2013 December Lake Highlands

We’re making more time for your family’s health.

We’re open late because your health can’t wait at your new neighborhood Methodist Family Health Center –Timbercreek Crossing. Methodist Health System has been a trusted Dallas caregiver since 1927, and we are excited to announce that a Methodist Family Health Center is finally in your community. As your new neighbor for life, we’re nearby for all of your health and wellness needs.

Schedule an appointment today at 214-361-2224 or MethodistHealthSystem.org/Timbercreek Appointments are encouraged. Most patients can be seen the same day. Most insurance plans are accepted.

Brandon’s run

DIGITAL DIGEST

OUR MOST-READ STORY

ON LAKEHIGHLANDS.ADVOCATEMAG.COM

Richardson ISD approves school expansion plans

White Rock, Wallace, Merriman Park and Dover elementary schools will undergo expansions to accommodate increased enrollment. According to the RISD demographic update, the increase is mostly due to our neighborhood’s abundance of multifamily properties 155 complexes and 15,099 students in 2012.

We covered the story online via the Advocate Digital Digest, and the issue generated hundreds of comments from our readers about whether expansion is the best move.

READER COMMENTS

My thought is that since the majority of all these children will attend Lake Highlands High School some day, it would preclude everyone to make sure all kids are being taken care of as early on as possible. This will create better stability and more productive kids later on. The poor teachers have their hands full. —Judy

Both my kids went to RISD schools with “apartment kids” — one at White Rock Elementary before the apartments on Skillman were torn down. Both excelled academically, top 8 percent of high school class for one, top 10 in their class for the other. If your kids aren’t doing well in school, look to your kids (and maybe yourself), not whoever is sitting in the desk next to them.

Speaking statistically (doesn’t apply to every kid) apartment kids have higher rates of poor academic performance and discipline problems. My kids’ education suffers because teachers have to devote more time to these kids. They have to pay more attention to their academic struggles and their behavioral issues. This time comes at my child’s expense. Lessons have to be planned to take into account these kids’ abilities while my kids learn much less than they should.

—Bad for my kids!

I

measure my success one family at a time.

469.878.2235 COMING SOON 10455 Yorkford Dr. 4/2.5/2 3,143 sq.ft. Full Remodel in Progress

Moving can be stressful on a family if it is not handled correctly so we have made it our business to take care of your family during that crucial time.

214.649.8440 kevin@dallascitycenter.com

We are always thankful for the families we interact with in our community and in the course of our daily business, but the Holiday Season is an especially good time to show that appreciation.

Happy Holidays from Bella Vista

READER COMMENTS

“Love, love seeing schools in LH embracing the children who need it most. Awesome!” —Renee Barry Barfoot

“I was a Watch Dog last week. It’s absolutely great!!!! LHE rocks!” —Tom Crain

“This is beautiful. Well done.”

—Maria Giangiulio Blois

Angels and Watch D.O.G.S.

Two new programs at Lake Highlands Elementary, Angels and Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students), are having a big impact in the academic lives of struggling students while giving the entire campus a boost, writes Advocate contributor Carol Toler.

Angels are parents who work as mentors and tutors for disadvantaged students. Watch D.O.G.S. gives fathers a strong presence on campus; 45 dads and counting already have signed up.

LHE Reading and Math Angels

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Forget peace and goodwill to all; let’s start with family

If it wasn’t for family, the holidays probably would be a lot of fun.

You know what I mean: There are a lot of family hot-buttons certain to turn into flashpoints during the holidays.

There’s the “whose turn is it to visit whom” discussion that often requires intense mathematical equations and adroit calendar work through which to maneuver. This one can consume months of precious time prior to the holidays, ensuring that on the actual get-together date, the temperature is going to be hot no matter where you’re meeting.

Then there’s the “what do we do when we get there” conundrum, which involves various combinations of family members tackling varied aspects of the holiday experience and determining how much “me” time should be balanced against how much “family” time, with “family” time only counting if every single family member is locked arm-in-arm together in the same room, even knowing that much togetherness leads to all kinds of other issues as the day wears on.

And there’s the ever-present present quandary. Many holidays devolve into mutually assured destruction scenarios where we’re now obligated to exchange gifts with certain people simply because they’re going to exchange them with us, and a failure on the part of any one party could have disastrous consequences for the relationship between both parties.

“How much is enough” also can be a deadly game when it comes to family presents, particularly when you’re going to be part of a mass present-unveiling, giving you nowhere to hide if you’re the only one to cheap out because that’s what

sis did to you last year.

Some of the present-giving decisions are obvious, some change from year to year (or maybe from email to email), but all are perilous — a present deemed “inappropriate” by others in the clan can stir ill will and quickly ruin a Rockwell-esque holiday scene in seconds, followed by years of acrimony and accusations.

Holidays always seem to boil down to a simple “suicide pact” mentality held by one key family member: If everyone in the family doesn’t show up to be included in the festivities, then it’s incumbent upon everyone else not to have a good time, no matter what.

And then there’s the corollary to that one: If everyone in the family does show up, how much of a good time will that really be once the first hour of the reunion has passed and people have moved beyond their best behavior and reverted to childhood personalities?

After all, if you get enough related people together in one room, particularly an undersized room with really nice furniture that won’t look good with soda or wine stains, there are bound to be conflicts, and if you can’t roll with whatever happens, there’s no chance you’re going to have a good time.

But in the end, this is all just typical family stuff, nothing to be ashamed of or worried about. In fact, it can be downright entertaining if you keep the right frame of mind.

Look at the alternative: You’re in a room by yourself, drinking spiked eggnog and watching one of those fake fireplaces on your computer.

True, there’s no one in the room, other than you, enthusiastically questioning your life choices out loud. But when you get down to it, that’s really what families and holidays are all about — we need people who know us well to keep us honest and humble and entertained, and that’s why we keep getting together year after year after year.

If we’re not all together, we’re all apart, and that’s no way to spend the holidays.

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

GREG KINNEY

214.292.0485 / gkinney@advocatemag.com

classified manager: PRIO BERGER

214.560.4211 / pberger@advocatemag.com

classified consultant

SALLY ACKERMAN

214.560.4202 / sackerman@advocatemag.com

EMILY WILLIAMS

469.916.7864 / ewilliams@advocatemag.com

director of digital marketing: MICHELLE MEALS

214.635.2120 / mmeals@advocatemag.com

EDITORIAL PH/ 214.292.2053

publisher: CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB

214.560.4204 / chughes@advocatemag.com

senior editor: EMILY TOMAN

214.560.4200 / etoman@advocatemag.com

editors:

WHITNEY THOMPSON

214.292.2053 / wthompson@advocatemag.com

RACHEL STONE

214.292.0490 / rstone@advocatemag.com

BRITTANY NUNN

214.635.2122 / bnunn@advocatemag.com

senior art director: JYNNETTE NEAL

214.560.4206 / jneal@advocatemag.com

designer: KATHRYN ROCHA

214.292.0493 / krocha@advocatemag.com

designers: LARRY OLIVER, LISA DUDLEY

contributing editors: KERI MITCHELL, JEFF SIEGEL, SALLY WAMRE

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

photo editor: DANNY FULGENCIO

214.635.2121 / danny@advocatemag.com

photographers: MARK DAVIS, ELLIOTT MUÑOZ, KIM

LEESON, DAVID LEESON

copy editor: LARRA KEEL

interns: PERI BOWDEN, BRANDY BARHAM, JAMES COREAS, JUN MA, JENNIFER SHERTZER

of charge throughout our neighborhoods, one copy per reader.

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

Urgent Care in Casa Linda Plaza

Urgent Care in Casa Linda Plaza

OPENING IN DECEMBER

Minor emergency care for a wide range of conditions – from deep cuts that need more than a band-aid, to serious burns that require immediate attention or a sinus infection that just gets worse – will be available at the new Urgent Care by Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake opening in December. Our experienced doctors and nurses will offer treatment for non-life threatening medical emergencies as well as on-site laboratory services, X-rays, school physicals and immunizations. No appointments are necessary and patients are seen quickly on a firstcome, first-serve basis – without a long wait.

9540 Garland Road, Suite C408

Casa Linda Plaza

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

DoctorsHospitalUrgentCare.com

Q&A: George Boyd

George Boyd, 86, caught what he calls “bird photography disease” decades ago at White Rock Lake and has photographed thousands of birds, animals, wildflowers and insects since then. He lives near the lake with his wife, Shirley, and spends most of his spare time going through old photo scrapbooks and digitalizing his pictures.

How did you begin photographing White Rock Lake?

We moved into our house here 50 years ago. We never spent much time at the lake except the occasional picnic or something. A family doctor told me I was much too heavy, and I was burning the candle at both ends. He insisted that I do some kind of exercise. He just kind of pulled something out of thin air, he said, ‘Like running.’ So I started driving to the lake, and I had a mile mark, and I’d run and then the next day I’d go back and run two miles and then got up to four. I

started running more and more up at the lake, and when you do crazy things like that, you have to do things to play games with your mind, so I started listening to all the different water birds. I started trying to distinguish what they were and just kind of got interested in them.

In the meantime, Shirley and I went on a trip to Big Bend, and the guy who was our leader, he just knew everything about it. As well as telling everything about the plants and the soil, he was also a birder. He would point out all these different birds, and I realized it was like hunting;

it was the same genes that make you want to go hunting with a gun. For years I would go out hunting, and my main interest was just to see what bird I saw. It wasn’t shooting with a gun, it was mostly just looking, and this kind of just grew into wanting to document what was here. The pictures were kind of like trophies.

My youngest son conned me into buying an A1 Canon with a 50 to 100 zoom lens, and I started trying to take pictures with that. Soon I found I needed something better than that. Like most hobbies, it kind of evolved from there.

