2011 December Lakewood

be good for goodness sake

a guide to gifts that keep giving

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What’s

NEWSLETTER LAUNCH

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Most Aberg Center for Literacy volunteers say they learn more than their students.

Photo by Benjamin Hager

We love interacting with our neighbors.

File this under ‘proof that East Dallasites can protest anything’

Advocate editor Christina Hughes Babb recently announced on the blog that Hypnotic Donuts is opening a storefront on Garland Road in the former Donut Palace spot. The funky feel of adjacent Little Forest Hills seems a good match for owner James St. Peter’s self-proclaimed hippie business approach — recyclable materials, upcycled furniture and décor, and foodie concoctions as toppings (maple frosting and bacon? Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it).

Christina’s blog post quoted St. Peter as choosing the spot near White Rock Lake because of “the friendly neighborhood vibe and the enthusiasm residents have for local business.” According to initial blog commentary, however, Hypnotic Donuts may be too trendy for some Casa Linda area neighbors.

“Are all these new shops trying to turn Casa Linda into a cliché Oak Cliff? Please don’t.“ —Vegasamy2010

“Another step in the Portland-ification of Dallas?” —Stuart

“Finally, East Dallas is becoming civilized! We have a fancy donut place, yay! Salvation has arrived, now we’ll no longer have to slum it. As if there are no other locally owned donut shops in the area. I can’t help but worry that there’s a concerted effort to make Casa Linda a ‘trendy’ spot like what happened on Knox/Henderson and Oak Cliff’s Bishop

6856 Gaston Avenue

“We want the Donut Palace back. You guys can go to hell.”

Zemus420

The great thing about our neighborhood is that not only does everyone have an opinion, but the opinions run the gamut. These comments begot comments from other readers who felt differently.

“Is the Albertson’s that distinctive feel you want?”

—lakeparksestatesrunner

“Who cares if it makes Casa Linda a trendy area? Places like Good2Go, Goodfriend, Another Broken Egg and this new donut place are a great sign that people are starting to believe in this area again.” —Michael Mosteller

“Do you really think that Bishop Arts is something to be scared of? There are, what, 15 places for the gentry in that whole zip code?” Los

Politico

“There are so many empty storefronts on Garland Road right now, I’m just thankful one is being filled with something other than a pawn shop, dry cleaner or nail salon.”

—Bare Feet on the Dashboard

“Can you be more specific on who can go to hell, please? The owners of Hypnotic Donuts or the Advocate staff?” —Jason Moore

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TOO MUCH OF A GOOD T HING

Are we stretching the most wonderful time of the year beyond recognition?

A few years ago, we wound up about 20 driving hours from home the day after Thanksgiving.

Destined as we were for a lengthy car ride, I thought I would brighten the drive by locating holiday-song-only radio stations and flipping from one to another, making this an all-holiday-tunes exercise, something my family could look back on and fondly remember someday.

Well, I’m happy to report that we do look back on this trip, but the word “fondly” isn’t part of the story.

All I was doing was replicating my personal pattern between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, when I give my daily diet of Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen and Boston a six-week rest in favor of holiday tunes. It’s a plan that seems to keep both genres fresh year-round.

But there’s a difference between listening to holiday tunes for 20 minutes at a time and listening to them for 20 consecutive hours. As we wound through the hills of Missouri and Arkansas and across the relative flatness of East Texas, it dawned on me that there are only about 30 actual holiday “favorites,” and once those have been played, the radio stations start looping them again. And again. And again.

Given enough repetitions, even Springsteen’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” begins to sound like fingernails on a chalkboard. If you don’t believe me, just ask my wife or sons, who spent a good portion of what should have been a restful drive for them (after all, I was behind the wheel throughout) complaining so loudly about this cruel and unusual punishment that I finally gave in and switched the channel.

We survived, of course, although one son still barks irrationally when a holiday song dares flash its title on the radio screen. But that ill-conceived idea says something about the unintended consequences of the ever-expanding holiday season.

We all know that within minutes of clearing the shelves of Halloween candy, many merchants fill their stores with holiday stuff. It still seems odd to find Santa waving hello when Thanksgiving is nowhere in sight.

I’m not pointing a finger at stores that start the holidays early; they are entitled to do whatever is best for their bottom lines, particularly in these curious economic times.

But I do wonder about the cumulative “damage” we’re doing to ourselves by allowing the holidays to become an overexposed part of our lives.

Our pastor used the term “extravagant generosity” during a recent sermon, and his point seemed to be the importance of giving generously to others from both our pocketbooks and our time.

The holiday season, more than any other, is a time when most of us feel an emotional pull to dig a little deeper to help each other.

Yes, we should feel that way every day of every year. But sadly, most of us just can’t operate that way. We need a special time to give in a special way, and the holiday season offers that opportunity.

Or at least it did. Now, with the season stretching from Nov. 1 to Jan. 2, that’s a long time to keep the flame burning without scorching someone, most likely ourselves.

Given enough repetitions, even Bruce Springsteen’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” begins to sound like fingernails on a chalkboard.

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editors

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EMILY TOMAN

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RACHEL STONE

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contributors: SEAN CHAFFIN, BILL KEFFER, GAYLA KOKEL, GEORGE MASON, BLAIR MONIE, ELLEN RAFF, MEGHAN RINEY

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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.

Launch

Q&A: Gary Wright

There will be millions of thoughts racing through runners’ minds on White RockMarathon morning, Sunday, Dec. 4: “Am I on pace? How much farther? Man, I’m tired …” But most will not think once about all those orange pointy cones that line the 26.2-mile course. That’s left to Gary Wright, also known as “the coning guru.” He loves the sport, plus, he simply is the type of guy who happily gives of himself. In fact, when we catch up with him, he has just given blood, something he does regularly for a friend in need. READ MORE>>

Benjamin Hager

SCARDELLO ARTISAN CHEESE

Join Scardello’s Cheese of the Month club and become a cheese whiz! Each month enjoy three cheeses varying in texture, milk-type, region and flavor! $45 per month. 214.219.1300

3511 Oak Lawn Ave. scardellocheese.com

BEADS OF SPLENDOR

You choose ... chain, drop, charm & we’ll assemble – the perfect gift from $25.

1900 Abrams Pkwy @ LaVista (LW Shopping Center) 214.824.2777 beadsofsplendor.com

BRUMLEY GARDENS

Christmas decor brings joy to young and old with this delightful musical carousel in several styles. Your Lake Highlands Christmas Store. Shop local and online. 10540 Church Rd. 214.343.4900

brumleygardens.com

DEBUTANTES AND COWBOYS

In need of that perfect dress? We have you covered for the Holidays! dcboutiqueonline.com

9219 Garland Rd. 214.324.3332

LOVETENNIS

LoveTennis has everything tennis and more ... from the hottest apparel lines to the best selection of gifts. Like us on Facebook. lovetennisdallas.com

6708 Snider Plaza 214.691.1540

T.HEE GREETINGS

Unique Decorations and thousands of ornaments at both locations! Mockingbird & Abrams and Walnut Hill & Audelia 214.747.5800 t-heegifts.com

WILLIE & COOTE AVEDA SALON

We make it easy to find gifts with our plant-powered limited edition gift sets. Our gift sets start at $15 and include gift cards for salon/spa services.

2303 Abrams Rd. 214.887.8647 willieandcoote.com

CALLIDORA

Beautiful, one-of-a-kind religious jewelry and gifts, make wonderful holiday gifts. We also have Sterling Silver & do Custom Work, Restringing & Repairs ... callidoragifts.com 214.515.9188

2913 Greenville Ave. (next to Blue Goose)

TRUE BEAUTY Rx

Give the gift of lush, beautiful eyelashes this holiday season! RevitaLash kit includes lash serum, mascara, & volumizing primer.

$198 value for $150. Results in just 3 weeks!

6224 La Vista 214.434.1664 TrueBeautyRx.com

JENNA B’S

Holiday dresses for you and gift cards for your luckiest loved ones!

5706 E. Mockingbird Ln. @ Greenville Ave. 214.484.7116 JennaBsBoutique.com

THE T SHOP

The Holidays have arrived at the T shop! 1911 Abrams Pkwy. 214.821.8314 Visit us on Facebook.

TALULAH BELLE

Michael Aram -The Christmas Ornament Collection takes its inspiration from the imagery that floats around classic storytelling. They evoke a sense of charm and fantasy. 2011 Abrams Rd. 214.821.1927 talulahbelle.com

THE STORE IN LAKE HIGHLANDS

Aromatic Frasier Fir captures traditional holiday scents and fill our fondest memories. Candles, lotions, soaps, potpourri, cleaning products and more. 10233 E. NW Hwy. @ Ferndale (near Albertsons) 214.553.8850 Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30

TheStoreinLH.com

HD’S CLOTHING

Wrap yourself or your holiday package with our infamous eyelash feathered jacket exclusive from Paris. Envelop yourself in soft luxury whenever and wherever you need to go.

3014/18 Greenville Ave. 214.821.8900

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YOGA MART

Terrific unique gifts from India! Necklaces, bracelets, ankle bracelets, scarves, malas and more. One size fits all. Gift certificates available. 6039 Oram (at Skillman) 214.534.4469 yogamartusa.com

GLASSHOUSE

Unique art glass for your decor. Windows, doors, and special projects. Pictured: Stained Glass Panel. Showroom: 910 Dragon St. 214.761.1100 glasshouseproducts.com

PINOT’S PALETTE

PAINT. DRINK. HAVE FUN. Book your December get togethers today at www.PinotsPalette.com. You provide the cocktails and we provide the canvases, paint, and instruction. At the end, you’ll leave with your own masterpiece!

Mockingbird and Abrams 214.827.4668

WACKYM’S KITCHEN

Wackym’s Kitchen bakes delicious cookies from original recipes using fresh, natural ingredients like real butter and cane sugar. Visit our website to order or find a retail location. wackymskitchen.com

Someone told us you are the coning guru of White Rock Lake. How did you earn that nickname? Hmm. More often than that I get called the “cone head.” I guess I started helping out with races back in 2002, with the Dallas Running Club. When the coning crew needed a hand, I helped out and learned how to set up a racecourse.

Do the cones go out the day of the race or sooner?

The morning of the race.

OK, so what does a typical White Rock Marathon day look like for you?

We meet at about 4:30 a.m. — there are three or four of us on three trucks. The third truck is the one that responds to problems that arise. That’s the one I’m on. Before race day, we drive the course and we get a list from the police of the locations we must cone for traffic safety. Then I work up the rest of the details — I try to envision what cues a runner might need. I will print maps for each section of the course identifying those spots. There are two main purposes for the cones: guide runners and block traffic.

How many cones do you use in The Rock?

1,200, give or take. They have changed the course slightly over the years, so it can vary. The lake section of the course really takes care of itself.

Then what?

Before and during the race, I answer any problem calls. My truck follows the socalled “sag wagon” (the vehicle that picks up runners who can’t finish the race). It follows the last runners on the course. I drive along behind it, if all is going as planned, and pick up the cones.

What is an example of a problem you might run into?

Well, once I got a call from police to come place a cone near a dangerous-looking pothole on McKinney. As I placed the cone, the lead runners were swiftly approaching and I barely got out of their

continued on page 16

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continued from page 15

way. Another time, a leading female runner in the half marathon got off course and when I saw her, she was running directly into three lanes of traffic. I got near her and she asked me where the course was. My voice was so hoarse from yelling at people all morning, all I could do was point.

