2012 December Lakewood

A guide to goodies made by our talented neighbors

Photo of Lakewood Candle Company’s Wendy Millsap by Can Türkyilmaz

Blinker ethics

During the holidays, it’s every man for himself

There must be hundreds of thousands of parking spaces in Dallas. They’re literally everywhere, covered and uncovered, wide and narrow, brightly striped and barely visible.

There are so many parking spaces that, for the most part, I take them for granted.

But for some reason, that changes during the holiday season, doesn’t it?

The spaces don’t change, of course. They’re still doing what they do best: collecting oil droppings and cigarette butts.

But the perceived value of a parking space in December, as compared with the value of that same space in January, rises exponentially and sometimes catastrophically.

I’ve never understood exactly why that is, even as I confess to participating in the value-inflating process.

The rest of the year, I’m pretty indifferent about one parking space versus another, maybe because they seem so plentiful and welcoming in February and March. But for those few weeks in November and December, the value of a close-in parking space becomes almost unaffordable in terms of the mental anguish required to snag one.

Maybe it’s the endless spooling around and around that helps develop the nasty attitude so prevalent among parking-space scouts during the holidays. To find a space close to a store’s door, you have to be more than lucky and living right: You have to be aggressive and opportunistic and maybe even a little unreasonable.

People who might wave someone else into a space the rest of the year aren’t likely to do that if the next-best alternative is hundreds of feet or several stories away. Fac-

ing that choice, the kill-or-be-killed instincts encouraged in video games too often seem to kick in.

I’ve been involved in more than a few parking space stare-downs over the years, my hands fidgeting on the wheel as I lock eyes with another driver eyeing the same spot as we both wait for the current occupant to back out, generally at a snail’s pace. Whether I’m the first to have my blinker on or not, there are those people who will try to beat me into the space, even if they morally (in as much as there is morality in hunting for a parking space) have no right to do so.

And if beaten to the spot by a more aggressive competitor, what can you do?

if beaten to the parking spot by a more aggressive competitor, what can you do?

Keying a door or leaning on the horn are possibilities.

Keying a door or leaning on the horn are possibilities, although I suppose those actions don’t really reflect the holiday spirit.

The temptation is always there to hop out of the car and offer the other guy some friendly advice about life, but that type of confrontation generally isn’t going to change the fact that he or she now has a parking space and I don’t.

I’ve even heard of people, particularly selfish people I might add, who send a person to stand in an empty spot and hold it until the car arrives — another idea guaranteed to raise tempers and blood pressures.

There really is no answer to the holiday parking space battle other than common courtesy, but that doesn’t make a parking space thief any easier to forgive or forget.

After all, during a season known for peace and good will, what could be more important than getting into a store five minutes faster?

DISTRIBUTION PH/214.560.4203

ADVERTISING PH/214.560.4203

office administrator: JUDY LILES

214.560.4203 / jliles@advocatemag.com

display sales manager: BRIAN BEAVERS

214.560.4201 / bbeavers@advocatemag.com

senior advertising consultant: AMY DURANT

214.560.4205 / adurant@advocatemag.com

senior advertising consultant: KRISTY GACONNIER

214.560.4213 / kgaconnier@advocatemag.com

advertising consultants

CATHERINE PATE

214.292.0494 / cpate@advocatemag.com

NORA JONES

214.292.0962 / njones@advocatemag.com

FRANK McCLENDON

214.560.4215 / fmcclendon@advocatemag.com

JESSICA JENKINS

214.292.0485 / jjenkins@advocatemag.com

classified manager: PRIO BERGER

214.560.4211 / pberger@advocatemag.com

classified consultant

SALLY ACKERMAN

214.560.4202 / sackerman@advocatemag.com

marketing director: L AUREN S HAMBECK

214.292.0486 / lshambeck@advocatemag.com

EDITORIAL PH/ 214.292.2053

publisher: RICK WAMRE

214.560.4212 / rwamre@advocatemag.com

managing editor: CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB

214.560.4204 / chughes@advocatemag.com

senior editor: KERI MITCHELL

214.292.0487 / kmitchell@advocatemag.com

editors:

MONICA S. NAGY

214.292.2053 / mnagy@advocatemag.com

RACHEL STONE

214.292.0490 / rstone@advocatemag.com

associate editor: LAURI VALERIO

214.635.2120 / lvalerio@advocatemag.com

senior art director: JYNNETTE NEAL

214.560.4206 / jneal@advocatemag.com

designers: SUPRIYA GUPTA, MIKE LEE, JEANINE MICHNABALES, LARRY OLIVER, KRIS SCOTT

contributing editors: JEFF SIEGEL, SALLY WAMRE

contributors: GAYLA BROOKS, SEAN CHAFFIN, GEORGE MASON, BLAIR MONIE, ELLEN RAFF

photo editor: CAN TüRKYILMAZ

214.560.4200 / turk@advocatemag.com

director of multimedia: DANNY FULGENCIO

469.916.7866 / dfulgencio@advocatemag.com

photographers: MARK DAVIS, ALISON FECHTEL, JEANINE MICHNA-BALES

intern: BETH DIDION

the publisher’s viewpoint. More than 200,000 people read Advocate publications each month. Advertising rates and guidelines are available upon request. Advocate Publications are available free of charge throughout our neighborhoods, one copy per reader.

Advocate was founded in 1991 by Jeff Siegel, Tom Zielinski and Rick Wamre.

Trader Joe’s breaks ground

“Excited” might be an understatement to describe how neighbors are feeling about the future Trader Joe’s on Lower Greenville, which is expected to open first quarter 2013. Here’s how some of you responded to our write-up on the apparent beginnings of construction:

Loved them when we lived in LA, thrilled they are coming here. Like a smaller, more reasonably priced Whole Foods. Though a little on the chaotic side when it comes to parking, checking out, or getting your cart down an aisle. I presume by design for some mad scientist marketing reason.

—Mark Forward via Facebook

The thing most people who have never gone to Trader Joe’s don’t understand is that Trader Joe’s is not like Whole Foods or Central Market. They have their own stuff that you can’t find anywhere else and it’s all delicious and cheap! So, yes, I will go to Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods and Target to complete my grocery shopping once the new store opens. Each store has different stuff and different reasons to shop there. —Vera via lakewood.advocatemag.com

No more bribing friends and family to ship us soap:)

—Jessica Link-Malcolm via Facebook

For me, chocolate, and imported olives, sometimes good wine. Wild rice, believe it or not, at excellent prices, at least that is what I remember from when I used to live in a Trader Joe’s vicinity. And one way your life will change? Trader Joe’s will be a destination, yes, people will drive out of their neighborhoods to go there.

—Ellen Raff via lakewood.advocatemag.com

I soo cannot wait ‘til they open!

—Kristy Mazey-Holdervia Facebook

I did venture out of my laid back, quiet neighborhood to see what all the hoopla was about. To say the least, I was amazed. Can’t wait for the Greenville location.

—Diane via lakewood.advocatemag.com

Believe it or not … I’ll take my Natural Grocers in Casa Linda instead. They say hello to me by name! —Amanda Dalton Bowen via Facebook

Don’t watch [the construction]. It’s like watching water boil.

—Grace Grits & Gardening via Facebook

lakewood.advocatemag.com

Business briefs

Car wash razed and Kroger fuel station to open: The longstanding self-serve car wash at East Northwest Highway and Lake Highlands Drive/ Plano Road is gone — plowed down sometime in the last couple weeks. Kroger bought the property and spokesman Gary Huddleston tells us construction of a fuel station is underway.

Cane Rosso White Rock to open next spring: Its Facebook page boasts a spring 2013 opening of the Neapolitan pizzeria at the northwest corner of Gaston and Grand, occupying part of the old CJs and including space for “private dining and events and one of Dallas’ biggest and coolest patios.” The handmade Stefano Ferrara oven is already on site. Heretofore, Cane Rosso has had a location on Commerce as well as several mobile ovens at spots such as Times Ten in Lakewood and Green Spot Market.

Frost Bank takes Centennial spot in Lakewood: In the “you can never have enough banks nearby” category, be ready to welcome Frost Bank to the neighborhood. The longtime Texas bank is rapidly completely retrofitting of the 4,600-square-foot former Centennial Liquor space between Mi Cocina and Starbucks at Gaston and LaVista.

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of the latest news.

a full range of dental, cosmetic and restorative services — a shiny happy smile is only a phone call away.

Q&A: Laurie Justus Pace

Picking up a pencil or paintbrush and rendering something pretty doesn’t constitute art, says Laurie Justus Pace, until you put something beyond mechanics, part of your soul, into it. This is one of the more intangible truths Pace, a White rock area native, tries to teach. The painter famous for her colordripping ponies also is interested in helping artists gain exposure through marketing and contemporary salesmanship. Along with longtime friend Debbie Grayson Lincoln, Pace founded the Artists of Texas, through which she gives motivated and talented artists the tools to succeed. Through Jan. 1, 2013, the work of Pace and another 50-plus Artists of Texas members will be on display at the Dutch Art Gallery in east Dallas.

Have you always loved art?

Yes. I started painting in seventh-grade. My mom would have my paintings framed at the Dutch Art Gallery — we lived right behind the shopping center where it is located — and we would donate them to the PBS auctions. In high school, I was one of the founding members of Lake Highlands High School’s first art club, which, I believe, was called “Arabesque.”

But you detoured before becoming a professional artist, right?

Yes, after high school, you know, you leave and you go do your own thing. I went into modeling, then design and graphic art, spent time as a musician and taught art at White Rock Elementary. Eventually, though, I got teacher burnout. I really wasn’t sure what to do. I called another artist friend and she told me to get my materials out — the paints and canvas — and I thought, now what? She helped me get back on the path to being an artist.

How did you move from sitting in front of a blank canvas to being the notable artist you are today?

I read “The Artist’s Way” and began creating again. I did a couple of tent shows and found those were not for me, then a friend asked me if I had thought of selling work on eBay. I figured I could do that. Pretty soon all I wanted to do was paint and sell. Within two years I was making great money doing this. Galleries — even

those that had turned me down before now began approaching me. So since about 2005, my work has been in galleries all over the world. My husband, Terry, took early retirement, and he helps with inventory and shipping. I have a studio in our house — we moved to Mount Vernon [on West Lawther] — overlooking the lake, and I keep busy. I love to paint. Last summer I did 100 paintings in 100 days for $100 each. I sold 99 of them!

For those who might not know, what is your style?

My work is my own work, unique in style and exploration. My signature style of painted ponies has been imitated, but it is one I developed through struggling and painting and praying. Through several trials I know I can paint realistically ... but my joy is in my palette knife and how I use it on my canvas. One of the toughest and most important things to teach young artists is that it is not important if Mom and Dad like your work. It is about your personal journey. I could render something and paint it, but if it is an imitation or simply an exercise, it lacks soul and it will not sell. You have to find your voice, validate your own work.