On Earth Day at the Bath House Cultural Center, they had a two-week showing of the wildlife at White Rock Lake with my pictures, and the North Texas Master Naturalists had a tent set up next door, and they were taking people on wildflower walks. I went on one of those walks, and a man gave me a list of what had been seen down there. I found you could hunt wildflowers

George Boyd: Danny Fulgencio

just like you can hunt birds or animals.

The next year I had the same thing [a picture showing] about the wildflowers at White Rock Lake. And then butterflies and dragonflies, and what I call critters, you know, lizards or turtles or snakes.

Did you grow up hunting? Where did that come from?

I guess it started when I was a little kid. I don’t remember how old I was when my daddy started taking me out with the shotgun to go rabbit hunting. Of course, that was back when if you shot a rabbit, you ate a rabbit. And I guess it’s like anything you get involved in where there’s a certain amount of competitive spirit.

So, when was the transition from hunting to photography?

I’d been deer hunting in a blind in Colorado some, but I was mostly just interested in the wildlife. I just really enjoyed seeing the wildlife there. The fact that you could photograph it, and the advantage of hunting with a camera is that there’s no closed season on anything. If you shoot it today and don’t like the picture, you can go back and shoot it again.

In the time you’ve been around White Rock Lake, have you seen the wildlife change a lot? Were there things that used to be there that aren’t anymore?

Actually there are a lot of things that you see now that weren’t there before. I remember the first time I saw the white pelicans. I was on the dam early one morning, and I looked out there, and I could not believe what I was seeing. There were about 10 or 12 pelicans. I came home and got Shirley, and we went back out there, and sure enough they were still out there. They’ve been back ever since. Also, now coyotes are more prevalent and bobcats are more prevalent. We’ve gotten mink down there.

How about the monk parakeets?

I was running one evening, and I saw the birds fly over, and I couldn’t identify them, but they were making noise like a parrot would. There was a doctor who walked down there with his dog, and he had a big pair of binoculars. We’d

Medical City Children’s Hospital Urgent Care is now open!

Medical City Children’s Hospital Urgent Care is now open at Northwest Highway and Hillcrest in Dallas. Unique among local urgent care centers, we see only pediatric patients and are staffed exclusively by pediatric specialists.

Services include:

§ Strep, flu, urine, RSV and mono testing

§ X-rays

§ Lab services (on site and referral)

§ IV fluids

§ Fracture care and splinting

§ Laceration repair (stitches, staples and glue)

§ Sports and camp physicals

§ Breathing treatments

§ Urine catheterization

§ Removal of foreign bodies from nose, ears and skin

Weekdays 4:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Weekends Noon to 8:00 pm

6805 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225

Phone: (855) 875-KIDS

www.medicalcityurgentcare.com

meet almost every morning. I said, ‘Did I see parrots flying over? Am I imagining that?’ He said, ‘Oh no, those are monk parakeets. There’s nine of them and they rest in the superstructure at the electri-

“I remember the first time I saw the white pelicans. I was on the dam early one morning, and I looked out there, and I could not believe what I was seeing. There were about 10 or 12 pelicans.”

cal company.’ So I went down, and sure enough they were building down there by the power plant. The next year there were a few more, and a few more, and they’re all over this part of town now.

Do you have a favorite photograph?

The red fox I guess is one of my favorites. I was down at the old fish hatchery pond, and I was trying to photograph some little kinglettes — a type of sparrow — and they were just darting around. I saw something move behind the brush. He came out I guess to get a drink of water in the creek. I had the camera on it, and he stuck his head out, and it was a red fox. I snapped a picture. Of course it was a manual camera, so I shot it, and it advanced the camera, and I pushed the button again, and all I had was just the hole; he was gone that fast.

So all the years you’ve been photographing at White Rock Lake, you never get tired of it?

No, I never do. There’s always something new. Brittany Nunn

What gives?

Small ways that you can make a big difference for nonprofits

Give good jeans … to the Richardson ISD Council of PTAs Clothes Closet. Dozen Denim December is an effort to encourage district PTA groups to collect and donate to the closet 12 pairs of jeans, which eventually are given to RISD students from low-income families. Individuals are asked to donate what they can; the greatest need during this particular drive is size 10-12 boys and girls skinny jeans. The Clothes Closet, at 970 Security Row in Richardson, stands apart from thrift stores and other clothing donors in that it ensures students find threads in styles they feel proud to wear, rather than old out-of-fashion hand-me-downs. The outlet has four dressing rooms, each with fuzzy, bright-colored carpeting and big mirrors, and volunteers work tirelessly to sort and hang clothes on Mondays to prepare for Tuesday’s arrival of children. “We try to let the child have a shopping experience,” Gail McAda, second chairwoman for the organization told the Advocate last year. “A lot of kids are wearing hand-me-down shoes that are too small for them,” McAda added. “When they step into correctly fitting shoes, they think they are actually not the right size.” The Clothes Closet in December also needs shoes, toiletries, jackets and winter hats. Donations are accepted Mondays from 9:30 a.m.-noon. For further information email clothescloset@risdpta. org or call 469.593.0568.

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.

Claudia Crow Debbie Kelly

Kim Lohrengel

Jo Sutton Rachel Story

Kathy Lacy

Stephanie Jehle

Modern Architecture Creek Trees

Stephanie Jehele

6912 CHANTILLY COURT IN CHANTILLY ISLAND SUBDIVISION, LAKEWOOD • LOT FOR SALE

RISD Council of PTAs Clothes Closet : Can Türkyilmaz

Pipe dreams

The German-made Klais pipe organ that served the Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels in St. Paul, Minn., for more than 50 years is bound for a new home at Central Lutheran Church in Dallas.

Someday, that is. For now the grand instrument crafted by renowned organ builder Johannes Klais is in pieces, stored at the Garland workshop of Robert Sipe, the expert charged with its restoration and installation. And church members are in fundraising mode in support of the Klais Pipe Organ Project, known as KPOP. Following on the heels of a major (and costly) remodel to the church itself, installing the 2-manual, 16-stop, 20-rank organ means raising an estimated $150,000 to $200,000.

“When we dream, we dream big,” says Ted Steinke, a longtime church member and Lake Highlands resident.

Ted Steinke: Jun Ma

Dr. Clint Meyer is an East Dallas resident and has practiced optometry for over 20 years. “At Dallas Eyeworks we pride ourselves on making peoples’ lives better through improved vision and eye health.”

He was among those who traveled with organist Larry McCain to St. Paul to play and inspect the organ. The congregation approved the purchase in 2011.

“We decided it would be a perfect fit for our church,” Steinke says, and also for the larger community. “We envision being host to community concerts, organ recitals, competitions.” Only after the funds are raised will the installation process (taking about nine months) begin. In all, it’s estimated that it will be about two years before the organ is installed in the choir loft and ready to be played.

The organ (Opus 1152) is noteworthy in that it’s only the second such instrument made by the Orgelbau Klais firm of Bonn, Germany, to be installed in the United States. “It has a great history to it,” says Steinke, who is one of the church’s many members of German heritage. After reaching out to the Klais workshop in Germany, the congregation received a reply including congratulations, well wishes for the project, and a copy of the original voicing scheme for the organ. (Voicing refers to the pitches of the individual pipes.)

The centerpiece of the fundraiser is an opportunity to purchase a pipe in honor of, or in memory of, a designated individual, who will receive special recognition from the church (specifics of the recognition program are still under development). These donations start at $1-$49. Two real estate agents from the congregation have pledged a percentage of commissions based on referrals as the first of “what we hope to be many KPOP partners.” Also, there will be many fundraising events, such as talent shows and chili cook-offs, throughout the year.

Central Lutheran Church was established in 1922, moving to its location along Easton Road in 1960. Steinke’s family started attending the church not long after that relocation. His father, who passed away several years ago, was a bass in the choir. Steinke is a tenor in that same choir.

“I’m committed to making this happen,” he says. “I just think it’s cool that we’re getting a German organ installed in the church. I’m a Steinke, after all.”

—Pam Harris

THE goods

ADVERTISING SECTION to advertise call 214.560.4203

YOGA MART

Many gift ideas for the yogi or yogini on your list, several items are manufactured in Dallas. Support local small businesses. Yoga Mart 6039 Oram (at Skillman) 214.534.4469 yogamartusa.com

CURIOSITIES

Antique Christmas decor dating back to the 19th century - including feather trees and hand blown ornaments. That and thousands of other one-of-akind antique gift Ideas - Curiosities has it all. 2025 Abrams Road 214.828.1886 getcuriosities.com

CAKE CAROUSEL

Cake, Candy and Cookie supplies! Take a class to learn how to decorate your seasonal treats. Home of the famous make your own Peppermint Bark. 1002 N. Central Expwy. Ste.501 @ Arapaho 972.690.4628 cakecarousel.com

GECKO HARDWARE

Rock your cares away with this new spin on the classic porch rocker; in eco-friendly eucalyptus and weather-resistant wicker. On sale for $199.99 From functional to funky — we make green living fun! 10233 E. NW Hwy @ Ferndale (near Albertsons) 214.343.1971 GeckoHardware.com

T.HEE GREETINGS

English made candles, foam soaps and milled bar soaps. Beautifully wrapped and ready for gifting. Available at both T. Hee Greetings locations. Lakewood and Lake Highlands. 214.747.5800 t-heegifts.com

SOZA DESIGNS

Beautifully designed art prints by Sozadesigns. East Dallas Original T-shirts, cards, gifts and more. Log on to: sozadesigns.com/store or etsy.com/shop/sozadesigns. Or stop by our studios. Call 214.287.6499 for appointment.

