MOTHER?’

Mrs. Pocket’s Puppet Playtime reimagines the beloved children’s book “Are You My Mother?” Bring the kiddos to see the performance at 10:30 a.m.

Bookmarks at NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway, 214.671.1381 dallaslibrary2.org, free

MAY 5

Acoustic show

Houston-based musician Brian Kalinec performs after up-and-coming artist Amy Vanessa Goloby shares her sentimental folk songs. The show starts at 8 p.m.

Uncle Calvin’s, 9555 N. Central Expressway, 214.363.0044, unclecalvins.org, $15-$18

MAY 14

BAGEL RUN

A longstanding tradition at the Jewish Community Center returns this Mother’s Day. Participants celebrate the holiday with a 10k, 5k or children’s race before chowing down at a bagel buffet. Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven Road, 214.239.7157, jccdallas.org, $25-$180

MAY 18

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM

Apollo 13 astronauts Capt. Jim Lovell and lunar module pilot Fred Haise talk about the most successful failed mission in NASA’s history. Lovell is the 43rd recipient of the George E. Haddaway Award, which he will receive during the Exploration Space 2017 Gala.

Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Ave., 214.350.3600, flightmuseum.com, TBD

PHOTO COURTESY BRIAN KALINEC

PRESTON HOLLOW’S MAD ARTIST

Brad Ellis’ mission to take over the art world, one painting at a time

By ELISSA CHUDWIN

rad Ellis has a knack for the unconventional.

After 18 years in advertising for American Airlines, the Preston Hollow neighbor traded his corporate office for a paint-splattered studio in 1997. Ellis has devoted the past 20 years to carving a career as a full-time artist, an ambition many won’t attempt because of its financial instability and competitive nature.

“I really had a calling, and I hate to be that dramatic about it,” he says. “I wanted to make art. I knew I’d never be able to realize my true potential if I didn’t dedicate my full time to it.”

Ellis has garnered attention throughout the country for his abstract work. His paintings are displayed in seven galleries from coast to coast, and one even was selected for Art in Embassies. Adopted

by former President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the U.S. Department of State program hosts exhibitions at embassies and consulates across the world. Ellis’ “Dash #2” is on display in Kampala, Uganda for the next two years.

Ellis is content with his accomplishments, he says, but he’s only scratched

the surface of his capabilities.

Kenneth Craighead has watched Ellis’ work metamorphose since it first was displayed at Craighead Green Gallery, which he co-owns, 22 years ago. He constantly pushes his own boundaries and experiments with new techniques, Craighead says.

Looking at Ellis’ pieces, it’s hard to imagine he first studied traditional art at the University of Tulsa. The canvasses — layered with newsprint, fabric, wax and paint — are inundated with bold colors and geometric patterns.

“I like paintings that have a lot of junk in the trunk, you know?” he says.

The layers and vibrant hues are what makes his creations so captivating, Craighead says.

The whimsical designs seem arbitrary, but Ellis’ paintings are usually conceptual and revolve around themes like language or dance. It’s his version of writing fiction, he says, because he’s crafting an image that didn’t exist before.

“This is thinking about ideas and

then translating that into something concrete, something visual, something that wasn’t there before,” he says.

All of his work is created with the encaustic method, a technique that dates back to ancient Greece and uses heated, pigmented wax instead of paint. It dries instantly while still allowing Ellis to easily manipulate the wax’s consistency and texture.

It’s a tedious process, but he’s all about the details. Ellis spends hours at night in his Del Roy Drive garage-turned-studio. The sketchpads scattered in boxes, heating tools on the table and paint splashed onto on the walls give the vibe of a mad scientist’s lab, but it’s where each painting is perfected around-the-clock. Ellis is constantly thinking about his latest project, even when he’s not working, he says.

“He is dedicated beyond belief,” Craighead says. “For any artist to do that, you have to believe in yourself and believe in your gallery.”

Ellis chalks up his success to a combination of determination and luck. The criticism and financial burden can be crushing at first, he says, but it doesn’t outweigh the benefits.

“It’s one of those things, you do it because you have to do it,” he says. “There’s something missing if I’m not painting.”

“I like paintings that have a lot of junk in the trunk, you know?”

Water Garden, Encaustic on panel 36”x 24” by Elizabeth Schowachert

‘Being Koi’ 21”x 21” pastel by Barbara Mason

DELICIOUS

Hidden heaven

The Cafe at North Haven Gardens serves up healthy fuel in a serene setting

By TAYLOR SMITH

DID YOU KNOW: Chef Roe DiLeo has had her 15 minutes of fame, plus a little more. She competed on “Hell’s Kitchen” going head to head with Chef Gordon Ramsay, as well as Food Network’s “BBQ Bliss” that was filmed at White Rock Lake.

Surrounded by trickling water fountains, vibrant flowers and plants and an eclectic art gallery, The Cafe at North Haven Garden feels like a secret oasis despite its proximity to North Central Expressway. This Eden will give you your fill of what Chef Roe DiLeo calls, “Food as fuel, not something to stuff your face with.”