Have you run the marathon yourself?

Yes, in the early ’90s I ran in The Rock for the first time. I’ve run it a few times, and other marathons.

How did you get involved in running?

I used do a lot of backpacking. I’d find myself in the altitude panting after a few minutes, so distance running became a means of conditioning. I knew a girl who went out and ran two laps around White Rock Lake one day [18-plus miles] and I thought, “I can do that.” Needless to say, there was a learning curve. But eventually I was able to cover that distance and more.

What motivates you to do things like give blood and volunteer, especially as the coning guy on whom so much responsibility is thrust?

I don’t know. [Pause.] I do get a sense of satisfaction looking out at all the runners and seeing that things are going well. I gain motivation from the charities served by the White Rock and other events — Scottish Rite Hospital [The White Rock Marathon beneficiary].

Early on I was involved with March of Dimes and their fundraising events because I had a sister who died of birth defects. My backpacking buddy, Mark, almost lost his son because of the same problem that affected her. Mark died from cancer about nine years ago. My girlfriend, Bobbie, also developed breast cancer three months after I met her. She had chemo, surgery and then radiation. The blood donations — those are for Renee, a fellow runner who got West Nile virus from a mosquito that bit her while she was running. It is making a difference. And that is really the point in both donating blood and marathon coning. —Christina Hughes Babb

Dr. Parul K. Patel, DPM

knowing me, knowing you

This PTA mom brings a little bit of Scandanavia to our neighborhood

Helene Honeybone has been known to hang out at Ikea, singing Swedish folk songs and Abba hits. The neighborhood PTA mom also brought Scandinavian culture to Stonewall Jackson Elementary School last year. She’s a Sweden native who has lived in Texas for 16 years, and she throws herself into work at her children’s schools as hard as she does her work in the advertising company she owns. Her older child is now in sixth grade at J.L. Long Middle School, and Honeybone already is entrenched in PTA activities there, too. She also makes time to keep in tune with Swedish culture. A member of the Swedish Women’s Educational Association, Honeybone for nine years directed the choir, which occasionally performs around the area, including, yes, at Ikea. “I think when you’re from a different country and you come to such a melting pot, it means a lot to meet people who are from where you’re from, and it helps you overcome some of the obstacles,” she says. Honeybone and the Swedish association spread the culture last year, when Stonewall selected Scandanavia as the culture to study for the entire school year. It was an honor to see the culture represented in every corner of the school, Honeybone says. She planned some events on the topic, including a Saint Lucia celebration in December. “There’s a saying that Saint Lucia brings light into the darkness because it’s so dark in Sweden,” she says. Although Honeybone and family own a home in Sweden, and they go back to visit at least once a year, Texas is home now. “It grows on you, doesn’t it?” she says. “And now I’m Texan.”

—Anna Waugh and Rachel Stone

Dr. Kelli Slate. Every time I visit, I leave smiling.” – Bob Cline

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“I thought, ‘Oh, nobody will

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Benjamin Hager

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Community

eat at home and like it

nomoretogo.com

Stacey Stabenow amazed her friends with meal organization. The whiteboard in her kitchen always contained a menu for the week, and she only went grocery shopping once a week. “I’ve done it for years because it’s just something I do,” Stabenow says. “I like to cook, and going to the grocery store every day would make me crazy.” Eventually, a few of her friends offered to pay her if she would email them her meal plans and grocery lists. She thought it was crazy, but she agreed to put them on a blog. “I thought, ‘Oh, nobody will ever read this except my friends,’ ” she says. But 350 people signed up when she started offering free trial memberships this past August. Stabenow, who is president of the J.L. Long Middle School PTA, offers one free recipe a week at nomoretogo.com. She has about 70 paid subscribers now. They pay about $5 a month for the whole package meal plans, shopping lists and recipes. The recipes are healthy and varied. A sample menu includes steak tacos on Monday and pulled pork sandwiches on Thursday. “It’s something that I was doing for myself and my family anyway, and people really benefit from it,” Stabenow says. “I don’t do casseroles. I don’t do canned or boxed.” She tries all the recipes ahead of time to make sure they work, and she has a handful of fans who send pictures of their meals and carry on discussions about them on Facebook. “The only thing is, my 9-year-old gets tired of it because she’s like, ‘We never eat out!’ “

—Rachel Stone

Rick Beadle D.D.S. LAKE HIGHLANDS RESIDENT

Reid Slaughter D.D.S. LAKEWOOD RESIDENT

The Bishop Arts District is home to over 50 local businesses, including some of Dallas’ Best Rated Restaurants, Boutiques, Services and Galleries.

Kenneth Hamburger II was a Lamborghini salesman in 2008, when the economy tanked.

He was laid off, and saw a chance to do something on his own. His future was born of a martini glass. Hamburger was drinking with friends one night when he realized it’s hard to make a good dirty martini at home, and even bartenders make them too salty. A dirty martini is vodka served straight up with olive juice. Hamburger started experimenting with olives in his M Streets kitchen. “I figured, if you can squeeze grapes, and you can squeeze oranges, why not do the same thing with olives?” he says. After some trials, he found a way to squeeze olives for juice, and it tasted better than any martini mix he had tried. A friend with a wine press helped him perfect the process on a large scale, and in March 2010, they produced the first bottle of 1888 Dirtiest Martini Mix. It is the only martini mix on the market that consists of pure olive juice, Hamburger says. All the others are olive brine. The 1888 mix now is widely available at liquor sores in Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona and New Mexico. Nick & Sam’s was Hamburger’s first client, and Kirby’s Woodfire Grill uses 1888 in its signature martini. Hamburger now is working on distribution deals in Missouri and Illinois. Next year, 1888 will launch two new flavors: bleu cheese and jalapeño. Hamburger sold all his stocks and cashed in his retirement to start the business. “It was a huge risk,” he says. But people always drink. Now Hamburger works fulltime for himself. Find 1888 Dirtiest Martini Mix at 1888olivepress.com. —Rachel Stone

on the house

Little Forest Hills resident Linda Calvert cares about her neighbors. She cares so much, in fact, she created a group that provides much-needed home repairs to elderly and handicapped neighbors — for free. “It’s just a neighborly kind of thing to do,” Calvert says. Residences in her neighborhood often are in need of repairs (many are at least 70 years old), so Calvert, the owner of the home maintenance business Helping Hands Handy Services, Inc., formed the Little Forest Hills Fix It Folks. “There are 949 homes in this little community, so there is plenty for us to do,” she says. And the roughly three dozen volunteers have done it all clean gutters, caulk windows, paint houses, install ceiling fans, repair locks and, when a project gets too big, call in the professionals. “We’ve done just about a little bit of everything,” Calvert

says. Their main goal is to ensure that residents stay comfortable and safe in extreme temperatures. They winterize windows in the winter, install solar shades in the summer and have even replaced a couple of air conditioners. The group is funded by donations from the neighborhood association, money raised at fundraisers and raffles, and, occasionally, customers who opt to pay for their services. “If they give us $20, that’s wonderful; if they don’t, that’s wonderful, too,” Calvert says. Above all, neighbors donate their time. About 35 people have volunteered for the organization since it was formed in 2005. “They’re just a great group of people with all kinds of skills,” Calvert says. Most of the volunteers are retired, and none of them are professional handymen, but that doesn’t stop them from getting things done. “The oldest member on my team is 80,” she says. “I have to constantly get after him to get

down the ladder, or get out of the tree.” Also on her team are a “great group of guys who are just handy around the house” and a 76-year-old woman who is “dynamo.”

Look at this.

The female volunteers are just as involved as the men. “We gals get out the hammer and nails and go just like they do. You’d be shocked at what we can do.” And while the volunteers work together to rebuild homes, they also build relationships. “We’ve all bonded nicely together, and we laugh a lot,” Calvert says. “I’ve made a lot of friends; we all have.”

—Meghan Sikkel

TO CONTACT the Little Forest Hills Fix It Folks, call Linda Calvert at 214.327.5508.

Jennifer Pell, being hugged by Linda Calvert (far left), has received help from the Fix It Folks. More of the folks, from left, are: Jim Folger, Pam Proctor, Scot Williams, Bill Walker, Beda Casstevens, Julie Bangle and Joe Beaudette. Photos by Jeffrey McWhorter. SLIDESHOW

Out & About

December 2011

Dec. 2

Light Up Lakewood

The businesses at Lakewood Shopping Center, Gaston and Abrams, stay open late on the first Friday in December, with customer enticements such as hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a tree lighting and Santa from 6-9 p.m.

NOV. 18-DEC.22

The Nutcracker and Madeline’s Christmas

The Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts presents “The Nutcracker” at the Dallas Children’s Theater in the Rosewood Center for Family Arts. Puppets tell this version of the holiday classic, and even a graybearded Tchaikovsky puppet makes an appearance. The opening show, on Friday Nov. 18, will include additional festivities before and after, including carols by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Celebration Children’s Choir. “Madeline’s Christmas” is an adaptation based on the children’s book by Ludwig Bemelmans. Performances will be held at DCT’s Baker Theater, and children older than 5 are encouraged.

5938 Skillman Street, 214.740.0051, dct.org, $14-$26

NOV. 25-JAN. 1

Holiday at the Arboretum

Evergreen leaves and holly berries have made an appearance at the Dallas

Arboretum, helping the garden welcome the holiday season. In addition to the festival display, “It’s a Fairy Tale World,” which highlights various fairy tale interpretations, events include a holiday tea at the DeGolyer Estate, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. daily through Dec. 21 (call 214.515.6511 for reservations), and live reindeer along with Frosty and Rudolph costumed characters every Saturday-Sunday through Dec. 18. Visit the reindeer from 1-4 p.m. and Frosty and Rudolph from 11-3 p.m. 8525 Garland, 214.515.6500, dallasarboretum.org, $8-$12

NOV. 30-DEC. 17

Greetings

One Thirty Productions presents “Greetings” at the Bath House Cultural Center, 1:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.

“Greetings” is a holiday comedy about a man who introduces his Jewish fiancée to his Catholic parents. Reservations are recommended.

521 E. Lawther, 214.532.1709, dallasculture.org, $12-$14

Dec. 17

Carols & Candlelight

Orpheus Chamber Singers performs their “Carols & Candlelight” concert at 8 p.m. Saturday at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. The concert features unique and traditional carols, motets and a candlelight procession.

6306 Kenwood, 214.546.1252, orpheuschambersingers.org, $5-$30

Nov. 30-Dec. 15

Holiday performances at NorthPark Center

NorthPark Center hosts various neighborhood music groups this month as part of its “Sights and Sounds of the Seasons.” Performances will take place either near the fountain near Dillard’s or on the lower level beneath the food court, called NorthCourt:

St. Pius X Catholic School Angelics Ensemble, Nov. 30, 11 a.m., Dillard’s

Dallas Christian Academy Middle School Choir, Nov. 30, 2 p.m., Dillard’s Dallas Christian Academy Upper School A Cappella Choir, Dec. 1, noon, Dillard’s

Robert E. Lee Elementary Cougar Choir, 1 p.m., Dillard’s

Hexter Elementary School Choir, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m., Dillard’s

Lakewood Elementary School Choir, Dec. 9, 10:45 a.m., Dillard’s Woodrow Wilson High School, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m., NorthCourt

Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, Dec. 10, noon, NorthCourt

Lakehill Preparatory Middle School and High School Choirs, Dec. 10, 4 p.m., Dillard’s

J.L. Long Middle School Expectations Show Choir, Dec. 13, 1 p.m., Dillard’s

Lakehill Preparatory Elementary School Choir, Dec. 14, 11 a.m., Dillard’s

Sanger Elementary School Choir, Dec. 15, 1 p.m., NorthCourt 8687 N. Central, 214.363.7441, northparkcenter.com, free

DEC. 3

Santa at Ebby Halliday

Santa Claus visits Ebby Halliday Realtors in Hillside Village for photos with children noon-3 p.m. No pet photos.