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

DUTCH ART GALLERY

Mention this Advocate Ad and receive 15% OFF Custom Framing (Valid Dec.1, 2013-Jan. 15, 2014. One per customer purchase.) 10233 E. NW Hwy. #420 @ Ferndale 214.348.7350 dutchartgallery.net

WALTON’S GARDEN CENTER

Shop Walton’s Garden Center for your live and fresh Christmas trees and garland. Great decorations and gifts for the indoors and out! 8652 Garland Rd. 214.321.2387

THE goods

THE STORE IN LAKE HIGHLANDS

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

CITY VIEW ANTIQUE MALL

Holiday Shopping Starts Here. Unique gifts, vintage Christmas decor and more! Delivery and layaway available. 6830 Walling Ln. (off Skillman/Abrams) 214.752.3071 cityviewantiques@homestead.com

VAPOR MART

Gift Wrapping Available. 214.321.1944 9533 Losa Dr #2 Across from Highland Park Cafeteria and Behind Chili’s.

2/3 PAGE 6 ITEMS (2 HOUSE ADS)

Walter, you are missed!

Humans inherit almost-certain eventual heartbreak when they adopt a pet; the sorrow comes swifter still when it is an already old pet. Four years ago, Lake Highlands resident Quinn Weyhe met an irresistible 13-year-old blind corgi-pug mix at a local adoption event. “He was so sweet, and something about him just got to me,” Quinn recalls. “We didn’t plan to take him home, but as we started walking away, I burst into tears. I told [my boyfriend] Matthew: Even if he only has one year left, let’s give him the best one of his life.” The dog, named Walter, lived four years, until this November. “This guy taught me more about love and patience than anything or anyone could,” Quinn says. Matthew and Quinn, now married, miss reaching over the bed to pet those soft little ears, they say, but the light old Walter brought to their lives still glows.

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

Out & About

December 2013

Dec. 6

Holiday in the Highlands

Sneak a peek inside four fab neighborhood homes during the 35th Lake Highlands Women’s League Home Tour — a Christmastime tradition, which also includes a luncheon and holiday shopping experience. Tour houses 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the following addresses: 7315 Danashire, 9127 Branch Hollow, 9121 Moss Farm and 9859 Elmcrest. Both the luncheon, which begins at noon, and the market take place at Highlands Christian Church. Proceeds from the event support scholarships for Lake Highlands High School students and community improvement projects. In its 40 years the league has invested more than $2 million in the neighborhood.

Highlands Christian Church, 9949 McCree, lhwl.org, 214.232.3297, $15 for luncheon, $15 at the door for home tour or $10 in advance from any LHWL member

THROUGH JAN. 5

The Trains at NorthPark

Elaborate toy trains roll across 1,600 feet of track through replica cityscapes for the 26th annual holiday train exhibit. Open daily with limited hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central, 214.631.7354, rmhdallas.org, $3-$6, children under 2 free

DEC. 4-7

Book sale

Skillman Southwestern Library Friends is selling more than 4,000 gently used, donated books, CDs, movies, magazines, cards and more. On Dec. 4, the sale takes place noon-7:45 p.m., and on Dec. 5, 6 and 7, the sale is 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Most items are 50 cents to $2. Everything is half-priced on Saturday.

Skillman Southwestern Library Auditorium, 5707 Skillman, 214.670.6078 or e-mail SSLFriends@ aol.com, free entry

DEC. 6

Grace Pettis

Live acoustic music venue Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse hosts only one concert this month, featuring sultry folk singer Grace Pettis, accompanied by The Powell Brothers.

Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse, 9555 North Central, 214.363.0044, unclecalvins.org, $15-$18

DEC. 7, 21

‘Conversations About Race’

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Dallas City Council members including Lake Highlands representative Jerry Allen lead workshops and discussions about race and issues surrounding it. A December session is planned for Saturday, Dec. 7, at City Hall council chambers. A session especially for youth is set for Dec. 21 at Dallas Performance Hall.

Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla, Dallas Performance Hall, 2520 Flora, dallascityhall.com, free

Dec. 27—Jan. 5

Children’s circus

Dallas Children’s Theater, in conjunction with Lone Star Circus, for the first time ever presents a Season Special circus extravaganza. An international galaxy of acrobats, aerialists, hand balancers, jugglers, clowns and dogs performs together to create a sensational and joyous circus spectacular.

Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, dct.org, 214.740.0051, $15-$20

2012 Home Tour: Jeanine Michna-Bales

Performer Kameron Badgers: Danny Fulgencio

DEC. 8

Dallas Marathon

“Marathons have become festivals,” a Running USA researcher recently noted. “The participants include both runners and spectators who take local pride in their cities’ marathons.” The point: you need not be an athlete to enjoy the Dallas Marathon, which will wind through the White Rock area beginning a little after 8 a.m. and last into the early afternoon. Runners can register for the full or half marathon until the events reach capacity. Volunteer or find a list of spectator highlights on the Dallas Marathon website.

Begin near Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla, dallasmarathon.com, $100-$150 (prices increase as race day nears)

DEC.

14

Christmas bazaar

The Bishop Lynch Brigade drill team is ready to help you with your shopping list during the team’s fifth annual Christmas Bazaar from 9 a.m.4 p.m. in the school’s atrium, hallway and cafeteria. There will be jewelry, makeup, scarves, home goods, baked goods, bags, children’s items, baskets, candles, quilts, crosses, greeting cards and much more.

Bishop Lynch High School, 9750 Ferguson, email bishoplynchbrigade@yahoo.com for more info, free

A WARM THANK YOU

Lakewood Early Childhood PTA would like to thank these wonderful companies and individuals for making the 37 th Annual Lakewood Home Festival a huge success!

Almcoe Refrigeration

Baby Bliss / Mini Me

BeardSKI

Bella Vista Company

Bulleit Whiskey

Chicago Title Insurance Company Ciroc

Coldwell Banker Lakewood

Cornerstone Mortgage Cupcake Vineyards

D Home Magazine

Dave Perry-Miller & Associates

David Bush Realtors

Don Julio

And

Ebby Lakewood

Forest Lane Pediatrics

Incarnation Academy

Jacksonsells.com

Juliette Fowler Communities

Kovar Homes, LLC

Lakehouse Bar & Grill

Lakewood Brewing Company

Lakewood Veterinary Center

Maestri, LLC Architecture-Design

Mast Sturgeon Group

Minnette Murray Properties

Nancy Johnson Real Estate Group

Nothing Bundt Cakes

One Fine Day

Potbelly

Republic Title

StudiOrange

Susan Melnick

Team Whiteside

The Dallas Morning News

The Wine Therapist Times Ten Cellars

Walnut Hill Obstetrics & Gynecology

White Rock Lake Weekly

Whole Foods

CLIENT: Lakewood Festival

(214.987.6500)

Dallas Marathon: Benjamin Hager

the gracious homeowners, home captains, market vendors, cafe vendors, auction donors, florists, volunteer coordinators, and the hundreds of volunteers who make this event possible.

Delicious

Latin Deli

Originally from Mexico City, Fernando Barrera traveled to many countries as a young man — England, France, and all over the United States. Everywhere he went he saw delis, but there was one deli he always was on the look-out for and never found: a Latin deli. If he ever opened his own restaurant, he decided, it’d be a Latin deli. “I wanted to do it, but I wanted to do it on a nice scale,” he says. “I mean, not fancy tables and fancy chairs, but I knew that I can provide good, quality food.” Over the years, Barrera worked in the kitchens of several restaurants until he eventually began working in restaurant management. “In those places, I learned a little bit of everything,” he says. At the same time, he also studied graphic design at El Centro. Finally, two years ago, he opened Latin Deli in the shopping center in the southeast corner of Abrams and Northwest Highway, and all his talents came together. The light, fun atmosphere greets guests at the door, quickly followed by the smell of fresh greens and baked goods. Because of Barrera’s knack for aesthetics, he puts extra focus on the presentation of each meal. “But the main concern is the taste,” he says. “We make everything right here when it’s ordered. Nothing is premade in the back, and we buy as much as we can from local markets.” The menu features a range of Latin-inspired dishes, such as the Cubano sandwhich, the classic mexican torta, the pineapple pork sandwich, and the ever-popular chicken sandwich. “It’s like a fusion of culture,” he says. “I used the chicken from Mexico, I used the pork from Peru, and I used a special sauce from Venezuela. All of the menu is a fusion.”

LATIN DELI

5844 Abrams

214.363.5551 latindelidallas.com

AMBIANCE: DELI, BAKERY

PRICE RANGE: $2.99-$7.99

HOURS:

MON-FRI: 9 A.M.—9 P.M.

SAT: 8 A.M.—9 P.M.

SUN: 11 A.M.—6 P.M.

—Brittany Nunn

Chicken Sandwich:Mark Davis

| MORE DELICIOUS DELIS |

1 Izmir Market & Deli

You haven’t lived until you’ve tried the hummus and pita bread at Izmir. Plus, there’s plenty of other great menu items, from gyros to hot or cold sandwiches.

3607 Greenville

214.824.8484

cafeizmir.com

2 Cindi’s NY Deli

Pancakes, omelets, knishes, cheese blintzes, nova lox and Matzo ball soup — just a few of the offerings at this New York-style eatery. The New York Rueben, Philadelphia cheese steak and tuna melt are among the sandwich faves. Try fresh pastries and custom-made cakes, too.

11111 N. Central

214.739.0918 cindisnydeli.com

3 European Market

The friendly staff prepares darn-good deli sandwiches; Polish meats and cheeses; fat Pierogies; and imported chocolates, cookies and cakes.

11613 N. Central 214.696.5441

Mockingbird Station’s 12 Days of Savings helps you make the most out of your holiday shopping with discounts at 12 MBS retailers and restaurants December 10-22.

MOCKINGBIRDSTATION.COM/12DAYSPROMO

Shine with these sparkling wines

J Brut Rosé ($38)

Those of us who appreciate sparkling wine have never had it so good. Prices, for the most part, are wonderfully low, and quality has never been better. There are many reasons for both, but one is that more of us appreciate sparkling than ever before. It’s one of the big changes in the wine business, that bubbly is not just for holidays and special occasions.

Still, this time of year is sparkling’s busiest season. You can splurge with Champagne, from the Champagne region of France, but there is also well-priced wine from California, Spain (called cava), Italy, and even other parts of France.

