2020 December Lakewood

LAKEWOOD/EAST DALLAS

REMEMBERING BARBEC’S

DECEMBER 2 0 2 0

A LO CA L L I T T L E H O L I DAY

I

A D V O C AT E M A G . C O M

RELIEF FOR REFUGEES

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

1100 BROAD | $10,950,00 3 Bed | 3.2 Bath | 10,335 SF | 7.6 Acres Alison O’Halloran - 214-228-9013

3815 BRANCHFIELD | $3,295,000

3625 POTOMAC | SOLD 4 Bed | 5.1 Bath | 2 Car | 5,256 SF Mary Poss - 214-738-0777

6607 SONDRA | SOLD 4 Bed | 3.2 Bath | 3 Liv | 2 Din | 3 Car | 4.165 SF Dybvad, Phelps, Sinnott & Clayton 214-536-8786

7107 MEADOW LAKE | SOLD

3 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 2 Car | 2,837 SF Mary Rinne - 214-552-6735

7306 AZALEA | $870,000 3 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 2 Car | 2,856 SF Brown-Qualls & Schrickel Group 214-801-1795

8607 BALLIFEARY | $549,900

6527 ARBORIST | $499,900

5 Bed | 5 Bath | 2 Car | 7,377 SF Dybvad, Phelps, Sinnott & Clayton 214-354-2823

PENDING

6254 BERWYN | $560,000 4 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 2 Liv | 2 Car | 2,518 SF Patty Collins - 214-826-5524 PENDING

1405 McCOY #5 | $439,950 2 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 2 Car | 2,128 SF Connie Reyes - 972-679-6344 LAKEWOOD | LAKE HIGHLANDS | 214-826-0316

3 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 2 Car | 2,841 SF Brown-Qualls & Schrickel Group 214-801-1795 PENDING

7314 BENNINGTON | $439,000

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2 Car | 1,663 SF Mary Poss - 214-738-0777

PRESTON CENTER | 214-692-0000

3 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 2 Car | 2,195 SF Steve Davies - 214-650-9660 NEW LISTING

2314 N CARROLL #104 | $430,000

3 Bed | 3 Bath | 1,801 SF Peter Loudis - 214-215-4269

EBBY’S LITTLE WHITE HOUSE | 214-210-1500

6810 MIMOSA | $2,195,000 5 Bed | 6.1 Bath | 2 Car | 7,561 SF Mary Poss - 214-738-0777

4611 W AMHERST | $1,250,000

4 Bed | 4.1 Bath | 2 Car | 4,473 SF Mary Poss - 214-738-0777 NEW LISTING

5239 BONITA | SOLD 4 Bed | 3.1 Bath | 2 Car | 3,348 SF Mary Poss - 214-738-0777

7002 MERRILEE | $749,000

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2 Car | 2,485 SF Dybvad, Phelps, Sinnott & Clayton 214-536-8786

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Let’s get moving 4226 SOMMERVILLE | $450,000

3110 THOMAS #329 | $459,000

6214 REIGER | SOLD 2 Beds | 1.1 Bath | 1 Car | 1,308 SF Mary Rinne - 214-552-6735

2338 OLDBRIDGE | SOLD 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2 Liv | 2 Car | 1,835 SF Alison O’Halloran - 214-228-9013

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2 Car | 1,738 SF Peter Loudis - 214-215-4269

1 Bed | 1.1 Bath | 1,534 SF Brown-Qualls & Schrickel Group 214-801-1795

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BEHIND the SCENES

A Resident’s Perspective “Sociability is very important, especially when you are a senior citizen.

At our age, we don’t have friends that we’ve had for years and years and years.

I have one friend left. All the rest are gone. So, we cultivate new friendships to go forward.”

Watch Dee’s full video story on why senior living is the best and safest choice for her wants and needs at watermarkcommunities.com/BTS/DEE or #watermarkBTS.

THE PRESTON OF THE PARK CITIES

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Dee Levin, a Watermark resident for seven years

A SILVERSTONE/WATERMARK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

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BEHIND the SCENES

ASSISTED LIVING � MEMORY CARE

BEHIND t ID #149863

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2020 VOL.27 NO.12

UP FRONT 16 HRI Helping refugees for 20 years 22 Barbec’s 40 years of stories 26 Flashback Vintage ads from our ’hood

FEATURES 32 Shop local Gifts for everyone on your list 40 WFH Cool home offices

Mixed-media artwork hangs in a neighbor’s home office. Read the story on page 40. Photography by Kathy Tran

6 lakewood.advocatemag.com

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DISTRIBUTION PH/214.560.4203 ADVERTISING PH/214.560.4203 office administrator: Judy Liles

214.560.4203 / judyliles@advocatemag.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Frank McClendon

214.560.4215 / fmcclendon@advocatemag.com Greg Kinney

214.292.0485 / gkinney@advocatemag.com Michele Paulda

214.724.5633 / mpaulda@advocatemag.com Catherine Pate

214.560.4201 / cpate@advocatemag.com Vanessa Santillan

214.717.8160 / vsantillan@advocatemag.com Madison Murray

214-629-0915 / mmurray@advocatemag.com classified manager: Prio Berger

214.292.0493 / pberger@advocatemag.com marketing director: Sally Wamre

214.686.3593 / swamre@advocatemag.com EDITORIAL Publisher: Jehadu Abshiro

jabshiro@advocatemag.com SENIOR EDITORS: Rachel Stone

214.207.8309 / rstone@advocatemag.com Jaime Dunaway-Seale

214.560.4208 / jdunaway@advocatemag.com EDITOR: Marissa Alvarado

214.560.4210 / malvarado@advocatemag.com Elizabeth Uclés

713-560-7036 / eucles@advocatemag.com digital manager: Autumn Grisby

agrisby@advocatemag.com senior art director: Jynnette Neal

214.560.4206 / jneal@advocatemag.com contributors: George Mason, Patti Vinson, Carol Toler, Scott Shirley, Matthew Ruffner, Alex Gonzales contributing photographers: Kathy Tran, Gabriel Cano, Haley Hill, Owen Jones, Mellissa Cunningham

“Dr. Slate is an excellent dentist! I’m never nervous about appointments because I know I’ll be well taken care of. All the staff are fun to be around and I enjoy seeing them. The entire staff was using state of the art PPE before COVID and it’s a very safe environment for anyone concerned about COVID safety.”

— Bobbie Lay (Patient since 2003)

president: Rick Wamre

214.560.4212 / rwamre@advocatemag.com Advocate, © 2020, is published monthly by East Dallas – Lakewood People Inc. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced.

Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for the content of all advertisements printed, and therefore assume responsibility for any and all claims against the Advocate. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material.

Opinions set forth in the Advocate are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s viewpoint. More than 200,000 people read Advocate publications each month. Advertising rates and guidelines are available upon request. Advocate publications are available free of charge throughout our neighborhoods, one copy per reader. Advocate was founded in 1991 by Jeff Siegel, Tom Zielinski and Rick Wamre.

ABOUT THE COVER A mural at La Popular Tamale House in Old East Dallas.

Photography by Marissa Alvarado

Dentistry in the Heart of Lakewood

6342 La Vista Dr., Suite C

drkellislate.com · 214-821-8639 FOLLOW US: Talk to us: editor@advocatemag.com Newsletter: advocatemag.com/newsletter

december 2020 lakewood.advocatemag.com

7

NOT NEEDED FOR MOVE-IN

That’s right. No tools are needed when moving into the CC Young Independent Living residences. Be freed from the daily home maintenance responsibilities to do what you want to do – not what you need to do. Live your life in an active community, nestled in 20 acres across from White Rock Lake. We invite you to call us to learn more about the carefree lifestyle at CC Young.

CALL FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR 214 - 304 - 2995 • CCYOUNG.ORG

B E AUTI FU L

Living

930 Valencia Street | $989,000

JOE KACYNSKI

5307 Ridgedale Avenue | $849,900 SOLD

SUSIE THOMPSON

214.850.7195 | joe.kacynski@alliebeth.com

214.354.8866 | susie.thompson@alliebeth.com

5239 Bonita Avenue | $829,900 SOLD

5843 Mercedes Avenue | $725,000 SOLD

TIM SCHUTZE

GIA MARSHELLO

214.507.6699 | tim.schutze@alliebeth.com

214.616.2568 | gia.marshello@alliebeth.com

5313 Regier Avenue | $725,000

719 Huntley Street | $507,600 SOLD

TYLER JOHNSON

214.544.5987 | tyler.johnson@alliebeth.com

alliebethallman | 214.521.7355 | alliebeth.com

MARSUE WILLIAMS

214.762.2108 | marsue.williams@alliebeth.com

DALLAS ISD

VOTER ALERT

WE HAVE A

RUNOFF ELECTION DECEMBER 8 | EARLY VOTING RUNS NOV. 23-DEC. 4

A PROVEN ADVOCATE

FOR OUR KIDS AND SCHOOLS

Dustin has a track record of championing innovative initiatives to improve student outcomes, reward our great teachers and provide necessary resources for our classrooms. With his leadership, Dallas ISD has made tremendous progress in recent years:

Join your neighbors, Dallas ISD parents, teachers and community leaders in voting for Dustin’s Re-Election

14% increase in overall student achievement 35,000 additional students performing at grade level 3rd grade reading scores alone rocketed up by 12 points Our PreK program expanded by more than 3,000 students

DUSTIN MARSHALL The path for continued progress.

OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE ... home.

Your Trusted Construction Partner.

800.674.2606 | contact@standpointonline.com | www.standpointonline.com

CLICK WORTHY NEW STORIES ONLINE DAILY

COMING AND GOING [+] The hotly anticipated Palmer’s Hot Chicken

opened in Hillside Village.

Revamp: The Lakewood Shopping Center will get some improvements over the next few months as owner First Washington Realty looks to attract new tenants to the neighborhood. Here’s what to expect: n The signage will be improved, along with a ground-mounted “Lakewood” sign. n In the elbow that faces Abrams Road, an art piece and customer seating will be

[+] Harper’s is set to open in early 2021 in the Epic building in Deep Ellum.

[-] Snooze an A.M. Eatery will not open in the Casa Linda Plaza. [+] Oak’d BBQ at 5500 Greenville Ave. is open for lunch and dinner. [+] After a series of pop-ups, Swizzle tiki bar opened a permanent location at 1802 Greenville Ave.

installed. n Landscaping and work on the corner restaurant’s patio is part of the

improvement plan. n The breezeway adjacent to the former Penne Pomodoro will be refurbished. n First Washington will hire local artist Mari Pohlman to paint a mural on an

uninspired portion of the building.

Search “Lakewood Shopping Center” at lakewood.advocatemag.com to read more.

“

We as an organization believe that our community benefits by having immigrants.

— BILL HOLSTON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE Read more about the East Dallas-based organization celebrating its 20th anniversary in “Love and Law” on page 16.

12 lakewood.advocatemag.com

december 2020

THE WORD Jimmy Cox, owner of longtime Lakewood business Cox’s Lock & Key, died from cancer. He was 71. Neighbors paid their respects on social media.

Read more at lakewood.advocatemag. com. Search: “Jimmy Cox”

DELAYED A contract on the Garland-Gaston-Grand intersection won’t be awarded until next spring, with construction starting a few months later, says Laura Weaver, public information officer for the Texas Department of Transportation. Construction on the “reverse T” was supposed to start no later than 2020, but moving utility lines in the area was more challenging than expected, Weaver says.

Read more at lakewood.advocatemag.com/3G

“I would go in all the time to get keys and spend over an hour talking NASCAR with him. Great guy.”

— Don Wallace

Top Stories n Wh at it ’s l ike to l iv e n e ar OT Tav e rn n Ba rbe c’s re ma in s cl ose d af te r fire

ca use s $175 ,000 in damage n C OV ID -1 9 case s re por te d at JL L on g,

“Jimmy has been a tremendous asset to our team. He and Laura have been generous and [a] joy to visit with at stops at Cox’s. He will be missed dearly.”

— Scott Jackson

“The Cox family has suffered greatly this year. Godspeed Jimmy. Now there is no more pain, no more suffering. Thanks for the memories. Always a lively conversation with you, sir. I pray for all a quiet mind and a heart at peace.”

— Chuck Kobdish

L ake wood El e me n ta r y a n d C asa V ie w El e me n ta r y n Spit an d pol ish: L a ke wood Sh oppin g

C e n te r to ge t a re f re sh n L ook: A 7- El e v e n was burgl a rize d in

our n e igh borh ood

We can’t stop talking about…

T

ICKLE BAR. White Rock resident

Kimberly Haley-Coleman is bringing a much-needed dose of laughter to the neighborhood with her new business The Tickle Bar. Guests can choose from two basic services: hair play or back tickle. The 25- or 50-minute sessions incorporate a variety of shiver-inducing strokes to release tension from the body using fingers, feather dusters, makeup brushes and more.

Search “Tickle Bar” at lakewood.advocatemag.com to read more.

december 2020 lakewood.advocatemag.com

13

BY THE NUMBERS WHAT WE SPEND ANNUALLY ON FURNITURE:

#PICTUREPERFECT Travel back in time to the ’80s and ’90s at these retro Airbnbs. No DeLorean required. See more photos by Kathy Tran on our @EastDallasAdvocate Instagram. Be sure to like and follow!

$2.2 million ON MATTRESSES AND BOX SPRINGS

$3.8 million ON SOFAS

$1.3 million ON KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM FURNITURE

$1.1 million ON OUTDOOR FURNITURE

GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY Brian Bessner had big plans for the sixth iteration of Woodrow Fest, the annual event at the Pour House that raises scholarship money for Woodrow Wilson High School seniors. Then the coronavirus hit, and expanding the event was put on hold. Instead of canceling, Bessner reimagined Woodrow Fest as a golf tournament at Tenison Park Golf Course. Forty people participated in the scramble and raised just more than $12,000. Next year, Bessner hopes to organize a hybrid event with a golf tournament in the morning and an outdoor festival in the afternoon.

14 lakewood.advocatemag.com

december 2020

$254,000

ON OFFICE FURNITURE FOR HOME USE Source: U.S. Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics data based on ZIP codes 75204, 75206, 75214, 75218, 75223 and 75228. Numbers are derived from the 2010 U.S. Census with projections to be accurate as of Jan. 1, 2017.

Nº. 1

IN EAST DALLAS

$120M

SOLD SO FAR IN 2020

Please remember us when you are looking 133

TOTAL HOMES SOLD

to buy or sell. Happy holidays to everyone!

WRAPPING UP 2020 It’s been a busy whirlwind year for all of us.

We hope we’ve been able to make your life simpler in some small way. The Nancy Johnson Group is getting ready for the holidays and looking forward to a happier and healthier 2021!

Nancy Johnson Alex Marler 214.674.3840

214.883.1149

Please remember us when you are looking to buy or sell. Happy holidays to everyone!

Amy Malooley 214.773.5570

NANCYJOHNSONGROUP.COM Nancy Johnson

Alex Marler

214.674.3840

214.883.1149

Amy Malooley 214.773.5570

NANCYJOHNSONGROUP.COM All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions,

changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate, but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of All material presented herein intended informational purposes only. Opportunity.

Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, real estate brokerage.

Compass is aislicensed realforestate broker. Equal Housing changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate, but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

PROFILE THESE ARE THE PEOPLE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Zeyla Gonzalez and Bill Holston provide free legal and social services to immigrants at Human Rights Initiative.

L OV E A ND L AW Human Rights Initiative celebrates 20 years of lending immigrants a helping hand }

R

osa Cruz was desperate. She had obtained a temporary green card when she married her husband, but when she became pregnant, he hit her. She decided to leave her spouse just as her green card was about to expire.

She met with an immigration lawyer but was unable to pay for legal assistance. With no money and nowhere to go for help, the lawyer referred her to Human Rights Initiative, an East Dallas nonprofit that provides free legal and social services to immigrants.

“I was in a very desperate situation,” Cruz says through an interpreter. “I lacked the resources to hire an attorney.

I didn’t have any money. I didn’t have any support. They were able to help me, and that was when I felt relief.”

Casa View neighbor Bill Holston volunteered at HRI for 12 years as a pro bono attorney before he began leading the organization on Swiss Avenue as executive

director in 2012.

“I knew the founders and had a lot of respect for both of them and felt confident it would be a good experience with them in charge,” Holston says. “Their vision was to do this compassion work with a lot of professionalism. I definitely try to live up to the vision they cast. I’ve tried to move us to be bolder in the cases we take and not worry about whether we’re going to win or lose — cases we believe in.”

Holston used his extensive community connections to build a network of lawyers, social workers, pastors, students and volunteers that the organization needs to operate. Last year, HRI served 612 clients from 47 countries with the help of 310 pro bono lawyers and 104 non-legal volunteers who donated around 9,000 hours of service.

Zeyla Gonzalez started volunteering at the nonprofit

Story by JAIME DUNAWAY-SEALE | Photography by GABRIEL CANO

16 lakewood.advocatemag.com

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Last year, HRI served 612 clients from 47 countries with the help of 310 pro bono lawyers and 104 volunteers.

spouse was violent, she had to rely on the staff at HRI. after she graduated college. About six months later, there In 2019, Cruz’s case was approved, and she became a was a job opening, and she became a Department of normal green card holder.