In a bustling Italian family brimming over with relatives, DiLeo quickly came to understand that “if you didn’t help out, you didn’t eat.” She says, “As you got older, you were allowed to touch more expensive ingredients. Starting out, you only got to cut onions.”

This is was the spark that lit her passion for food, which carried her through numerous culinary adventures.

DiLeo got her start cooking bar food at Henry’s Majestic, which prides itself on fried comfort food, but she wanted to expe-

THE CAFE AT NORTH HAVEN GARDENS

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rience every aspect of the culinary world.

“I wanted to work in fine dining, so I took a pay cut and worked for Nathan Tate, just making salads,” she says of the creative culinary force behind Boulevardier and Rapscallion. “That’s all I did, every day, was make salads. But I learned everything I needed about running a fine dining kitchen.”

When the 66-year-old nursery North Haven Gardens decided to add a café to its property last year, it tapped DiLeo to lead the kitchen. Inspired by the natural setting, she highlighted a healthy and refreshing palate that gives you energy to garden.

“I call us a green kitchen. We don’t cook with butter. None of our soups use cream,” she says.

DiLeo kind of loves running out of food. Every ingredient is selected fresh, meaning some are no longer available

midway through the lunch rush. It’s a good thing, she says, because it means that people love it.

DiLeo wants to know if her food is tasty, but she doesn’t always trust asking a customer since people tend to be polite.

“This is so creepy. I literally watch people eat my food,” she says. “I want to see the look on their face as they take a bite. That first bite tells you everything.”

AMERICAN GRILL

One of her favorite items on the menu is the hand-sliced turkey sandwich. It’s topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion, smoked Gouda, avocado and honey mustard. DiLeo roasts the turkey herself, and the tomatoes are grown on a farm in Wylie.

DiLeo says that she loves the combination, because “the sandwich gives you perfect bites.”

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Opposite page: Applewood BLT; Above: Omelette (Photos by Kathy Tran)

Melinda Papia

THE PHOENIXES

STUDENTS WHO ROSE ABOVE THE OBSTACLES TO BECOME STARS IN THE CLASS OF 2017

Story by Elissa Chudwin

PHOTOS BY DANNY FULGENCIO

NO ONE SAID HIGH SCHOOL WAS EASY.

From the social challenges to the expectations, every student in the class of 2017 has struggled to find where they can thrive. But some students faced adversity well beyond their young years, hardships that would be tough for seasoned adults to navigate. These teens learned to fit into a world that didn’t always accept or understand them. Their grace in the dark times has made them into unlikely role models who demonstrate what it means to never give up.

PROJECTING POSITIVITY

Melinda Tapia may be quiet, but being a wallflower has its perks.

The W.T. White student is all about the details. She spends her free time behind a camera capturing photos of her surroundings, and she pays more attention to the setting of a movie than the plot.

Because she’s so observant, she notices

what others overlook. She makes sure to tell jokes at dinner when her family seems unhappy, and she’s the one her friends confide in when they don’t know where else to turn.

Tapia is one of the few people who asks, “How are you?” and means it, senior liaison Cathy Hodge says.

But it’s uncommon for Tapia to dis-

close the turmoil in her own life.

“I don’t want to bother people with my problems” she says. “I’m more selfless than selfish.”

Tapia, her mother and two sisters share a North Dallas duplex with her uncle and grandmother. Because her mother is a single parent, Tapia helps take care of her siblings.

She’s the one who bandages their scrapes when they fall and takes them to school. The 10- and 12-year-old girls look up to her, they say, although they don’t always listen.

Her father has lived in Mexico since she was about 8. That was the last time she saw him. Her only form of communication with him are letters that she stores in two boxes in her bedroom. He wasn’t there to help her transition to high school, and he couldn’t dance with her during her quinceañera. Her freshman year, she used to imagine him coming to campus to surprise her, balloons in hand.

“I’m a senior now, and that day still hasn’t happened yet,” she says.

His absence lingers in her mind, but it hasn’t stopped Tapia from excelling in school. She has never missed a day of class, even in kindergarten. Her unfailing immune system played a role, she says, but she’s never had any interest in playing hooky.

“I’ve always been like, ‘OK, let’s go,’ ” she says. “I love school. Every day something new happens, even though it’s the same classes.”

Her perfect attendance caught the attention of W.T. White staff, and it was the first time she didn’t feel invisible, she says. Her mother, Alicia Romero, hopes others continue to notice her dedication.

“I want her to study, to major in what she wants, so she can have a good future something to offer her children,” says Romero, with Tapia interpreting.

Tapia plans to start her college career at Brookhaven College. She is considering attending a university in Austin once she completes her associate’s degree. She hasn’t declared a major, but she’s leaning toward biochemistry.

Tapia is uncertain of her next steps, but she knows good things are waiting, as long as she’s patient.

“Everything will always, always happen at its own pace.”

SHATTERING EXPECTATIONS

Mebruk Jemal could have been raised in one of the world’s poorest countries. He could’ve walked several miles to the nearest school with his brothers and played soccer in the street with his cousins.