Even beautiful art doesn’t sell itself. How are you helping artists through Artists of Texas and similar groups?

After I started selling, I got back in touch with a high school friend, Debbie Grayson Lincoln. We did a show together, which rekindled her love for art and made us better friends. Together we decided to use the experiences we have had to help other artists to understand how to promote their work. We are selective about membership. These are professionals and they must be computer literate — that turns some away. Four years ago we held our first show at the Dutch Art Gallery, and while many of the Artists of Texas are from the White Rock area, many came from all around, stayed in our homes. We were like a family before we even got to know each other.

Tell us about this year’s show.

I’m doing all my holiday shopping at North Haven Gardens!

I’m too tiny to be mobbed at the mall! This year, I’m finding gifts for everyone on my list at NHG. Garden Coach appointments, terrariums, Fairy gardens, raised bed kits, forced bulbs & more! Gift ideas at NHG.com or when you “like” them on Facebook.

Wall Planters

NEW! Pick a finish. Choose your plants. A unique & easy way to create and maintain an indoor wall garden.

We believe each tree has its own personality that fits your family! Who will you choose this year?

Christmas trees are available the day after Thanksgiving. Fresh greens are in-store this weekend.

Nov. 17th 10am Winterize Your Backyard Flock 11am-2pm Backyard Chicken Sale/Q&A

—Christina Hughes Babb

This is called “Colors of Texas,” and it covers a wide breadth of mediums and styles — abstract, realistic, sculpture … our youngest member, Anton Zhou, is incredible. You really need to come see him. It is a wonderful show; the group deserves the credit.

Answers are edited for brevity.

The ArTisTs of TexAs exhibiT runs through Jan. 1 at the Dutch Art Gallery, 10233 E. Northwest Highway. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday–Friday, and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 214.348.7350 or visit dutchartusa.com.

Dec. 7th 4pm-7pm Garden Happy Hour 5:30pm Terrariums; 6pm Plant Tulip Bulbs in Containers

What gives?

Small ways that you can make a big difference for nonprofits

Donate an unwrapped toy … and enter a raffle for a new Schwinn cruiser. Hypnotic Donuts’s second-annual “Hyppie Helpers” toy drive runs through Dec. 16. Everyone who donates to the drive is entered into a drawing for the bike. Bring Barbie dolls, Play-Doh, Legos or action figures, and your name will be entered twice. Drop off toys at the donut shop, 9007 Garland Road. The drawing is Dec. 22.

Buy a custom beaded bracelet … and save a Pomeranian. Neighborhood resident Kimberly Moore, who offers her repurposed vintage jewelry at kimberlymoorerings.com, recently started a nonprofit venture, Paws for Poms. Moore makes beaded stretch bracelets with gold and silver or Murano glass beads. Each bracelet includes a few beads that have paws imprinted on them or are in the shape of a paw. They also can be customized with your dog’s name or initial. The bracelets cost $48 at pawsforpoms.com, and a portion of the proceeds goes to Recycled Pomeranians, recycledpomeranians.com.

Buy a handmade ornament … and support the North Texas Food Bank. The third-annual Half Price Books ornament sale is 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at 5803 E. Northwest Highway. Half Price Books employees from all over the country send their handmade ornaments to the sale. All proceeds go to the North Texas Food Bank. Last year, the sale raised $1,700, which provided 5,200 meals through the food bank.

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

paws & claws

Big and little

Mimi Siebert-Bowen’s dogs, Drama and Pickles, love to play hard and sleep hard, she says. Here, Pickles was 3 months old, and Drama was almost 13. Drama, she says, “likes to stay up with his new little sister.” Siebert-bowen and her husband, chad, are staying up, too. They have a 7-month-old son, cage.

Outsider art

Find Smoke and Mirrors Gallery after circling the Haskell/Peak/Interstate 30 area for 15 minutes. Park in the gravel driveway and enter the gallery space, which is 28-year-old owner Jessica Luther’s living room, technically. She lives upstairs with her 6-year-old son, Liam. In the backyard, there is a stage, along with folding chairs, old lawn furniture, a chandelier sculpture and a velvet painting of an Oriental landscape. Smoke and Mirrors is a gallery, yes, but it’s not just about art, Luther says. It’s about family. She founded the gallery, which specializes in outsider and folk art, in October 2011, after her dad died. She hadn’t known him well, and she discovered that he had been a talented self-taught artist. “I have always been a fan of low-brow or outsider art,” Luther says. “His death inspired me to start curating my own shows.” At the gallery last month, Texas artists Wilhelmina Adams-Hartsell and Lauren Ashley were showing “Ways of Seeing.” Outside, on a Sunday afternoon, singer/songwriter and one-man band Homer Henderson performed a bawdy set for a tattooed and toe-tapping crowd. About halfway through, Jim Heath of the Reverend Horton Heat walked in and stood in front of the stage like any other hipster. He was there to support his friends, members of Eleven Hundred Springs, who were performing their first set as the rockabilly band Matt the Cat Trio. Heath sat in with the trio and brought the crowd to its feet with his rendition of “That’s Alright Mama.” The people who support Smoke and Mirrors make the gallery what it is, Luther says. “I am a collector of people more than anything,” she says. “I love the idea of creating strong networks, families of people that communicate and strive together to make their visions and dreams come true on their own terms.” Luther works full-time managing Dolly Python vintage shop on Haskell, and she has her own line of handmade jewelry, Reincarnate. “Working at Dolly, I come across so many beautiful pieces from the past that on their own are worthless due to damage,” she says. “But with a little work and creativity, I piece them together to make new pieces of jewelry that give them life again.” —Rachel Stone

Happy Holidays from the Physicians and Staff of Walnut Hill OB/GYN.

Jeffrey M. Thurston, M.D

David M. Bookout, M.D.

Julie M. Hagood, M.D.

James K. Richards, M.D. (center row)

Jennifer Muller, M.D.

John D. Bertrand, M.D. (front row)

Jane E. Nokleberg, M.D.

Hampton B. Richards, M.D.

‘East Dallas original’

Walter Soza’s studio, above the T Shop, is situated to face the Lakewood Theater. He could throw a rock from his window and just about hit the marquee. A former senior art director for an advertising agency, Soza started his own firm, Soza Designs, after his job was cut in the fifth round of layoffs in 2009. He just moved from his home office to this light-filled studio a few months ago, when he and his wife had a baby. The juxtaposition is appropriate. The theater’s tower and façade were the start of the inspiration for Soza’s line of Dallas-centric illustrations. He set up a booth at Lakewoodstock last year, and the Junius Heights Neighborhood Association commissioned him to do illustrations of that historic neighborhood. The illustrations depict the prairie and arts-and-crafts homes of Junius Heights, with Art Deco-inspired type. From there, Soza started illustrating other iconic Dallas buildings: The Granada Theater, Woodrow Wilson High School, The Adolphus Hotel, the White Rock Lake pump house and the Texas Theatre, among others. “The love of graphic design, illustrations and architecture all come together,” he says. He prints the designs on posters, cards and magnets. Most items range from $4-$25, and framed prints can cost $175-$450. Soza also designed an “East Dallas Original” logo, which he prints on T-shirts and baby onesies. All of that is a side project to his real job, freelancing for ad agencies. He still enters craft shows, although not as many since the new baby. He welcomes buyers to visit his studio, although he’s not always there. Next time you’re in the T Shop, check and see. —Rachel

Stone

Find

Can Türkyilmaz

Bolstering yoga practice

When Marj Rash has a headache, she does yoga. Nausea? High blood pressure? Allergies? Yoga, yoga, yoga. Rash has been practicing Iyengar yoga for decades now, and she owns Yoga Mart on Oram near Skillman. She opened the shop online in 2002 as a side project, making bolsters that are commonly used in Iyengar. Then in January 2009, the textile and clothing designer was laid off from her job in the buying department of Neiman Marcus. So she went all in on the yoga business and leased a storefront just to get the manufacturing side out of her Little Forest Hills house, she says. Now she makes 11 products for Iyengar practitioners, including the bolsters, mat covers, straps, scented eye bags and pillows. Many of the products Yoga Mart carries are made locally. Rash’s friend Jimmy Salmon of Oak Cliff makes wooden blocks, meditation benches and other handmade wooden yoga props. Stephanie Safran of Hollywood/

Santa Monica makes buckwheat pillows. What isn’t made locally, Rash buys from manufacturers she considers superior. Since she has a background in clothing design, she’s particular. She stocks South Carolina-based Swadeshi clothing, for example, which fit better than most yoga clothes, Rash says. Rash started teaching yoga in 1997. She teaches at the Landry fitness center at Baylor hospital, and has offered classes at the White Rock YMCA since 2000. Once she established Yoga Mart on Oram, friends and clients urged her to form a class out of the shop. So now she teaches about three classes a week in a studio she created in the back of Yoga Mart. “I practice for health,” she says. “I just practice because I love it.”

—Rachel Stone

LEARN MORE

Find Yoga Mart’s bolsters, wooden blocks, buckwheat pillows and other locally made products at 6039 Oram or yogamartusa.com.

Can Türkyilmaz

Out & About

December 2012

Dec. 9

Dallas Marathon

Formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon, the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon and Half Marathon begins this year on Main. The full run makes its way through Uptown, across Lakewood, around the east side of the lake and back toward the Dallas Convention Center. Not a runner? Consider volunteering or providing much-needed sideline cheering.

MetroPCS Dallas Marathon, 972.498.1136, dallasmarathon.com, $125-$275 registration, $25 mayor’s race 5k

LAKEWOOD.ADVOCATEMAG.COM/EVENTS

NOV. 27-DEC. 1

Books and more sale

This Skillman Southwestern Library Friends fundraiser offers more than 3,000 gently used books, CDs, movies,greeting cards, magazines and more. Most items cost between 50 cents and $2.The sale opens at 3:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday for Friends only (you can join at the door) and continues noon-7:45 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m.5:45 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Any items left on Saturday will be halfprice. Proceeds benefit the library.

Skillman Southwestern Library, 5707 Skillman, 214.670.6078, sslfriends@aol.com, free entry

NOV. 28-DEC. 15

‘A Holiday Memory’

This One Thirty Productions performance is based on Truman Capote’s short stories about his childhood in Depression-era Alabama. All performances start at 1:30 p.m. Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther, 214.670.8749, dallasculture.org/ bathhouseculturecenter, $10-$14

NOV. 28

Casa Linda tree lighting

The 5-7 p.m. festivities include several school choir performances, merchant specials and $5 pictures with Santa Claus. This year, the 30-foot tree will be lit with energy-efficient LED lights. The event takes place in the east quadrant along the esplanade.

Casa Linda Plaza, 1152 N. Buckner, free

NOV. 30

Light Up Lakewood

The 10th annual event features a brand new tree, a petting zoo, a bounce house, performances and pictures with Santa Claus from 6-9 p.m. Neighborhood school choirs perform, and neighborhood band Restoration Blues wraps up the night.