Consider these wines for the holiday:

• Sarao Cava Brut ($11): This Spanish bubbly demonstrates how much well made cava is available. Look for a little apple fruit, though this is a softer wine, without the citrusy tang of some other cavas. But it’s well made and worth at least what it costs.

• Borgo Sanleo Prosecco ($13): Not as sweet as some Proseccos, the sparkling wine of Italy, but fruity (practically tropical) and very refreshing. Not as bubbly as its Spanish, French and California counterparts, but it’s not supposed to be.

• J Brut Rosé ($38): Top-flight California sparkling with wine cranberry and raspberry fruit that is still young and will get better the longer it ages. It’s hard to go wrong with any of J’s wine, even at this price.

Finally, a personal note: This is the final wine column I’ll be writing for the Advocate. It has been a joy and a pleasure to do it, and to see how much you appreciated it. But I have other writing that needs to be done, including a couple of books; you can keep up with my wine writing at winecurmudgeon.com.

—Jeff Siegel

with your wine

Gougere

(Adapted from Patricia Wells, “Bistro Cooking”)

Gougere are French-style cheesepuffs, and it seems as if they were invented for sparkling wine. Wonderful as a first course or as something to pass around for holiday guests.

GROCERY LIST

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 stick butter

1 cup water

1/2 cup flour

2 eggs

1/2 cup grated Swiss-style cheese

Thank

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine salt, butter and water in saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to mix.

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

Color proofs: because of the difference in equipment and conditions between the color proofing and the pressroom operations, a reasonable variation in color between color proofs and the completed job shall constitute an acceptable delivery.

2. Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the flour, stirring vigorously. It will make a smooth, soft dough. Put the pan back on the heat, stirring the dough all the time. The goal is to dry it a little; when it starts to stick to the pan, it’s dry enough.

3. Transfer the warm dough to a food processor with a metal blade. Add the eggs and half the cheese, and mix until everything is incorporated. The dough should still be warm.

4. Place the dough in 2-inch rounds on a non-stick baking sheet (or use parchment paper) using a spoon, pastry bag or even a melon baller. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining cheese. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 15 to 25 minutes. About 45 minutes, Serves four

Ask the wine guy

What does “brut” mean for sparkling wines?

Brut means the wine is dry, although dry in sparkling isn’t quite as dry as it is in wine without bubbles. Also, Italian brut sparklers are less dry than French, American or Spanish bubblies. —Jeff Siegel

THE WINE GUY taste@advocatemag.com

BRIGHT {GIFT} IDEAS

Buy from neighbors and be a gift-and-goody-giving guru

| PHOTOS BY KIM LEESON |

The Prickly Poppy Bakery took root in July, and business already is blooming.

Lake Highlands resident Erin Van Kirk launched the home-based business with the commitment to making each dessert a custom creation. Customers can start with set flavors (such as Hazelnut Crunch or Lavender Honey) or team with her to craft the entire concept — either way, every cake or dessert is made to order.

“It’s not like I have a chocolate cake here that I’m just icing; I love that I’m making

your cake with you in mind,” she says. “It’s a lot more fun for me as a baker.”

Van Kirk trained at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and held positions at Georgetown Cupcake, Bolsa, Bolsa Mercado and Bread Winners Cafe before launching the bakery with the help of husband Grant, an accountant. Her L street neighborhood has been “really great” in supporting the new addition, and she’s opened her doors for events such as a cupcake decorating night for the Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA cooking club.

With business picking up more quickly than anticipated, an expansion to an outside venue is already under consideration — not

a storefront, but perhaps a kitchen with a tasting room, where visitors could nibble and discuss their dream desserts.

For now, Van Kirk is thinking about holiday cookies. Iced sugar cookies are one of her favorite offerings, and she’ll make them in seasonal shapes such as snowflakes and Santa. Other specialties include chocolatecaramel thumbprint cookies and snowball cookies (pecan shortbread covered in powdered sugar). The bakery also will offer a sugar cookie decorating kit in December, for those who want an easy way to bake and decorate their own version of iced sugar cookies.

“Something about cookies just seems right for Christmas,” she says. —Pam

Harris

Devoting dollars to things you will give away — a December necessity. Might as well invest in the neighborhood economy and garner genuine gratitude from recipients with these unique made-in-the-neighborhood treasures.

Sunday

December 15th 4:00 PM at East Dallas Christian Church

Sing We Now of Christmas

East Dallas Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

629 N. Peak Street, Dallas, TX 75246 www.edcc.org

Free Admission and open seating. Donations accepted for Concert Series Fund.

EDCC Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, and Children’s Choir

EDCC Chancel Bell and Children’s Choir

“TrebleMakers” from Plano East High School

“TrebleMakers” from Plano East School

Daniel Ja zz

Daniel Pardo’s World Jazz Instrumentalists

Musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

Musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

To new mom Crispin Deneault, it seemed as if baby girls and toddlers had millions of options for clothes and accessories. The boys, though? Not so much.

The Lake Highlands resident found what she was looking for on Etsy, a digital marketplace for artists and designers, where she spotted “adorable” outfits and accessories appliqued with names and designs. Soon, she learned from her mother how to make her own outfits for son Ford, now 2.

“My mom gave me a sewing machine for my birthday, and I just started making shirts and burp cloths because I wanted something for my son,” she says. In time, she started making outfits for baby gifts, and friends suggested she try selling what she made.

Encouraged by the positive response to a Facebook posting, she opened an Etsy shop of her own, Tres Bien Boutique. There (or through her Facebook page of the same name), you’ll find ready-to-wear children’s clothes and accessories with a variety of designs and themes. She also accepts custom orders, which typically take about a week to turn around.During

holidays, turnaround time is two weeks. Last year, she says, she received more than 50 orders in a single day.

The Deneault family has grown since the launch of Tres Bien Boutique. Crispin and her husband, Tyler, welcomed a little girl, Marcelle, earlier this year. The mom of two tells her shop’s visitors that she is “back from maternity leave and raring to go!” She sees her Tres Bien creations as a bit of breathing space set apart from her life as a mom.

“It’s something that’s just for me,” she says. “It’s a great outlet to do something for myself — something fun — and bring in a little extra money.” —Pam

Harris

JulieAnn Bever PINT-SIZED PRINTS

JulieAnn Bever wanted to preserve her three children’s handprints.

They were getting older, and she wanted to be able to remember the size of their sweet little hands, so she picked up an impression kit from the nearest crafting store and gave it a valiant try.

“It was such a mess,” she says. “It was hard, and it was frustrating, and the result doesn’t look good, either.”

She tried again with the same result and thought, “There has to be an easier way.”

She consulted her artist sister and found out there was: Ditch the kits and go for the real stuff — white modeling clay.

While experimenting with that, she wondered if other parents had run into similar issues, a thought that led Bever to create her business, Pint-Sized Prints.

The response from friends interested in preserving their kids’ prints was so enthusiastic that Bever determined that her business idea probably had a market in Dallas.

“So I did it with my friends first, practiced a lot and then decided to start doing it as a business.”

Through trial and error, she discovered the clay cracks if it dries too quickly, so her dad built her several airtight bins in which to keep the pieces while they dry, so they will harden without cracking.

“It really turned into a family affair,” she says, adding that her mom helped her decorate the studio and sometimes assists with the glaze or other tasks. Plus, Bever’s grandfather originally built the studio. He used it for woodworking before he died.

“It’s kind of neat that I get to work in the same space that he worked in,” she says.

The Pint-Sized Prints process: parents bring their kids by her studio, press a handprint and/or footprint (Bever says she has just about perfected the art of wheedling wiggly babies into handing over their prints), and — voila! — the parents’ job is done; Bever does the dirty work.

“And then they just get a nice, pretty impression in a box. So they get the end result, and they don’t have to deal with all the mess and the frustration.”

Her two biggest seasons are Christmas and Mother’s Day, but if people don’t want to deal with the Christmas rush, they can buy a gift certificate and book the studio visit for later. And it doesn’t have to stop at handprints. Bever also makes impressions for dog paws, thumbprints for the whole family and keys for people’s first homes.

“Now, I’m always on the lookout for what I can make an impression of,” she says. “And it’s all because I wanted to preserve my kids’ prints, because I just love the way little hands and feet look.”

—Brittany Nunn

Kyle Wood

DUTCH ART GALLERY

Simple, direct, a little mysterious and unexpected and evocative of pleasant memories, Kyle Wood’s paintings are of recognizable places, and in some cases, spaces that only seem familiar. Central to his depiction of the Dallas Arboretum is an aesthetic wooden door embedded in the bleached-brick wall of DeGolyer Estate, with a few potted plants lining the walkway, rather than the acres of vibrant blossoming flora, which should tell you something about his approach. He gets into the nooks and quiet spots, and it makes the observer feel like an explorer inside the scene. His specialty is historical architecture and landscapes, he notes. “From an early age I have had a keen, unique perspective.” His great aunt Mildred is to thank for fostering his juvenile artistic inclinations, he adds. Wood is a featured artist at Dutch Art Gallery in Northlake Shopping Center at Ferndale and Northwest Highway. His prints run from $150 to $3,000, and the gallery offers a variety of framing options. Wood is one of several local artists — including Laurie Justice Pace and Kay Wyne, featured in past Advocate editions — featured at Dutch Art Gallery, whose special Texas artists’ exhibition lasts through January.

—Christina Hughes Babb

CYKOCHIK

Hitting the big 1-0 has proven to be quite a milestone year for Cykochik and its founder, Nikki Duong Koenig. In its 10th year, the label known for its custom-made, eco-friendly vegan handbags raised more than $10,000 from a spring Kickstarter campaign. The results? A 10th anniversary collection designed by six artists from around the country, a new website, and additional venues carrying the Cykochik line.