6441 E. Mockingbird, 214.826.0316, free

DEC. 3

Christmas party and silent auction

The seventh-annual Gustavo Ipiña Memorial Scholarship Fund Christmas party and silent auction at Bodega Bar from 7-10 p.m. Saturday benefits

Woodrow Wilson High School graduates

Tickets include one drink ticket and hors d’oeuvres.

4514 Travis at Knox, gustavoscholarship.org

DEC. 3

Winter art fair

Alex Sanger Elementary School PTA presents the Winter Art Fair from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at Alex Sanger Elementary School. The event includes a silent auction that will remain open until 5 p.m., and features work from local and regional artists. Proceeds benefit the school.

8410 San Leandro, 214.924.1141, alexsangerelementary.org, free

DEC. 4

Advent lessons and carols

For this 6 p.m. Advent service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Bishop Paul Lambert, U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling and Dallas City Councilman Sheffie Kadane will alternate

Dentistry with TLC

scripture readings between choral numbers and hymns from the St. John’s choirs. A reception follows the event. 848 Harter, 214.321.6451, stjohnsepiscopal.org, free

DEC. 5

Christmas luncheon

Casa Linda AARP presents its annual Christmas luncheon at The Knights of Columbus Lodge at 11:30 a.m. Monday. 10110 Shoreview, 214.321.1705, $10

DEC. 8-11 AND 13-22

Alexander Mansion tour and tea

The Dallas Woman’s Forum’s annual Alexander Mansion Holiday Tour is from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 8-11. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. A $10 lunch of soup, salad or sandwich, dessert and beverage will be available. The European Tea Room is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 13-22. Tickets cost $45, or $15 for children under 12, and include lunch, tea, champagne, tax and gratuity. Call 214.823.4533 for reservations. 4607 Ross Ave., alexandermansiondallas.com.

DEC. 10

GLRW Holiday Luncheon

The Greater Lakewood Republican Women host their annual holiday

MetroPCS White Rock Marathon

The 42nd Metro PCS White Rock Marathon course begins at Fair Park and covers scenic areas, including White Rock Lake, Uptown, Turtle Creek, Lakewood and the Swiss Avenue Historic District. The race benfits the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for children.

972.498.1136, runtherock.com, $125-$400

luncheon 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. For details on the location, call Kelly Nolan. 214.728.7301, free

DEC. 10

Christmas Bazaar

The parents of Bishop Lynch Brigade present the Bishop Lynch High School Christmas Bazaar and Silent Auction 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday in the school atrium, hallways and cafeteria. Proceeds will benefit the drill team and JV Silver Cadettes.

9750 Ferguson, bishoplynch.org, free

DEC. 10

Polyphonic Spree 9th Annual Holiday Extravaganza

The Lakewood Theater show includes, in order of appearance: Dallas Zoo Animal Adventures, We’re Not Dudes, Polyphonic Spree Christmas set, Syncopated Ladies and — from 10 p.m.-midnight — the Polyphonic Spree rock set.

1825 Abrams, 214.821.7469, lakewoodtheater.com, $25

DEC. 17

A Merry Little Christmas Show

Lakewood resident Ricki Derek returns to the Lakewood Theater for his third annual Christmas performance.

1825 Abrams Parkway, lakewoodtheater.com, $22.50-$32.50

Delicious

Winter brews

After working as baristas at local coffee shops, Jonathan Meadows and Nathan Shelton realized they could do better. “The more we were learning, the more we exceeded the expectations of the shop,” Meadows says. So, they embarked on their own venture, Cultivar Coffee and Tea Co., taking over the former Stir Coffee storefront and sharing space with Good 2 Go Tacos at Garland and Peavy. The shop offers three to six different roasts a day, originating from Rwanda, Indonesia, Tanzania and Colombia. For the espresso drinks, the baristas weigh every shot rather than relying on volume alone. And every drink comes in one size to maintain just the right ratio of milk and espresso. That way, you get a consistent brew each time, Meadows says. He picked up on these tricks after visiting some of the best coffee shops in the country, such as Intelligentsia in Chicago. “That really fueled me and showed me that this is actually possible. There’s no reason to be afraid of doing something drastically different.”

—Emily Toman

CULTIVAR COFFEE &TEA CO.

1146 Peavy 469.387.6289 cultivarcoffee.com

AMBIANCE: HIPCOFFEE SHOP/TACO JOINT VIBE

PRICE RANGE: $2-$5

HOURS: TUES.-SUN. 7 A.M.-3P.M.

DID YOU KNOW? JONATHAN MEADOWS PLACED FIFTH IN THE SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONALBARISTA COMPETITION.

VIDEO Watch this.

Nathan Shelton shows us how to make the perfect cappuccino.

Watch it at lakewood.advocatemag.com/video

Cortado, made with espresso and steamed milk. Photo by Mark Davis

1 White Rock Coffee

In addition to organic fair trade coffees, the Northwest Highway location serves as a cozy live music venue for neighborhood artists.

10105E.Northwest Highway 214.341.4774

4216 Abrams, 214.792.9767 wrcoffee.com

2 Pearl Cup

Carlene Saelg and Rita Davis, known as “the Pearl Cup girls,” quickly made a name for themselves with their signature latte, using Texas roasters.

1900 Henderson 214.824.9500

thepearlcup.com

3 Henk’s Black Forest Bakery

It’s hard to pass up a Chai tea latte from the coffee shop and German deli next door to Half Price Books.

5801E.Northwest Highway 214.987.9090

henksblackforestbakery.com

Visit advocatemag.com/newsletter to sign up for our Dining newsletter, which launches in January.

The hot chocolate at White Rock Coffee is served with fresh whipped cream. Photo by Mark Davis

of bubbly

Segura Viudas brut rosé, Spain

Sparkling wine has traditionally been something wine business loved to hate. Save for expensive Champagne — bubbly from the Champagne reof France, and the only stuff allowed to be called Champagne on the label — sparklers are hard to sell except at this time of year.

But a funny thing has happened since the recession started in 2008. Lots of producers from some odd places are making sparkling wine, and it seems to be selling. Barefoot, the massive subsidiary of the Gallo empire, makes bubbly. So does Yellow Tail, the Australian wine behemoth. Each has recognized that there is a market for sparkling wine that is a little sweet and doesn’t cost a lot of money.

Which shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who regularly reads this part of the magazine. I’m not a huge fan of those wines, because I think you can find better quality

for more or less the same price. But the Barefoots and Yellow Tails, which are solid wines, have opened the sparkling market to people who never would have tried a $45 Champagne — which is a good thing.

So as you look for something to toast the holidays, keep in mind that bubbly doesn’t have to cost a fortune:

This cava (what the Spanish call sparkling wine) may be my favorite bubbly, even more than my beloved Cristalino. It’s cheap, it’s got lots of tiny, wonderful bubbles, and it pairs with all sorts of food.

Unusual Australian bubbly made with sauvignon blanc, with sweet tropical fruit but not as much citrus as one would expect. Less tight and bubbly than cava, but not as soft as some Italian sparklers.

This is the real thing — Champagne at about as reasonable a price as you’re going to find. Look for yeast and crème caramel aromas and some apple flavor. It’s very straightforward, but not as simple as it seems.

JEFF

—Jeff Siegel

Hacienda On Henderson

Wanna do the Happy Dance?

$2 Tuesdays with $2

SIEGEL’S WEEKLY WINE REVIEWS appear every Wednesday on lakewood.advocatemag.com

with your wine

Acadiana pralines

If pralines aren’t the perfect holiday treat, what is? These are a little creamy, but not as much as those you’ll find in Texas kitchens or Tex-Mex restaurants. And if they aren’t easy to make, they’re worth the trouble — and they do pair nicely with bubbly.

GROCERY LIST

3 c light brown sugar, packed 1/8 tsp salt

1 c milk

2 Tbsp white corn syrup

2 Tbsp butter

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 c pecan halves

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix sugar, salt, milk and corn syrup in a heavy 3-quart saucepan and cook to soft ball stage (about 235 degrees on a candy thermometer). Remove from heat and work quickly, since the caramel hardens quickly. Add butter and vanilla, and mix well. Finally, add pecans as the mixture hardens.

2. Drop the mixture by tablespoons onto wax paper or parchment paper. Cool until firm.

Makes about two dozen, takes about an hour

Ask the wine guy

I see the word “brut” on sparkling wine. What does that mean?

B rut signifies that the wine is dry. If the wine is sweet, it will say “extra dr y.” No, this doesn’t make sense, but it’s one o f the charms of Champagne and sparkling wi ne.

—Jeff

Siegel

ASK

6448 E. Mockingbird Ln. (SE corner of Mockingbird & Abrams) 214.823.9452

’Tis better to give

Shopping with a positive impact

Sure, you love unwrapping gifts as much as the next person — we do, too. But watching a loved one open the perfect present, courtesy you, ranks among the top warm-fuzzy winter feelings.

Kick that charity-inspired cheer up a notch with these gifts that give — and give again.

The Arboretum gift shop

The White Rock Lake area’s garden of Eden, the Dallas Arboretum, features more than 65 acres of sprawling outdoor botanical beauty, so it is easy to forget that inside the main entrance booth is the little HoffmanFamilyStore, a gift shop whose proceeds go to the arboretum, a nonprofit organization, and its research and education programs.

And oh, the gems you can find here.

Have a bird lover on the list? Get your owl jewelry boxes and bejeweled hummingbird tea holders here. Kids? Plush toys and colorful children’s clothing, accessories and miniature gardening tools abound. Bookworms? The boutique offers a selection of beautiful coffee table books and quirky titles such as Bill Adler Jr.’s “Outwitting Squirrels: 101 cunning strategies to reduce dramatically the egregious misappropriation of seed from your birdfeeder by squirrels.” Birdhouses, nature-inspired jewelry, garden tools, bird baths, hats, lawn chairs, picnic baskets — the list goes on, and new items arrive every day, staffers say.

On Thursdays, senior citizens receive a 20 percent discount at the store. Dallas Arboretum’s Terry Lendecker hopes shoppers might also consider giving an Arboretum membership, which includes a 10 percent discount at the shop.

Hoffman Family Store, 214.515.6576 or arboretum.org

An individual year-round Dallas Arboretum membership is $68 and includes admission for the member and a guest. More gift membership options are available at dallasarboretum.org or 214.515.6547.

TALK BACK Discuss online.

What other neighborhood businesses offer kindhearted gifts for the holidays? Visit lakewood.advocatemag.com, search gift guide and tell us in this story’s comment section.

Story by Rachel Stone | Photos by Benjamin Hager and Can Türkyilmaz

Ifyou’re hosting a party this holiday season, wander inside T. Hee Greetings & Gifts the neighborhood boutique stuffed with stylish stationary; glass pigs; snuggly plush pets; blinged-out bags, baubles and bows; sports paraphernalia for the fan or host (check out the “Bad Call Bricks,” soft bricks to throw at your television when the ref irks you), yard art, table decorations and scores of things that smell crazy good (and that’s just at first blush). If you don’t have holiday party plans, it will make you want to throw one.