Lakewood Shopping Center, 6401 Gaston, free

Through Dec. 23

‘Nutcracker’ puppets

This twist on “The Nutcracker” will tell the classic holiday story through puppetry in an intimate studio theater setting. The Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts is helping stage what the Dallas Children’s Theater guarantees will be a sell-out performance.

Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, 214.740.0051, dct.org, $14-$40

KarenAlmond

THROUGH DEC. 22

‘Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!’

The Dallas Children’s Theater brings back first-grader Junie B. Jones. Join the “merry mayhem” with Junie and her friends during the holiday season in this production based on Barbara Park’s beloved books.

Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, 214.978.0110, dct.org, $14-$40

THROUGH DEC. 31

Chihuly and Arboretum holiday

Due to its popularity, the Chihuly glass exhibit was extended through the end of the month. Chihuly Nights will run through Dec. 30. The Arboretum will also host George Dvorsky and the Harrington family’s collections of nativity scenes, compiled over decades, which feature sets from around the world. This month, visitors can also see the DeGolyer Mansion decorated in 1940s-era holiday cheer.

Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland, 214.515.6500, dallasarboretum.org,

$9-$20

DEC. 1

Scholarship fundraiser

In honor of a student killed a week before starting his senior year at Woodrow Wilson High School, the Gustavo Ipiña Memorial Scholarship (GIMS) hosts a winter party from 7-10 p.m. to raise scholarship funds for graduating Wildcats. The event features wine, beer, wood-fired pizza and a silent auction. Admission covers heavy hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary drink.

The Wine Therapist, 1810 Skillman, 214.821.9463, thewinetherapist.com, $20

MARIPOSA IMPORTS

Come in now to see our best collection of Christmas creations from South of the Border ever! 2813 N. Henderson Ave. 214.826.0069 lamariposaimports.com

ECLECTIC GALLERIES

Unique gifts and decor from 200 artisan studios. Glass, jewelry, pottery, turned wood, and more! All handmade in the U.S.A. Like us on Facebook. 6725 Snider Plaza 469.759.6501 eclecticgalleries.com

DC BOUTIQUE

Come visit us for your last minute Christmas gift at D.C. Boutique! 9219 Garland Rd. Tues-Friday 11am to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm dcboutique.com

PAINTING WITH A TWIST

Express your inner artist! Instructors lead attendees in creating paintings with a featured piece of art, bring nothing more than your imagination, wine or beverage. Perfect for Private Parties as well. 5202 Lovers Ln. 214.350.9911 paintingwithatwist.com

YOGA MART

Meditation pillows are available in a large variety of prints. Jewelry, ceramics and many more gift ideas. And yoga supplies as well. 6039 Oram (at Skillman) 214.534.4469 yogamartusa.com

BEAUCOUP

Come by Beaucoup for fabulous fashions, unique jewelry, and charming home decor! 2815 Henderson Ave. Dallas 214.823.7906 635 W. Campbell Rd. Richardson 972.235.7906 facebook.com/beaucouphome

THE HOSPITALITY SWEET

Sweet treats are the perfect party favor for your holiday gathering! Open at the London Café inside Timothy Oulton at Potter Square. 4500 N. Central Expressway. 214.534.2241 thehospitalitysweet.com

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

T.HEE GREETINGS

All that glitters and glistens is at your locally owned T. Hee Greetings this holiday season. Three Dallas locations: Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Preston Center. 214.747.5800 t-heegifts.com

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

Dec. 1

Good local market

Browse handmade clothes, jewelry, toys, vintage clothes and craft foods from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Good Records parking lot. The Yellow Belly food truck will bring the grub, and dogs are welcome. Deep Ellum Outdoor Market partners with Good Records for this event in Good Records’s parking lot. Good Records, 1808 Greenville, 214.752.4663, goodrecords.com, free

Dec. 1

Photos with Santa

Bring the kids by Ebby Halliday’s Lakewood office in the Hillside Village Shopping Center for snacks and complimentary photos with Santa Claus from noon-3 p.m. Ebby Halliday Realtors, 6441 E. Mockingbird, 214.826.0316, ebby.com, free

DIAMONDS N DESIGNS

Loose Diamonds since 1983. We Custom Design your Jewelry. Designer & Gemologists on staff. Mention this Ad & get a FREE Jewelry Inspection and Cleaning. By Appointment Call 972.490.0133 diamondsndesigns.net

WALTON’S LAWN & GARDEN CENTER

Deck your Halls with beautiful Magnolia, Boxwood, and Noble wreaths and garland, as well as unique lacquered magnolia wreaths. Come see the best Christmas tree selection in Dallas! 8652 Garland Rd. 214.321.2387 waltonsgarden.com

MINIME

Stock up on the cutest hats for winter! Whether a gift or for your mini me, it’s sure to be a hit!

6719 Snider Plaza minimedallas.com 214.346.5401

MARIPOSA IMPORTS

Discover the beauty and style of our elegant casual clothing, perfect for holiday entertaining! 2813 N. Henderson Ave. 214.826.0069 lamarposaimports.com

Dec. 1

The Dallas Flea

ON BODY TEXT

More than 75 artisans will showcase art, furniture, home décor, jewelry, handmade items and vintage goods alongside food trucks from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The indoor market began a couple years ago to highlight grassroots artists and businesses. East Dallas vendors include Dowdy Studio Wagon, f. is for frank, Random and One Fish, Two Fish Design. Parking is free.

South Side on Lamar, 1409 S. Lamar, thedallasflea.com $5 entry, children under 12 free

Dec. 1-Dec. 15

‘Milagritos’ performance

The Cara Mía Theatre Company adapts stories by Sandra Cisneros, author of “The House on Mango Street.”

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

“Milagritos,” or “little miracles,” portrays interwoven memories of a woman living in a new city. Cisneros will sign books at an opening night reception Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. Performances take place at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak, 214.671.0045, dallasculture.org/

latinoculturalcenter, $12-$30

Paul

Find Your Fitness

Paul Atkinson had too much weight and too little energy. With a disciplined, supervised personal training program, along with consistent participation in a weight loss program, he shed pounds and inches and gained strength. Now he can bench-press 325 pounds. at’s the power of personal training.

Dec. 4

‘Docs Holiday: The Final Performance’

The 4 Out of 5 Doctors comedy group reunites to perform its most popular sketches, including part of “Holiday on Thin Ice,” at 7:30 p.m. Beer, wine and pocket sandwiches will be available for purchase.

Pocket Sandwich Theatre

5400 E. Mockingbird, suite 119, 214.821.1860, 4outof5doctors.com, $15

Dec. 6-9

Home tour, boutique and café

Call

The Dallas Woman’s Forum welcomes visitors to explore the historic Alexander Mansion from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tours of holiday-decked rooms run every half hour. Downstairs, musicians will perform and Santa will be on hand for photos. Upstairs, a boutique will offer antiques, jewelry, chocolates, jellies, handcrafted décor and more. Reserve a lunch spot at the holiday café for $12 and purchase tour and boutique tickets online or by phone.

Alexander Mansion, 4607 Ross, 214.823.4533, dallaswomansforum.org, $10, $5 children under 12

Dec. 8

Shoreline spruce-up

Show up at 8 a.m. for a continental breakfast and to pick up supplies, then head out to help keep the lake clean. For the Love of the Lake, 1152 N. Buckner, 214.660.1100, whiterocklake.org, free

Dec. 8

Holiday bazaar

More than 60 vendors will be selling goods from artwork to accessories from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the annual bazaar, organized by Bishop Lynch parents and benefitting the Brigade Drill Team. Santa will be present for pictures from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and the Candy Cane Café will be open for lunch.

Bishop Lynch High School, 9750 Ferguson, 214.324.3607, bishoplynch.org, free

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

Dec. 8

Holiday market

White Rock Local Market’s “everything” market from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. features locally produced food, crafts and music. The Green Spot Market & Fuels, 702 N. Buckner, whiterocklocalmarket.com, free

Dec. 15

‘Merry Little Christmas Show’

Step into crooner Ricki Derek’s makeshift onstage living room as he and a full band perform original songs. Watch the tonguein-cheek production at the family-friendly matinee at 3 p.m. or at the cocktail show at 8:30 p.m.

Lakewood Theater, 1825 Abrams, 214.821.7469, lakewoodtheater.com, $10-$32.50

Dec. 16

Posada procession

The posada, a Latin American tradition, will begin at 4 p.m. at the Central Square Park near Swiss and Oak, then make its way down Swiss Avenue and end at the Latino Cultural Center plaza. Festivities continue at the center with mariachis, a Matachines dance troupe, live music, storytelling and crafts. Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak, 214.671.0045, dallasculture.org/ latinoculturalcenter, free

Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve bash

Ring in the new year with stellar music from bands Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights and the Quaker City Night Hawks. Tickets are available online. Doors open at 8 p.m. and headlining band takes the stage around 11:30 p.m. Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville, 214.824.9933, granadatheater.com, $24 general, $80 VIP

Dec.

15

Jog’r Egg Nog’r run

Lace up for a crisp run around the lake. The 5k and 15k begin at 9 a.m. near Peavy and Van Dyke with a view of the downtown skyline and finish downhill at Norbuck Park. A post-race glass of eggnog might make for a perfect victory toast. Sign up Dec. 12-14 at RunOn! at 5400 E. Mockingbird or on race day at 8 a.m. Norbuck Park, 200 N. Buckner, whiterockracing.com, $25 5k, $40 15k

Delicious

It’s crab season

Inside Fish Bone Grill, owner Bill Hensley breezes past round wooden tables and benches and points at customers while inquiring how the food tastes. Hensley opened his first restaurant July 1984 after the former financial planner decided to live his love of seafood. The restaurant has lime green walls and open space that Hensley completely remodeled this year. The menu varies from the popular Mexican shrimp cocktail to a crab cake burger that can be ordered grilled or crispy on a toasted bun. Most of his recipes are from his original restaurant in Arlington, and he adds only one or two new recipes a year. Hensley also stocks 28 types of beers that keep new and repeat seafoodies coming. —Monica S. Nagy

FISH BONE GRILL

318 Medallion Shopping Center 214.696.0102

fishbonegrilldallas.com

AMbiANCe: SeASiDe bAr

PriCe rANge: $7.95-$29.95

tiP: requeSt the CreoLe MuStArD SAuCe for DuNkiNg.

Left: Crab cake burger

Above: Stuffed crab

Photos by Mark Davis

1 Scalini’s Pizza & Pasta

Sit down, relax, and order a half-pound of crab claws with a side of garlic butter and white wine sauce.

2021 abrams

214.821.8088

scalinisdallas.com

2 Shuck-N-Jive

Stop by on a Wednesday, grab a $1.50 draft beer and order the employee favorite, crab stuffed shrimp, served with a side of rice and steamed vegetables.