And one more thing: Keonig, a Lake Highlands resident, was able to leave her full-time job as the creative director for a marketing agency to devote herself exclusively to the business of Cykochik.

“It actually means more work,” she says, laughing. “When you do what you love and pursue your passion, it doesn’t feel like work. I’m humbled by the amount of support we got from fans, friends and family.

“I wouldn’t have been able to make this leap on my own.”

Keonig was an SMU student when she launched Cykochik in 2003. The commitment to sustainable manufacturing was established from the beginning. Sourcing materials was (and is) a challenge, given that they must be both eco-friendly and animal-friendly, living up to Keonig’s belief that she and her collaborators can “express our individuality without harming others, animals or our planet in the process.”

The six artists contributing to the Artist Series 3 were given Cykochik’s anniversary as their inspiration for the collection, with each designing a tote bag, laptop sleeve and

clutch. The pieces (starting at $110) are available at cykochik.com. Other readymade pieces can be purchased at the McKinney Avenue Contemporary in Uptown and the Gallery at Midtown, a gallery/studio space housed within Valley View Center.

Select Cykochik accessories also are available at various events hosted by the company throughout the year, or artsy gatherings such as the annual Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. For custom creations, get started at the website or Cykochik Facebook page. (Expect a turnaround time of about two to three weeks.) Keonig also encourages Cykochik fans to sign up for the newsletter list to receive updates and exclusive offers.

Even as Cykochik expands, its founder and her husband, Marek, remain rooted in Dallas, where both have strong family ties. Keonig wasn’t born here, but considers herself at heart to be a Dallasite and native Texan.

“I grew up here, went to SMU, went to New York and then came back,” she says, adding that the arts culture in Dallas is “improving and growing. It’s really exciting to be part of this transition.”

Ten years in, what does Koenig envision for the future of Cykochik? Ideas are plentiful: more bags, shapes, accessories, international collaborations. Expanding beyond handbags, into apparel, say, or home decor, is among the possibilities.

“There are so many things I want to do,” she says, with Cykochik having the potential to grow into a “compassionate lifestyle brand, involving artists and artisans from all around the world.”

—Pam Harris

Nikki Duong Koenig

Miles to go

A freak accident left him burned, broken and dependent, but this White Rockarea runner intends to finish what he started training for two years ago — the Dallas Marathon

Story by Christina Hughes Babb

On a cool November morning, Brandon Cumby rounds the last turn of the Dallas Running Club Half Marathon at White Rock Lake. Feeling better and stronger than he’s ever felt in a race, he smiles at the breaking sun and crosses the finish line in 1 hour, 51 minutes and 14 seconds. His time places him at a nondescript 416 among male finishers. But considering where the 33-year-old runner was little more than a year ago — facedown in mud, spewing blood from multiple orifices, nose and ribs broken, flesh smoldering, no discernable pulse — the finish ranks him decidedly outside the realm of ordinary.

THE ACCIDENT

In summer 2012 Cumby began training for the Dallas Marathon, but his plans screeched to a halt in August. Cumby cannot cohesively recall anything between July 28 and Aug. 24, he says. But family members and friends help him piece together the events that nearly snuffed out his future.

On Aug. 13, a Monday, the air conditioner in Cumby’s car died. After leaving the North Dallas office where he worked as an accountant, Cumby stopped at his friend Scott Boyle’s house. He figured he could park in Boyle’s driveway, hopeful-

ly fix the blower and avoid a sweltering drive home.

While Cumby toiled under the hood, Boyle and mutual friend Michael Baker played with their new toy — a high-tech remote-control helicopter.

By the time Cumby joined them, the sun was sinking, and visibility was low.

“They were ready to take it in — they didn’t want to crash it. It was expensive. They’d pooled their money to buy it. But I asked them to do a couple more runs. I egged them on, telling them to fly higher, do crazier stunts.”

Promptly, the copter crashed into a

An almost-recovered Brandon Cumby ponders his upcoming 26.2-mile race: Danny Fulgencio

nearby tree, embedding itself in the uppermost branches.

Boyle went for a ladder.

Cumby, confident in the strength gained from his marathon training, and feeling responsible, was determined to climb and retrieve the object himself.

In fractured flashbacks, Cumby recalls ants biting his hands as he climbed the tree, looking way down at his friends and feeling the first pang of anxiety, seeing the power lines in the distance (avoid, he noted to himself).

He couldn’t get to the helicopter, he assessed. But he could climb close enough to loosen it from the branches, if only he had something long with which to prod it.

A neighbor who had joined the guys below handed him an aluminum poolskimmer pole. Perfect.

He was clutching the pole with his right hand when his foot slipped. Falling in the direction of the wires, he lost control of his arm, which launched the pole over his head and into a power line.

A deafening “hmmmmmm!” shot through the air.

The hum was so powerful it made your teeth chatter, the witnesses say.

Then there were flames — orange and blue, that looked like they were shooting from Cumby’s belt buckle and from behind his knees, Baker recounted.

Then he fell, maybe 20 feet, “like a rag doll doing a gainer,” one witness later told him.

Motionless, Cumby lay prostrate. Boyle rolled him over; Mud clogged Cumby’s mouth, blood gushed from his nose and face, he was black and blue, smoke was rising from his groin and he smelled like burning flesh.

Boyle, a onetime lifeguard, searched for a heartbeat, a pulse. Nothing. He began chest compressions and kept working until paramedics arrived.

EMTs intubated, defibrillated, pounded Cumby’s chest until, finally, mercifully, his heart sprung to life.

But Cumby still was in grave danger. He was bleeding internally.

His friends say that even in his bed at Parkland Hospital, blood was seeping from his nose and mouth, from every-

where, it seemed.

The doctors could operate, they told Cumby’s loved ones, but his chances were not good. As his family waited with the hospital chaplain, a team of surgeons administered 22 units of blood and, against the odds, repaired Cumby’s lacerated liver and abdominal wall well enough to keep him alive. Later, burn and trauma surgeon Dr. Francis AliOsman later told Cumby that 100 out of 100 other people in his situation would have died before surgery.

ALIVE, BUT NOT WELL

The days and weeks following the first operation were the most mentally and physically agonizing of Cumby’s life, he says.

He was released from the hospital temporarily at the end of August. In his condition, he could not live alone, so he moved in with his grandparents. Clothing felt like sandpaper on his sensitive skin. Movement was nauseating. Stillness was unbearable.

“The pain and swelling from my burn excisions was unbelievable — I couldn’t tolerate walking or sitting down without one of those donut-shaped pillows.”

He couldn’t sleep, experienced hot and cold flashes, and lacked an appetite. A walk to and from the bathroom exhausted him.

“Before I had the accident I was fit. I rode a Harley, played the guitar, ran, cycled, worked on building lean muscle

I had lived on my own since I was 22, had relationships, had a house, was financially independent. Now I couldn’t live by myself or cook my own meals, drive or wash my clothes. I took medication out of a daily pill sorter so I wouldn’t get mixed up.”

And there was this hole in his gut, he says, whose source was anxiety over the idea that he might never run another mile.

But there is no space left in your head for marathon dreams when, say, the open wound located near your genitals inflames and oozes blood.

During a trip to the Parkland emergency room, Dr. Ali-Osman told him the wound wasn’t closing — it is called

dehiscence. Cumby would just have to give it time.

“The anxiety of having an open bleeding wound in a sensitive area is worse than the wound itself,” Cumby says.

Before his groin-area wound healed, he was readmitted to the hospital because, once it became clear he would live, surgeons needed to mend several sinus and facial bones broken during the fall (fractured rib and cervical bones also were dealt with separately).

This time, doctors cut a line from one ear, over his shaved head, to the other. They folded down the skin, repaired the bones — adding synthetic bone filler and wire mesh where needed, Cumby explains — and sewed him back together.

Seemingly endless sleepless nights and sickening withdrawal from opioid medicines — tremors, insomnia, nausea and increased sensitivity to pain — followed.

For weeks, his face remained swollen beyond recognition. He weighed 143 pounds, down 30 from his training days.

Several mornings on end, he had his stomach pumped — exploratory measures to determine the effectiveness of his digestive system. Unbearable abdominal pain sent him to the emergency room on multiple occasions. Digestive distress and stomach pain are results of postsurgical ileus and abdominal adhesions, respectively, Cumby explains.

Through it all, doctors prodded Cumby for information.

“They seemed to wonder how I had survived,” he says. “Their best guess is that my fitness, the running, saved me.”

Two weeks after his release from the hospital following cranial surgery, Cumby snuck out of his grandparents’ house. He needed to run.

“I made it about a half mile before I had to lie down in the grass. I was wearing a heart-rate monitor, and it was going crazy. I walked home.”

A couple of days later he tried it again, with similar results. His mom, though she didn’t understand why he needed this so much, began walking with him, and they eventually began adding small jogging intervals.

RUNNING THERAPY

Even as he was recovering from electrocution and life-altering trauma, Cumby felt this undeniable urge to run. Why? “I don’t expect anyone who is not a runner to understand this,” he says.

“When I first got out (of the hospital), I was entirely focused on the physical components. I wanted things to quickly return to normal. I needed to go back to work, get in shape, get my own place, make things look and feel normal. Turns out, there’s no quick way.”

Going out too fast can be detrimental in a long-distance race. Same goes for recovery, Cumby says.

He realized he had to go back and build a stronger foundation before he could rebuild his life, he says.

“So I asked myself, ‘What brings you joy?’ That is a good place to start.”

And his answer was: running.

“Running empowers me, centers me, focuses me,” he says.

The exercise strengthens his atrophied muscles and weary heart, but he says it is about much more.

“People think running is physical. It’s

not. Most of it is between the ears.”

When he first started running years ago, he learned that.

“At that time, I was overweight, ending a marriage, unhappy, so I started running. Back then, I did my best thinking while I was running,” he says. “It is no different now. It is my Zen.”