Justice accredited representative. Her “Initially [my husband and I] had primary responsibilities include progood moments, but things began to viding volunteer attorneys with support, helping clients prepare documents and change around the time I got pregnant,” providing translation services.

Cruz says. “I don’t know if it was the stress of having to work, but he began “It’s definitely difficult to have a person who has gone through a lot, but at the to change how he was toward me. It was end of the day, it brings me comfort that no longer a happy marriage.

“He began to change how “I’m glad I found this organizathey’re potentially getting something tion. I remember how it was difficult positive out of a tragic event,” Gonzalez he was toward me. It was no says. “Our services are not going to bring thinking nobody would help you. They longer a happy marriage.” justice or restore the person, but they can really help you.” get some sort of status — some sort of Now, the East Dallas neighbor says safety and access to services that may not she is looking for a better job to provide for her 4-year-old daughter and be available in their countries.” give her a good education.

Gonzalez was one of the first people at Human Rights Initiative has been HRI to help Cruz.

Cruz emigrated from Mexico to the helping people like Cruz for 20 years.

United States, where she met her husBut with the onset of the pandemic, band. Typically, a spouse helps advocate for restrictions on many of those services moved online. HRI staff members a partner’s green card to be removed. But because Cruz’s meet with clients virtually when possible, but the challenges

18 lakewood.advocatemag.com

december 2020

remain. Many clients live under the poverty level and don’t have access to computers or reliable Internet.

“It’s been more difficult not having that in-person connection when we’re dealing with delicate subjects,” Gonzalez says. “It seems impersonal to have a phone conference. Our clients don’t use Zoom. They don’t qualify for stimulus checks or unemployment. They’re worried about getting evicted.

You need to have your basic needs met before you can get involved in your legal case.”

In March, HRI started an emergency assistance campaign to fortify its most vulnerable clients. The nonprofit collected nearly $150,000 from the City of Dallas, Texas Women’s Foundation, North Texas Cares and community donors to distribute among 75 families to help with rental and utility payments. It also gave 175 grocery cards and 685 bags of toiletries to 120 families.

The organization continued its fundraising efforts in October with a virtual version of its annual event, Rock Your Heart Out. The event pairs clients with immigrant artists who tell their stories through artwork, poems, music and more. Visual artwork was auctioned and raised about $10,000, which HRI will use to help more clients.

“We as an organization believe that our community benefits by having immigrants,” Holston says. “They are extremely resilient people with tremendous work ethics. I’ve never come at this work with a lot of pity. It’s more of a sense of respect and appreciation for what they can do, and that’s contribute.”

1234Kilarney Street Address 9938 Dr. $000,000 $774,900 Name Here 000.000.0000 Bart Thrasher 469.583.4819

1234Claremont Street Address 8215 Dr. $000,000 SOLD NameKucharski Here 000.000.0000 Robert 214.356.5802

1234Claremont Street Address 8017 Dr. $000,000 SOLD Name Here 000.000.0000 Bart Thrasher 469.583.4819

1234Hunnicut Street Address 7219 Rd. $000,000 SOLD Name Here 000.000.0000 Bart Thrasher 469.583.4819

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december 2020 lakewood.advocatemag.com

19

DAILY DALLAS NEWS

from us to your inbox Subscribe to our free newsletter at dallasmagazine.com

MAGAZINE 20

lakewood.advocatemag.com december 2020 FINAL_Medallion_Summer_2020_Advocate.indd 1

5/19/20 3:49 PM

SPONSORED CONTENT

NORTH HAVEN GARDENS REOPENS Spacious buildings and improved parking greet visitors at the redesigned and reimagined neighborhood facility

REIMAGINED & REBUI from the ground up

V

isitors to the brand-new North Haven Gardens won’t be disappointed. The local landmark since 1951 is a shiny gem in the neighborhood’s crown, reimagined and rebuilt in style after the tornado of 2019.

“We are transitioning not only to new buildings, but also to the third generation of family members at the helm,” says Cody Hoya, North Haven Gardens general manager. “Pamela and Aaron Pinkus will now be leading the company in the same way that Jon and Lillian took over from founders Ralph and Muriel Pinkus.”

Arriving guests will find front-entry landscaping with improved seating and a welcoming water feature. Additional parking, including more ADA-compliant spots, has also been added, Hoya says.

“The number one thing customers will appreciate is the absence of slope and vastly improved accessibility factor.

Before, shopping carts frequently rolled away from guests.”

The new garden store has moved to the property’s west side. With multiple ramps, a water feature and a black infinity-blast coating the store’s high ceilings, shoppers can enjoy a tranquil view of the nursery.

“Unique to Texas garden centers is our bulb

cooler,” Hoya says. “It’s where we store tulip and flowering bulbs that require pre-chilling until the right time to plant.”

Expansive east-facing windows overlook the nursery from the new tropical greenhouse. Rigid, smokey quartzcolored walls and high ceilings offer a savvy design touch.

“The future is very bright at NHG.”

NORTH HAVEN

The refashioned café opening in the spring will feature a generous kitchen with indoor and patio dining. The same building will house Ralph & Rose, a home décor and gift boutique overseen by Pamela Pinkus; a special events and meeting space, and new administrative offices for designers, buyers and event coordinators.

A multi-use artificial turf area is being developed for classes, events and a children’s play area.

“We are developing future plans for innovative use of remaining space in the back of the property,” Hoya says.

“The future is very bright at NHG.”

GARDENS KATHY TRAN AND DANIEL ROCKEY. TOP: North Haven Gardens’ remodel welcomes garden lovers and novices. LEFT: The new North Haven Gardens expanded greenhouse offers a beautiful variety of tropicals, including orchids all year and poinsettias while supplies last. RIGHT: North Haven Gardens is your bulb headquarters with a great selection of tulips and other varieties of flowering bulbs.

OPEN DAILY 9AM-5P

North Haven Gardens 7700 Northaven Road in Dallas Call 214-363-5316 or7700 visit nhg.com.

NORTHAVEN ROAD DALLAS, TX 75230 NH

In this 1980s photo, neighbors line up outside Barbec’s for the restaurant’s famous beer biscuits.

T H A NKS FOR T HE ME MORIE S Neighbors reminisce on good times at Barbec’s after devastating fire AMY DYER WAS LOOKING FOR the perfect spot to take her date for their first face-to-face meeting after connecting on Match.

Barbec’s checked all the boxes.

“I thought breakfast was safe enough for a first-time meeting — no alcohol involved,” she says. “I wanted a casual atmosphere where we could drink coffee and get to know each other. We sat on the patio and knew we wouldn’t be rushed out.”

The date went so well, they married seven months later.

The couple of 17 years rarely eats out, but every year, they go to Barbec’s to commemorate their first date anniversary.

This year, the couple will have to find a new place to celebrate. The East Dallas institution sustained approximately $175,000 in damage after a kitchen fire destroyed the restaurant in early October.

Firefighters had to force entry through the front and back doors to extinguish the blaze, which was put out in about an hour, Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesman Jason Evans says.

There was so much damage, the cause of the fire could not be determined.

Investigators estimate that the fire caused $125,000 in structural damage and an additional $50,000 worth of damage to its contents.

The restaurant remains temporarily closed, and it is unclear if it will reopen. Owners Mehdi Kalafchi and Abe Ghodsi could not be reached for comment.

Founders Barry and Becky Brown opened the eatery in 1978 on Garland Road in a building that was one of two freestanding Howard Johnson restaurants in Dallas. The newly married couple had worked in the restaurant industry in college and had visions of opening a hamburger joint.

Barbec’s did serve hamburgers, but it evolved into a home-cooking restaurant with comfort foods like chicken fried steak, meatloaf, catfish and shepherd’s pie. But it was best known for its beer biscuits that had crowds lined up outside the eatery every Saturday morning for a bite of the thick, doughy morsels.

The Browns used so many bags of biscuit mix, they won a Caribbean cruise courtesy of Sysco.

“We’d take a tray of biscuits, and we’d pass it out [to people in line] so they didn’t starve and go somewhere else,” Becky Brown says. “But you had to be careful not to fill them up.”

The famed biscuits attracted the likes of Paul Simon from Simon & Garfunkel, Edie Brickell from Edie Brickell & New Bohemians and actor August Schellenberg from “Free Willy.”

But neighbors were the ones who kept coming back to the place that knew their name and their order.

“We knew all our clients,” Becky says. “If we couldn’t remember their name, we’d say, ‘It’s the guy who always eats such and such.’ We’d see people grow up, get married, have children and attend funerals.”

Story by JAIME DUNAWAY-SEALE | Photography courtesy of BECKY BROWN

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BEER BISCUITS

Barry and Becky Brown opened Barbec’s in 1978.