5315 Greenville

214.369.9471

shucknjive.com

3 Egg Roll Fortune

ROTATED 12-12 Half Horizontal

The crispy crab wontons are filled with crabmeat, cream cheese and green onions. Dunk them in sweet and sour sauce for an extra kick.

10518 e. northwest Highway

214.553.8551

Atomic Pie

Specializing in American and Italian flavors. Choose from our signature pizza, sliders, fries, fresh salads and more. We are in your neighborhood and deliver. Mon-Th 11am-9pm, Fri and Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 12pm-9pm.

Hacienda On

Patio perfect weather for dining and margartias. We have the spot!

Half Price Food on Mondays! 5-10pm

Open Daily 11am-2am. Late Night Menu. Catering Available.

Come Celebrate Our 1 Year Anniversary at JJ’s Cafe throughout the month of December!!!

We serve a full breakfast and lunch menu 7 days a week. Open daily from 7am-2pm.

“Like” us on Facebook

Fourteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition

Champagne explained

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut ($15) California

Never has one kind of wine been so confusing to so many people. Once, all sparkling was called champagne, even if it didn’t come from the Champagne region of France. Today, for a variety of reasons, only bubbly that comes from Champagne can be called Champagne — which, as it turns out, is perfectly fine with producers in Spain, where it’s called cava; in Italy, where it’s called Prosecco; and in the rest of the France, where it’s called cremant.

Those wines, which cost a fraction of the price of Champagne, are markedly improved in quality and deliver value far above their price. Yes, there is nothing like Champagne, but if you want to spend $20 or less, there are literally hundreds of great wines to choose from.

These wines are just a glimpse of what’s available: This cava is soft and generous, with sweet lemon fruit and bubbles that won’t quit. It doesn’t have the edge that many other cavas have, but that’s not a problem.

A Cali-

fornia sparkler that never disappoints. Look for a bit of spice, minerals, apple fruit and even a certain yeastiness, which is usually found only in more expensive wines.

Outstanding chardonnay-based effort from Burgundy region of France that has some apple, wonderful bubbles and even a bit of caramel in the back. Not as fruity as cava, but more austere than real Champagne. —Jeff

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

Siegel

Performance Hall

Ask the wine guy

Why does sparkling wine have bubbles?

It’s from carbonation, just like soft drinks — though the process is much more complicated with champagne-style wines and involves two rounds of fermentation, as opposed to one for still wine. The second round produces the bubbles.

—Jeff Siegel

ASK THE WINE GUY taste@advocatemag.com

with your wine

Texas pecan cake

Pecans, though popular in Texas and the South, aren’t as well-known in the rest of the world. This knockoff of a Spanishstyle almond cake shows just how versatile pecans can be.

GROCERY LIST

2 eggs

1 c sugar

1/3 c oil

1/2 c milk

3/4 c flour

DIRECTIONS

1/4 c ground pecans

3/4tsp baking powder

3Tbsp pecan pieces powdered sugar for garnishing

1. Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in sugar and oil, and then add milk, flour, ground pecans, and baking powder. Mix well.

2. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9-inch pie plate. Sprinkle pecan pieces on top. Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Garnish with powdered sugar.

Makes one 9-inch cake; takes 45 minutes to an hour.

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

STORY BY RACHEL STONE & KERI MITCHELL | PHOTOS BY DANNY FULGENCIO & CAN TÜRKYILMAZ

THE HOLIDAYS ARE A TIME of mass-manufactured items and stores galore. In East Dallas, we have more than enough places to shop, but is it worth the traffic and trudging through checkout lines at the mall? Gifts for friends and loved ones might be even closer — and better yet, made locally. We found a few crafty neighbors who are hard at work this holiday season.

That’s what you’ll hear when you give one of these unique made-right-here-in-the-neighborhood gifts

Dylan and Pamela Dowdy, Dowdy Studio

Gift idea: whimsical T-shirts and prints Price range: $16-$41 Where to find it: dowdystudio.com, the Dowdy Studio wagon

DOWDY STUDIOSTARTED OUT

in 2007, but the husband-and-wife designers just moved their business to our neighborhood a year ago. Dylan and Pamela Dowdy rented a small warehouse behind Goodfriend and Good-2-Go Tacos/Cultivar Coffee, where they often park the Dowdy Studio “wagon,” the trailer where they sell their goods.

Oh, and about those goods. The Dowdys are artists who print their designs on T-shirts, hoodies, messenger bags, pillows and coasters. Dylan is a self-taught artist whose designs are whimsical and often have nautical touches, such as the whale with piano keys for teeth or the merman who is a lumberjack.

New this season is a pirate with a ship for a hat, waves for hair and whales for a mustache. Dylan also is the screen printer, and as a former set designer, he has a knack for building things. He outfitted the wagon with its displays, and he jigsaws his and Pamela’s designs into clock faces.

Pamela’s designs are whimsical in the same way as Dylan’s, but her style is differ-

ent. Plus, she leans toward cats. New for this season is the pirate kitty with a peg leg and eye patch.

The couple started Dowdy Studio as a side business while they were dating. Now Dylan runs the business full-time, and Pamela is a designer for Fossil. They were married two years ago.

Since winters are so mild in Dallas, Dowdy Studio rarely prints on heavyweight hoodies. Instead, they have lightweight cowl-neck sweatshirts for ladies this season as well as a lightweight unisex pullover hoodie. Their pillows make good gifts for anyone, Dylan says.

“The manlier the design, the girlier the back will be,” he says.

The couple designed the interior of their little warehouse space to look like a boutique, and they sometimes throw parties there.

Find Dylan and Pamela’s wagon outside Good-2-Go Tacos and Cultivar Coffee most weekends or at dowdystudio.com, and catch them wearing their “Drink Local” T-shirt at Goodfriend.

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

THE WAY LAKEWOOD CANDLE COMPANYENDED UP ONTHE

shelves of the Dallas Museum of Art store is “a perfect East Dallas kind of story,” says Alison Silliman. She’s the museum store’s general manager and also its buyer, and she lives in Vickery Place.

Silliman’s home was on the Vickery Place centennial home tour, and Lakewood Candles burned inside each house as tour-goers walked through. So when the museum began gearing up for its current Posters of Paris exhibit and was on the hunt for corresponding local products, Silliman thought of Lakewood Candle Company.

She tracked down its owner, Old East Dallas resident Wendy Millsap, and their conversations led to a limited edition collection of candles, each one emblazoned with a Paris poster and matched with “scents that make sense,” Silliman says.

into candle

Her

involved ladling wax from a pot on her stove to create Christmas gifts.

It was a fitting culmination, especially since Millsap launched her business on the home tour circuit — Junius Heights, Swiss Avenue and Munger Place are among the others for whom Millsap has designed commemorative candles.

Her first foray into candle making involved ladling wax from a pot on her stove to create Christmas gifts. Millsap still hand-pours her candles (not with soup ladles, of course), and about a year ago, she quit her sales job to pursue candle-making full-time.

Neighborhood wine bar Times Ten Cellars sells Millsap’s candles, as do Random boutique in Hillside Village and Talulah Belle in the Lakewood shopping center. Talulah Belle owner Elizabeth Mast, who just opened home design store Hess next door, also is working

first foray

making

Wendy Millsap, Lakewood Candle Company

Gift idea: Bonnie and Clyde candle, the most popular scent and Millsap’s favorite, too Price range: $15-$36 at retail stores, $5.50 and up for custom orders

Where to find it: Random, Talulah Belle, Times Ten Cellars, Dallas Museum of Art, lakewoodcandlecompany.com

with Millsap to create a private label Hess candle, expected in first quarter 2013. Another of her private labels is being shipped to places such as Amsterdam and Hong Kong for a company so big that we’re not yet allowed to mention the partnership in print.

All of these candles are made in Millsap’s prairie-style home.

Kara Fletcher, Studio Design Lab

Gift idea: Embroidered initial pillows

Price range: $49-$64

Where to find it: studiodesignlab.com

KARA FLETCHER WORKED FOR INTERIOR DESIGN FIRMS for years until she was laid off in January 2010. The industry hadn’t been doing well, and it came as no big surprise to her.

“It was my turn,” she says of the layoff.

So she decided to try sewing, and she pulled out her mom’s old sewing machine on which she and her sister had learned when they were kids. The 40-year-old Singer only frustrated her. So she decided to buy a new machine. And what she bought, basically, is a Bentley.

The Swiss-made Bernina 830 has a touch screen and does many tricks, including computerized embroidery. Only 4,000 of them were made, and they cost about as much as a good used car. But the machine allows Fletcher to create any design she can imagine.

It’s not just about having the right tool; it’s about knowing how to use it, she says. That sewing machine and Fletcher’s creative mind are the basis of her Studio Design Lab.

She started out making complicated designs, such as her “dragon pillow,” inspired by business trips to China. But when she took them to shows, such as the Urban Street Bazaar in Oak Cliff, buyers were more interested in simpler designs, especially the initial pillows.

Now she sells about 100 of those a year, many of them custom to order. She uses ecofriendly bamboo felt or recycled felt whenever possible. Clients often send her swatches for inspiration, and she will send fabric swatches so clients can be sure the color and texture is just right. Neighborhood clients can save on shipping and meet Fletcher to pick up their pillows or have them delivered by UPS.

Jennifer Blumenstock, Three Bishops

Gift idea: natureinspired necklaces

Price range: $125-$300

Where to find it: threebishops.com, Talulah Belle, Gemma Collection, Blueprint, Hemline, Susan Saffron Jewelry

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

JENNIFER BLUMENSTOCK

occasionally picks up a cracked nutshell or a yucca pod on morning walks around her neighborhood near White Rock Lake. She uses these nature objects as inspiration in her jewelry line, Three Bishops.

Actually, some of the tiny treasures she uses as molds for her pieces. She applies precious-metal clay onto them and then bakes them in a kiln. The organic matter burns away, and she’s left with, say, a teensy golden leaf perfect for a dainty chain or a stargazershaped pendant for a long necklace. No two are the same.

Blumenstock worked for several jewelry makers and then learned metal smithing at the Creative Arts Center. Her two sisters,

Natalie Martin of Fort Worth and Melody Bishop of Los Angeles, are partners in the business (hence, three Bishops). Natalie manages sales and business, and Melody does marketing.

Three Bishops pieces have appeared on TV shows including “Vampire Diaries,” “Entourage” and “Dallas,” thanks to Melody’s work. Three Bishops also makes what Blumenstock calls “shaker necklaces,” which look like clear lockets with loose gems inside. Also popular are her bangles, hoops and pieces made with turquoise, smoky quartz, red coral and other stones.

Blumenstock says she loves to watch fashion shows online and come up with ideas for jewelry to pair with the clothes. Natalie says her sister always knows what’s next in fashion.

“She’s always had a wonderful talent for that,” she says.