THE MARATHON

Rebecca Baker is Cumby’s running partner. In 2012 the duo decided to train for the Dallas Marathon.

After Cumby’s summer 2012 electrocution, which was witnessed by Rebecca’s husband Michael, the Bakers only wanted their friend to survive.

“Everything was so touch and go for the first few days that we were more worried whether he would live, Rebecca recalls. “It took a couple of days for them to figure out that he didn’t have any significant spinal injuries, which meant that he would walk again. At one point, he was so disoriented that he thought he had overslept and missed the marathon start. He kept telling his mom he needed his water bottle. Clearly, running was never far from his mind.”

Rebecca says she wasn’t all that surprised when he resumed training. “I was worried that he would try to do too much too soon, but he has done pretty well this season.”

The running community rallied around Cumby after the accident. The Dallas Running Club and White Rock Running Co-op held a fundraiser to help with medical expenses.

In January 2013, the Bakers and Cumby’s lifelong best friend Aaron Stevens (a Lake Highlands resident whose birthday, Cumby points out, fell on the same day of the accident), joined Cumby for a 5k race.

“It took 33 minutes to finish, and I thought I would die,” Cumby says. “But that got me over a mental hurdle.”

He didn’t like being slow, though.

“I am my own worst critic. I look at the other guys in my age group and their race times and feel inferior,” Cumby notes.

However, both he and Rebecca acknowledge that the way he is running now, all things considered, is nothing short of a miracle.

In March, Cumby ran the Rock n’

Lodging 2299 County Road 2008 Glen Rose, Texas 76043 254-897-2960

Frustrated? Let a seasoned pro be the interface between you & that pesky computer. Hardware & software installation, troubleshooting, training, $60/hour — one hour minimum.

Enjoy a relaxing escape at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center’s Lodge. Located in a peaceful corner of the park with incredible views, The Lodge welcomes guests to spacious rooms and includes a hot breakfast and a scenic wildlife drive.

the new

owner or long time resident.

Roll half marathon in a little over two hours.

Then he registered for the Dallas Running Club’s training program for the December 2013 Dallas marathon.

As the miles increased and Dallas marathon hopefuls ratcheted up the calorie, carb and protein intake, Cumby ran into trouble.

In August he landed in the ER with severe pain and vomiting blood.

His doctor wanted to operate to remove scar tissue growing around Cumby’s intestine.

Cumby begged for an alternative.

“The doctor looked at me like, ‘Let me get this straight. You are refusing surgery because you do not want to interrupt your marathon training?’ and I say, ‘Yes’.”

The doctor made a deal. They would try one more thing, and if his symptoms improved, he could resume training. Cumby said he would try anything.

The treatment was dietary — Cumby would go on a strict low-carb, low-protein, high-fat diet.

To avoid mid-workout distress, he also started fasting for several hours before any long-distance run. The diet essentially goes against everything marathon coaches preach, Cumby says.

But it has worked.

Before racing the DRC Half Marathon in November, Cumby completed a 21-mile training run with the running club’s 4:10-marathon pace group.

When he runs the 26.2-mile Dallas Marathon course on Dec. 8, he won’t be wearing a watch, he says.

“I don’t want to put any undue pressure on myself by worrying about how fast or slow I am running,” he says. “I am just going to concentrate on finishing the race.”

As he expected, while he focused on running over the last few months, Cumby’s life shaped up. He recently got his own place near the lake — the epicenter of Dallas fitness, he calls White Rock — and a new job at a small firm.

He’s learned some lessons: No treeclimbing with aluminum poles. His friends and family are too good to be true. Follow joy. Forget the odds. Do not make specific plans, because you risk short-changing yourself.

After the marathon, he might try ultrarunning or a triathlon, he says.

“I want to see how far I can go.

Photo by Jeremy Daniel

New BroaDway Cast reCorDiNg Now availaBle oN Ps ClassiCs

The

on what’s up with neighborhood businesses

AIO Wireless

There is a new AIO Wireless in the Royal Highlands Shopping Center at Skillman-Royal and another in the shopping strip north of Abrams and Northwest Highway. AIO, AT&T’s answer to MetroPCS, launched Dallas-area stores just a few months ago, but, recently AT&T reportedly announced that it would fold AIO into the brand Cricket, owned by Leap Wireless, with which AT&T recently merged. So the new AIO stores, which seem to be popping up everywhere, could become Cricket stores.

Urgent Care

Doctors Express at the corner of Skillman and Royal has closed and a new PrimaCare urgent care facility is in its place.

Dry Cleaners

There is a new Lakeside Cleaners on Skillman at Walnut, across the street from the Lake Highlands Town Center near LA Fitness/MiCocina/Picasso’s. Signage suggests they are offering discounts.

Custom Cleaners, at Greenville-Forest, recently closed. Some customers have complained about not receiving clothing dropped off before the sudden shuttering. Other customers told the Advocate that they received a call from the owners and were able to pick up their items.

Town Center

A senior staffer at Trammell Crow Co. has confirmed involvement in the Lake Highlands Town Center. Denton Walker told a reporter at the Dallas Morning News that Trammell Crow is working with the city and will have an updated site plan soon. What to expect? Trammell Crow’s most-recent area development is Timbercreek Crossing at Skillman and Northwest Highway, which offers an indication. The Haven Lake Highlands, the residential community underway at the town center, is still managed by original town center developers Prescott Realty. For the retail portion of the development, the controlling real estate advisors, Cypress, ostensibly has ousted Prescott Realty in favor of Trammell Crow.

Thrift and donations

Catholic Charities of Dallas’ World of Goods has closed its thrift store and plans to give all donations to its clients, communications officer Rosalynn Vasquez says. She adds: Effective immediately, the resale store will convert to a donation center which will serve the clients of Catholic Charities of Dallas. Why? We want to provide one hundred percent of all donated goods directly to our clients We hope to remain in the same shopping strip in a space that is diagonal from the current space (10675 E. Northwest Highway, Suite 1650). The Lake Highlandsbased organization still needs donations and volunteers, Vasquez notes. The charity will send someone to your home to pick up large furniture donations. To schedule, call Felecia Hunter-Burnett at 214.342.8231. Pick ups are Tuesday-Friday mornings.

NorthPark

The Salvation Army Angel Tree is located on level one between Macy’s and Dillard’s. Volunteers are accepting gifts for the “angels” — children, seniors and disabled adults in need. Drop off donations at NorthPark by Dec. 9, so The Salvation Army can deliver the gifts in time for Christmas.

Eiseman Jewels opened a new Rolex shop adjacent to the former Stuart Weitzman store. The Rolex shop features a private viewing area and onsite repairs.

Kate Spade moved into a new location on level one between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom The updated space is modeled after the original flagship store in New York. It is the second largest Kate Spade store in the country. —Christina Hughes Babb

GUIDE

THE KESSLER SCHOOL

EDUCATING FOR OVER 100 YEARS

Toddlers - Grade 8

Rise Up and Build Nehemiah 2:18

OPEN HOUSE with Science Fair on Thursday, January 16 from 5:30 – 7:00pm

Call us for enrollment information 214-363-1630

BENDING OAKS HIGH SCHOOL

11884 Greenville Avenue, Suite 120 / 972.669.0000 / bohs.com Bending Oaks is a limited-enrollment private high school located in Dallas, Texas. For over 29 years Bending Oaks High School has provided a supportive learning environment that can rebuild a student’s confidence in their abilities, get them on track to graduate from high school, and off to college. Visit bohs.com to learn more, late enrollment is available.

CLAIRE’S CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL

8202 Boedeker Dr., / (214) 368-4047 / clairesdayschool.com At CCDS, we encourage a child’s sense of exploration and discovery in a loving, nurturing, and safe environment. We offer a parent’s day out program with a play-based curriculum fostering socialization, motor skill development, and an introduction to academics for children aged 4mo – 3yrs. Our preschool for children aged 3-5 further develops these skills, along with a more focused approach to pre-math and pre-reading. At CCDS, we have developed our own science, math, and reading enrichment classes to ensure kindergarten preparedness for every child. We make learning fun!

HIGHLANDER SCHOOL

9120 Plano Rd. Dallas / 214.348.3220 / www.highlanderschool.com

Founded in 1966, Highlander School offers an enriched curriculum in a positive, Christian-based environment. Small class sizes help teachers understand the individual learning styles of each student. Give us a call for more information.

Pre K – 6th Grade / 1215 Turner Ave, Dallas TX 75208 / 214-942-2220 / www. thekesserschool.com The Kessler School offers an innovative academic environment that gives students a solid foundation, confidence, and a love of learning. Located just minutes from downtown Dallas; The Kessler School’s mission is to “educate the whole child,” and provides an individualized approach to teaching – meeting the student where their needs are. Students are educated socially through community time, physically through daily PE, academically through a well-rounded curriculum, and spiritually through a fostering of awareness and individual growth.

LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931 / lakehillprep.org Kindergarten through Grade 12 - Lakehill Preparatory School takes the word preparatory in its name very seriously. Throughout a student’s academic career, Lakehill builds an educational program that achieves its goal of enabling graduates to attend the finest, most rigorous universities of choice. Lakehill combines a robust, college-preparatory curriculum with opportunities for personal growth, individual enrichment, and community involvement. From kindergarten through high school, every Lakehill student is encouraged to strive, challenged to succeed, and inspired to excel.

SPANISH HOUSE

5740 Prospect Ave. & 4411 Skillman / 214-826-4410 / DallasSpanishHouse.com

Spanish House is a Spanish immersion school with two Lakewood locations for children ages 3 months - Kindergarten. We offer half-day and fullday programs, with extended care available from 7:30am - 6:00pm. We also offer after-school and Saturday classes for PK and elementary-aged students, both on- and off-site. Additionally, we have an adult Spanish program for beginning, intermediate and advanced students.