The Browns built a family at Barbec’s and took care of their own. When the beloved cook was sent to the hospital, the couple paid his hospital bills. If a customer couldn’t pay for the meal, the Browns said, “Pay it when you come back.”

Cheryl Grayson was a 22-year-old new mom when she started working at Barbec’s as a waitress in 1991. She had moved to Dallas alone but found a community among employees and customers at the restaurant. When she decided to start her own maid service, her connections at Barbec’s helped get it off the ground. She still has her first client, who was a regular at the restaurant.

“I looked up to Barry and Becky in a lot of ways,” Grayson says. “They encouraged us to do something that would better ourselves. They were a wonderful couple and good employers. Barbec’s wasn’t an icon because it was convenient, but because the owners put their heart and soul into it.”

Barry and Becky created the name Barbec’s by combining the first three letters of their first names. They owned the restaurant for 21 years before selling it to the current owners in 1999. By that point, Becky was raising their daughter and only working part time. Barry was ready to move on to other ventures.

They started other restaurants, but Becky says none had the same family feel as Barbec’s. The building may be destroyed, but Barbec’s lives on in the memories of its loyal customers.

“Barry and Becky created something that withstood the test of time.” Grayson says. “I’m hoping it can withstand the test of a terrible fire and be rebuilt.”

RESTAURANT OF ORIGIN Barbec’s 8949 Garland Road Temporarily closed

TIME TO PREPARE 25 minutes

SERVING SIZE 4

TOOLS & UTENSILS Mixer 8-inch X 8-inch square pan

DIFFICULTY Easy

INGREDIENTS • 3 cups flour • 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1/2 cup sugar • 12 ounces room temperature beer DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

• Mix dry ingredients.

• Add beer to mix and stir until combined.

• Let rest for 5 minutes.

• Pour batter into pan.

Bake for 12-15 minutes.

• Cut biscuits in squares and serve with cream gravy.

Compiled from the Dallas Morning News, copykat.com, allrecipes.com and a bit of trial and error by Advocate staff.

december 2020 lakewood.advocatemag.com

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PAWS & CLAWS

JELLY’S TOYLAND Jelly has 53 toys, and she doesn’t react well when some go missing. “I washed the dirtiest ones, and she threw a fit,” owner Katie Ruyle says. “I counted to see if I had even washed half to see if she was valid in being angry.” The 6-year-old French bulldog has accumulated quite the toy collection through her monthly BarkBox subscription, but she started with nothing in a puppy mill. She was rescued by Lone Star Dog Ranch and adopted by Ruyle in March. “Being in a puppy mill is so horrible, so I try to give her the best life,” Ruyle says. “She’s kind of like my kid, so I spoil her like no other.” Ruyle brought Jelly home at the start of the coronavirus pandemic to keep her company while she worked from home. She thought about naming her after other foods like biscuit or butter, but when she saw the photo online, she thought, “Oh, this is Jelly.” Besides playing with her toys, Jelly loves sleeping, sunbathing and eating her favorite snack — cheese. “We were best friends immediately,” Ruyle says. “She’s silly and sassy. You can’t stay mad at her for more than two seconds.” — JAIME DUNAWAY-SEALE GOT A PET YOU WANT US TO FEATURE? Email your photo to jdunaway@advocatemag.com.

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EMILY THORSEN BLAIR | NICOLE THOMAS | DIANE BEATY | MYSTI STEWART | ANNALEE ASTON

Things 2020 taught us • Home is essential • Athleisure wear is acceptable work attire • We can grow closer together while staying apart • Teachers are heroes • Happy doesn’t have to be limited to an hour • Who You Work With Matters 2020 hasn’t been the year we expected, but it’s certainly one that we’ll never forget. Amidst the craziness, we were lucky enough to help over 70 families find their new homes in Dallas. This year and always, we are honored to be your trusted advisors on the journey home. mystistewartgroup@compass.com

mystistewgroup

mystistewartrealestate

All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footagers are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

HISTORY EXPLORING OUR NEIGHBORHOOD’S PAST

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY FLASH BACK TO THE PAST WITH THESE VINTAGE ADVERTISEMENTS

BELMONT RESIDENTS BARRY AND GEYDEN SAGE set out to unearth the long-lost history of their neighborhood, and in the process, they found a lost piece of Dallas history. They uncovered a plethora of articles, maps and advertising art promoting Belmont when it became a suburban addition to the city.

Henry Exall purchased the land that became Belmont on March 22, 1890. The land was later developed into what would become one of Dallas’ premier neighborhoods known for its large lots,

paved streets, concrete sidewalks and variety of architectural styles.

More than 30 years later, The Belmont Land Company advertised the neighborhood with quirky maps and illustrations.

“The ads are creative, beautiful, funny and informative,” Geyden says. “We are sharing the images because we believe it may inspire people to look back and appreciate our rich history and the people who have paved the way for Dallas to be the great city that it is today.”

 On May 1, 1890, Exall submitted the plat map introduing Belmont as a new addition to the City of Dallas.

Exall moved to Texas from Virginia in 1887. That year, he married May Dickson, who is known for her famous dunning letter to Andrew Carnegie for his investment in the Dallas Public Library. She also renamed Exall Lane to Lovers Lane after noticing the couples parked along the dark road that ended at their Lomo Alto farm, where Exall raised standardbred racehorses. Exall also owned and planned to develop the land that is now Highland Park, which he intended to call Philadelphia Place.

By 1912, the ads for Belmont got really creative. The neighborhood was established on what was known as “College Hill,” above the murky cloud of smoke and coal soot from the mills and factories downtown. Dallas’ finest neighborhoods were deteriorating under a blanket of filth. But not Belmont.

The pure air quality had “the perfume of wildflowers” and would bring back roses to faded cheeks. Unlike the street urchins downtown, the kiddies in Belmont were “real children” playing with the “innocent zest of youth.”

Story by JAIME DUNAWAY-SEALE | Photography compiled by BARRY AND GEYDEN SAGE

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 Belmont was the cool place to be. A perk of living in the neighborhood was relief from the intense summer heat. Advertisements claimed land in Belmont was level with the tops of Dallas skyscrapers. In a time when most homes didn’t have air conditioning, homeowners could build as high as the rooftop garden at the Adolphus Hotel, where a breeze was always blowing. You would not need a fan in Belmont, but you would want to sleep in your pajamas. At any given time, a breeze could just blow you out of bed. tThe Belmont Land Company and Realtors Hand & Kendall may not have had a crystal ball, but they knew the neighborhood’s location and amenities would ensure a steady increase in property values. At the time of this ad, lots in Belmont cost $1,000 to $1,500. Little did they know that more than 100 years later, the average cost of a lot in Belmont would top $300,000.

Source: Dallas Public Library, Dallas Morning News Archives and Dallas County Records. Special thanks to Shawn Fagan, whose family has continuously owned property in Belmont for 99 years. He shared a nearly 100-year-old original abstract of title dated Sept. 30, 1921.

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DINING FOOD IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

White Rock Farmers Market favorite Naturally Curly Cook opened the storefront business Leila Bakery & Cafe in early 2020.

WARM & FLAKY LEILA BAKERY & CAFE MOVES FROM WHITE ROCK FARMERS MARKET TO LAKEWOOD

WHAT MAKES THE BAKED GOODS at Leila Bakery & Cafe so special? Owner Kelly Ball says it’s the handmade crust.

“We make our crusts all by hand. We roll, press and shape them,” she says.

“We put a lot of time into the crust.”

The same crust is used for quiches and pies in a deep-dish style. Leila is well known for its pecan pies.

Popular treats are the laminated pastries like croissants and kolaches. Laminated dough is made of many thin layers separated by butter and produced by repeated Story by MARISSA ALVARADO | Photography by KATHY TRAN

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RES TAURANT GUIDE THAI

Bowlski half H 12-20 PageThai 1 Opal

6301 Gaston Avenue Suite 820 • Dallas, Texas 75214 Happy Holidays from all of us at PH: 214.823.5885 FX: 214.823.8866

Thai Opal! grammar, phone numbers and Please proofread carefully: pay attention to spelling, design.

We have infused the classical Thai with and a modern ambiance.

Color proofs: because of the difference cuisine in equipment conditions between the color proofing and the pressroom operations, a - Take Out - Delivery Dine In reasonable variation in color between color proofs the completed Patio nowand open job shall constitute an acceptable delivery.

6300 Skillman #156 thaiopal.com 214.553.5956

o Approved as is o Approved with corrections o Additional proof needed

Signed

Thank you for your business!

Available (5 mi. radius) Check out our lunch specials Mon.-Fri.

M E X ICA N GR IL L

Enchiladas Reunite virtually with family, friends, and the neighborhood with a block party! Everyone can order individually and enjoy all the fun of a block party while staying safe from afar.

Reach out to Tony Waldrop by email at tony@waldropfamily.biz or by phone at (214) 532-7000.