Built in 2006 by David Weekly Homes, has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3,441 sf., a study & open kitchen/ breakfast room leading to a covered back porch with outdoor fireplace. Super-sized game & media room upstairs. Premium lot next to greenbelt.

4/3.2 4465 sf. Energy Star Certified Home, built in 2006, is a must for discerning buyers looking for low energy bills. Gorgeous home has 4 outdoor living areas, gourmet kitchen with island, superior features & finish out. This is one-of-a-kind!

CELEBRATE LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

SUPPORT

“Live Local” is all about keeping our dollars in our communities. We live here. We work here. We spend our dollars here. That, in turn, results in a “thriving metropolis” where we reap the benefits of our “Live Local” philosophy by keeping our shopping centers fully leased, increasing our home values and drawing people into our community to eat, shop and live! I was born & raised in Lakewood and am proud to be vocal about “living local!”

DARLENE ELLISON

Live Local East Dallas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the idea that supporting local businesses strengthens the neighborhood and its people.

Three Bishops pieces have appeared on TV shows including “Vampire Diaries,” “Entourage” and “Dallas.”

Empower Girls, Be a Troop Leader!

The Live LocaL cornucopia

All of these products are the work of neighborhood-based entrepreneurs. Give them as hostess gifts, stocking stuffers or prezzies for the office. Better yet, buy one of each and make a Live Local gift basket for your favorite neighbor.

Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters

Girl Scouts need individuals to provide a great leadership experience. You will help them become girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

As a troop leader, you will receive training opportunities and experience to build your confidence, public speaking, problem-solving, and career skills, while also making new friends.

To find out more information on becoming a troop leader, visit www.gsnetx.org/volunteer.

www.gsnetx.org

Phone: 1-800-442-2260

Marta and Kevin Sprague started roasting coffee fulltime almost two years ago after many years as serious hobbyists. All of Noble Coyote’s coffee beans are certified organic or from farms that use fair-trade and shadegrown farming practices. Part of the proceeds of their Café Momentum Blend go to Café Momentum’s mission of teaching culinary skills to at-risk youth in Dallas. Find Noble Coyote at Jimmy’s Food Store, White Rock Local Market and artizone.com Order from noblecoyotecoffee.com and get free delivery in the White Rock area.

Lakewood Brewing Co

The first kegs rolled out of neighborhood-based Lakewood Brewing Co. this past summer. The local brew is available by the glass at Goodfriend, Bryan Street Tavern, Cock & Bull Pub, Cosmos and too many places to mention here. But if all goes according to plan, our neighborhood beer label will be available in bottles at Lakewood Whole Foods (which also serves the beer on draft) before the holidays, says Lakewood Brewing Co. owner and brewer Wim Bens. lakewoodbrewingcompany.com

Wackym’s Kitchen

Neighborhood resident Paul Wackym started this cookie-baking business in 2009 after the company he worked for folded. Thank goodness for silver linings. Wackym’s crispy cookies, in flavors including margarita, salted caramel and oatmeal walnut currant, are delightful. Find them at Central Market, Green Spot, Good 2 Go Taco, The Grape, Jimmy’s Food Store, White Rock Local Market and several other

places around Dallas. wackymskitchen.com

1888 Dirtiest Martini Mix

This martini mix is not just the brine from an olive jar. Rather, it is the juice of olives. Neighborhood resident Kenneth Hamburger II basically revolutionized the dirty martini after losing his job as a Lamborghini salesman in 2008. His mix is featured in many neighborhood bars, and you can buy it by the bottle at Spec’s, Central Market, Centennial, Big Daddy’s, Sigel’s and other liquor stores. 1888olivepress.com

Garden District bloody Mary mix

Our neighbors know how to mix a drink. Neighborhood resident Stephanie Sanoja spent two-and-a-half years working with vendors and manufacturers to have her Aunt Gladys’s bloody mary mix commercially produced exactly how she wanted it. And we all benefit from Sanoja’s hard work because her perfect bloody mary mix is available at Talulah Belle, Brumley Gardens, Kindred Spirits and Spec’s. gardendistrictbloodymarys.com

Carnival Barker’s

It’s a little dangerous to give ice cream as a gift because, you know, it melts. But for the ice-cream fiend in your life, Carnival Barker’s is sublime. Owners Aaron Barker and Sarah Miller produce flavors including the Fat Elvis, with peanut butter, bananas, candied bacon and a honey swirl. But there are simpler flavors, including strawberry and vanilla bean. Find it in the neighborhood at Jimmy’s Food Store.

carnivalbarkers@gmail.com

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

CHRIS UNRUH IS EXPERIMENTING with

doll heads these days.

Some people don’t really get it, she says. But when she uses them to mold cement heads, which she then hollows out and plants succulents inside, some people love them.

Chris Unruh, One Fish Two Fish

Gift idea: potted plants

Price range: $12-$45 Where to find it: trulyunruhly. wordpress.com, craft shows

Unruh, who went to FIT and designed jewelry in New York for five years, discovered hypertufa, a porous material made of Portland cement, peat moss and either pearlite or aragonite, on a road trip in March 2010. She was on the way to her grandmother’s funeral and reading her stepmom’s Better Homes and Gardens magazine when she found a story about the stuff. The cement mixture is great for growing plants.

Aside from doll heads, Unruh uses yogurt cups and found Styrofoam forms to make hypertufa planters.

“I get excited about trash the way some people get excited about chandeliers,” she says, pulling pieces of Styrofoam from a bin.

Unruh’s company, One Fish Two Fish, sells online, and she is at craft fairs and shows at least two weekends a month. Some of her designs are smooth and geometric; others are rough and rustic. She uses found auto glass as sparkly mulch for the plants.

“This glass came from a wreck on Garland Road,” she says.

Unruh credits her husband, Steve Dickson, for hauling around untold hundreds of pounds of Portland cement. They were married two years ago, and Unruh works part-time for her husband’s structural engineering firm. She also sells her handmade jewelry at etsy.com/shop/trulyunruhly.

“I get excited about trash the way some people get excited about chandeliers,” Unruh says, pulling pieces of Styrofoam from a bin.

LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

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

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

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

6458

SCHOOL OF CONTEMPORARY BALLET DALLAS

1902 Abrams Pkwy., Dallas / 214.821.2066 / schoolofcbd.com

WHITE ROCK NORTH SCHOOL

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas / 214.348.7410 / WhiteRockNorthSchool. com.

SPANISH HOUSE

5740 Prospect Ave. Dallas / 214.826.4410 / DallasSpanishHouse.com

ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL 6121 E. Lovers Ln. Dallas / 214.363.1630/ ziondallas. org

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX SCHOOL

1420 Old Gate Ln. Dallas / 214.321.2897 / stbernardccs.org

of our readers say they want to know more about private schools.

2012/2013

An old club with a new tradition

The Dallas Woman’s Forum fosters one of our city’s oldest mansions

Story by rachel Stone | Photo by Danny Fulgnencio

The Alexander Mansion is 106 years old, and along with the Belo Mansion Downtown, it is the last of the grand mansions that once lined Ross Avenue. No one has lived there since 1930. But the house, built for the equivalent of $3.2 million in today’s dollars, is full of life. It has served for the past 82 years as the clubhouse for the Dallas Woman’s Forum. The club takes care of the house, and like any centenarian, the house has a few ailments. The old mansion needs foundation work first and then a new roof.

That’s why the woman’s forum five years ago started its annual holiday home tour and European tearoom. It is the club’s one big fundraiser. This year’s home tour is Dec. 6-9.

The club has asked a historian to lead

Dallas Woman’s Forum members Virginia Cook, Suzanne Palmlund, Cathy Roach and Susan Williams organize the club’s annual home tour.

the tours this year, and it is a magnificent house. Enormous marble pillars at the front of the building were so large and unwieldy that workers had to build a cart specifically to haul them from the railroad during construction.

The home has most of its original details such as mother-of-pearl inlays in the leaded windows. All but one of the light

In the Dallas summers, Alexander had mounds of ice delivered to the mansion’s front lawn so that his six children could play in it.

fixtures is original. Even though Dallas didn’t have citywide electricity at the time, this house had its own generators for lights. Most rooms on the ground floor are paneled entirely in oak, and the dining room in mahogany. An appraiser from Sotheby’s currently is working to determine whether a large stained-glass window above the grand staircase is Tiffany. A shower in one of two second-floor bathrooms is one of the first installed in Dallas, and it has six knobs to control water at six points on the body.

The home’s original owner, C.H. Alexander, ran C.H. Alexander’s Dallas Ice Factory in Old East Dallas, and he had a huge icebox installed in the kitchen. The icebox is accessible from outdoors so that ice trucks could pull up and deliver ice without bothering the staff. In the Dallas summers, Alexander had mounds of ice delivered to the mansion’s front lawn so that his six children could play in it.

The women of the forum decorate the house for Christmas themselves, and each room has its own theme. The main dining room, for example, is decorated all in Tiffany blue and white. For the European tearoom, Dec. 12-21 this year, the women of the forum loan their personal china, crystal and silver. Each table is laid out with its own settings, so no two are the same.

“We’ve noticed a lot of the same mothers and daughters every year, so they’re starting to make it a tradition,” says club member Sharon Cooper.

Thank you East Dallas. It’s been our pleasure to serve you during 2012.

The forum was founded in 1906, and its early rolls are a who’s who of “firsts” among Dallas women, including Leonora Kirk Hall, the first woman elected to the Dallas school board. One of the founders, Mrs. E.P. Turner, in 1921 founded the organization that would become the Dallas League of Women Voters. The women of the forum organized their first fundraiser to help victims of the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906.

In the early days, members of the forum used the mansion as their home away from home. A parlor at the front of the house is known as “the writing room” because it’s where women would sit together and catch up on their personal correspondence. Their housekeeper, Willie, would serve them tea while they worked.

“We truly represent an era that’s gone,” Cooper says.

At the height of its popularity, in the 1930s, the club had 700 members. Membership had dwindled to about 50 by

December 8 & 9 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Dallas Heritage Village is aglow with Candlelight!

Candlelight remembers holiday homecomings with cooking demonstrations, historic recipes, and holiday exhibits. Celebrate the season with carriage rides, carolers, and entertainment. The Dallas Guild Bake Sale and some of Dallas’ best food trucks will be on hand to provide affordable tasty treats! Join us for this holiday tradition!

For online ticket purchases, DallasHeritageVillage.org/Candlelight

www.DallasHeritageVillage.org Find

ERIC CANTU

2007. But recruiting efforts over the past two years have bolstered the club’s membership to about 200.

The Alexander Mansion also includes a collection of Texas art, which the forum has collected since the early 1900s. The club used to sponsor a juried art show, and it would always buy the winning work. The ladies of the club would like to bring that tradition back, and they are planning a juried art show for next year.