But Jemal’s childhood was spent in Dallas, not Ethiopia. His parents, Abdella Salah and Kemeria Mohammed, left the developing nation when he was a baby, so their children would have better opportunities in the US. They’re confident they made the right decision. The Hillcrest High School student is Ivy League bound, with plans to study business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Leaving Ethiopia, though, didn’t come without consequences.

Jemal’s parents had secure careers —Salah a government employee and Mohammed an accountant — but they sacrificed their own stability for their children’s future.

“The first five years were terrible,” Salah says. “We didn’t complain … When I left there, I knew the cost and the benefits.”

After they arrived in Dallas, his parents only could find jobs at 7-Eleven. Cash-strapped, they moved from apartment to apartment, even sharing a one-bedroom unit on Park Lane with another family to make ends meet. It was crowded, and the neighborhood

didn’t feel safe to Jemal.

America is full of opportunity, Abdella says, but it’s exhausting to find the right key to unlock it. Their burdens weren’t eased until he and Mohammed found jobs in their profession. They now call a duplex in Richardson home, but they’ve worked such long hours the past year that Jemal stays with his aunt and uncle during the week.

“They’re definitely my biggest role models,” Jemal says. “I’ve been the sensible child thinking of what they did. They were comfortable there, living in Ethiopia.”

Jemal has returned to the country twice, in 2006 and 2016, since his family moved. The poor sanitation and limited resources were appalling, he says.

“It’s a humbling experience,” he says. “It’s a different reality. They have to put unnecessary amounts of effort into basic needs like laundry and water.”

With so many relatives living in Ethiopia, Jemal considered working in politics or advocacy to improve the nation’s living conditions. He’s already immersed himself researching social issues like racial inequality and income disparity.

Moving 1,500 miles northeast to Philadelphia is Jemal’s next step to achieving those goals. Known as determined and self-assured, Jemal took

“I’M MORE SELFLESS THAN SELFISH.”

an unconventional route to the Ivy League. He withdrew from Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center — one of the country’s top-ranked public schools to attend Hillcrest his junior year.

His family and Townview’s staff couldn’t fathom why someone would trade a prestigious institution for a neighborhood school. Jemal wanted to play basketball. The Oak Cliff school didn’t offer the sport, so he commuted 25 minutes to W.T. White to play ball.

“I did my own calculations on what would be better for me,” he says. “Despite what everyone told me not to do, I made my decision to come to Hillcrest.”

He thrived at the high school. After a year as a guard on the basketball team, he quit to devote all of his efforts to mock trial.

“It’s like intellectual sports,” he says. “It’s fun battling against others.”

Jemal has shattered every stereotype that his peers have thrown at him since he transferred in 2015. He expects people to assume he’s a de-

linquent, and he’s even less surprised when they think he’s dumb. His teammates used to see his test scores and tell him they didn’t think he’d be that smart. Others were shocked he took AP classes and didn’t get into trouble.

“Black kid. Tall. People think in general that you’re not smart,” he says. “You’re going to get low grades, disturb the class, disrupt the class. That’s just not true.”

He may face the same stereotypes at the University of Pennsylvania, a campus whose student body only is 7 percent black. He’s looking forward to the challenge, though, because it’s another chance to prove them wrong.

“Just the fact there’s a problem there means you can fix it. It gives me purpose there.”

READ RAGGED

Kevin Chavez’s mother couldn’t understand why he spent several hours in school every day but could barely read.

Neither of his parents spoke English, so they relied on Chavez to translate for them. He struggled to decipher the words on a McDonald’s menu when they grabbed a meal. Homework assignments took him twice as long as his peers. The Thomas Jefferson High School student never finished a standardized test. Chavez repeated third grade, yet he still fell further behind the rest of his classmates.

His parents were frustrated and thought he simply wasn’t trying. Chavez didn’t know why letters appeared in reverse or why the words seemed scrambled until he conducted his own research.

One of his middle-school teachers also noticed he wasn’t reading at his grade level, and she requested he be tested for dyslexia. Because he wasn’t diagnosed with the learning disability until he was 14, he has yet to catch up to his peers.

“You can get frustrated, not get it done,

or you can just work through it,” he says.

Academics are challenging for Chavez, but he excels in leadership roles. He’s the captain of the soccer team and a member of the religious program Young Life. He’s actively involved in Thomas Jefferson’s Patriot Ambassadors Program, a class where students tackle community projects, mentor others and serve as translators.

His girlfriend, Stephanie, encouraged him to apply for the course his junior year, and it’s what motivated him to pursue more than a high school diploma.

“Before he came into this class, I don’t think he knew what to do with his life,” teacher John Oberly says. “Furthermore, I’m not sure he’s been told he’s valuable Because he’s relatively quiet, he flies under the radar. I wouldn’t let him do that.”

He’s more likely to raise his hand and volunteer now, and that’s paid off. Mark Hubbard, president of Paragon Furniture Inc., visited Oberly’s classroom to discuss desks they supplied. When he asked for feedback, Chavez was the only one who criticized its design. His thoughtfulness and attention to detail landed him an internship with the company this summer.