7050 Greenville Ave. 214-363-8969 enchiladasrestaurants.com

Celebrating 38 Years of Service!

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HouseMonday made Fresh Tossed Specials: 50%Hand off Glasses of housePizza wine. and thin crust. $3 off 16” Pizza Now Serving Detroit Style Pizza. alfonsositalianrestaurant.com Monday Specials: 50% off Glasses of house wine.

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folding and rolling.

“We spend a lot of time laminating that dough to get all those layers in there,” Ball says.

The bakery also incorporates different items from the farmers market to make fresh items, like roasted pears in its seasonal kouign-amann.

Neighbors can buy loaves of sandwich bread and bags of granola made with real maple syrup and butter.

“We don’t sell anything we don’t make,” she says. “All the breads are made from scratch a couple times a week.”

Leila is named after Ball’s family member who lives in Belgrade, Serbia.

“Leila is my husband’s aunt. She’s just a very warm soul,” Ball says. “She’s a very giving, selfless, loving person.”

Aunt Leila hasn’t visited the bakery, but Ball hopes it can happen someday.

“Whenever we visit, she would cook all our meals for us and just really nurture and take care of us,” Ball says.

Leila Bakery & Cafe, 6041 Oram St., 972.807.6297, leilabakery.com Leila is known for its croissants and other laminated pastries.

SE E MOR E PHO T O S F R OM L E I L A A N D R E A D MOR E DI N I NG S T OR I E S ON L I N E AT LAKEWOOD.ADVOCATEMAG.COM

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december 2020

Click Best of 2020 at lakewood.advocatemag.com

Robby Sturgeon | Forrest Gregg

Sell with speed.

Close with confidence.

We know it’s important to put your best foot forward when listing your house. That’s why we offer free staging for our clients.

sturgeongregg@compass.com sturgeongregg.compass

All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate, but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

THE VERY MERRY LOCAL GIFT GUIDE SKIP THE CROWDS AT THE BIG-BOX RETAILERS AND FIND ONE-OF-A-KIND GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST WITHOUT LEAVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD Story by JAIME DUNAWAY-SEALE Photography by OWEN JONES

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december 2020

ROOTED IN LOVE Flowers wilt in a week, but nothing says, “My love for you will never die” quite like a cactus. Find the perfect cacti and succulents from The Glass Roots Co. The arrangements are rooted in love in repurposed wine bottles, beer cans and El Pato sauce cans. Get into the holiday spirit with a succulent Christmas tree or an arrangement potted in a pair of ceramic winter boots. A gift from the women-owned business can bring a smile to the most prickly person in your life.

Plus, you’ll be giving a lowmaintenance gift that’s nearly impossible to kill.

Cost: $25-$150 facebook.com/theglassrootsco

DO YOU WANT TO PAINT A SNOWMAN? JulieAnn Bever has made handprint and footprint ceramic ornaments at her East Dallas studio since 2012. But with folks less likely to venture out this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, she’s offering take-and-make ornament kits for families to complete at home.

The kit includes a 5-inch bisque snowman with three glaze colors, glazing tips and a paintbrush. Bever will fire it to a glossy finish, tie it with a ribbon and return it ready to hang on your Christmas tree for years to come.

Cost: $24 / pintsizedprints.com

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CURIOSER AND CURIOSER From crocodile handbags and Viking pipes to face jugs and mola art, Curiosities has antiques and oddities to suit any interest.

Browse from the ever-changing selection of vintage clothing, jewelry, garden signs and more. With such a wide array of unique products, shop without fear of giving the same gift as everyone else.

Cost: $54-$1,200 facebook.com/curiositiesdallas

GOODBYE 2020 — HELLO 2021!

SMELLS LIKE POLITICS Neighbor Shannon Alexander’s hand-poured Democrat and Republican candles are the perfect gift for any political junkie. Whatever your political opinions, light your candle with pride. If you’d rather not rile your family after an exhausting election season, diffuse the tension with one of her signature holiday scents: “Son of a nutcracker!” or “Santa! I know him!”

Cost: $12 / alexandercandles.com

When Nancy Ellis was furloughed from her interior design job in March, she started going to White Rock Lake at sunrise to take pictures.

They were such a success on Facebook, she turned them into a coffee table book that has sold more than 400 copies. Now, her prints are on a variety of products from greeting cards to calendars. Say good riddance to 2020 and usher in 2021 with tranquil photos of the lake each month. Maybe next year you can actually put that calendar to use.

Cost: $20 for calendar, $50 for book Find her products at Talulah & HESS and Toasted Coffee + Kitchen Place orders at designellis@gmail.com

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PERFECT FOR THE PANDEMIC Masks are the 2020 accessory you can’t have enough of. Is your mask permanently stained with makeup? Is the nose wire poking you in the face? Time for an upgrade. East Dallas is full of mask suppliers with a variety of prints and patterns to choose from.

Cost: $10 Renee Roberts: renee@reneerobertshandbags.com Nancey Hernandez: nanceyhernandez@gmail.com

LOVE THY ’HOOD Show some love to your neighborhood

wherever you are with a hat from Neighborhood Supply Co. The family run business designs and sells custom and stylish goods for several Dallas neighborhoods, including Lakewood, Junius Heights, Little Forest Hills and White Rock Lake. The hats come in a variety of colors and styles.

Cost: $25-$30 / neighborhoodsupplyco.com

december 2020 advocatemag.com

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HANDCRAFTED HATS Zahra Darwish was stuck in Mexico City at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

She fled to the hills of Taxco, where she saw artisans devastated by the economic recession. She began marketing their handcrafted hats and products on Facebook and was overwhelmed with demand. Darwish supports about 40 milliners, silversmiths, leathersmiths and painters. She buys the paint and invites artists to work in her Taxco studio, where adorning the hats can take up to 16 hours for the most ornate designs. She pays the artists whatever they think the hat is worth — no negotiations. Choose from a variety of styles dedicated to Talavera pottery, Frida Kahlo, Dia de los Muertos and more.

Cost: $90-$175 artesaniaszahradarwish.com

TEXAS GOODS CO. When you shop at Texas Goods Company, you’re supporting more than 20 other Texas-based small businesses. The antiques and decor store opened its second location in the Hillside Village shopping center in August. It sells these cowhide handbags, plus souvenirs, gifts, home decor, furniture, jewelry, clothing and more.

Cost: $18.50-$120 / texasgoodscompany.com

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december 2020

Incredible Eddie Maestri Design 3956 Frontier Ln. | $1,750,000 Incredible design and build from renowned builder architect Eddie Maestri. complete with four bedrooms, three and 1/2 baths open space plan and classic vestibule entryway, unique fixtures and finish out, chef’s kitchen, pool and outside living area, and sports court! Amenities to numerous to mention and of course award winning Lakewood elementary!

PENDING

7130 Alexander $1,995,000

UNBREAKABLE If you never got your hands on a film festival ticket to watch neighbor Josh Jordan’s hit movie, “This World Won’t Break,” it’s now available on DVD. The film follows brokedown, middle-aged Texas troubadour Wes Milligan as he pursues his musical dream. He longs to be remembered as a country legend, but his failings and self-doubt frustrate his career. The film was shot in Dallas and includes several scenes from our neighborhood, including White Rock Lake, Good Records, Swiss Avenue and Johnny’s Liquor Store. Look for Hollywood Heights neighbor and “The Magnificent Seven” actor Matthew Posey and Lakewood musician Tim DeLaughter.

Cost: $30 Find the DVD at Good Records thisworldwontbreak.com

9408 Peninsula Dr. $1,450,000

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DON’T BE AFRAID

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Call 214.560.4212 or email sales@advocatemag.com to be featured.

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DESIGN LIVING BEAUTIFULLY IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

WFH

Two neighborhood home offices that mean business Story by JAIME DUNAWAY-SEALE Photography by KATHY TRAN

HOME OFFICES HAVE become one of 2020’s musthave real estate features since the coronavirus closed most workplaces across Dallas. Sure, sitting on the couch while catching up on work in your pajamas was great…until it became an everyday affair. As many employees face the likelihood of working from home into 2021 and beyond, they are carving out spaces that block distractions and inspire creativity. Peek inside these two hot home offices in our neighborhood.

ORTHO OFFICE After Carolyn and Rich Vandiver lost their home in a 2017 fire, they rebuilt with a home office that they expected to use for checking emails and light nighttime work. Rich, an orthopedic surgeon, and Carolyn, a radiologist, moved back in February 2019. They never predicted that a year later, elective surgeries would be temporarily suspended, and they’d spend nearly every day in their home office.

Rich is the primary user, and it shows in the space’s masculine aesthetic. Maestri Studio designed and furnished the office in mid-century modern style with sleek lines, geometric shapes and functional pieces.