ST. CHRISTOPHER’S MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

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

Founded in 1953, St. John’s is an independent, co-educational day school for Pre-K through Grade 8. With a tradition for academic excellence, St. John’s programs include a challenging curriculum in a Christian environment along with instruction in the visual and performing arts, Spanish, German, French, and opportunities for athletics and community service.St. John’s goal for its students is to develop a love for learning, service to others, and leadership grounded in love, humility, and wisdom. Accredited by ISAS, SAES, and the Texas Education Agency

WHITE ROCK NORTH SCHOOL

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas / 214.348.7410 / WhiteRockNorthSchool.com

6 Weeks through 6th Grade. Our accelerated curriculum provides opportunity for intellectual and physical development in a loving and nurturing environment. Character-building and civic responsibility are stressed. Facilities include indoor swimming pool, skating rink, updated playground, and state-of-the-art technology lab. Kids Club on the Corner provides meaningful after-school experiences. Summer Camp offers field trips, swimming, and a balance of indoor and outdoor activities designed around fun-filled themes. Accredited by SACS. Call for a tour of the campus.

ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL

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

69%

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

6121 E. Lovers Ln (@ Skillman) Dallas, TX 75214 www.ziondallas.org

COMMUNICATION VS. COMMUNION

The Word was delivered in the flesh, not via Gmail

Apple can do only so much.

It was my birthday. I was sitting at my desk at home, staring at my iMac. My mother called on the home phone plugged into the wall because that’s what older people do — call on landlines.

While we were talking, an iMessage popped up on my desktop from my daughter in San Antonio. It contained an embedded video from my two little granddaughters. Before I could open it, my wife’s iPhone rang. Our daughter and the girls were calling on FaceTime, so Kim brought the smartphone into my study and pointed it at the computer. I clicked on the video and watched the girls singing Happy Birthday to me and blowing out candles that their mother had put on a tray of brownies.

Meanwhile my mother in Tennessee listened on the landline and the girls in San Antonio watched themselves on my iMac while they were eating the brownies they had since rescued from the melting candle wax.

Two states, three cities, four generations and five technologies: all happening in “virtual” real time, if that’s not an oxymoron. When my mother was a child, her grandparents would have had to be in the room to wish her happy birthday in real time; otherwise it would have been a Hallmark card with a stamp from the post office. When I was that age, my grandparents might have called on a wired telephone. When my daughter was that age, it would still have been a landline.

Within the last thirty years, wow — we have had a communications revolution.

Or have we? We may have had only a communication device revolution. We have more ways to communicate today than at any time in the history of the world. And granted, we send more communiqués than every before. In addition to the abovementioned, we could include fax, Facebook, Twitter, Viber and all sorts of means

of messaging.

But are we better communicators?

At the heart of faith traditions that derive from the God of Abraham is the claim that God has revealed God’s self to the world. God has broken through the sound barrier between heaven and earth and communicated with us.

At first it would have been a word that might have sounded like a gentle wind whispering sweet somethings of promised love in the ear of an unsuspecting lonely

Bedouin. It could at times have sounded to a prophet like the roar of an angry sea at the idolatry and injustice between and within coastal kingdoms. In time those hardly audible words were written down, and the writing itself was occasion for tidings of judgment or joy.

Christians claim that the climax of God’s communication strategy with the world came when the Word came to live among us. God didn’t create advanced technologies to send new signals; the Word came in the flesh to bring the word afresh.

And that’s because true spiritual experience is always more about communion than communication. Intimacy can be intimated by mail, or by the book, or online. Being there brings the message home.

Bodily presence is the mystery that seals our hearts in love and binds us as one. Which is why Christians talk about the real presence of Christ in communion. We’re partaking together of the divine life.

There’s virtually no substitute for that. Really.

Intimacy can be intimated by mail, or by the book, or online. Being there brings the message home.

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

The Forest Meadow Junior High PTA would like to

214.560.4203

ANGLICAN

ALL SAINTS DALLAS / 2733 Oak Lawn / 972.755.3505

Radical Inclusivity, Profound Transformation. Come and See!

9:00 & 11:00 am Sunday Services. www.allsaintschurchdallas.org

BAPTIST

LAKESIDE BAPTIST / 9150 Garland Rd / 214.324.1425

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

Pastor Jeff Donnell / www.lbcdallas.com

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

All services & Bible Study 9:15 & 10:45. Trad. & Blended (Sanctuary),

Contemporary (Great Hall), Amigos de Dios (Gym) / 214.860.1500

PRESTONWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH / “A Church to Call Home”

Sundays: Bible Fellowship (all ages) 9:15 am /Service Time 11:00 am

12123 Hillcrest Road / 972.820.5000 / prestonwood.org

WILSHIRE BAPTIST / 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

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

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

BIBLE CHURCHES

NORTH HIGHLANDS BIBLE CHURCH / www.nhbc.net / 9626 Church Rd.

Sunday: LifeQuest (all ages) 9:00 am / Worship 10:30 am

Student Ministry: Wednesday & Sunday 7:00 pm / 214.348.9697

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

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

HIGHLANDS CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Lake Highlands) 9949 McCree Rd. 214-348-2805 / www.highlandschristianchurch.com

Sundays: School 9:45 am / Worship 11:00 am / Rev. Paul Carpenter

LUTHERAN

CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA / 1000 Easton Road

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

Pastor Rich Pounds / CentralLutheran.org / 214.327.2222

FIRST UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH / 6202 E Mockingbird Ln.

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

METHODIST

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 & 10:50 am Traditional / 10:50 am Contemporary

WHITE ROCK UNITED METHODIST / www.wrumc.org

1450 Oldgate Lane / 214.324.3661

Sunday Worship 10:50 am / Rev. George Fisk

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

LAKE HIGHLANDS CHURCH / 9919 McCree / 214.348.0460

Sundays: Classes 9:30, Coffee 10:25, Assembly 10:45

Home groups meet on weeknights. / lakehighlandschurch.org

PRESBYTERIAN

LAKE HIGHLANDS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / 214.348.2133

8525 Audelia Road at NW Hwy. / www.lhpres.org

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

UNITY

UNITY 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

TEXT “LH“ to 313131

Soup Supper 6:00 pm

Advent Vespers 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall

GLAD TIDINGS, a special Christmas music presentation by Brookhaven College Choral Society and Central Lutheran Senior Choir. Sunday, December 8 – 5:00 pm in the sanctuary.

Benefitting Klais Pipe Organ Project CHILDREN’S

Sunday, December 22 – 1:00 pm in the sanctuary following the Christmas Pot Luck at 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall. TRADITIONAL

Tuesday, December 24, 7:00 PM

Schools

Lake Highlands High School Band earned the highest honor allowed in the Region 3 UIL Marching Contest.

Lake Highlands High School has a Folklorico dance group. Founded as an afterschool club by teacher Suzanne McKown, Folklorico — which performs traditional Mexican folk dances at school and community events — is now a credited extra-curricular class.

Nonprofits

The Chi O Christmas Market, held each November at Fair Park, donated $35,000 this year to Healing Hands Ministries, a Lake Highlandsbased charity medical and dental health clinic.

The Lake Highlands Exchange Club and Jerry Allen, District 10 councilman, presented a $500 check to 8-year-old Donald Maiden Jr. and his grandmother. Donald was shot in the face while playing outside his Lake Highlands apartment last September. The accused shooter, Brian Cloninger, remains jailed at time of publication. Donald has endured multiple surgeries to repair his jaw. The $500, Exchange Club representatives say, is to help with day-to-day living expenses for the family.

The Exchange Club’s Character Counts October awardees included Detzany Gamez, daughter of Yolanda Gamez and Rubel Ghebermicael , son of Almaz Teckle Youth of the Month awards went to Elissa Barone, daughter of Susan and Mario Barone and Miles Wilson son of James and Rita Wilson.

Local Resources

TO ADVERTISE 214.560.4203

CLASSES/TUTORING/ LESSONS

ALL AGES: LEARN PIANO WITH WADE COTTINGHAM LakewoodPianoLab.com Since 1998. 214-564-6456

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

ARTISTIC GATHERINGS

Casa Linda Plaza. Art Classes & Drop In Pottery Painting For All Ages. 214-821-8383. Tues-Sat 10am-6pm

DRUM & PIANO LESSONS Your location. UNT Grad. BucherMusicSchool.com or call 214-484-5360, 469-831-7012

GUITAR OR PIANO Fun/Easy. Your Home. 11 Yrs Exp.

Reasonable rates. UNT Grad. Larry 469-358-8784

JEWELRY Making Parties at Art Gallery. BYOB & creativity. All else included! jewelrymakingparty.com or 1-855-254-6625

CHILDCARE

LOVING, CHRIST-CENTERED CARE SINCE 1982

Lake Highlands Christian Child Enrichment Center

Ages 2 mo.-12 yrs. 9919 McCree. 214-348-1123.

JANUARY DEADLINE DEC. 4 CALL 214.560.4203

Sophomores for the win

of the class of

Characters on display

Kindergartener Zoie Pucci, dressed as Sofia the First from “The Perfect Tea Party,” marched alongside fellow Lake Highlands Elementary classmates for the Characters Live! parade. Students dressed up as their favorite characters and walked around campus for all the parents to see. Afterward, they headed inside to share book reports with their classes.

Local BULLETIN BOARD

CHILDCARE

SERVICES FOR YOU

LOWER THAT CABLE BILL Get satellite TV today. Free system, install/HD/DVR upgrade. Programming starting at $19.99. 800-725-1865

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

A WILL? THERE IS A WAY Estate/Probate Matters-Free Consultation. 214-802-6768 MaryGlennAttorney.com

EMPLOYMENT

CREATE INCOME From The Internet. One On One Coaching & Group Support. www.MonthlyResidual.net

PET SITTERS, DOG WALKERS Email Recruiting@pcpsi.com

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. $50/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 214-660-3733 or stykidan@sbcglobal.net

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

HOLLOWAY BENEFIT CONCEPTS Benefit strategy for area businesses. www.hollowaybenefitconcepts.com 214-329-0097

REED & RIORDAN PLLC Dallas Family Law Attorneys 10000 N Central Expy Dallas, Tx 214-570-9555 reedriordan.com

The ladies

2016 won the Lake Highlands High School annual powder puff football game. Proceeds help pay for senior class activities. Melinda Thompson, in green runs from Katherine McCoy, in pink. Photo by Chris Dishman.