ALEXANDER MANSION HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

Dec. 6-9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

$10 adults, $5 children younger than 12

HOLIDAYEUROPEAN TEAROOM

Dec. 12-21, seating at 1 p.m.

$45 adults, $15 children younger than 12

THEMANSION is located at 4607 Ross. Tickets for both events can be purchased by calling 214.823.4533 or online at dallaswomansforum.org.

KITCHENS - BATHS - ADDITIONS - CABINETRY GRANITE - FLOORING - APPLIANCES

Recruiting efforts in the past two years have bolstered the club’s membership to about 200.

2012 Candlelight at Dallas Heritage Village

Image by Priscilla Derr Killion

BAPTIST

LAKESIDE BAPTIST / 9150 Garland Rd / 214.324.1425

Worship — 8:30 am Classic & 11:00 am Contemporary

Pastor Jeff Donnell / www.lbcdallas.com

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

DIS cIPLES of chrIST

cENTrAL chrISTIAN chUrch / 4711 Westside Drive / 214.526.7291

Sunday Worship 11:00 am ./ Sunday School 9:45am

Wed. Bible Study 5:00 pm./ www.cccdt.org / ALL are welcome

EAST DALLAS chrISTIAN chUrch / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185

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

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

EPIScoPAL

ThE cAThEDrAL chUrch of ST. MATThEW / 5100 Ross Ave.

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

Servicio en español: 12:30 / 214.823.8134 / episcopalcathedral.org

LUThErAN

cENTrAL LUThErAN chUrch, ELcA / 1000 Easton Road

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

Pastor Rich Pounds / CentralLutheran.org / 214.327.2222

fIrST UNITED LUThErAN chUrch / 6202 E Mockingbird Lane

Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am / Call for class schedule. 214.821.5929 / www.dallaslutheran.org

METhoDIST

LAKE hIghLANDS UMc / 9015 Plano Rd. / 214.348.6600 / lhumc.com

9:30 – Sunday School / 10:30 – Fellowship Time

10:50 – Traditional & Contemporary Worship

MUNgEr PLAcE chUrch / Expect Great Things.

Worship Sundays, 9:30 and 11:00 am / 5200 Bryan Street

214.823.9929 / www.mungerplacechurch.org

WhITE rocK UNITED METhoDIST / www.wrumc.org

1450 Oldgate Lane / 214.324.3661

Sunday Worship 10:50 am / Rev. George Fisk

NoN-DENoMINATIoNAL

DWELLINg PLAcE chUrch / Being the church in every day life experiences / Sundays at 10:30am / www.dpclife.com

Magnolia Theater / 3699 McKinney Ave. / 469.438.5405

ShorELINE DALLAS chUrch / 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane ShorelineDallas.com / 469.227.0471 / Pastor Earl McClellan

Everyone’s Welcome at 9:15am / Children’s & Youth Ministry

PrESBy TErIAN

KINg’S PArISh ASSocIATE rEforMED PrESBy TErIAN chUrch kingsparish.com / Rev. David Winburne / Worship at 10:00 am

Meets at Ridgewood Park Rec Center / 469.600.3303

NorThPArK PrESBy TErIAN chUrch / 214.363.5457

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

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

NorThrIDgE PrESBy TErIAN chUrch / 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 PrESBy TErIAN / Skillman & Monticello

Rev. Rob Leischner. / www.standrewsdallas.org

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

UNIT y

UNIT y of DALLAS / A Positive Path For Spiritual Living

6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230 / 972-233-7106 / UnityDallas.org

Sunday services: 9:00 am & 11:00 am

Hopes and fears

Holiday preparations started for me this year with a conversation with my wife that led to an email exchange with our kids and their spouses about who would be where and when, who would be buying for whom, and how much would we all spend. Sound familiar?

Questions like these bring on the stress and expose the fault lines of families before fault can even be found. Christmas for Christian families is full of hopes and fears. Just the saying of those words — hopes and fears — reminds me of the poignant line in Phillips Brooks’s classic hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem”: “the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

Then a book appeared in my mailbox at church. The same publisher who just published my book on training young pastors for church published this one about training young children for life. I brought it home to my wife, who knows more about those things than I. I thought she’d like to share it with young moms at our church. Except I couldn’t quite turn loose of it myself to give her a chance at it.

“Hopes and Fears: Everyday Theology for New Parents and Other Tired, Anxious People.” The title got me first. “Hopes and Fears.” Check. “Everyday Theology” got me next after the colon. That’s what I do as a pastor. The “New Parents” part hasn’t fit me for decades, and new grandparent doesn’t quite qualify as a substitute, but I definitely fit the “Other Tired, Anxious People” part. Two young mothers, who also happen to be two young pastors, wrote it. Another reason for me to take interest, since I work with young women pastors who become mothers. So I’m in.

Bromleigh McCleneghan and Lee Hull Moses started blogging about all things preschooler mothering, early-marriage

spousing, and first-call pastoring. They ended up with a book that sets all of it within the bonds of God’s grace and the bounds of human experience. And I mean all of it: from distending bellies to leaking breasts, from potty training to late-night fevers, from mealtime and bedtime prayers to singing hymns as lullabies. The authors know the nitty-gritty of being human and are honest enough and humble enough to talk of it with wit and wisdom. They testify

that cuddling, connection and communion are both life with kids and life before God at the same time.

Reading these two young mothers and pastors reminds me that the story of Christmas is God’s taking on our hopes and fears up close and personal. “Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains” are no match for Mary and Joseph changing the diapers of baby Jesus, rocking the Son of God to sleep, and whispering to him the secrets angels shared about what a man the boy would grow to be.

God deigned to dwell with us first in a woman’s womb and then in a family we call holy because Mary and Joseph were faithful, not because they were perfect. It would take more than they had in them in order to overcome fear with faith. It would take the God they had in them to let hope win that first Christmas. It takes nothing less than that for us, too, every Christmas since.

A holiday homily for ‘tired, anxious people’

“Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains” are no match for Mary and Joseph changing the diapers of baby Jesus, rocking the Son of God to sleep.

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

community

The Senior Source is up for a communication award from the Center for Nonprofit Management, in part for a publicity stunt the seniors advocacy group pulled to celebrate its 50th anniversary last year. In the stunt, 50 seniors jumped 35,000 feet from an airplane. Search “skydiving seniors” at lakewood.advocatemag. com to watch a video of the jumps.

The Bath House Cultural Center isaccepting submissions now through Jan. 5for the annual El Corazón exhibition, which runs Feb. 2-March 2. El Corazón features art inspired by the heart, or “el corazón” in Spanish, which is an important Mexican and Latin American symbol. There is no cost to submit work for consideration.

The Grape on Lower Greenville, named two new chefs. Danyele McPherson is now chef de cuisine and Ian Starr, previously at Campo Modern Country Bistro, is now sous chef. Owner and chef Brian C. Luscher continues to oversee management at the bistro.

The Art Deco architecture of the 1936 Texas centennial exhibition in Fair Park is the subject of a new book fromTCU Press,“Fair Park Deco.” The book includes details about two Bauhaus-style homes that were built as part of the exhibition and later moved to Lakewood, one to Gaston and one to Loma Lane.

education

Woodrow Wilson High School’s free lecture serieskicked off in October. Mahesh S. Raisinghani, president and CEO of RGI, Inc. and an associate professor at Texas Woman’s University, spoke on “Changing Dynamics in International Economies and Implications for Global Business and Careers.”

people

Neighborhood resident Nanci Taylor published her new cookbook,“Edible Dallas & Fort Worth: The Cookbook,” in October. Taylor is publisher of Edible DFW, a free foodie publication available at shops throughout Dallas. The cookbook includes recipes from big-name local chefs for dishes such as blackberry buttermilk pie, persimmon bellinis and fried green tomato sandwiches, and it also profiles various Dallasarea foodies, places and ingredients. The book retails for $19.95.

SEND NEWS to editor@advocatemag.com.

White Rock Lake Festival rescheduled

The 10th annual White Rock Lake Festival was to be held Saturday and Sunday, November 10 – 11, 2012 at Boy Scout Hill on the shores of White Rock Lake. At set up, winds were in excess of 20 mph and the forecast was for higher winds and bad weather on Sunday.

Please visit our website at www.whiterocklakefoundation.org for future events.

We want to thank our sponsors for their support and will be issuing a statement in the near future which will outline the items that will be funded by this years’ fundraising efforts.

SPONSORS

You

10:30:

11:30: Christmas Potluck Lunch

12:30

Margaret and Rick Sorrells

Christie and John Davis Alise and Roberto Cortez

and Joe Gaspari

Patterson

and Jason Kulas

and John Bert

Whalen

Philanthropists-in-training

East Dallas girls Isabella and Katherine Adams , 9 and 6, won Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy awards from the Greater Dallas Chapter of Fundraising Professionals for their origami-for-safe-water efforts.

Home tour highlights

Aaron Krimn , Marsue Williams and Rene Schmidt await the Lipscomb Elementary choir performance at November’s sixth annual Junius Heights Historic Home Tour.

Submit your photo. Email a jpeg to editor@advocatemag.com.

BULLETIN BOARD

BEvEnts

ChildCarE

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

Ar

• Café •

Saturday December 8, 2012 10 am - 6 pm

For more information, call 214-597-6032 Presented by the Alex Sanger Elementary School PTA Benefiting Alex Sanger Elementary School

lEssons

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

DRUM & PIANO LESSONS Your location. UNT Grads, Betty & Bill. View BucherMusicSchool.com or call 469-831-7012

LEARN GUITAR OR PIANO Beginner Drums. Fun/Easy. Your Home. UNT Music Grad. Larry 469-358-8784

LOCAL TEACHER WHO TUTORS Algebra 2, Pre Cal, Calculus. Your Home/Mine. Melissa-MS. 817-988-0202

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

EmploymEnt

AIRLINE CAREERS Begin Here. Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA Approved. Training. Financial Aid, if qualified. Housing available. Job placement assistance. AIM 866-453-6204

BusinEss opportunitiEs

I’M LOOKING FOR A PART-TIME ASSISTANT Must be a Go Getter. Computer Wiz. Call BJ Ellis 214-226-9875

sErviCEs for you

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

DINO LIMO Yours For All Special Occasions,Casino Trips. 40 Yrs Exp. dino-avantilimousines.com. 214-682-9100

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. Bookkeeping Services. Cindy 214-821-6903

ESTATE/PROBATE MATTERS Because every family needs a will. Mary Glenn, J.D. maryglennattorney.com • 214-802-6768

January DEaDLInE DEcEmbEr 12 • 214.560.4203 TO aDVErTISE

Here she comes

Katarina Humrichouse recently was selected from thousands of applicants as the 2012 Miss Pre-Teen Dallas. Humrichouse is a fifth-grader at St. Thomas Aquinas and will represent Dallas in Orlando, Fla.