“This is his space to close the doors and forget about the dogs and the kids,” Carolyn says.

Large cabinets hide the clutter of office supplies, tangled cords and stacks of files — none of which are as appealing as the antique books, vintage gas mask and spinal cord figurines lining the open shelves. Peppered throughout are family photos and Rich’s collection of signed hockey pucks.

“We lost almost everything, and the thought of furnishing a new house was overwhelming,” Carolyn says. “They presented the design on boards, but we forgot what everything looked liked. We walked in and were like, ‘This is fantastic.’”

The couple’s medical degrees are proudly displayed on an open wall. A beautiful arched window opens onto Bob O Link Drive with sheer curtains that can be pulled to provide an element of privacy.

Maestri Studio designed this office with functional pieces, geometric fixtures and vintage collectibles.

C

M

Y

CM

ESCAPE THE ORDINARY Who says your home office has to be all work and no play? When Alyssa Donlin was sent home indefinitely from her job at Samsung in March, she knew she needed a home office.

“Video chat is a thing now, so I needed to have an acceptable space,” she says.

Inspiration for the office struck when she and her husband spent the summer vacationing and working remotely from their Colorado condo.

“It was freeing after being in lockdown,” Donlin says. “You could go outdoors and go on a hike. I love the Colorado vibe.”

When they returned, she transformed a catch-all room in her Lakewood home into an office that reflects the beauty of the outdoors. Canvases of mountain ranges that once hung in the condo now adorn the walls of the office.

“I kept the reminders of how nice it is to be outside of Dallas in the mountains,” Donlin says.

Unlike a traditional office, her decorations aren’t limited to small trinkets. A cowhide rug is one of several statement pieces in the space. The others are a framed world map that covers nearly an entire wall and an old day bed that her dogs love to sleep on.

Donlin brings the outdoors in with plenty of houseplants and natural light from the room’s many windows. From her desk and ergonomic chair, which Samsung sent employees as a gift, she has a great view of the fountain in her backyard.

“I love my outdoor view,” she says.

“I love that I can get right out of bed and be in my office in 20 seconds. I love having my dogs as my co-workers.”

MY

CY

CMY

K

“ The “ The

LOVING LOVING environment of environment of Fowler is the Fowler is the

BEST BEST

DECISION DECISION we could have made.“

we could have made.“

To learn more about living at Fowler, call Tammy Oliver at 214.827.0813 East Dallas neighbors Joan and Gary Kessler, and Fowler resident, Mille Kessler

1234 ABRAMS ROAD, DALLAS, TX 75214 Opposite: Nature prints, maps and a cowhide rug bring outdoor elements into this home office.

fowlercommunities.org RESIDENTIAL & ASSISTED LIVING • NURSING & REHABILITATION • MEMORY CARE

december 2020 lakewood.advocatemag.com

43

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Story by PATTI VINSON

When the well runs dry How neighbors help a community without running water

“B

usiness!” cried the ghost, wringing its hands again.

“Mankind was my business.”

So said a remorseful Jacob Marley in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Although we won’t be enjoying productions of the classic tale onstage this holiday season, we can take inspiration from a group of East Dallas neighbors who have taken Marley’s sentiment to heart.

They are known as “Support Sand Branch — Poorest Community in Dallas County.” The founder of the group is neighbor Nancy Thomas, who heard about Sand Branch some 24 years ago when she asked who in Dallas needed help the most. Since then, Thomas and her team have spent countless hours providing basic necessities to them.

Indeed, conditions at this small, isolated, unincorporated community in southeast Dallas are poor. Founded in 1878 by a former slave and other freedmen, the population has dwindled from about 500 to 80 families, all of whom are well below the federal minimum poverty level. Dusty streets are dotted with crumbling frame houses and mobile homes, most in dire need of repairs. Many structures are abandoned and left to ruin, choked with weeds and trash. The community has no running water, sanitation or trash pickup. Water wells they once relied upon have dried up or were contaminated back in the 1980s.

They now rely on donated water and food.

How could this be? It’s a complicated — and, yes, fair — question, one without an easy answer. Dig deeply enough into Sand Branch’s history and one will find multiple and ongoing attempts to bring a municipal water system to the area. To date, those attempts have all reached a dead end for various reasons.

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december 2020

Each December, neighbors deliver a U-Haul of food to Sand Branch. Photography by Carly May

“God has blessed us with our friends. They have fed us for so many years.”

The group of East Dallas neighbors, who have come to love the Sand Branch residents, care not at all about the politics and have one purpose only: to provide basic needs for their fellow human beings.

Now a retired judge, Thomas was a sophomore at Baylor University when she became discouraged by the increasing commercialism and materialism of the holidays. Stores promoting expensive gifts and lavish Santa displays “got to me,” she says.

“One day, I walked into a department store to buy a present for my parents,” Thomas says. “I turned around, walked back out and called my church, asking if

they had any families that needed help.”

For Thomas, this began a tradition of adopting families in need during the holidays. Soon she was joined in her efforts by LuAnn and Mark Shank and others in the neighborhood. Longtime volunteer Barbara Clay appreciates the diverse support they’ve received from East Dallas.

“We have donors and volunteers from all walks of life, ages and faiths: Jewish, Christian, Catholic,” Clay says.

The group accepts donations year -round, with a focus on the holiday season. Each December, in coordination with 90-year-old Sand Branch resident Juanita Bean, they deliver a U-Haul full of food.

Residents embrace their arrival, although they were a bit wary at first.

“They are always very thankful and grateful for anything we bring, but they were a little shy at first,” volunteer Roseanne Mills says. “The icebreaker is when we encourage them to help us unload.”

Thomas adds, “We have fun laughing together and teasing each other.”

EDUCATION GUIDE Curious, compassionate, and eager, St. John’s students are critical thinkers who respect diverse perspectives and are committed to academic excellence.

St. John’s creates an environment designed to train the mind, strengthen the character, and enrich students’ spirit in a Christian environment.

Sand Branch resident Juanita Bean.

Photography Courtesy Nancy Thomas

848 Harter Road Dallas, Texas 75218

Sand Branch resident Shirley Bryant says, “God has united us all as one family.

It is overwhelming and breathtaking. We love them and thank God for them every day. There are not enough words to express our gratitude.”

Neighbor Mindy Fagin began volunteering about 15 years ago with her husband and daughters.

“As a Jew, one of our basic tenets is the concept of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world,” she says.

But she expresses frustration. Speaking for herself and not the group, she adds, “To me, Sand Branch is a living reminder that people who are poor, Black and elderly get overlooked by their government.”

Although the group normally focuses on the holidays, Fagin became worried about Sand Branch when the pandemic began. Through her synagogue, Fagin helped collect and deliver masks, hand sanitizer, bleach and other hygiene items they might need.

Fagin sees the annual food and hygiene drives as critically important short-term solutions.

“The long-term goal is much more difficult due to money and logistics,” she says. “Speaking only for myself, I believe running water and sanitation is a human right.”

She suggests that those who are interested should do research on the community and on possible solutions.

Volunteer Mark Shank sums up Sand Branch as “people who are struggling, but who seem to have love in their hearts and are looking for a hand up, not a handout.”

And Bean, beloved by all the volunteers, is grateful for the help.

“God has blessed us with our friends,” she says. “They have fed us for so many years. We don’t know what we would have done without them. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts.”

For more information or to donate: natlaw@nathomas.com or mrfagin1@yahoo.com PATTI VINSON is a guest writer who has lived in East Dallas for more than 20 years. She’s written for the Advocate and Real Simple magazine.

214.328.9131 www.stjohnsschool.org

Educating in Dallas for over 100 years.

CALL TO SCHEDULE A CAMPUS VISIT. In Person and Online Learning Options Available 6121 E. Lovers Ln. (@ Skillman) / Dallas, TX 75214 214-363-1630 www.zlsdallas.org

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december 2020 lakewood.advocatemag.com

45

BIZBUZZ

Wishing you and your family

A Happy Holiday Season

By JAIME DUNAWAY-SEALE

and a Better New Year From our family at Dallas Elks Lodge #71

dallaselks.org · 214.349.1971 · 8550 Lullwater Dr.

84% OF ADVOCATE READERS

“TRUST THE RECOMMENDATIONS THEY GET FROM READING THE ADVOCATE”*

*2019 AKF Research Study

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december 2020

A NEW COFFEE SHOP on Garland Road has a mission that goes far beyond supplying neighbors with their daily dose of caffeine.

Husband and wife duo Michael and Natalie Huscheck opened Well Grounded Coffee Community in November.

The coffee shop is partnering with Exodus Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit, to provide formerly incarcerated women with jobs.

“Michael and I are just coffee freaks,” Natalie says. “The other part of our hearts loves building community and giving second chances. We want to show them what healthy community looks like.”