“YOU’RE GOING TO GET LOW GRADES, DISTURB THE CLASS, DISRUPT THE CLASS. THAT’S JUST NOT TRUE.”

“What I want to do is marketing and management, but I also really like designing things—normal day things like tables,” Chavez says.

There weren’t many people who encouraged him at school before he met his girlfriend and joined the Patriot Ambassadors program, he says. He’s more focused now, so he lost most of his childhood friends — people who do drugs or have ended up in jail.

“I used to be like them and have fun all the time,” he says. “At a point, I realized it’s not going to lead me anywhere.”

He’ll take classes at Tyler Junior College next year, but he hasn’t stopped to reflect on how much he’s accomplished this year. He has more ahead of him, and a lot of missed time to make up, he says.

“He’s only now just realizing his capacity when people turn and look at him,” Oberly says.

Since LaDavia Abron Empy was 8 years old, she worked odd jobs to help pay the bills.

When the Advocate first met the then-W.T. White student in 2011, she was a part-time cashier at Tom Thumb. Her mother struggled with bipolar disorder. She couldn’t keep a steady job, and bills were left unpaid. Her father has 17 other children, so he wasn’t a constant figure in her life either.

Empy still participated in a lengthy list of extracurricular activities, such as Varsity Choir and National Honor Society, and graduated with honors. She was one of 1,000 students across the country to receive the highly competitive Gates Millenium Scholarship.

“I think there’s always someone there to help you if you’re willing to believe that there are,” she says. “Your results aren’t determined by your situation.”

With her financial burdens lifted, she could attend Hampton University in Virginia to study mathematics.

“I just didn’t have the same worries,” she says. “I was able to be seen as not this person with all these issues and to walk around without a care in world besides my future.”

Once Empy received her bachelor’s degree, she obtained a provisional license to teach. She’s now a high school math teacher at An Achievable Dream High School in Newport News, Va.

Abron Empy mother’s life took a turn for the better, too, once her daughter moved across the country. She’s stable now and even paying her bills on time.

“I’ve heard someone say me going off and seeing how great things are for me made her want to do better,” Empy says.

Her relationship with both parents isn’t where she hopes it will be, but it’s on the mend. For the first time in years, they even say, “I love you.”

Her childhood only has helped her relate to her students. Many of them are estranged from their families or live in a single-parent household, similar to what Abron Empy experienced.

“I think a teacher has more of an impact than we think that they do, because you don’t know the other side of a child’s story until you really get to know them.”

“I USED TO BE LIKE THEM AND HAVE FUN ALL THE TIME. AT A POINT, I REALIZED IT’S NOT GOING TO LEAD ME ANYWHERE.”

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PUBLIC SCHOOL CRUSADERS

W.T. White’s biggest advocates don’t have children in school. Why do they care?

By ELISSA CHUDWIN

Photos by RASY RAN

Louisa Meyer

The 50th anniversary commemoration isn’t until 2020, but Louisa Meyer already made the save the dates. They aren’t for a wedding or an institution, and she isn’t even celebrating for that matter.

The anniversary is for W.T. White High School Portable Classroom No. 033. Nearly 50 years ago, Dallas ISD placed it behind the campus to temporarily relieve the overcrowded school. It’s still there, however, and one of 32 portable classrooms waiting to be replaced.

Meyer is part of the W.T. White community that rallied this past year to argue for more funding and swifter action to relieve the high school’s overcrowding and update its 50-year-old campus. W.T. White and its feeder schools are somewhat unique in DISD to draw this kind of grassroots advocacy.

What makes it even more unique is that the loudest voices in this effort, Meyer among them, are not recent graduates or staff members. They don’t even have children at the school, although they are parents.

The ones who attended DISD board meetings and analyzed data, who established the Renovate W.T. White Facebook Page and petitioned the administration, aren’t directly impacted by district policy. Their children already attend college or have started their careers. That hasn’t made them care any less, though.

“The gist of it, to me, is we ended up loving the schools, and because of that, we got involved,” says Lee Higginbotham, who founded the Dads Clubs at Marsh Preparatory Academy and W.T. White. His wife, Melissa, runs DallasKidsFirst, an organization that monitors school board policies and supports candidates they deem qualified during the election.

Roughly two dozen former W.T. White parents advocate for the school district and the high school in some capacity, whether it’s serving on a committee or simply volunteering in the feeder pattern.

“I think their common thread is their kids went to DISD, their kids got a really solid education and went on to solid colleges and universities,” says North Dallas DISD trustee Edwin Flores. “We have all been in a room where we mention we sent our kids to Dallas public schools,

and someone gives us a look like we have horns and fangs, and Child Protective Services should be called because we’re awful parents.”

Meyer’s sons graduated from W.T. White in 2006 and 2010, and to say she’s remained involved in DISD is an understatement.

“This is my community,” she says. “This is my family. These are the people I love being with.”

Meyer is a member of W.T. White’s committee that advises the principal and launched the “I Will Graduate” campaign to give every DISD student a T-shirt with their future graduation date — all in addition to working on Portable No. 033’s anniversary.