Birthday benefit

Employees at Lakewood’s Republic Title office on Gaston Avenue celebrated the company’s 20th anniversary with a service project benefiting the Bridge Breast Network. Raffles and donations at the event raised enough funds to sponsor one woman’s complete breast cancer surgery. Among those attending the event were (from left) Linda Hensley , Gene Garramone and Marie Quill.

BULLETIN BOARD B

BUY/SELL/TRADE

214-826-5009

MAVS/DALLAS STARS TICKETS Neighborhood group needs partners for great Dallas Mavs/Dallas Stars seats — tickets are priced at our cost; 2 seats for each game. Mavs seats are in Platinum Level Section 204, front row; Stars seats are Section 123, Row B (second row from the glass). E-mail rwamre@advocatemag.com or call 214-560-4212. We have great Rangers seats available, too!

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

ESTATE/GARAGE SALES

CLUTTERBLASTERS-ESTATE/MOVING SALES

De-Clutter/Organize www.ClutterBlasters.com

Donna@ClutterBlasters.com 972-679-3100

ESTATE SALES & LIQUIDATION SERVICES

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

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

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, LLC

214.912.7900

Half off svc fee w/repair. 10% off repair w/ maintenance pkg. Res/Com. #TACLA00029455E se-ac-heat.com BBB approved CCs Accepted

appliaNCe repair

APPLIANCE REPAIR SPECIALIST

Repair, Sales. 214-321-4228

JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE

TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898

Serving

214✯823✯2629

CarpeNtry & remodeliNg

ATLANTIS DESIGN-BUILD, LLC

Complete Remodeling. 40 Yrs Exp. Additions. 1 & 2 Story. Kitchens, Baths. Small Jobs To Entire House. Renovation & Design. Full Time Supervision. Licensed/Insured. Free Estimates. 281-761-4648

CleaNiNg ServiCeS

A CLEANING SERVICES

mcprofessionalcleaning.com 469-951-2948

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

LAST MINUTE House Cleaning. When no one else will clean I will. Bonded. Leslee 214-438-7790

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

TACLA28514E

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

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

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home

Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

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

KITCHEN AND BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

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

O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Professional Home Remodel. Shannon O’Brien. 214-341-1448 www.obriengroupinc.com

972.274.2157

214.526.8533

PREVIEW CONSTRUCTION INC. James Hardie Cement Siding. Energy Star Windows. Kitchens-Baths-Additions & More. 214-348-3836. See Photo Gallery at: www.previewconstruction.com

RENOVATE DALLAS

renovatedallas.net 214-403-7247

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

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

THE CLIENT’S CONTRACTOR www.CuttingEdgeRenovationsLLC.com

BRIAN GREAM RENOVATIONS

#TACLA23686E

972-216-1961

www.SherrellAir.com

TACL-B01349OE

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

THE MAIDS Angie’s List Award! Deep cleaning specialists, Eco-friendly supplies. 972-278-6000

WANTED: HOUSES TO CLEAN

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

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM

Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

Residential Commercial Construction Remodel Cleans make-readys windows carpet

$25.00 Off – 1st Full Detail Clean Complimentary quotes! lecleandallas.com

214.750.4888 20 years in business!

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

COMPUTER PROBLEMS SOLVED

Hardware/Software. Network. 20 yrs exp. Great Rates! Keith 214-295-6367

IQUEUE MEDIA COMPANY 214-478-8644

TV Installation, Computer Repair, Security.

ConCrete/ Masonry/Paving

BRICK & STONE REPAIR

Don 214-704-1722

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

CONCRETE REPAIRS/REPOURS

Demo existing. Driveways/Patio/Walks

Pattern/Color available 972-672-5359 (32 yrs.)

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

EDMONDSPAVING.COM Asphalt & Concrete

Driveway-Sidewalk-Patio-Repair 214-957-3216

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

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

Deckoart.com

eleCtriCal serviCes

DIRECT ELECTRIC Inc. New, remodel, res/com. Insured. Call 214-566-8888. Lic # TECL27551

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

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

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

MORIN ELECTRIC New/Remodel.Com/Res. Panel Changes/Full Services. All Phases. All Service Work. 469-230-7438. TECL2293

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

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

4 QUALITY FENCING Call Mike 214-507-9322 Specializing in Wood, New or Repair.

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

AMBASSADOR FENCE INC.

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

ARTdECk-O.COm 20 Year Warranty! Decks, Fences, Pergolas 214-435-9574

CREATIVE METAL SOLUTIONS LLC

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

LONESTARdECkS.COm 214-357-3975

Decks, Arbors, Fences, Patio Covers

Trex Decking & Fencing.

STEEL SALVATION Metal Art, Unique Crosses, Funky Fire Pits. steelsalvation.com

Local Resident 40+Yrs. 214-283-4673

FenCing & DeCks

EST. 1991 #1

COWBOY

FENCE & IRON CO.

214.692.1991

SPECIALIZING IN Wood Fences &Auto Gates

cowboyfenceandiron.com

FirePlaCe serviCe

CHImNEY SWEEP Dampers/Brick & Stone

Repair. DFW Metro. Don 214-704-1722

Flooring & CarPeting

ALL WALkS OF FLOORS 214-616-7641

Carpet, Wood, Tile Sales/Service Free Estimates

CUTTING EDGE FLOORING Hardwoods, Carpet, Tile. New/Repair. 972-822-7501

dALLAS HARdWOOdS 214-724-0936

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

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

STAINED & SCORED CONCRETE FLOORS

New/Remodel. Res/Com. Int/Ext. Refin. 15 Yrs. TheConcreteStudio.com 214-321-1575

WILLEFORD HARDWOOD FLOORS

214-824-1166 • WillefordHardwoodFloors.com

WORLEY TILE & FLOORING

Custom Marble Install. 214-779-3842

Restoration Flooring

garage Doors

GARAGE DOOR & SPRING REPAIR

972-672-0848 TexasGaragePros.com

20% off with “Advocate Magazine”

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

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

glass, WinDoWs & Doors

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

CLEARWINDOWSANDDOORS.COM

Replacement Windows & Doors Free Estimate 214-274-5864

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

PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS

Specializing in Replacement Windows & Doors. Dan Cupp 972-742-6011 cuppdw@pella.com

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

THERASA’S SPECIALTIES Creates Unique Custom Window Treatments: Drapes, Valances, Cornice Boards, Roman Shades & More 972-271-6484 To Schedule Free In Home Estimate.

Energy-Efficient Windows Quality Workmanship, Quality Materials, Reasonable Prices, since 1987. 214.319.8400 fosterexteriors.com

1350 N. Buckner Suite 216

HOURS: M-F 8:30a-5p

• frameless and framed shower doors & enclosures • many glass & hardware options

premium quality custom shower doors & enclosures 214-530-5483 showerdoordallas.com

25+ Years Experience

469.774.3147

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

HanDyMan serviCes

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

A HELPING HAND We can fix anything except crack of dawn or broken heart. Chris 214-693-0678

wrfloors@sbcglobal.net

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

A+ HANdYmAN kARL Home Repairs, Remodels & Restoration. 214-699-8093

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

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

FRAME RIGHT All Honey-Dos/Jobs. Crown mold install $125/rm. Licensed. Matt 469-867-9029

Handyman ServiceS

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

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

HARGRAVE CONSTRUCTION Kitchen, Bath, Doors, Tile & Handyman Services. 214-215-9266

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

TW SERVICES Home Repairs and Yard Care. Contact 214-531-1897

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

Your Home Repair Specialists

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

HouSe Painting

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

A QUALITY PAINTING SERVICE

Interior & exterior plus small repairs. First two gallons free! 214-824-6112

A TONY’S PAINTING SERVICE Interior & Exterior 972-234-0770 mobile 214-755-2700

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

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

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

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

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

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

Fully Bonded & Insured. 214-563-5035

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

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

KitcHen/BatH/ tile/grout

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

BATHTUB, COUNTERTOP & TILE

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

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS LLC

Complete Kitchen And Bath Remodels

Tile, Granite, Marble, Travertine, Slate Bonded And Insured. 214-563-5035 www.blake-construction.com

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

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” Remodels

Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

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

lawnS, gardenS & treeS

A BETTER TREE COMPANY • JUST TREES

Complete tree services including Tree & Landscape Lighting! Call Mark 214-332-3444

www.amistadcsc.com 214-870-3939

BRIAN GREAM

PAINTING & RENOVATIONS LLC

• Interior/Exterior • Drywall

• Rotten Wood • Gutters

All General Contracting Needs

PayPal ®

214.542.6214

WWW.BGRONTHEWEB.COM

BRIANGREAM@YAHOO.COM

Exterior & Interior

Painting Professionals Call Local (Toll Free) NOW

For a FREE estimate 877-212-4076

www.protectpainters.com

interior deSign

A LADY’S TOUCH WALLPAPERING Free Estimates. 972-832-3396

CUSTOM DRAPERY Window Treatments, Blinds,Shades,Upholstery. Designer Workroom. 15% seniors & New Homeowners. Linda 214-212-8058 dblinda86@msn.com

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

ADVANCED TREE SERVICE

Quality Tree Trimming & Removal. 214-455-2095

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

AYALA’S LANDSCAPING Firewood for Sale! 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

BRUMLEY GARDENS Visit us on Facebook Landscape Maintenance, Installation & Design 214-343-4900 www.brumleygardens.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

lawnS, gardenS & treeS

MOW YOUR YARD $27

White Rock Landscaping 214-415-8434

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

TERRA VERDE ORGANICS Natural Lawn Care. Fertilize/Winterize Your Lawn. 214-987-4900

THE POND MAN Water Gardens Designed & Installed. Drained & Cleaned. Weekly Service. Jim Tillman 214-769-0324

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

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

WATER-WISE URBAN LANDSCAPES www.TexasXeriscapes.com 469-586-9054

Ron 972-816-5634 or 972-475-3928

#1 GET MORE PAY LES Painting. 85%

214-348-5070

FURNITURE PAINTING Tired of old Kitchen or Bathroom Cabinets. Let us make them over in a hot new paint treatment. Jamie or Kay 214-773-7221

TLC DESIGN INC Remodeling Interiors. tlcdi.com Local & national. No budget limits. 972-922-6483

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

WE’LL GIVE YOU THE YARD You Want. Dynamic Landscaping. 214-763-0492

WHITE ROCK TREE WIZARDS Professionals, Experts, Artists. Trim Rmv Cable Repair Cavity-Fill Stump Grind Emergency Hazards . Insd. Free Est. 972-803-6313

A Better Tree Company

JUST TREES

most used logo black and white

Your Trees Could Look Like a Work of Art, I Guarantee It. Free Estimates • Work Guaranteed Best Prices on Tree Removal Insured • Commercial & Residential • Tree & Landscape Lighting Call Mark Wittlich 214-332-3444 214.421.1153 barerootsdesigns.com

Design • Construction • Maintenance Horticultural Services Landscape Solutions from the Ground Up pt