Well Grounded Coffee is partnering with Full City Rooster to provide a full coffee menu. The shop won’t have a commercial kitchen, but it will cater pastries, soups, salads and sandwiches.

Remodeling of the 1,600-square-foot space began in October, and the shop had a soft opening Nov. 30. A grand opening will take place Dec. 5.

Find Well Grounded Coffee at 9219 Garland Road or visit wellgrounded.coffee.

NEW GREATER EAST DALLAS CHAMBER MEMBERS: — CHICKEN CHRIS LLC, 8300 La Prada Drive. Chris Balous serves home-style fried chicken dishes. chickenchris.com — WHITE ROCK MARKETPLACE, 11255 Garland Road. Stuart Seagall owns the strip mall anchored by Marshalls and The Home Depot. dlcpropertycapsule.com — JAMES COBB REALTY, 8333 Douglas Ave. James Cobb has 24 years of experience helping customers buy and sell homes. ebby. com/bio/jamescobb — RA GROUP OF KELLER WILLIAMS, 18383 Preston Road. Rheanna Avila has been a licensed agent since 2010 and has sold more than $10 million in homes. ra-grouphomes. com For more information, go to eastdallaschamber.com.

MARKETPL ACE

214.560.4203 OR SALES@ADVOCATEMAG.COM TO ADVERTISE

CURIOSITIES

THE STORE IN LAKE HIGHLANDS

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Where the unexpected is expected.

Be ready for the Holidays with The Store’s distinctive selection of home accents and & gifts.

Have yourself a very vintage Christmas.

Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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We’re open Monday thru Saturday 11-6.

Sunday 12-5.

Offering a masked environment for shoppers as well as curbside service.

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2025 Abrams Rd 214-828-1886 Facebook.com/curiositiesdallas Instagram.com/curiositiesantique

WARCO FIREARMS TRAINING

SHOP LOCAL Walton’s Garden Center

Stop by for gifts and holiday decor, wind chimes and more! Visit us for for all your holiday shopping.

Our Christmas trees will be available the week of Thanksgiving.

Our goal is to promote, demonstrate and teach the safe, ethical and responsible use of firearms through education & training so that one feels confident with everyday carry as well as personal protection inside and outside of the home.

Mark your calendar for our Holiday Open House on Sat. Nov. 28 and Sun. Nov. 29 from 3pm-6pm.

Training classes offered for groups, families and corporations. Male and female trainers available.

8652 Garland Road Dallas, TX 75218 214.321.2387 www.waltonsgarden.com

Lake Highlands owned & operated 469-352-4997 warcofirearmstraining.com

ADVOCATE BEST OF Our neighborhood’s favorite things

Look online for our winners and runners-up in categories ranging from Best Burger to Best Local Attraction.

Click Best of 2020 at lakewood.advocatemag.com

DAN “THE COMPUTER GUY” Computer Repair

972.639.6413 stykidan@sbcglobal.net

Don’t panic! Let a seasoned pro be the interface between you & that pesky windows computer. Hardware & software installation, troubleshooting, training, $60/hour — one hour minimum.

december 2020 lakewood.advocatemag.com

47

WORSHIP

WORSHIP

By GEORGE MASON

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

Holiday mashup To better understand our neighbors, why don’t we walk in their shoes this season?

Bible Study 9:15 / Worship Services 10:45 Traditional, Contemporary, Spanish Speaking / 214.860.1500 ROYAL LANE BAPTIST CHURCH / 6707 Royal Lane / 214.361.2809 Christian Education 9:45 a.m. / Worship Service 10:55 a.m.

Pastor - Rev. Dr. Michael L. Gregg / www.royallane.org WILSHIRE BAPTIST / 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

Pastor George A. Mason Ph.D. / Worship 8:30 & 11:00am Bible Study 9:40 am / www.wilshirebc.org

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST EAST DALLAS CHRISTIAN CHURCH / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185

W

ith the election season behind us (if not settled) and having woken from Thanksgiving tryptophan naps (if not from racial injustice), it’s high time to turn to upcoming holidays for inspiration and hope.

Christmas is the obvious candidate for reflection because I am a Christian preacher and get to write this column, and the majority of our readers share my religion. But let’s turn instead to the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, which this year spans Dec. 10-18 — eight days of menorah candle lighting, dreidel spinning and latke eating.

We should do so whether we are Jewish or not because understanding the religious holidays of our neighbors will make us better strangers. Learning the meaning of others’ religions allows us to further the American ideal of religious pluralism and liberty. It’s also a mirror that helpfully reveals what is common and different in the faith traditions that have shaped our nation.

Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, traditionally, is the Festival of Lights commemorating the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees after their surprising victory over the occupying Greek empire and its local despot, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, in 165 B.C.E. Antiochus banned Jewish rituals and practices, and he desecrated the temple by sacrificing pigs to the god Zeus on the altar, thus violating everything holy about Jewish identity and worship.

When the liberators re-entered the temple, they found enough pure olive oil to burn the lamp for one day, but miraculously, the oil lasted eight days. As freedom of Jewish worship was restored, no mourning was permitted during this period. Only joy and celebration fit the

mood for what God had done in bringing enduring light into their darkness.

Hanukkah is not a Jewish alternative to Christmas, with one present given each night over eight days to rival the gift giving of the Christian holiday. It’s an ancient tradition that celebrates religious freedom, the foundational commitment of Roger Williams and other icons of American democracy. It holds out hope that light will prevail, justice will be done and truth will abide.

The word Hanukkah means dedication, and by extension, renewal.

Reflecting upon our need for spiritual and national renewal might lead us to find inspiration in the Hanukkah story.

We could begin by affirming the right of all religious groups to worship, without the domination of government deciding what religious practices are acceptable or preferrable. We could also perform our own purification. That is, purging ourselves of all things that defile our faith and demean the dignity of others.

Finally, we can commit to common cause with people who seek a society where all are welcome to bring their faith into the commons. We can work for the security and welfare of all our neighbors — those we like and those we don’t like; those we agree with and those we disagree with; those who live next door and those who are seeking shelter on our shores.

Don’t just curse the darkness, light a (Hanukkah) candle.

GEORGE MASON is pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church, president of Faith Commons and host of the “Good God” podcast. The Worship section is underwritten by Advocate Publishing and the neighborhood businesses and churches listed here. For information about helping support the Worship section, call 214.560.4202.

Sunday School 9:30 am / Worship 8:30 am - Chapel 10:50 am - Sanctuary / Rev. Deborah Morgan-Stokes / edcc.org

LUTHERAN EMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH /corner of Peak & San Jacinto/English Worship 10:00 am/Sunday School 11:00am-Noon/Spanish Worship 12:15pm/ church.emanueldallas.org CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA / 1000 Easton Road

A Welcoming and Affirming Church / Rev. K.M. Truhan Sunday School 9:00 am / Worship 10:30 am / CentralLutheran.org FIRST UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA) / 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 Sunday Morning: 9:30 am Sunday School / 10:30 am Coffee Worship: 8:30 am & 11:00 am Traditional / 11:00 am Contemporary LAKEWOOD UMC / 2443 Abrams Rd. / 214.823.9623 Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am / mylakewoodchurch.org Messy Church for Children and Families Sunday 5:00 pm MUNGER PLACE CHURCH / Come & See

Sunday: Morning Worship: 9:30 & 11:00 am Evening Worship 5:00 pm 5200 Bryan Street / mungerplace.org

N O N - D E N O M I N AT I O N A L LAKE POINTE CHURCH – WHITE ROCK CAMPUS

Classic Service at 9:30 & Contemporary Service at 11:00 am lakepointe.org / 9150 Garland Road LAKEWOOD FELLOWSHIP / Sundays 10:00 am /

White Rock YMCA / 7112 Gaston Ave LakewoodFellowship.org / Lakewood@LakewoodFellowship.org THE CHURCH AT JUNIUS HEIGHTS / 5429 Reiger Ave.

Services Sundays at 10:30 am / Pastor Sam Dennis 214.377.0396 / thechurchatjuniusheights.org

PRESBYTERIAN ST. MARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH/ 9999 FERGUSON RD. saintmarkchurch.org / Sunday School 9:15am / Worship I0:30am/ 214.321.6437/ Rev. Rick Brooks NORTHRIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / 6920 Bob-O-Link Dr. 214.827.5521 / www.northridgepc.org / Sunday Worship 10:00 am Church that feels like church and welcomes like family.

PARK CITIES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH/ 4124 Oak Lawn Ave Sunday Worship 9:00 & 11:00 A.M. To all this church opens wide her doors - pcpc.org

UNITY UNITY ON GREENVILLE / 3425 Greenville Ave.