If all goes well, the commemoration may be canceled. Sixteen of the portables are being removed this June when the construction of a 30-classroom wing is completed. W.T. White and other North Dallas schools will receive additional construction updates sooner than initially scheduled because of the community’s determination, Flores says.

“It’s because they’re effective, they stick to it.”

Influencing policy isn’t the only factor that has motivated former parents to stick around. They form connections with the students, something that’s been hard for Cathy Hodge to shake. She is W.T. White’s senior liaison overseeing student activities, but she first was introduced to the school in the late 1990s when her children enrolled there.

miles from Carrollton to the high school to volunteer, even though they’re empty-nesters.

“After now having kids in high school, maybe I have something to offer after this experience,” Painter says.

Chuck Stewart started roaming W.T. White’s stands with a camera because he was a terrible fan. Photography is the Dallas Morning News multiplatform design editor’s hobby, and snapping photos was an effective tactic to keep him from

ostracizing the referees. Seeing so many athletes without parents in attendance bothered him, so he started to dole out his work to the students as mementos.

“It’s heartbreaking to see these kids in the game without anybody in the stands,” Stewart says. “I’m trying to be a bonus dad and be there for the kids.”

The teens who may not have someone to advocate for them makes their efforts worth it, and it only benefits the community, several say.

“I always felt parent involvement made a huge difference, no matter where you went,” Painter says.

Kim Painter and Marja Woods drive 7

“This is my community. This is my family. These are the people I love being with.”

To raise awareness about school overcrowding, W.T. White advocate Louisa Meyer is planning the 50th anniversary of a portable classroom, a full three years before the event.

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

By LAUREN LAW

Partying for the future

Junior Assembly brings eighth-graders from private schools together to get to know each other before high school

Many children in the Preston Hollow area may have attended the same private schools for 10 years or more, from pre-k to eighthgrade. Moving on to high school for these eighth-graders can be daunting, but the idea of going to a completely new high school and meeting new kids can also be exciting.

To help ease this transition, a group of Dallas parents formed Junior Assembly of North Dallas back in the 1940s, to provide an opportunity for their eighth-graders attending private school to meet their future classmates in a safe and fun setting.

The membership base has evolved over the years and includes a little over 500 kids from Christ the King Catholic School, Good Shepherd Episcopal School, Prince of Peace Catholic School, St. Monica Catholic School, Alcuin School, St. Rita Catholic School as well as a few other parochial and private schools in Lakewood and East Dallas — St. John’s Episcopal School, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School and Lakehill Prep. Other Junior Assembly (JA) organizations have also been formed that include other private schools in the area.

JA is a completely volunteer-based organization and is run by parent sponsors who form a board and represent each school, including a president, secretary and treasurer. The participating school

parents divide up and the teams plan and coordinate parties throughout the year beginning in the fall and finishing in the spring of each eighth-grade year. Participating school parents are also asked to attend the parties to help chaperone.

Junior Assembly of North Dallas President Tara DePompei says, “Being involved in JA is opening up a new world not only for my son but for me as well. Many of these kids have been togeth-

schools to be able to join in the fun,” says Christy Wilson, JA treasurer.

Prior to each party, the team members meet monthly beginning after the school year starts and get busy planning the parties — agreeing on a theme, designing invitations, finding the venue, planning the food, arranging for DJs and security and choosing the attire.

The first party of this school year was held at the Frontiers of Flight Museum and was a Jerseys and Jeans theme, which had been successfully done during past JA years. Since this was the party where all the students would meet for the first time, the party coordinators helped break the ice. Each attendee was given a person, place or thing sticker and they were to find their counterpart within the crowd (salt/pepper hot/cold, up/down, left/ right, east/west, etc.). Once the matches were made, the kids were entered for a chance to win iTunes gift cards.

er since they were 3 years old and are excited about what’s coming next. It’s nice to be part of this transition to help our eighth-graders and those from other schools to meet, as well as to help me and other moms and parents from these other schools get connected.”

For those eighth-graders who unable to pay the three-party fee, scholarships are available and families do take advantage of this offering each year. “We want all eighth-graders in the participating

“We wanted the icebreaker to be a fun way for the kids to meet each other without being intimidating. We feel it was a success and helped integrate more of the kids together,” says Cheri Auletta, Prince of Peace mom and one of the party one coordinators.

The second party was held at Edison’s Dallas, a 15,000-square-foot venue east of downtown Dallas. The theme, as in previous years, was Winter Wonderland and included heavy appetizers,

“We wanted the icebreaker to be a fun way for the kids to meet each other without being intimidating.”

snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, a wintry photography set and, of course, a DJ. Each participant was handed an individually wrapped snowflake cookie as they were picked up by parents.

The final party took place last month at Group Dynamix, an athletic venue where the kids can play glow-in-the-dark dodge ball and bow tag, fly down a zipline or climb a coconut tree.

“A lot of the things available at this venue encourage team building and will help solidify the relationships that they will carry on to high school,” says Christy Reed, St. Rita mom and one of the party three coordinators.