David Farris and Tony Doles constantly carry the store’s colorful character into the community, participating in all sorts of fundraisers and neighborhood events.

“Since opening our first store we have been dedicated to giving back to the community in any way possible,” Farris says. “While we do our share of check writing to Lake Highlands- and Lakewood-based organizations, we also always look for ways to use the resources we have available to do more for an organization beyond a mere cash donation.”

Every year near the holidays, T. Hee hosts shop nights for a couple of different neighborhood organizations. Those nights usually turn out to be a don’t-miss kind of party where shoppers stock up on holiday gifts.

“Shop nights always enjoy a robust attendance and are always a lot of fun,” Farris says. “At the end of the night, we cut a check for a percentage of the night’s receipts back to the charity.”

T. Hee Greetings & Gifts

t-heegifts.com, 6465 E. Mockingbird

972.996.2606

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50% off the enrollment fee when you join, or join with a friend and both receive 75% off.

Call 214.820.7872 or visit LandryFitness.com.

ROMA BOOTS

Remember the great snow and ice storm of 2011? You know, when schools were closed for a week and Super Bowl parties everywhere were sabotaged? A pair of Roma boots sure would have come in handy that week.

Roma hunter-style rain boots are warm, sturdy, protective to the knee, and dang stylish. And for each pair sold ($79 adult and $39 for kids), Roma for All donates a pair to a child living in poverty. Founder and Lakewood resident Samuel Bistrian was visiting his home country in Ukraine when he noticed little children sloshing through dirt and snow in either sandals, worn shoes or no shoes at all (he recalls being fortunate enough to have a pair of hand-me-down boots when he was a child living there).

“Providing proper footwear is just the first step to helping these children break out of the poverty cycle,” Bistrian says. “My broader plan is to empower them by getting them back into the education system. So wherever we do a boot drop, we’ll be able to connect these kids with a local educational organization and say, ‘Hey we did this for these kids, but these kids need more than just a pair of rain boots. They need an education.’ ”

Pick up a pair of Roma boots — so you and yours’ toes can be protected from this winter’s elements — at Ditto Boutique in Hillside Village or online at romaprovisions.com.

Ditto Boutique

6465 Mockingbird, 214.370.4444

Kim Ritzenthaler

East Lake Veterinary Hospital and Pet Orphanage — a tangerinecolored edifice with a sprawling doggie playground out back — is the place where the city’s most fortunate orphaned animals end up. In the early 2000s, Dr. Karen Fling opened the no-kill shelter, even though it meant expenses she wasn’t quite sure how to handle.

“We want to make a difference in the community,” Fling has said. “If the animal is fixable, we’ll do whatever it takes to treat them without regard to cost.”

After operating for years under a sig-

SECOND CHANCE TREASURES

nificant deficit that nearly thwarted operations at the orphanage, Fling and volunteers opened the resale store Second Chance Treasures , on Garland Road at Peavy, where 100 percent of the profits go to East Lake’s orphanage.

The boutique is the same bright hue as the orphanage and is chock full of handpicked, and in some cases valuable, estate-sale items.

Second Chance Treasures welovepets.net

9034 Garland, 214.660.9696

More gifts that give back at local boutiques:

These adorable horse ornaments cost $6, and a portion of the proceeds goes to Return to Freedom, a wild horse sanctuary in California.

TheT Shop

1911Abrams Parkway, Suite 109 214.821.8314

VICKERY PLACE COOKBOOK

Vickery Place residents Kathy Harris and Shelia Huffman put together a cookbook to honor their neighborhood’s centennial celebration this year.

Amid recipes for pomegranate margaritas and mango-avocado salsa are more classic dishes.

Sir Elton John’s Holiday Candle by Nest smells like evergreen and citrus. It costs $40, and a portion of the proceeds to go Elton John’s AIDS Foundation.

Tallulah Belle

2011Abrams

214.821.1927

tallulahbelle.com

There is Eva Potter Morgan’s recipe for baked beans, handed down from her mother. Morgan’s father started Potter Art Metal Studios in their backyard on Vickery. And there are Grace’s buttermilk biscuits (the thin crispy kind) from Jamesene Temple Wallace. Her mom and dad, Jim and Grace Temple, moved to Goodwin in 1940.

“It’s a history book as well as a cookbook,” Harris says.

The 112-page book, “Recipes and Recollections: Vickery Place Cooking

Since 1911,” features historical photos of the neighborhood, as well as snippets about the neighborhood and cooking from old Dallas Morning News articles and ads. There are new recipes, old recipes, neighborhood potluck favorites and 15 recipes from neighborhood restaurants.

Caren Original’s lip balm, lotion, soaps and other products are made in the United States, and a portion of their profits are donated to Breast Cancer Alliance and other good causes. Prices range from $2.50-$18.50.

Walton’s Garden Center

8652 Garland Road

214.321.2387

waltonsgarden.com

The books sell for $11 at Downing Hill, Jimmy’s Food Store, Fish City Grill on Henderson, and on the Vickery Place website.

Proceeds from the book go to the Vickery Place Neighborhood Association and the Senior Pet Assistance Network.

“This wasn’t intended to be a big fundraiser, but it was our way of giving back to the neighborhood in the form of a keepsake,” Harris says.

FIND

Matt Delzell of the M Streets needs to sell 1 billion bracelets.

That’s how many Yield Clothing Co. bracelets it will take to reach his goal of drilling 1 million water wells through the nonprofit he founded in 2009, Millions from One

We take it for granted that water is unlimited and cheap.

“For a large part of the world, that’s a foreign concept,” Delzell says.

Millions from One has drilled 10 wells in developing countries, including India, Peru, Liberia, Uganda and Sierra Leone. The leather bracelets cost $10, and for every one sold, $5 goes toward drilling a well. It takes about 1,000 bracelets to drill one well.

Delzell is a group account coordinator for the Marketing Arm, and he negotiates celebrity endorsement deals for a living. So he has connections. Joel McHale of “The Soup” and “Community,” Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin and former NBA star Scottie Pippen have worn the bracelets.

“It’s easy and inexpensive to save people’s lives,” Delzell says. “When people realize they can spend $10 on this bracelet, and their money goes so far, it’s an easy sell.”

Buy a Millions from One bracelet at millionsfromone.com.

ONLINE

Read more.

Visit lakewood.advocatemag.com and search Millions to One to read more.

9th Annual

Light Up Lakewood

Friday, December 2nd from 6pm - 9pm

Share the Joy of the Season by Bringing a Toy. Toy Drive Hosted by Lakewood Service League to Benefit East Dallas Charities.

Take pictures with Santa Claus, Face Painting, Petting Zoo, Bounce House and many other Family Activities.

Special performances by The Variations, Woodrow Marching Band, and JL Orchestra.

Presenting Sponsors:

Additional Sponsors:

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Moving toward a better life

This atypical team doesn’t just run the streets — they have lived on them

Story by Christina Hughes Babb | Photos by Miranda Krebbs and Can Türkyilmaz

At 5:30 on a Wednesday morning at the corner of Corsicana and Park streets Downtown, two figures inside sidewalk sleeping bags snore, and a man in a thick hooded coat leans against The Bridge homeless shelter wall and pu s his cigarette. His gaze follows a few sweatshirt- and athletic-shoe-clad folks as they emerge from the building to join a similarly dressed group in the parking lot.

The bunch, 15 or so altogether, forms a wide circle. After a series of jumping jacks, stretches and a prayer — “God, grant me the serenity …” — they hit the streets.

Though they train during the wee dark hours, the Back on My Feet team, comprising homeless shelter tenants and volunteer runners, is gaining visibility around White Rock Lake.

They appear in groups — you know them by their crisp white “Back on My Feet” T-

shirts — at most Dallas Running Club events, which are held at Winfrey Point or Norbuck Park at Northwest Highway and Buckner.

The organization enjoys a partnership with East Dallas running outfitter Run On!, which donates shoes and gear and drums up volunteer participation.

BOMF’s 6- to 9-month program partners with central Dallas shelters including The Bridge, Dallas LIFE Foundation and Salvation Army to engage homeless populations in running as an avenue to confidence and self-su ciency.

“Everyone starts with one mile — most have to run-walk that first mile,” says Lea Velez, director of BOMF Dallas, which launched last February.

In October several members raced a 9.2mile race at White Rock Lake’s The Loop

15k, and some ran the 13.1-mile course at the Dallas Running Club’s November half marathon, which starts in Lake Highlands and winds around the lake and through Lakewood.

“It is amazing to see that type of progress take place. This kind of renews running for me,” says Velez, a university teacher with a background in social work and veteran of 36 marathons and four ironman triathlons. “I know that, personally, when I ran my first marathon, I felt that if I could get through some of the rough patches in the race, I could get through difficult things in other areas of my life.”

As the Wednesday morning runners pick up the pace, member Paula Turner lags behind. “Running’s not really my thing, but I like to come out and walk,” she says. “Lea (Velez) just ran a 26-mile race. If she can do that, I can come out and walk a couple miles.”

A few years ago Turner was living in a tent on the streets of Las Vegas.

“I came from a good family, my mother took me to the theater, we traveled — she raised me right. I had no one to blame for my problems but myself.”

After raising two children, she says, she

Back on My Feet member Charles Smith finished the Dallas Running Club half marathon in 2 hours 30 seconds.

developed a chemical addiction, which set off the problems that led to homelessness.

(According to the 2010 census, about 31 percent of the homeless population reports

“substance abuse” as the cause of their homelessness.)

Today, Turner is clean and for almost a year has been living at The Bridge. Her 25-year-old

son, who has mental and physical disabilities, also is in The Bridge program.

The three-day-a-week pre-dawn exercise lends discipline and structure to Turner’s

RUNNERS INTERESTED in learning more or volunteering with Back on My Feet can attend an upcoming orientation at Run On! Register at dallas.backonmyfeet.org.

Team Back on My Feet trains before dawn three mornings a week.

life, and she says she feels it is an important component in her overall rehabilitation, which also includes classes at El Centro College.

Group member Ed Fuller, who finishes his practice run out of breath, sweaty and with a smile on his face, says he is mentally stronger, physically healthier and has lost 50 pounds since joining Back on My Feet.

“The running hurts, but once the run is over, I feel really proud of what I’ve done. If don’t give up during the races all the times I wanted to give up, you know, why give up now? Keep pushing and by the time it’s over, you’ll feel good about what you did.”

Members who maintain 90 percent attendance during the initial stage of the program advance to the Next Steps phase, during which they are eligible for job and educational training through Back on Feet.

The three Back on about 50 members, and 75 percent have moved on to Next Steps. Since the club’s formation less than a year ago, 61 members have run races, 25 have obtained employment, 11 have found housing and 27 have enrolled in job training or academic classes.

Some, such as 47-year-old Gloria Z. former gang member and heroin addict who joined Back on My staying at The Bridge — group even after they have found

“The program turned out to be like rock for me — gave me strength and helped my self-esteem,” Gloria says.

She ran a four-mile mer when the Dallas Running Club made BOMF a race beneficiary at its Bloomin’ Mile. The group members threw warming party when Gloria moved into her first apartment.