214-826-5683/dallasunity.org/Sunday 9am Spirit Rising;Alternative Serv. 11am Celebration Service

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

48 lakewood.advocatemag.com

december 2020

WHERE C AN I FIND L OC AL ...?

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

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CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models.

2002-2019! Any Condition. Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! Free Towing! We're Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-985-1806 !!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277

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CLEANING SERVICES ALTOGETHER CLEAN Relax ...We’ll Clean Your House, It Will Be Your Favorite Day! Bonded & Insurance. Free Estimates.

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COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS AT ODDS WITH YOUR COMPUTER? Easily Learn Essential Skills. Services include Digital Photo Help. Sharon 214-679-9688 BILL’S COMPUTER REPAIR Virus Removal, Data Recovery. Home/Biz Network Install. All Upgrades & Repairs.

PC Instruction. No Trip Fee. 214-348-2566

JANUARY DEADLINE DECEMBER 9 TO ADVERTISE CALL 214.560.4203

DJ. MUSIC SERVICES D.J MAGNUM FOR YOUR NEXT Company Event, Reunion, Function.

We Offer All Styles Of Music From 1920-2020. Wyatt 972-241-3588

ELECTRICAL SERVICES ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com 50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333 BRIGHT LIGHT ELECTRIC • 214-553-5333 TECL 31347 Brightening Homes and Businesses LAKEWOOD ELECTRICAL Local. Insured.

Lic. #227509 Call Rylan 214-434-8735 TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658

FLOORING & CARPETING

• Slabs • Pier & Beam • Mud Jacking • Drainage • Free Estimates • Over 20 Years Exp.

972-288-3797 We Answer Our Phones

GARAGE SERVICES UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned. 214-251-5428

HOUSE PAINTING 972-6-PAINT-1 Int/Ext Paint & Drywall.

A+ Quality. Call Kirk Evans 972-672-4681.

BENJAMIN’S PAINTING SERVICE Professional Work At Reasonable Prices. 214-725-6768 RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513 TEXAS BEST REPAINTING Residential. Interior Design Remodel, Carpentry, Repairs Mike. 214-527-4168. accredited BBB TONY’S PAINTING SERVICE Quality Work Since 1984. Int./Ext. 214-755-2700 TOP COAT 30 Yrs. Exp. Reliable. Quality Repair/Remodel. Phil @ 214-770-2863 VIP PAINTING & DRYWALL Int/Ext. Sheetrock Repair, Resurfacing Tubs, Counters, Tile Repairs. 469-774-7111

KITCHEN/BATH/TILE/GROUT BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS LLC Complete Kitchen And Bath Remodels.

Tile, Granite, Marble, Travertine, Slate.

Insured. 214-563-5035 www.blake-construction.com

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS D & D TILE SERVICE Residential/Commercial. 30 Yrs Exp. EC0NOMY GLASS & MIRROR Mirror, Shower, 214-724-3408 Rodriguez_tile@att.net Windows Repair. 24 Hr. Emergency. 214-875-1127 FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor.

LAKE HIGHLANDS GLASS & MIRROR dallastileman.com 214-343-4645 frameless shower enclosures • store fronts MELROSE TILE James Sr., Installer, Repairs. replacement windows • mirrors 214-349-8160 40 Yrs. Exp. MelroseTile.com 214-384-6746 PRO WINDOW CLEANING STONE AGE COUNTER TOPS prompt, dependable. Matt 214-766-2183 Granite, Quartz, Marble For Kitchen/Bath-Free Est. ROCK GLASS CO Replace, repair: windows, jennifer@gmail.com 214-412-6979 mirrors, showers, screens. 214-837-7829 TK REMODELING 972-533-2872 Complete Full Service Repairs, Kitchen HANDYMAN SERVICES & Bath/Remodeling, Restoration.

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ONE CALL WEEKEND SERVICES Contractor & Handyman. Remodels, Renovations . LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES Paint, Plumbing, Drywall, Electrical. 469-658-9163 #1 WHITE ROCK TREE WIZARDS HANDYMAN WANTS your Painting,Repairs,To Do Professionals, Experts, Artists. Trim, Remove, Cabling, Bracing/Bolting. Cavity-Fill Stump Grind.

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©2020 Ace Handyman Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

Locally owned and independently operated Franchise. Licensed & insured.

DALLAS K.D.R.SERVICES • 214-349-0914 Lawn Service & Landscape Installation

december 2020 lakewood.advocatemag.com

49

WHERE C AN I FIND L OC AL ...?

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

PLUMBING

REMODELING

SERVICES FOR YOU

HELP WANTED Cole's Lawn Care 214-327-3923 Experience & Transportation Required

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

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

ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521 # M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues.

O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Remodeling Dallas For Over 24 Years www.ObrienGroupInc.com 214-341-1448

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OUR CITY

By MITA HAVLICK

What now?

How resilience can help us pick up the pieces of our community

W

e have a long-standing rule in our house. After playing a board game, whether it’s checkers, Monopoly, Yahtzee, gin rummy, Uno or the Game of Life, the winner has to clean up. Why? Because it’s hard to pick up the pieces after you lose.

That’s especially true when it’s the actual game of life.

When I narrowly lost the 2016 Dallas ISD District 2 school board race, I accepted the results with grace and was outwardly positive at our election watch party. I not only held it together after my concession speech, I had a really good time as I enjoyed the company of family, friends and supporters.

Later that night, in the privacy of my home, I sat on the tile floor of our master bathroom and cried. It wasn’t solely from the disappointing election results. I was exhausted. Our nineperson cabinet hadn’t slept a full night or seen our families in four months, more than 200 people volunteered their time and talent and people across the city donated money to our campaign… only to see me fail.

In that moment and the days that followed, it was hard to think of myself as anything other than the person who lost. I grew up in a house where the bar was set so high, it was perpetually unreachable. This was no different. I should have made more phone calls, knocked on more doors, said something I didn’t or not have said something I did.

At the end of the day, the outcome of every election dictates there is a winner and a loser. It’s hard enough picking up the pieces after a long, strenuous battle.

What’s even more difficult is answering the question, “What now?”

For the losing candidate, “What now?” can be anything from re-entering

private life, never to be seen again, or continuing on the path and being even more engaged than before.

Re-entry is hard after the intensity of 18-hour days filled with candidate forums, interviews for articles, block walking, strategizing and door knocking.

In my case, after I picked myself up from the floor after my loss, my “What now?” was going on a two-week vacation with my family and disconnecting from my laptop, phone and society. I had to clear my mind and enjoy the simplicity of doing little other than hanging out with my husband and kids.

For anyone, it becomes easier to selfreflect once all the noise inside our head dissipates, and it was no different for me. In the months after the final results were called, I came to two conclusions.

I needed to remember why I had wanted to run in the first place.

I had to go back to our campaign’s core principle: running our race based on the values we teach our children – truth, integrity, teamwork, quality work, being kind, working hard, having fun and…

Resilience.

Resilience is highly overrated when all you want to do is sit in a dark corner of your bedroom and play Words with Friends on your phone. That’s why there is great weight should the victor ask his opponent to help collect the spoils of war. It’s more than displaying humility after winning, it’s showing integrity, reaching out and saying to one’s adversary, “I understand why you ran, and I listened to what you had to say.” That statement alone should be required after every election. While they will not agree on everything, they may find some common ground.

It seems nearly impossible to have this sort of outreach in our present, hyperpartisan political climate. The

grace of Sen. John McCain’s concession speech in 2008 seems a billion election cycles ago. But closer to home, it’s more than possible.

One of the most rewarding aspects about living in East Dallas is witnessing our neighbors step up to run for office, from nonpartisan municipal races all the way to the federal level. Not all end up with the “honorable” title, but they are still our neighbors. This post-election 2020 season, I hope there is the muchneeded holding out and acceptance of the olive branch because there is always more work and heavy lifting to be done.

Two months after I lost my 2016 school board bid, my opponent asked me to coffee. I accepted the offer of peace, armed with a clear mind and resilience. The conversation wasn’t easy, nor was it exceptionally pleasant, but it was a start. I decided to meet with others I’d met along the way and chose to stay resolute — committing myself to becoming even more involved in public education advocacy than before. It all worked out, and most days, I actually feel like I’m the big winner.

Communities, counties and countries become fractured after each election cycle – sadly more today than ever before. Races get ugly, and we all get passionate about whom we have chosen to support. Unfortunately, that passion often translates into continued animosity for the other side.

When opposing candidates exhibit the willingness and ability to work together, it is not only great role-modeling for our kids, it results in better outcomes for all.

MITA HAVLICK is a neighborhood resident and Dallas Education Foundation director. Find her commentary regularly in the back pages of our print edition and online at lakewood. advocatemag.com.

GO ONLINE to read updates and comment on this story and more at lakewood.advocatemag.com. december 2020 lakewood.advocatemag.com

51

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