Junior Assembly isn’t all fun and games. Most private schools require students to do some level of community service each year, so the board decided to put a charitable spin on the last two

EASTFIELD COLLEGE CAMP HARVEY

3737 Motley Dr., Mesquite, 75150 / 972.860.7114

4SummerCamp@dcccd.edu / Ignite your kids imagination by keeping them connected to big ideas through critical-thinking and creative play. Camp Harvey is a series of STEAM-based youth camps where kids experience meaningful learning while also having fun. Camp classes include: Math and reading practice, Improvisation, CSI/Forensics Academy, Debate, Swimming Clinics, Girl Gamers, Star Wars Stop Animation, Minecraft, Nature Appreciation, and more! Discounted registration through May 15. For youth ranging in age from 5-17.

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.

LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931 / lakehillprep.org

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

parties. Participants were asked to bring canned foods or other dry goods to the Winter Wonderland Party. A total of 483 pounds of food was donated which helped to provide access to 403 meals for the North Texas Food Bank. The eighth-graders were also asked to bring gently used athletic shoes and new socks to the Group Dynamix party, which will be donated to underprivileged kids in Nicaragua and Mexico.

“We want to help remind our kids that no matter where they are in life, high school, work, in transition, or wherever, that there is always an opportunity to help others no matter what they’re doing. We can all have a big impact on someone else,” DePompei says.

Lauren Law is a former health care marketing executive, and is a neighborhood resident, marketing consultant, writer, wife, mom and volunteer. She writes about neighborhood issues or community areas of interest. Her opinions are not necessarily those of the Advocate or its management. Send comments and ideas to her llaw@advocatemag.com.

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.

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!

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.

“A lot of the things available at this venue encourage team building and will help solidify the relationships that they will carry on to high school.”

Ignite

CHESS IS FUN!

972-883-4899 · utdallas.edu/chess

NEWS & NOTES

PLACES

Cosmetic maven Mary Kay Ash’s pink mansion was demolished after more than 30 years as a neighborhood icon. The 11,874-square-foot home was introduced to the wrecking ball in mid-March because the cost of renovations exceeded its worth. An anonymous buyer purchased the house in 2016 after the sale price was reduced from $5.7 million to $1.9 million.

Dallas Fire-Rescue still hasn’t determined the cause of the seven-alarm fire that overtook Preston Place Condos in early March. It took firefighters more than 42 hours to extinguish the flames, which then rekindled two days later. Jacqueline McDonald, an 89-year-old resident, died in the blaze.

PEOPLE

Preston Hollow’s Dr. Stephen Mansfield received the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award, an honor given annually to Dallasites who strive to improve education and quality of life in the

community. The CEO and president of Methodist Health Systems volunteers for a host of organizations such as March of Dimes and the Dallas Citizens Council.

EDUCATION

In 18 days, Hillcrest High School students raised $3,686 to keep their 72-year-old newspaper alive. The Hillcrest Hurricane was in danger of being shuttered because of limited funding, so Editor-in-Chief Delaney Shiu started a GoFundMe page to print eight issues next year. Several successful journalists — including New York Times’ Steve Kenny, The Wall Street Journal’s Karen Blumenthal and USA Today’s Sharon Jayson — got their start at the student-run newspaper.

DEVELOPMENT

The Northaven Trail and White Rock Creek Trail are one step closer to merging. The City of Dallas acquired land at 11231 N. Central Expressway, near Northaven Road, to construct an onramp and bridge over U.S. 75. The project is funded by Dallas County, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

White Rock Creek Trail

Northaven Trail

PHOTOS BY DANNY FULGENCIO

BIZ BUZZ

WHAT’S UP WITH NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESSES

COMING SOON

TreeHouse made its mark in Austin as an eco-friendly home improvement store. Now the retailer is upping its game with a store in our neighborhood. Slated to open this June, its new location at The Hill Shopping Center will be the first retail store in the country that is energy positive, meaning it puts energy back into the grid. “This is our growing up and going to the big leagues,” CEO Jason Ballard told the Advocate.

More than 500 luxury apartments are being constructed at the northwest corner of Walnut Hill and N. Central Expressway at Preston Hollow Village. Once completed, the 42-acre development is composed of three apartment communities, retail space and a 3-acre park.

RESTAURANT NEWS

The outburst of fast-casual restaurants opening in Preston Hollow continues with Street’s Fine Chicken. The beloved Cedar Springs eatery is slated to open its second location at Inwood Road and Forest Lane this summer. The offerings include a hybrid of southern and French comfort food served in a fast-paced environment.

Cinc5 Taco Bar also has joined the ever-growing list of restaurants offering a quick bite. The Preston Hollow Village taco bar is the sister establishment to Addison’s Cinco Tacos Cocina & Tequila.

NOW OPEN

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage launched a sales office in the Preston Center. The office will focus on highend sales.

By GEORGE MASON

Good riddance, mom

Mother’s Day is near and dear to nearly all of us. Most of us will either honor our mothers on that day or remember them fondly.

Unless our mother was like the woman whose children memorialized her with an epitaph on a headstone in a Sedona, Ariz., cemetery. A friend of mine who walks her dog there can’t stop wondering about this family:

“To Our Mother, Mona Herold Vanni, October 14, 1912 to April 11, 1996.