“They brought all their warmth and loving care to my house,” Gloria says. “Everyone who runs, they are my

Volunteers for literacy

The nonprofit relies on 170 volunteer teachers

Story by Rachel Stone

Photos by Benjamin Hager

Hundreds of students come through the Aberg Center for Literacy at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in East Dallas every year. Most of them are learning English or preparing for a GED exam. Their classes are totally free and even include childcare.

The church leases the second floor of its annex to the Aberg Center at no charge. Other than that, the organization relies on two things to offer its services: individual donations and volunteers.

“The thing that really drives this program are the people who are willing to get involved,” executive director Teri Walker says.

About 50 volunteers teach classes every week at the center, and there are about 170 volunteers altogether.

One of them is Kenny Rogers, a White Rock-area resident and a partner in a big Dallas law firm. He carves out an hour a week to teach math at the Aberg Center. Rogers became involved as a member of St. Matthews, and he’s been volunteering for about eight years now.

“I am very impressed with the women and men who attend the school and want to improve their skills and make something better for themselves and their families,” he says. “I just admire their commitment to do something better.”

Most volunteers at the center give similar testimony: It is inspiring to be part of something so meaningful in the lives of other people.

Lon Rogers is a retired physician who taught at the UT Southwestern Medical School. He enjoys teaching at the Aberg Center perhaps more, he admits, than he liked teaching medical students.

“I get more out of it than they do,” he says.

SERVING EAST DALLAS SINCE 1954

NE Corner of Mockingbird & Abrams

APPAREL

Stein Mart

Ditto Boutique

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Pinot’s Palette

BUSINESS SERVICES

Ebby Halliday Realtors

Texas Premier Title

FITNESS

Lady of America

The Little Gym

Mockingbird Swim & Total Fitness

Playtri Race Management

FOOD & CONVENIENCE

STORES

PK’s Fine Wine & Spirits

Mike’s Discount Liquor

Dollar Tree

7-11

GIFTS, STATIONARY, ART, HOUSEWARES

Tuesday Morning

T-Hee Greetings & Gifts

Random

Lakewood Lighting

HEALTH & BEAUTY

EyeMasters

Sally Beauty Supply

Lakewood Salons

Model Nails

Hillside Beauty Salon

PERSONAL SERVICES

Custom Cleaners

Crest Tailor

Hillside Shoe Service

RESTAURANTS

Lakewood’s 1st & 10

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

White Rock Co ee

Romano’s Bakery

Olivella’s (Coming Soon)

Volunteer Ron Durham is one of about 50 people who volunteer every week, making free classes at the Aberg Center for Literacy possible.

Helping East Dallas families create wonderful holiday traditions for 58 years.

REAL ESTATE REPORT

area home values

Since he started teaching reading at the center three years ago, he has developed his own curriculum. With the help of his students, he has created two workbooks: “TenPlusTwenty” and “Easy Does It!” The books consist of fictional stories, which Rogers wrote, followed by questions related to the narrative and vocabulary. Anyone can use the books at Rogers’s website, tenplustwenty.com.

“He’s very passionate about it,” Walker says. “I told him we could pay for the printing costs, and he said, ‘Oh, no, it’s my gift.’ ”

Rogers appreciates his students so much that he lists their names in the acknowledgements of “Easy Does It!” They are his editors and his inspiration. During a recent class, a student noticed a mistake in one of the books.

“That’s why I need your help,” Rogers said.

Why does he enjoy volunteering at the Aberg Center so much?

“Look at them,” he says, waving a hand around the classroom. “They’re wonderful people.”

The center recently added childcare for students, and it’s not just babysitting. The center hired childcare professionals to come up with curriculum for the little ones, too.

It costs about $1,200 per year, including childcare, to educate one student, Walker says.

To help raise money, the center is adding a 10-week Spanish class, taught by instructors from Richland College. The class costs $120 and will meet on Monday nights starting in January.

“So we’ll have students who are learning English and students who are learning Spanish all in the same place,” Walker says. “There’s a real community sense here. It’s exciting to see.”

FOR INFORMATION on volunteering, or to enroll in Spanish classes, contact abergcenter.org or 214.826.6501.

“The thing that really drives this program are the people who are willing to get involved.”

photos

COSMETIC

DENA T. ROBINSON, DDS, FAGD www.drdenarobinson.com

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JANIE CHRISTY SCHOOL OF DANCE

9090 Skillman, Ste. 299A Dallas 75243 / 214.343.7472 www.janiechristydance.com

Janie Christy begins her 19th year teaching children to dance in Lake Highlands! Offerings include creative movement, preschool ballet & tap combos, kindergarten thru adults in ballet, tap, jazz-hip/hop, modern, musical theatre and drill team preparation. Winter Session for Moms/Tots will be Fridays in Jan and Feb. introducing toddlers 14 mos. thru 2 yrs. to fun songs, word plays and dance activities. www.janiechristydance.com

THE LAB @ LAKEWOOD

5304 Junius St., Dallas, T 75214 / 214.901.4280 / www.thelabdallas.com

The Lab is a fun place for kids to learn about science! Programs include a mix of demonstrations, hands-on experiments and auditory and sensory stimulation in a fun, age-appropriate environment. Servicing all school-aged children, we offer on-site birthday parties, science fair project mentoring, homework help, enrichment classes, school assemblies and Scout programs. Please visit our website for up to date calendar of activities and events, www.thelabdallas.com.

LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931, www.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, collegepreparatory 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.

MUNGER SQUARE CHILD CARE

5302 Junius St. / 469.248.2905 / www.mungerchildcare.com Nestled in historic East Dallas, MSCC offers smaller class sizes than most daycare centers for more individualized attention. Infants through preschoolers are treated to a loving, nurturing, safe, clean, esthetically pleasing environment aimed at promoting their physical, emotional, social and intellectual growth. The curriculum includes Spanish offered by experienced, bilingual, caring, competent, teachers, who are also CPR certified. Exercise is promoted with indoor and outdoor activities. Children learn about gardening using the center’s greenhouse. Meals are prepared on site using natural ingredients. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided daily. Open year round, M-F, 7am-6pm.

SCHOOL OF CONTEMPORARY BALLET DALLAS

214.821.2066 / 1902 Abrams Pkwy., Dallas / www.schoolofcbd.com. Register for classes today! Children’s and Adult’s programs. Toddlers/ Youths/Teens classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Contemporary. Morning, Afternoon and Evening classes available. REGISTER NOW! ADULTS, get in shape with Just Barre and Basics Beginner Classes. All levels of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Contemporary, and Modern. Professional Instructors in a Positive Environment! Schedule is available online. Register now – space is limited!

SCOFIELD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

3K through Grade 6 / 214.349.6843 / www.scofieldchristian.org HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY! Since 1961, Scofield has been helping students joyfully reach their academic potential. The school curriculum continues to include a rich blend of classic literature, writing and phonics combined with a comprehensive math and science program. Caring teachers enhance curriculum with hands-on learning and interactive participation. Flexible preschool options including 2- or 3-days a week as well as half-day or full-day schedules. Call to arrange a tour and find out what makes SCS the right school for your family!

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX SCHOOL

1420 Old Gate Ln. / 214.321.2897 / www.stbernardccs.org St. Bernard of Clairvaux School has educated children in Forest Hills, Casa Linda and White Rock neighborhoods since 1948. We encourage each student to develop an inquisitive mind, strong moral character and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. The experienced teaching staff is dedicated to academic excellence with a challenging curriculum and individual attention. We offer affordable tuition, PK through 8th grade, wireless slate technology, extracurricular activities, and after-school care. Please call to schedule a tour.

ST. CHRISTOPHER’S MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

848 Harter Rd., Dallas 75218 / 214.328.9131 / www.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.

WHITE ROCK MONTESSORI

1601 Oates Dr. Dallas / 214.324.5580 White Rock Montessori’s pastoral setting provides a pleasant respite from the bustle of the city and offers both outdoor and indoor environments designed to encourage curiosity, promote creativity, and build personal and social responsibility. The school boasts an award-winning Discovery Garden, as well as a 20-acre tract of East Texas wilderness that is utilized as a nature preserve and land laboratory. The college-preparatory program of this arts-integrated school provides discovery-based learning focused on goal-setting and time management skills and promoting knowledge of how to learn, all critical elements of success in today’s world of rapid change.

WHITE ROCK NORTH SCHOOL

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas / 214.348.7410. 2 Years through 5th Grade. 45 years of successful students! 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. www. WhiteRockNorthSchool.com.

ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL

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

BUSINESS BUZZ

The lowdown on what’s up with neighborhood businesses

Send business news tips to LIVELOCAL@ADVOCATEMAG.COM

Catering to the sweet tooth

Sisters Meghan Adams and Kristen Adams Scott have launched The Hospitality Sweet, a boutique catering company. Born from the sisters’ desire to do something creative while staying at home with their children, The Hospitality Sweet specializes in sweets and “shower” foods, plus wedding cakes, full catering and boxed lunches for meetings. The two plan to open a storefront on Knox-Henderson this January.

Doughnuts for foodies and hippies

Hypnotic Donuts has started construction on its first fully operational storefront, near White Rock Lake, and is set to open in January. The previously nomadic (until they implemented set hours at a North Dallas pizza place) doughnut shop will operate seven days a week on Garland Road near Barbec’s. “It’s a convenient stop for those on their way to work looking for a morning pick-me-up, or athletes enjoying White Rock Lake looking to reward themselves with a well-deserved treat,” says James St. Peter, owner and creative mastermind behind Hypnotic Donuts. His flavor concoctions include chocolate cake, gooey cinnamon caramel, and maple syrup and bacon. For some added local flair, St. Peter has commissioned a local artist to paint a mural of well-known hippies inside the doughnut and coffee lounge (patrons of Hypnotic Donuts are called “Hyppies”), and locally owned Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters will supply the coffee.

Burger joint open, chicken and beer coming soon

Stackhouse Burgers recently opened in an old, renovated house on Gaston near Baylor Hospital. The Dallas-based burger joint serves up homemade, cooked-to-order burgers, as well as sandwiches and salads.

More business bits

Chef Lisa Garza has announced that she will be opening her new restaurant, Sissy’s Fried Chicken, in the former Hector’s on Henderson space at 2929 N. Henderson. Granada Theater is opening a beer garden and restaurant, Sundown at the Granada, in the space adjacent to the theater formerly occupied by M Street Bar. The restaurant will be open daily from 4 p.m.-2 a.m., and Chef Patrick Stark is creating a 30-item menu to complement the “100+ beers with eclectic spirits.” —Edited by Meghan Riney

Junius Heights’ Little Bean had planned to close in November, but in a last minute twist of fate, the children’s store announced it soon will reopen under new ownership. Charming Charlie has opened at The Shops at Park Lane. The women’s fashion accessory and handbag boutique is located near Whole Foods Market Cafe San Miguel, the upscale Mexican restaurant on North Henderson, has closed.

HypnoticDonuts will open soon near White Rock Lake.

GET IN CONTACT

The Hospitality Sweet 903.285.9715; 214.534.2241

THEHOSPITALITYSWEET.COM

Hypnotic Donuts 9007 GARLAND

HYPNOTICDONUTS.COM

Stackhouse Burgers 2917 GASTON 214.828.1330

STACKHOUSEBURGERS.COM

Granada Theater 3524 GREENVILLE 214.824.9933

GRANADATHEATER.COM

Little Bean 5308 JUNIUS 214.370.9111

LITTLEBEANSHOP.COM

Charming Charlie 8070PARK 214.361.2801

CHARMINGCHARLIE.COM

SHOPSATPARKLANE.COM

BAPTIST

LAKESIDE BAPTIST / 9150 Garland Rd / 214.324.1425

Pastor Jeff Donnell / Worship 10:30 am & 10:31 am www.lbc-dallas.org

WILSHIRE BAPTIST / 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

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

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

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

EAST DALLASCHRISTIANCHURCH / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185

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

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

EPISCOPAL

THE CATHEDRALCHURCH OF ST. MATTHEW / 5100 Ross Ave.