Tree Removal • Tree Trimming Stump Grinding • Tree Planting Organic Fertilization • Organic Insect Control • Tree Diagnosis Tree Preservation Programs

DallasTreeSurgeons.com m 972•633•5462

Dan Coletti’s

JUST NATURAL DESIGN

Call for a free estimate by a certified arborist Xeriscape Native Plants & Grasses Perennial & Annual Color Butterfly and Herb Gardens Dan Coletti 214-213-2147 www.JustNaturalDesign.com

social media

PLumbinG

ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521

# M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues. 24 Hours/7 Days. plumberiffic@yahoo.com

Sewers • Drains • Bonded

*Joe 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

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

Slab Leak Specialists – inquire about reroute instead of jackhammering

• All Plumbing Repairs

• Licensed/Insured 214-727-4040

McDANIEL

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

ML-M36843

PooLs

ADAIR POOL & SPA SERVICE

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

LOCK’S POOL SERVICE - 469-235-2072

Dependable repairs. Pool Electrical TICL #550

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

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

NATIONWIDE ROOFING,FENCING,GUTTERS

BBB member. 214-882-8719

Allstate

BUSINESS BUZZ

The lowdown on what’s up with neighborhood businesses

Send business news tips to LIVELOCAL@ADVOCATEMAG.COM

New White Rock YMCA plans

The White Rock YMCA moved out of its building on Gaston and across the street. Its temporary location at 7324 Gaston on the top floor of theLakeview Shopping Center opened in November. The YMCA has plans to build anew facility on the site of the former Trinity Lutheran Church on Gaston at Loving. Lincoln Property Co. has purchased the building that formerly housed the YMCA as well as the Y’s temporary home, Lakeview Shopping center, withplans to redevelop those two corners. The YMCA will be housed in the Lakeview center until its new building is finished, as early as summer 2014. Its 16,000-square-foot temporary facility offers most of the same amenities as its former facility across the street. Meanwhile, the YMCA is working on the new facility’s preliminary designs, which indicate a two-story, contemporary building designed by neighborhood architect Craig Reynolds.(Reynolds’s firm also designed the addition to Woodrow Wilson High School being completed this year.) A main feature of the building will be an almost facility-long wall of glass facing west and looking out over green space (currently a triangle of grass and trees, all of which are expected to be maintained in the plans) and onto a recreation area that will feature outdoor classes, walking/ cycling activities and summer camp events. The projected $12 million project — assuming an ad-

5 Elizabeth Mast on Hess:

More business bits

ditional $6 million can be raised over and above the $6 million the YMCA received from selling the current facility, says YMCA administrator Derek Smith — will include a gymnasium, aerobics studio, cycling center, wellness studio, playground and, if funding can be raised, an indoor-outdoor natatorium. The new YMCA could include a dualpurpose pool that allows for indoor lap swimming as well as outdoor sunbathing and recreational swimming. Smith says that several neighborhood families have stepped up with “six-figure gifts,” and the fund-raising program has just begun.

Debate on Dallas United Crew Boathouse

Dallas United Crew receivedapproval from the city council to proceed with its $4 million boathouse project, despite objections from thePeninsula Neighborhood Association, which encompasses a group of homes near the east shore of White Rock Lake. Those residents recently came out unanimously against the project, citing, in a letter to the council, increased traffic and parking near the lake, as well as the possibility that approving this construction opens the door for “future commercialization” of the lake. To hear the Advocate’s podcast with the Dallas United Crew officials spearheading the project, search “podcast boathouse” on lakewood.advocatemag.com.

1 The Grape Restaurant, located on Lower Greenville, celebrates its 40th year in business.

White Rock YMCA 7324 GASTON 214.328.3849

YMCADALLAS.ORG

The Grape Restaurant 2808 GREENVILLE 214.828.1981

THEGRAPERESTAURANT.COM

Jerry’s Wood-Fired Dogs 6340 GASTON 214.750.7053

JERRYSDOGS.COM

Lemon Bar 2822N.HENDERSON 214.443.6043

THELEMONBAR.NET

Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House 1154PEAVY 214.324.3335

GOODFRIENDDALLAS.COM

Hess 2013ABRAMS 214.821.1929

HESSDALLAS.COM

Talulah Belle 2011ABRAMS 214.821.1927

TALULAHBELLE.COM

Walmart Neighborhood Market 2218 GREENVILLE 972.581.0188

WALMART.COM

more business buzz every week on

2 Jerry’s Wood-Fired Dogs opened on Gaston. In addition to wood-fired hot dogs, Jerry’s serves sausages, salads and kids’ fare. 3 Lemon Bar moved out of its space in the West Village and is now open in the former Alma space onNorth Henderson at Willis.

4 Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger Bar has now been serving up beer and burgers for one year.

5 Home décor store Hess, which stands for Home Essentials Simply Stated, is now open in the former Bebe Grande spot in the Lakewood Shopping Center. In addition to its front entrance, the home decor store opens into Talulah Belle, which owner and neighborhood resident Elizabeth Mast also runs. “I wanted to have a new, fresh concept that could meet everyone’s needs,” Mast says. “We’re trying to make it hip and cool and comfortable, and something everyone can afford.” 6 Walmart Neighborhood Market on Lower Greenville is now open. The store includes a pharmacy, a bakery, produce, a self-service deli, money services like money orders and grams, and more.

LAKEWOOD.ADVOCATEMAG.COM/BIZ

“We’re trying to make it hip and cool and comfortable, and something everyone can afford.”

SOMEONE GRABBED THE GAS.

Making your own soda has become pretty popular in recent years. The do-it-yourself ease of the Soda Stream is supposed to make the process simple and save money in the long run.

“It’s a very good product,” Vivian Wagner says.

She had recently purchased a couple small carbon dioxide canisters to help carbonate her homemade sodas. Unfortunate-

The Victim: Vivian Wagner

The Crime: Burglary of a motor vehicle

Date: Saturday, Nov. 3

Time: Between midnight and 5:30 a.m.

Location: 7000 block of Gaston

ly, she had left them in her car, and they were taken in a recent car break-in.

“The dog was anxious to go out about 5 a.m., so we took it out for a walk about 5:30,” she says.

What she found was her car full of broken glass. Also taken were a carton of bungee cords and a car shammy. For such a small amount of stolen property, it will cost about $300 to repair the window. Wagner says several other car break-ins have happened in the area recently, and she and her husband have been victims of the same crime three times in their 20 years at the home.

Dallas Police Sgt. Keitric Jones of the Northeast Patrol Division encourages residents to practice the department’s “Lock, Take, Hide” approach: lock cars, take keys and hide any belongings left in the car. Through the last 10 years, police credit the awareness of the program in reducing automobile break-ins. Statistics show that most auto-related offenses occur in the parking lots of apartment communities, businesses, malls, strip shopping centers, restaurants and office buildings.

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

| crime numbers |

Date when a thief stole two hubcaps off a Mercedes while the owner was inside a restaurant in the 6300 block of Mockingbird

Block of Garland Road where a person driving a U-Haul truck at about 11 a.m. pulled into Big Daddy’s Used Cars, sideswiped the overhang and took off

11.05 1100 1:25

Time of the morning Oct. 31 when a security guard chased off two thieves in the 200 block of Henderson after they pried open the driver’s side door of a Ford

Source: Dallas Police Department crime statistics

Ashly R. CotheRn, DDs, PA www.drcothern.com

Dr. cothern is one of a small distinguished percentage of dentists who have invested in postgraduate training at one of the world’s premiere continuing education institutes, the pankey institute for advanced Dental education. We care about you as a unique individual and examine you in a way that together we can understand every aspect of your oral health. in our office we love what we do. noW tHat is soMetHinG to sMile aBout!

And the AwA rd goes to …

Siegel names his ‘winners’ for 2012

Comment. Visit lakewood.advocatemag.com and search winners to tell us what you think.

Sometimes, year-end awards make perfect sense:

• To Mayor Vision: The Party Like it’s 1999 award. Because he certainly doesn’t act — or believe — that it’s 2012, and that the world is a far different place than it was then — no federal dollars, no friends in Washington or the Legislature, and no inflated real values.

• To the city staff — The Franz Kafka Knew What He was Writing About award. Because only bureaucrats in the finest Kafkaesque sense of the word can keep plunging ahead on projects like the Trinity toll road,

• To the City Council — The Good Government? What’s Good Government? award. – I grew up in Chicago, where the city council was best described as 50 party hacks trying not to fall asleep. They make most of our city council look like Roman orators.

• To Dallas’ Only Daily Newspaper — The Scandals, What Scandals? award. In the past couple of years, Dallas has had major scandals in animal services, in sanitation and in 911. In any other city, that’s enough to win the newspaper at least one Pulitzer Prize. Here, it allows the Morning News to hunker down behind its pay wall and write glowing front page odes to the new deck park.

• To Walmart — The So Now You Love Us award. Why did it take Trader Joe’s opening down the street for the world’s largest retailer to decide East Dallas would be a good location for a store? Because after the Minyard’s at Abrams and Gaston closed in 2007, there were no grocery stores south of Mockingbird, save for the Whole Foods. Which just happens to be one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Dallas.

for which there is neither money nor public support. Meanwhile, we have to float a bond project, with interest payments, to fill potholes. (And yes, I’m willing to bet that most of the staff will need to look Kafka up on the Internet.)

• To the Klyde Warren Deck Park — The Summer in North Texas Can Get a Little Toasty award. I hope the park is a huge success and brings hordes of people to Downtown. But for some reason, I don’t think that will happen, given that the average high temperature in July and August is 96 degrees. And that those months have been a couple of degrees warmer the past couple of years.

• To Trader Joe’s — The Hurry Up and Build the Damned Thing Already award. Because, frankly, I’m getting tired of answering questions from people about when the Trader Joe’s on Lower Greenville is supposed to open. Or, better yet, being told that someone’s sister-in-law knows a guy who talked to a woman who said the deal was off.

• To Lincoln Properties — The That’s Why They’re Called Real Estate Developers award. Aboretum Boulevard? You’re kidding, right? And weren’t you supposed to start building an HEB grocery store at Gaston, Garland and Grand in October?

• To Matt’s Rancho Martinez — The Better Late Than Never award. Yes, it was worth the wait. And I’m glad you brought the mural with you.

• To The State Fair of Texas — The You’d Better do Right by Big Tex award. Because if you don’t, there are going to be a lot of angry fair-goers, particularly on Texas-OU weekend. What happens if there is no Big Tex for people to meet by?

• To our neighborhood’s small businesses — The Hang in There, Things will be Better Soon award. They’ve endured the recession and as well as city policies that favor big developers (witness Timbercreek), and some of them are hurting. Never fear, though, you’re the future, and one day, we’ll be able to laugh about this.

To Matt’s — yes, it was worth the wait. And I’m glad you brought the mural with you.

Jeff 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.

Marketing Properties of Quality and Character