“You spent your life expressing animosity for nearly every person you encountered, including your children. Within hours of his death, you even managed to declare your husband of fifty-seven years unsuited to being either a spouse or a father. Hopefully, you are now insulated from all the dissatisfaction you found in human relationships. —Buddy, Jackie and Mike”

Ouch! Pain carved in stone.

I referred to this in a sermon on Mother’s Day 2014. I recently received an email from Mike, the son who oversaw the $10,000 installation of the tombstone for their mother memorialized above. Apparently, Mike did an Internet search and read my sermon that included my allusion to this. He wrote to share some backstory to the epitaph that was fueled by agonizing memories of his childhood.

Mike wrote his memoir, “Predestined for Reformation: My Lifelong Quest for the Noble Path,” under a pseudonym, Tony Roletti, because of the “somewhat unkind references to living members of a Christian church who have been, in my view, less than honorable throughout their lives.” That pains a pastor’s heart.

The author is 77 years old now, and although he has had a successful career,

he still bears the scars of a childhood filled with domestic horror and lacking in expected gentle and generous maternal care. The book tells of his watching his two older sisters enduring their mother’s beatings and terror, until they ran away from home to find safety. Mike himself left home immediately upon high school graduation.

Mona’s son has struggled with anger management throughout his life and has always held authority figures with suspicion and disdain. He was never able to function well in a team-oriented structure and has struggled to embrace the world with love and compassion, despite his work with young people as a teacher and sociologist.

Mothers provide us with our first hint that the world is a friendly place and we are welcome in it. Or, they don’t. For those with mothers like Mike’s, it’s a life-

WORSHIP

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

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

FIRST UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH / 6202 E Mockingbird Lane 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

GRACE UMC / Diverse, Inclusive, Missional Sunday School for all ages, 9:30 am / Worship, 10:50 am 4105 Junius St. / 214.824.2533 / graceumcdallas.org

PRESBYTERIAN

PRESTON HOLLOW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / 9800 Preston Road Services: 8:15 am Chapel, 9:30 and 11:00 am Sanctuary Senior Pastor Matthew E. Ruffner / www.phpc.org / 214.368.6348

long challenge to overcome a start with a malformed heart.

Mothers who do their work of love and nurture forge solid souls in their kids. They teach us to be tough and tender both, and when to be which. Mothers who are themselves deeply damaged will deeply damage their offspring, unless they find the healing and help they need in time to parent well.

A mother bears her children, and forever thereafter her children bear their mother. Bearing our mothers can be a burden or blessing. Let’s all pray for blessings to abound.

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.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

An unusual epitaph speaks to the crucial legacy of mothers

Mothers provide us with our first hint that the world is a friendly place and we are welcome in it. Or, they don’t.

AC & HEAT

WHERE CAN I FIND LOCAL ...?

CLASSES/TUTORING/LESSONS

CREATIVE ARTS CENTER

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AMIRA MAID 972-840-8880

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ELECTRICAL SERVICES

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FENCING & DECKS

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

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

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HANNAWOODWORKS.COM

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EST. 1991 #1

COWBOY

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214.692.1991

SPECIALIZING IN Wood Fences &Auto Gates

Serving your Neighborhood Since 1993

Repairing: Refrigerators •Washer/Dryers • Ice Makers •Stoves • Cooktops • Ovens 214✯823✯2629

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

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

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

COMCAST HI-SPEED INTERNET $29.99/mo (for 12 mos.) No term agreement. Fast downloads. Plus ask about TV (140 Channels) Internet bundle for $79.99/mo (for 12 mos.) 1-844-714-4451

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

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

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

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,

Since ‘98. Insured. amiramaid.com Dependable Service. References

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

FATHER, SON, GRANDSON

Window Cleaning. Free Est. Derek. 682-716-9892

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM

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COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS

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

BILL’S COMPUTER REPAIR

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

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 972-639-6413 / stykidan@sbcglobal.net

CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING

BRICK & STONE REPAIR

Tuck Pointing / Crack Repair. Mortar Color Matching. Don 214-704-1722

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

Online at Classifieds.advocatemag.com

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

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

CONSUMERS CHOICE AWARDS 2007-2016 Making Homes Safer

cowboyfenceandiron.com

FLOORING & CARPETING

DALLAS HARDWOODS 214-724-0936

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

FENN CONSTRUCTION Manufactored hardwoods. Stone and Tile. Back-splash Specials. 214-343-4645

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

Restoration Flooring

arrowelectric.net

Phones Answered 24/7

EMPLOYMENT

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

ESTATE/GARAGE SALES

TRANSITIONING? MOVING? Have years of accumilation? We can help. 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

EXTERIOR CLEANING

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FOUNDATION REPAIR •

GARAGE SERVICES

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

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS

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

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HANDYMAN SERVICES

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

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

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HOUSE PAINTING

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

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RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT

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

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

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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

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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

Everyone wants to save on their home energy bill. Keeping your A/C unit running at peak efficiency can cut your costs by 20%. Follow these tips and watch that energy bill drop.