Sunday Traditional: 8:00 & 10:30 am / Christian Education 9:30 am

Hispanic Service 12:30 / 214.823.8134 / www.episcopalcathedral.org

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCHOF THE ASCENSION / 8787 Greenville Ave.

Sunday School 9:00 am / Worship 8:00 & 10:15 am 214.340.4196 / more at www.ascensiondallas.org

LUTHERAN

CENTRAL LUTHERANCHURCH, 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

FIRSTUNITED LUTHERANCHURCH / 6202 E Mockingbird Ln.

Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am / Call for class schedule.

214.821.5929 / www.dallaslutheran.org

ZION LUTHERANCHURCH & SCHOOL / 6121 E Lovers Ln.

Sunday: Sunday School 9:15 am, Worship 8:00 am, 10:30 am, & 6:00 pm / 214.363.1639 / www.ziondallas.org

METHODIST

WHITEROCKUNITED METHODIST / www.wrumc.org

1450 Oldgate Lane / 214.324.3661

Sunday Worship 10:50 am / Rev. George Fisk

PRESBYTERIAN

NORTHPARK PRESBYTERIANCHURCH / 214.363.5457

9555 N. Central Expwy. / www.northparkpres.org

Pastor: Rev. Brent Barry / 8:30 & 11:00 am Sunday Services

NORTHRIDGE PRESBYTERIANCHURCH / 6920 Bob-O-Link Dr.

214.827.5521 / www.northridgepc.org / Welcomes you to Worship

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

ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN / Skillman & Monticello

Rev. Rob Leischner. / www.standrewsdallas.org

214.821.9989 / Sunday School 9:30 am, Worship 10:45 am

CONSPIRACY THEORIES

Conspire to take back the holidays

Do you like a good conspiracy? Ever wonder what it would be like to join one? Here’s your invitation …

The Advent Conspiracy is underway. You can renew Christmas by undermining what undermines Christmas. It’s a spiritual “Occupy Christmas” movement.

Many Christians order their days by observing a calendar of worship that owes more to the life of Christ than to the Roman moon. The year begins four Sundays before Christmas with Advent, carries through the seasons of Christmas, Epiphany and Lent during the winter and early spring, reaches a high point at Easter through Pentecost, and then coasts through Ordinary Time all summer and fall until starting over again at Advent.

Ordinarily, Advent is a season of preparation for Christmas during which Christians make themselves ready again to welcome God’s surprising and transforming presence in their lives through the coming of Christ. The gift of Christ’s presence has called for the gifts of presents in response. Like the magi from the East who came bearing gifts for the Christ child, we give gifts to one another as signs of love and gratitude.

But somewhere along the way, merchants hijacked this tradition, turning it into retail heaven, and thereby making wholesale changes to the meaning.

Advocate Magazines

Now available on iPad, iPhone and Android.

The Advent Conspiracy wants to bring back the spiritual simplicity of Christmas without any Scrooge-like sneering. Over the four weeks leading up to Dec. 25, you may join others in this subversive act of insurrection. Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, Love All: These four movements build upon one another and lead to a more glorious experience at the manger.

Worship Fully. If you make worship your first priority, you are putting God first. Worship focuses our heart’s affection and our mind’s attention on the God who is alone worthy of it. Going to church (and if you are not a Christian, adapt here at will) in-

oculates you against the commercial allure of the mall. It fills you up spiritually so that you have no need and no room to add unfulfilling idols of material things to your life.

Spend Less. I know this sounds unAmerican right now, what with a fragile economy that needs you to heed the siren call to spend as if it’s your patriotic duty. It’s not. My guess is that you will spend enough, even if you join this conspiracy. But spend less: one less unneeded sweater, one less soon-to-be forgotten Best Buy gift card, one less coffee mug to go with a collection of past Starbucks Christmases.

Give More. Saving by spending less may be a good place to stop ordinarily, but Christmas is not Ordinary Time — it is a season for giving. Now you have more to give elsewhere. Where? To a mission enterprise locally or around the world that will change the lives of needy people more than that one less gift given to loved ones. But at the same time, give something more and different and better to loved ones. Make a gift. Give yourself in some way: time promised, a service rendered, the present of presence. Love All. Here’s the big one. When you get this far, you might be feeling good about yourself. But the gift of the Christ child was God’s message of love for all. God didn’t choose favorites; God favored all. So whom do you need to love that hasn’t yet fallen under your category of “all”? Could be a family member who is hard to love. Could be a coworker or immigrant or politician or anyone else who is “other” to you. When you make a move toward that person or those persons this Advent, you conspire to usurp hatred and prejudice in the name of God’s love.

Conspiracy theories are usually nonsense. This one makes good sense.

LISTEN TO AN INTERVIEW WITH THE REV. GEORGE MASON explaining why his church has joined the Advent Conspiracy movement, and how congregants are putting its tenets into practice. Visit lakewood.advocatemag.com/podcast.

George Mason is pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church. The Worship section is a regular feature underwritten by Advocate Publishing and by the neighborhood business people and churches listed on these pages. For information about helping support the Worship section, call 214.560.4202.

The Vickery Place Centennial Home Tour sold a record 550 tickets for the event held in October. Tour organizer Debbie Simurda declined to say how much money the tour raised, but that it “did exceed our expectations.” The neighborhood association will use the money to buy street-sign toppers for the neighborhood. Their current sign toppers are more than 20 years old and bleached from the sun. The association also will make donations to Animal Rescue of Texas and James B. Bonham Elementary School, which was the original Vickery Place School, built before 1920.

people

Neighborhood resident Keith Price is the new head of one of the city’s biggest nonprofit homeless shelters, Austin Street Centre. Price has been involved with The Stewpot for the past few years, and he replaces the Rev. Beulah “Bubba” Dailey, who worked at Austin Street for 28 years.

Lakewood resident Bryan Wetz moved his Rising Gallery from North Henderson to downtown, and had a grand reopening last month with the exhibit “Galileo’s Garden,” comprising paintings and sculpture from Denver-based husband-and-wife Monica and TylerAiello

The show runs through Dec. 31. Wetz and his brother TaberWetz operated the gallery on Henderson for almost three years before moving to 800 Jackson Street.

volunteer

Vickery Meadow Learning Center needs volunteers to teach English to the non-English-speaking residents of Vickery Meadow, a low-income neighborhood near East Dallas. Some 20 languages are spoken among the approximately 36,000 residents of the 2.86-square-mile community. Orientation times are noon-2:30 p.m. Dec. 5, noon-2:30 p.m. Dec. 14, 9-11:30 a.m. or 6:30-9 p.m. Jan. 5, noon-2:30 p.m. Jan. 9. They are held at the west Dallas location, 1018 Gallagher. To get involved, call 214.265.5057 ext. 201 or email volunteer@vmlc.org.

HAVE AN ITEM TO BE FEATURED?

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

‘Bigs’ helping ‘littles’

The Big Brothers Big Sisters Black Tie Gala fundraiser in October raised about $500,000. More than 200 volunteers (“Bigs”) hail from East Dallas, and about 25 of the “Littles” live in our neighborhood. Pictured: Supporters Kirby Schlegel , Jalin Wood , Troy and Kari Kloewer , Kimberly and Justin Whitman , Krystal Schlegel , Matt Cain , Myrna Schlegel , Dr. Mary Collings and Bob Schlegel.

BSUBMIT YOUR PHOTO. Email a jpeg to editor@advocatemag.com.

CLASSES/TUTORING/ LESSONS

ADHD TEST PREP & TUTORING Dedicated 1 on 1

Test-Taking Prep & Tutoring exclusively for ADD/ADHD & alternative learners. Free Consult & 1st week tutoring. Outstanding References. Yale ‘93. Anthony 214-484-4488

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

ARTISTIC GATHERINGS

Art Classes For All Ages. Casa Linda Plaza. 214-821-8383. www.artisticgatherings.com

JEWELRY MAKING CLASSES

214-824-2777 www.beadsofsplendor.com

Lakewood Shopping center: 1900 Abrams Pkwy @ La Vista

LEARN GUITAR OR PIANO Professional musician. Fun/Easy. Your Home. UNT Grad. Larry 469-358-8784

TUTORING All Subjects. Elem-middle School. Algebra 1, Dmath. Your Home. 25 + Yrs. Dr. J. 214-535-6594. vsjams@att.net

UKULELE LESSONS Instruments, Workshops. www.UkeLadyMusic.com 214-924-0408

VOICE TEACHER with 38 years experience. MM, NATS www.PatriciaIvey.com 214-769-8560

WE GET PEOPLE PLAYING TENNIS

Not Standing in Lines. Samuell Grand Tennis Center offers Kids and Adult Classes, Drills, Leagues, and Private Lessons. Call 214-670-1374 to Sign Up or go to www.samuellgrandtennis.com

214.560.4203

Sisters in art

Sisters Lynn Reagan and Elizabeth “Sissy” Bingham created a mirrored sculpture, “Timeless,” that was displayed in the Friends of Lottie Sculpture Garden at the State Fair of Texas. Reagan and Bingham run the AB Rockin’ Artists studio in Little Forest Hills.

CLASSES/TUTORING/ LESSONS

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

I’M LOOKING FOR A BILINGUAL BUSINESS PARTNER for expansion of 55-yr.-old start-up co. BJ Ellis 214-226-9875

SERVICES FOR YOU

Spanish

CHILDCARE

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

EMPLOYMENT

INFANT & TODDLER TEACHERS NEEDED FOR 2011-12 Mother’s Day Out. Early childhood experience preferred. Shannon McGee 214-860-1520 or skmcgee@pcbc.org

TEACHER NEEDED for Park Cities Baptist Preschool. Teacher needed in three-year-olds classroom on M/W/F. Degree or certification in Early Childhood required, appx. 12 hrs. per wk. Contact Farrai Smith, 214-860-1564 or fssmith@pcbc.org

AT ODDS WITH YOUR COMPUTER? Easily Learn Essential Skills. Services include Digital Photo Help. Sharon 214-679-9688 CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let A Seasoned Pro Be The Interface Between You & That Pesky Computer. Hardware & Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $60/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 214-660-3733 or stykidan@sbcglobal.net

SIGNS: Nameplates, Badges, Office, Braille. A&G Engraving. 214-324-1992. getasign@att.net agengraving.vpweb.com

custom photo cards holiday e-cards address labels & stamps gift stickers

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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

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

ESTATE/PROBATE MATTERS Because every family needs a will. Mary Glenn, J.D. maryglennattorney.com

• 214-802-6768

HOME ORGANIZING And Help With Senior Moving Plans/ Solutions. Donna 860-710-3323 DHJ0807@aol.com. $30 hr.