1.Clean or change the filter once a month, not just when it is hot already.

2.Keep the outdoor unit clean. Clean plant growth, debris from unit.

3.Check and maintain fan belts on the outdoor unit.

4.Schedule a pre-season tune-up by a professional. They can inspect, unclog and upgrade your system. The only thing that’s left is to enjoy being cool and keeping that cash for summer fun.

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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

TO ADVERTISE

30 prestonhollow.advocatemag.com MAY 2017

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. 214-504-6788 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

YOUR TREES could look like a WORK OF ART, I Guarantee It. Call Mark Wittlich 214-332-3444

MAY SPECIAL $200 OFF 4 man crew/4 hours

Just Trees

”WE CARE ABOUT YOUR TREES”

On Staff:

• 4 - Certified Arborists

• 1 - Tex- Tech Degreed Ag

• 1 - Tex A&M Degreed Forester

Certified Applicators 214-327-9311 FULLY INSURED Commercial/Residential www.holcombtreeservice.com IRISH RAIN SPRINKLER SYSTEMS REPAIR SERVICE RETAINING WALLS DRAIN HELP 28+ Yrs. Exp. Licensed by State of Texas #2738 214-827-7446 p Mastercard Discover HEADS UP! Inspection Special -10% Off MENTION OUR AD IN ADVOCATE LEGAL SERVICES A WILL? THERE IS A WAY! Estate/Probate matters.maryglennattorney.com 214-802-6768 MORTGAGE SERVICES NEED A PURCHASE, REFIANCE Or Renovation Home Loan? Call Pat Nagler, PrimeLending Sr. Loan Officer (NMLS: 184376) 214-402-4019 for all your mortgage needs. JUNE DEADLINE MAY 10

MOVING

AM MOVING COMPANY Specialty Moving & Delivery.469-278-2304 ammovingcompany.com

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

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

THE PET DIVAS Pet Sitting, Daily Dog Walks, In Home/Overnight Stays.Basic Obedience Training. thepetdivas.com 817-793-2885. Insured

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

PLUMBING

THE PLUMBING MANN LLC

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

We Solve Your Plumbing Problems

HUNTER PLUMBING 214-324-2733

POOLS

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ACCOUNTING, TAXES

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

BOOKKEEPING NEEDS? Need Help Organizing Finances?No Job Too Small or Big. Call C.A.S. Bookkeeping Services. Cindy 214-577-7450

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

WORRIED? ANXIOUS? Relaxed, effective professional counseling for anxiety in teens, adults & seniors. dallascounselor.com 214-489-7774

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

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

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

Bob McDonald Company, Inc. BUILDERS/REMODELERS

30+ Yrs. in Business • Major Additions Complete Renovations • Kitchens/Baths

214-341-1155 bobmcdonaldco.net

ROOFING & GUTTERS

BERT ROOFING INC.

Family owned and operated for over 40 years • Residential/Commercial

Mobile. SEO Friendly. Maintainable.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 214.560.4203 JUNE DEADLINE

AdvocateWebDesign.com 214.292.2053

ADVOCATE PUBLISHING does not pre-screen, recommend or investigate the advertisements and/or Advertisers published in our magazines. As a result, Advocate Publishing is not responsible for your dealings with any Advertiser. Please ask each Advertiser that you contact to show you the necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform the work you are requesting. Advocate Publishing takes comments and/or complaints about Advertisers seriously, and we do not publish advertisements that we know are inaccurate, misleading and/or do not live up to the standards set by our publications. If you have a legitimate complaint or positive comment about an Advertiser, please contact us at 214-560-4203. Advocate Publishing recommends that you ask for and check references from each Advertiser that you contact, and we recommend that you obtain a written statement of work to be completed, and the price to be charged, prior to approving any work or providing an Advertiser with any deposit for work to be completed.

You’ve chosen the right neighborhood, now choose the right Realtor.

Preston Hollow has always had a special place in the heart of Dallas. Ours, too. We’ve been living and working here for over four decades–and no one knows this neighborhood quite like we do. If you’re looking for something exceptional here in Preston Hollow, start with an exceptional team of Realtors. Visit virginiacook.com.

$1,675,000 Exquisite modern home with professional grade appliances! Oversized 3 car garage!

$970,000 Fabulous one-story ranch on .48 acre! Withers Elementary! Spacious rooms! Private backyard with pool, hot tub and outdoor kitchen!

$949,000 Preston Hollow gem in outstanding location! 4BR/3.1BA + 2 Living Areas with easy expansion possibilities. Master has sitting room. Huge yard!

$1,060,000 Fabulous reconstruction capturing original charm with today’s amenities! 4BR/4BA + Lori

$535,000 Outstanding drive up appeal! Loaded with charm and character. Huge backyard with pool and separate yard.

Thomas 214.641.7001

$525,000 Spacious living & dining room! Oversized den with built-in bookcases! See-through

$710,000 Beautifully updated, pier and beam home on nearly 2/3 of an acre with creek views!