Bringing the heat

The Heat basketball team won the Sportsplex sixth-grade division endof-season championship, defeating the Tigers and Saxons. The Heat team is comprised of players from local schools including St. Bernard and St. Thomas Catholic schools. Pictured from left: Cole Beach , Daniel Packard , Matthew Best , Davis Peck , Josh Garza , Zak Zapletal , Ryan Rodriguez and Michael Bradley (not pictured is Alex Olmedo ). Coaches are Doug Bradley , Doug Best and Ted Zapletal

Lighting up the arts

Peninsula Neighborhood residents recently made a generous contribution to the Bath House Cultural Center theater, providing $18,000 to upgrade the center’s stage lighting system with the purchase of 16 LED lights and related equipment. Pictured clockwise from the top: Theresa Furphy , Bath House Cultural Center technical director; Felix Saucedo , Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center treasurer; Karen Casey , Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center president; Joe Gillum , Peninsula Neighborhood Association president; Judith Trimble , Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center secretary; Marty Van Kleeck , Bath House Cultural Center manager. Photo by Anna Palmer , Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center board member.

TO A D VERTISE CALL 214.560.4203

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

STEVESWINESHOP.COM

HAND-CRAFTED ARTISAN WINES Call today for in-home wine tastings. We offer personalized Wine Labels & Gifts 214-998-1217

Website Design Flash Demos

Graphic Design

RibbitMultimedia .com 214.560.4207

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

LA DOLCE VITA NUTRITION EDUCATION & COACHING

Customized nutrition programs for individuals, families and businesses. CatLaDolceVita.com 214-228-9056

SILVER STAR FITNESS Specialty In Senior Fitness. Moneyback Guarantee. www.silverstarfitness.com John 972-800-8031

BULLETIN BOARD

PETS

DOMESTIC SHORTHAIR CAT w/ Bengal markings. Playful, Loving, Neutered, Declawed, 7 Yrs. Free. 469-831-4935

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

Dallas’ First Doggie Daycare Featuring “Open Play” Boarding

8,000+ sq. ft. Play Area Inside

7am-7pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 12pm-6pm 6444 E. Mockingbird at Abrams www.deesdoggieden.com • 214-823-1441

In-Home Professional Care

Customized to maintain your pet’s routine

In-Home Pet Visits & Daily Walks

“Best of Dallas” D Magazine Serving the Dallas area since 1994 Bonded & Insured www.societypetsitter.com 214-821-3900

TADDY’S

PET SERVICES

All pet services available. Dog Walks and Home Visits. Reasonable rates. References. 214-732-4721

www.taddyspetservices.com

STAY CONNECTED ALL MONTH

PETS

DOG WASH $9.95

15% OFF GROOMING (offer good for 60 days)

Premium Bath and Pet Nutrituion 2402 N. Haskell Ave. 75204

214-826-dogg(3644) • urbandogg.com

BUY/SELL/TRADE

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

We Pay $$$ for Kids Stuff!

Children’s Clothing – Youth Size 16

Furniture, Equipment, Toys, Books and More! Payment on the spot for all items accepted 6300 Skillman St @ Abrams Rd, 214.503.6010

ESTATE/GARAGE SALES

ESTATE SALES & LIQUIDATION SERVICES

Moving, Retirement, Downsizing. One Piece Or A Houseful. David Turner. 214-908-7688. dave2estates@aol.com

REAL ESTATE

STOP RENTING Lease Option To Buy Rent To Own No Money Down No Credit Check. 1-877-395-0321

Sign up for our neighborhood e-newsletters and get the neighborhood dish all month long advocatemag.com/newsletter

AC & HEAT

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Repair, Service, Replacement. Honest & Affordable. JB Maintenance. 214-404-1457 LIC# TACLB 17612E

BLUE RIBBON HEAT & AIR Lic#TACLB28522E Best Service - Best Prices 214-823-8888

CHAMNESS SERVICES A/C & Heat Sales & Service. Res/Com. Serving Dallas 21 yrs. 214-328-0938 TACL003800C

DALLASAC.COM TACLB34855E AC & Radiant Barrier 214-360-9547

FOR QUALITY, QUALIFIED SERVICE CALL 214-350-0800 ABS AC & Heat TACLA28514E

LAKEWOOD HEAT & AIR Servicing Dallas 20+ years. 214-682-3822 TACLA28061E

S & E A/C & HEATING 50% off Service Fee w/ Repair. Res & Comm. 10% Off Repairs w/ purchase of Maintenance Agreement. BBB Approved. CCs accepted. TACLA00029466E 214-912-7900

TACLA28514E

APPLIANCE REPAIR

APPLIANCE REPAIR SPECIALIST

Repair, Sales. 214-321-4228

JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE

TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898

214✯823✯2629

CARPENTRY & REMODELING

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

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

BO HANDYMAN Kitchens, baths, doors, cabinets, custom carpentry, drywall & painting 214-437-9730

CARPENTER Custom Cabinets, & Trim, Reorganize Closets, Repair Rotten Wood, Set Doors, Kitchen & Baths, Refs. Return Calls By End Of Business Day. Dave. 214-684-4800

DREAM CONSTRUCTION Home Remodeling

Interior/Exterior. www.DCHCRM.net 469-360-0152

ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS Beautiful TV wall units. New/redo. Install TV/electronics. Custom finishes, cabinets & fine furniture 972-962-4847

ERIC CANTU CONSTRUCTION

Affordable Remodeling. Kitchens, Baths, Additions, Cabinetry & more. 972-754-9988 EricCantu.com

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

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

KEN’S RESIDENTIAL REMODELING 214-886-8927. kenscontracting.com

KITCHEN AND BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

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

MODERN, PREFAB SPACES Need more space for home office, guest house, pool-side cabana? Modernurbanretreats.com 214-931-9273.

PREVIEW CONSTRUCTION INC.

HardiPlank 50 Yr. Cement Siding, Energy Star Windows. Kitchens-Baths-Additions & More. 214-348-3836. See Photo Gallery at: www.previewconstruction.com

RODZ HOME IMPROVEMENT All Home Repairs, Add-Ons, Rehabs. 214-952-8963

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

CARPENTRY & REMODELING

TK COMPLETE REMODELING Carpentry, Doors, Paint. Window Clean 972-533-2872

A K S

CONSTRUCTION

Residential Remodel and Construction 469 767 1868 joshangus@aksdallas.com www.aksdallas.com

972-216-1961

TACL-B01349OE www.SherrellAir.com

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

BRIAN

GREAM RENOVATIONS LLC

PayPal ®

214.542.6214

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• LICENSED & INSURED 214.341.1448

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CLEANING SERVICES

A CLEANING SERVICES mcprofessionalcleaning.com 469-951-2948

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

CLEAN FREAKS Since 2005. Free Estimates. DallasCleanFreaks.com Call Today! 214-821-8888

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

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

SUNSHINE HOUSE CLEANING

Cleaning To Perfection. Reasonable Rates. Insured/ Bonded. 214-490-6659

THE MAIDS Angie’s List Service Award! Discounts at www.maids.com Free Quotes. 972-278-2551

WANTED: HOUSES TO CLEAN

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

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CLEANING SERVICES

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

TEXAS ELECTRICAL • 214-289-0639

Prompt, Quality Services. Days, Evenings & Weekends. 34 Yrs Exp. 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

FIREPLACE SERVICES

CHIMNEY SWEEP Dampers/Brick & Stone

Repair. DFW Metro. Don 214-704-1722

FLOORING & CARPETING

BEAR FOOT HARDWOODS 214-734-8851

Complete Hardwood Flooring Services

DALLAS HARDWOODS 214-724-0936

Installation, Repair, Refinish, Wax, Hand Scrape. Residential, Commercial. Sports Floors. 25 Yrs.

Residential Commercial

$35.00 Off – 1st Full Detail Clean Complimentary quotes!

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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

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

CONCRETE/ MASONRY/PAVING

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

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

MASONRY Brick/Stone Repairs. Don 214-704-1722

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com Family Owned/Operated. Insd. 214-328-1333

DALLAS ELECTRICIAN- SINCE 1975 214-340-0770 EL 00957 kirkwoodelectric.net

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

LENTZ SERVICES Your whole-home lighting/ electrical resource. Lic/Insd. 972-241-0622

MASTER ELECTRICIAN Lic #TECL 55703. Resd/Comcl. Bonded. Contr Lic# TECL23423. Trinity Electrical Services. David 214-802-0436

‘07, ‘08, ‘09, ‘10 CONSUMERS CHOICE AWARDS Making Homes Safer One

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Phones Answered 24/7

EXTERIOR CLEANING

BLOUNTS HAULING/TRASH SERVICE blountsjunkremovaldfw.com 214-275-5727

FENCING & DECKS

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

4 QUALITY FENCING

Specializing in Wood, New or Repair. Free Estimates. Call Mike 214-507-9322.

A FATHER, SON & GRANDSON TEAM

Fences, Gates, Decks. Haven 214-327-0560

AMBASSADOR FENCE INC.

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ARTDECK-O.COM 20 Year Warranty!

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Automatic Gates, Fence, Stairs, Stair/Balcony Railings, Wine Cellar Gates. 214-325-4985

KIRKWOOD FENCE & DECK

New & Repair. Free Estimates. Nathan Kirkwood. 214-341-0699

LONE STAR DECKS Decks, Arbors, Fences, Patio Covers, TREX Decking & Fencing. www.lonestardecks.com 214-357-3975

STEEL SALVATION Metal Fabrication. Welding Repairs, Design, Metal Art, Unique Crosses. Local Resident Over 40 Yrs. 214-283-4673 214.692.1991

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

SHARP FLOORS 214-227-2841

Granite Countertops, All Types of Flooring and Showers. Family Owned and Operated.

STAINED & SCORED CONCRETE FLOORS New/Remodel. Res/Com. Int/Ext. Refin. 15 Yrs. TheConcreteStudio.com 214-320-2018

SUPER QUALITY WOOD FLOORS Jim Crittendon, 214-821-6593

WORLEY TILE & FLOORING

Custom Marble Install. 214-779-3842

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A FATHER, SON & GRANDSON TEAM

Expert Window Cleaning. Haven 214-327-0560

EAST DALLAS WINDOW CLEANING Power

Wash. Free Est. Dependable. Derek. 214-827-7661

LAKE HIGHLANDS GLASS & MIRROR

custom mirrors • shower enclosures store fronts • casements 214-349-8160

LANDMARK ENERGY SOLUTIONS

214-395-9148. Specializing In Replacement Windows/Doors.

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

HANDYMAN SERVICES

HANDYMAN MATTERS

Your home repair specialist handymanmatters.com/dallas 972-308-6035

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

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

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

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

WANTED: ODD JOBS & TO DO LISTS Allen’s Handyman & Home Repair 214-288-4232

INSULATION/ RADIANT BARRIER

LANDMARK ENERGY SOLUTIONS

214-395-9148. Radiant Barrier, Insulation. Free Quotes

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call today...972.379.9530

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INTERIOR DESIGN

CUSTOM DRAPES, Treatments, Beds, Blinds. Flower. Linda 214-212-8058 dblinda86@msn.com

KITCHEN/BATH/ TILE/GROUT

FIBERGLASS REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

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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 or 972-475-3928

#1 GET MORE PAY LES Painting. 85% Referrals. Free Est. 214-348-5070

A + INT/EXT PAINT & DRYWALL Since 1977. Kirk Evans. 972-672-4681

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

HAND CARVED STONE fireplaces, fine art, architectural stone & restoration. DavisCornell.com 214-693-1795

LILLI DESIGN Residential Design & Renovations

NCIDQ Cert. 10 yrs exp. www.Lilli-design.com Katie Reynolds, RID 214-370-8221

ROB’S HOME STAGING.COM 214-507-5688 Changing Rooms For All Reasons and Seasons

KITCHEN/BATH/ TILE/GROUT

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

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

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

A&B LANDSCAPING Full Lawn Care, Landscaping, Tree Trimming, Fireplaces & Stonework. Lic #0283917- Degreed Horticulturist 214-534-3816

ALTON MARTIN LANDSCAPING Spectacular Curbside Appeal! Excellent refs. 214-760-0825

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

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

Locally Owned Maintenance Free Lifetime Warranty

CLEAR VIEW Windows and Doors VINYL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS Save Up To 30-40% On Utility Bills

Call for your FREE estimate! 214-274-5864 clearwindowsanddoors.com

• frameless and framed shower doors & enclosures

premium quality custom shower doors & enclosures 214-530-5483

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HANDYMAN SERVICES

A HELPING HAND No Job Too Small. We do it all. Repairs /Redos. Chris. 214-693-0678

A+ HANDYMAN KARL Home Repairs, Remodels & Restoration. 214-699-8093

ALL JOBS BIG/SMALL 38 years exp. Ron Payne 214-755-9147

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

ARON SIEGAL I can fix your stuff. SiegalArt.com 214-236-3974

BO HANDYMAN Kitchens, baths, doors, cabinets, custom carpentry, drywall & painting 214-437-9730

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

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

CERTAPRO PAINTERS

Residential painting. Call today for your free estimate. 214-346-0900

PHILLIPS PAINTING Interior & Exterior; 14 Years Serving Dallas. Free Estimate and 3-year Warranty. We Do Faux! PhillipsPainting.com 972-867-9792

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

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

VIP PAINTING & DRYWALL Int/Ext. Sheetrock Repair, Resurfacing Tubs, Counters, Tile Repairs. 972-613-2585

WHITE ROCK PAINT & REMODEL References. Mark Reindel 214-321-5280 Painting · Remodeling

NAT-90143-1

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

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

BRIAN WARD STONE & TILE 972-989-9899.

LH Dad & Firefighter.12 Yrs Of Tile Experience.

FENN CONSTRUCTION Any Tile Anywhere. www.dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

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

STONE AGE COUNTER TOPS

Granite, Marble, Tile, Kitchen/Bath Remodels. CJ-972-276-9943 cjrocksthehouse1@verizon.net

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

214-870-3939

www.amistadcsc.com

BRIAN GREAM PAINTING & RENOVATIONS LLC

• Interior/Exterior • Drywall

• Rotten Wood • Gutters All General Contracting Needs

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GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

KITCHEN & BATH

PROFESSIONAL FABRICATION & INSTALLATION

214.358.8595

SOLIDSF COM

CASTRO TREE SERVICE Quality Work at Great Rates. Free est. Insured. 214-337-7097

CHUPIK TREE SERVICE

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

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

DALLAS K.D.R.SERVICES • 214-349-0914

Lawn Service & Landscape Installation

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

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

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

MOW YOUR YARD $27 White Rock Landscaping 214-415-8434

PARADISELANDSCAPES.NET · 214-328-9955

Installations of Fine Gardens, Patios, Paths & more!

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

SPRINKLERS, LANDSCAPING, Stone Work, Drainage. Installed and Repaired. Call Kevin at 214-535-3352,Lic#7840. www.bigdirrigation.com

TAYLOR MADE IRRIGATION

Repairs, service, drains. 27 yrs exp. Ll 6295. Backflow Testing Cell-469-853-2326. John

THE POND MAN Water Gardens

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

TREE WIZARDS Trim Surgery. Removal. 15 Yrs Exp. Insured. Free Est. 214-680-5885

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

Faz 214-794-7566 - Se Habla Español*

ARRIAGA PLUMBING:

Faucet, Sewer, Sink Repairs. Water/Slab Leaks. Shower Pans. Gas Testing. Remodels, Water Heaters, Stoppages. Insured. Lic 20754 214-321-0589, 214-738-7116

BLOUNTS PLUMBING REPAIR Rebuild or Replace. 45 yrs exp. Insured. 214-275-5727

JUSTIN’S PLUMBING SERVICE

For All Your Plumbing Needs. ml#M38121 972-523-1336. www.justinsplumbing.com

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

PLUMBING

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

SPECK PLUMBING Licensed & Insured

C 214-562-2360 *H 214-660-8378

Slab Leak Specialists – inquire about reroute instead of jackhammering

• All Plumbing Repairs • Licensed/Insured 214-727-4040

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POOLS

ADAIR POOL & SPA SERVICE

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

MICHAEL’S POOL SERVICE

Maintenance & Repair 214-727-7650

LEAFCHASER’S POOL SERVICE

Parts and Service. Chemicals and Repairs. Jonathan Mossman FREE ESTIMATES 214-729-3311

REPAIR SHOPS & SERVICES

ANTIQUE CLOCK REPAIR • 214-330-6444

NAWCC #64444. House calls gladly made. Jim.

ROOFING & GUTTERS

A&B GUTTER 972-530-5699 Clean Out, Repair/Replace. Leaf Guard. Free Estimates. Lifetime Warranty

A+ BBB RATED ROOFING CO. Ehlers Roofing. New/Repairs. 214-699-8093. Est. 1960

GUARANTY ROOFING 214-760-3666 Re-Roofing/Repairs/Green Options. Free Estimates. www.guarantyroof.com

Allstate Homecraft Roofing

•

Licensed/Insured

1,000 Satisfied Customers in the Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow, Park Cities Areas

BERT ROOFING INC.

Family owned and operated for over 40 years • Residential/Commercial • Over 29,000 roofs completed • Six NTRCA “Golden Hammer” Awards

Free Estimates www.bertroofing.com 214.321.9341

ROOFING

ADVOCATE

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 214-5604203. 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.

The Lakewood Early Childhood

PTA would like to thank all of our sponsors, patrons, and volunteers for another fantastic Lakewood Home Festival. Over the past 35 years, the Lakewood Home Festival has raised more than $ 1 ,000,000 for Lakewood Elementary, J.L . Long Middle School, and Woodrow Wilson High School.

Make sure you mark your calendars for the 36 th Annual Lakewood Home Festival, November 9 –11 , 2012 . SPONSORS:

A CRUSHING EXTR A INNINGS LOSS — THEN A STR A NGE CRIME.

Like many Dallas residents, Jeffrey Hargrave had been swept up in Rangers fever as the team battled the St. Louis Cardinals in October’s World Series. After the crushing extra-innings defeat of Game 6, Hargrave went to bed that night feeling defeated himself. Then he awoke the next morning to find that someone had broken into his wife’s car, which was parked in front of his University Terrace home.

But this car break-in was a bit different.

“We came home during the eighth in-

The Victim: Je rey Hargrave

on her phone and I said, ‘I’m going in to watch the game,’ ” he says.

“Saturday morning I came out and saw something leaning against my wife’s car,” he says. “I took a closer look and saw that it was a pair of Bose speakers.”

The Crime: Criminal trespass, attempted burglary of a motor vehicle

Date: Thursday, Oct. 27

Time: Between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Location: 7300 block of Bennington

ning of the Rangers game,” he says. “We had been watching the game at someone’s house.”

Hargrave parked in the driveway and was in a rush to catch the rest of the game, but his wife remained in the car.

“She was checking email or something

A criminal also had rifled through the car, moving a GPS and shuffling through some business cards, but not taking anything. Hargrave believes both doors had accidentally been left unlocked when his wife came inside the night before. He says it was quite a surprise to find that someone had broken into his car, but perhaps even more surprising that the criminal took nothing and even left behind some of his loot.

“I think one of my neighbors got up early and just interrupted them,” he says.

Dallas Police Sgt. Keitric Jones of the Northeast Patrol Division says it may sound strange, but a thief accidentally leaving items behind after a crime is not that uncommon.

“The burglar was possibly scared away during the crime,” Ketric says, and “may have dropped the property unknowingly.”

|

STORIE S OF CHRIS TMA S PA ST

These tales can rekindle holiday spirit

DISCUSS ONLINE. Tell us your favorite holiday tale in this column’s comment section. Visit lakewood.advocatemag.com and search Christmas stories.

For the December column over the last several years, I’ve adapted famous Christmas stories for our particular circumstances in Lakewood and East Dallas. Which was fun to do, but also got me thinking: Why limit ourselves to the stories that we know?

Yes, Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” O. Henry’s “Gift of the Magi” and Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” are worth noting — and stealing from — but there are so many other stories that deserve mention.

So, my gift this holiday season is this list. Take a few minutes, preferably when you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a respite from the foolishness that the holidays often force on us, and find one of these stories (a Google search should suffice). Because it will help.

Mike Royko, “A Chicago-style Christmas for Mary and Joe.” Royko, a Chicago newspaper columnist, was part crank, part satirist and part gritty urban poet. This re-telling of the nativity story first appeared in 1967, and I’ve remembered it ever since. And especially the haunting first couple of lines: “Mary and Joe were flat broke when they got off the bus in Chicago. They didn’t know anybody and she was expecting a baby.”

Willa Cather, “The Burglar’s Christmas.” Cather was an early 20th century Midwestern novelist who is mostly relegated to graduate courses these days, but she had a keen ear for dialogue and a sensibility for her people and times. This story, written in 1896, retains a certain power: “It is a tragic hour, that hour when we are finally driven to reckon with ourselves, when every avenue of mental distraction has been cut off and our own life and all its ineffaceable failures closes about us like the walls of that old torture chamber of the Inquisition.”

Anton Chekhov, “At Christmas Time.” The Russian writer used irony and understatement as few have, and this 1915 story brims with it. Read this, and the next time you wonder about family and what it means, you’ll remember this story.

Je Siegel, a neighborhood resident, writes a monthly opinion column about neighborhood issues. His opinions are not necessarily those of the Advocate or its management. Send comments and ideas to him at 6301 Gaston, Suite 820, Dallas 75214; fax to 214.823.8866; or email editor@advocatemag.com.

Arthur Conan Doyle, “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle.” Sherlock Holmes celebrates Christmas in 1891 with Dr. Watson, a missing goose, a battered hat and a jewel robbery. “‘I can see nothing,’ said [Watson], handing [the hat] back to my friend. ‘On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in drawing your inferences.’ ”

Mark Twain, “The Christmas Fireside.” Twain wrote this for a San Francisco magazine in 1865, and it doesn’t seem to have much to do with the holiday. But maybe that was the point of Twain’s story, which features a bad little boy named Jim who never quite seems to get his comeuppance the way he should at Christmastime.

James Thurber, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas in the Ernest Hemingway Tradition.” Thurber was one of the country’s foremost cartoonists and humorists (“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”), and this takeoff on the Clement Moore classic that appeared in the New Yorker in 1924 will make anyone smile who ever took a Hemingway class. There are. Many. Short sentences: “ ‘Who is it?’ mamma asked. ‘Some guy,’ I said. ‘A little guy.’ ”

Dylan Thomas, “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” The Welsh poet wrote this in 1952, and it’s an evocative portrait of the holiday: “One, two, three, and we began to sing, our voices high and seemingly distant in the snow-felted darkness round the house that was occupied by nobody we knew. We stood close together, near the dark door. Good King Wencelas looked out on the Feast of Stephen ... And then a small, dry voice, like the voice of someone who has not spoken for a long time, joined our singing: a small, dry, eggshell voice from the other side of the door: a small, dry voice through the keyhole.”