The undefeated

The Lake Highlands Junior High football team recently topped the district with a perfect record.

BUY/SELL/TRADE

TEXAS RANGERS AND DALLAS STARS

CRUISEONE DALLAS Doug Thompson bigDcruises.com

Plan your cruise vacation today! 214-254-4980 MIND,

front row seats. Share prime, front-row Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars tickets (available in sets of 10 games). Prices start at $105 per ticket (sets of 2 or 4 tickets per game available) Seats are behind the plate and next to the dugouts for the Rangers: seats are on the glass and on the Platinum Level for the Stars. Other great seats available starting at $60 per ticket. Entire season available except for opening game; participants randomly draw numbers prior to the season to determine a draft order fair for everyone. Call 214-560-4212 or rwamre@advocatemag.com

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

ESTATE/GARAGE SALES

CLUTTERBLASTERS.COM-ESTATE SALES

Moving/DownSizing Sales, Storage Units.

Organize/De-Clutter Donna 972-679-3100

ESTATE SALES & LIQUIDATION SERVICES

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

972-216-1961 TACL-B01349OE

APPLIANCE

APPLIANCE REPAIR SPECIALIST Low Rates, Excellent Service, Senior Discount. MC-Visa. 214-321-4228

JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898

AROTX

972-523-3996

WWW.AROTX.COM

We at AROTX repair all major appliances Visit our website or call us WE DO SAME DAY SERVICE

CARPENTRY & REMODELING

BRIAN GREAM RENOVATIONS LLC

• 1 & 2 Story Additions

• Complete Renovations

• Kitchens/Baths

• Licensed/Insured 214.542.6214

CLEANING SERVICES

PayPal ®

WWW.BGRONTHEWEB.COM

BRIANGREAM@YAHOO.COM

COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS

BILL’S COMPUTER REPAIR

Serving your Neighborhood Since 1993 Repairing: Refrigerators •Washer/Dryers

214✯823✯2629

CABINETRY &

FURNITURE

THE CABINET CONCIERGE

The Art of Storage. Call 214-821-5900 Email jin@thecabinetconcierge.com

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

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

D SQUARED Design, Build, Remodel, Additions 214-213-2716

FRANZEN CONSTRUCTION Custom Carpentry. New/Remodel/Restoration. Kitchen/Bath. Doors/Windows. Shutters, Arbors & more. 214-810-1526 www.FranzenQuality.com

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

RENOVATE DALLAS

renovatedallas.net

214-403-7247

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

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

TK REMODELING Complete Full Service Repairs, Remodeling, Restoration. Name It- We do it. Tommy. 972-533-2872. insured. http://dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

David Hughes • 214-202-2333

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION & REPAIR

New Construction • Renovations Roofing • Additions 214.341.1448

WWW.OBRIENGROUPINC.COM

• Bathrooms

• Kitchens

• Renovations

redoguys.com 214 / 803. 4774

Unique Home Construction

- Design, Build, Remodel

- Kitchens & Baths - New Construction or Additions

Many references available - Licensed, Insured, Member of BBB www.uniquehomebuild.com 214.533.0716

CLEANING SERVICES

AMAZON CLEANING

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

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

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

MAID PRISTINE House Cleaning For Perfectionists. Reliable. Leticia. maidpristine.com 972-971-1571

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

THE MAIDS Angie’s List Award! Eco-Friendly Products. www.maids.com 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

YOU HAVE IT MAID SERVICES 972-859-0287 bonded/insured. Youhaveitmaidservices.com

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

COMPUTER PROBLEMS SOLVED Great Rates! Keith 214-295-6367

CONCRETE/ MASONRY/PAVING

BRICK & STONE REPAIR

Don 214-704-1722

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

BRICK, STONEWORK, FLAGSTONE PATIOS Mortar Repair. Call George 214-498-2128

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

4 U ELECTRICAL SERVICE, LLC We will be there 4 U. 972-877-4183

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com

Family Owned/Operated. Insd. 214-328-1333

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

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

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

TEXAS ELECTRICAL • 214-289-0639

Honest, Quality. TECL 24668 CCs accepted.

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

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

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

FLOORING & CARPETING

HANDYMAN SERVICES

HOUSE PAINTING

LIC#17141

PC ELECTRIC 214.533.5949 call.text.email

thepcelectric.com

EXTERIOR CLEANING

BLOUNTS HAULING/TRASH SERVICE

blountsjunkremovaldfw.com 214-275-5727

FENCING & DECKS

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

4 QUALITY FENCING 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

HANNAWOODWORKS.COM Decks,Doors, Carpentry, Remodeling 214-435-9574

KIRKWOOD FENCE & DECK

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

LONESTARDECKS.COM 214-357-3975

Trex Decking & Fencing, trex.com

All Wood Decks, Arbors & Patio Covers

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

BEAR FOOT HARDWOODS 214-734-8851

Complete Hardwood Flooring Services

DALLAS CARPET OUTLET Carpet/Wood/Tile. dallascarpetoutlet.com 214-342-1100

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

N-HANCE WOOD RENEWAL. No Dust. No Mess. No Odor. nhance.com. 214-321-3012.

WILLEFORD HARDWOOD FLOORS

214-824-1166

• WillefordHardwoodFloors.com

Restoration Flooring

Your Home Repair Specialists

25+ Years Experience

469.774.3147

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

FOUNDATION REPAIR

• Slabs • Pier & Beam

• Mud Jacking • Drainage

• Free Estimates

• Over 20 Years Exp.

972-288-3797

We Answer Our Phones

GARAGE DOORS

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

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

HANDYMAN SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

WANTED: ODD JOBS & TO DO LISTS

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

Drywall Doors Senior Safety Carpentry Small & Odd Jobs And More! 972-308-6035

HandymanMatters.com/dallas

HOME INSPECTION

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

HOUSE PAINTING

1 AFFORDABLE HOUSE PAINTING and Home Repair. Quality work. Inside and Out. Free Ests. Local Refs. Ron 972-816-5634 or 972-475-3928

#1 GET MORE PAY LES

Painting. 85% Referrals. Free Est. 214-348-5070

A+ INT/EXT PAINT & DRYWALL

Since 1977. Kirk Evans. 972-672-4681

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. Any size 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

MANNY’S HOME PAINTING & REPAIR Int./Ext. Sheetrock. Manny 214-334-2160

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

ROMEO’S PAINTING INT/EXT. Drywall, Damage Repair. Prep House To Sell. 214-789-0803

TONY’S PAINTING SERVICE Quality Work Since 1984. INT/EXT 214-755-2700

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

WHITE ROCK PAINTING References. Mark Reindel 214-321-5280

BRIAN GREAM

PAINTING & RENOVATIONS

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 Back Splash Specials! 214-343-4645

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

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

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

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

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

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

A&B LANDSCAPING Full Landscape & Lawn Care Services. Degreed Horticulturist. 214-534-3816

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

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

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. COVINGTON’S NURSERY & LANDSCAPE CO. 5518 Pres. George Bush Hwy. Rowlett 972-475-5888 covingtonnursery.com

DALLAS K.D.R.SERVICES • 214-349-0914

Lawn Service & Landscape Installation

TO ADVERTISE 214.560.4203

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

FOREVERLAWNTEXAS.COM George Berre. Quality Synthetic Grass, Free Est. 214-263-0828

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

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

SERIOUSLY METICULOUS Verdant Grounds. 214-763-0492

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

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

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

ALL-TEX MOVERS Free Estimates. 11Yr. BBB Member. www.all-texmovers.com 214-869-6566

PEST CONTROL

A BETTER EARTH PEST CONTROL

Keeping the environment, kids, pets in mind. Organic products avail. 972-564-2495

McDANIEL PEST CONTROL

Prices Start at $85 +Tax for General Treatment

Average Home, Interior, Exterior & Attached Garage

Quotes for Other Services

214-328-2847

Lakewood Resident

PLUMBING

A2Z PLUMBING 214-727-4040

All Plumbing Repairs. Slab Leak Specialists. Licensed & Insured. ML# M36843.

ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521

# M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues. plumberiffic69@gmail.com

Sewers • Drains • Bonded 24 Hours/7 Days

*Joe Faz 214-794-7566 - Se Habla Español*

ARRIAGA PLUMBING: Faucet, Sewer, Sink Repairs. Water Leaks. Water Heaters, Gas Testing. Remodels, Shower Pans, Stoppages. Insured. Lic 20754. Since the 80’s 214-321-0589, 214-738-7116,CC’s Accptd

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

JUSTIN’S PLUMBING SERVICE

For All Your Plumbing Needs. ml#M24406 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

SPECK PLUMBING

Over 30 Yrs Exp. Licensed/Insured. 214-732-4769, 214-562-2360

POOLS

ADAIR POOL & SPA SERVICE

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

DFWPOOLCHEMICAL.COM Never Pay Retail

Again. Chemicals, Parts, Motors, Etc.

LEAFCHASERS POOLS

Parts and Service. Chemicals and Repairs. Jonathan. 214-729-3311

LOCK’S POOL SERVICE - 469-235-2072

40 years experience. Pool Electrical TICL #550

MICHAEL’S POOL SERVICE

Maintenance & Repair 214-727-7650

ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION For more information call 214.560.4203 or email jliles@advocatemag.com

DR. CLINT MEYER

www.dallaseyeworks.com

The end of the year is approaching. Don’t forget to use your flex spending dollars. Treat yourself to some great sunglasses with or without prescription. Get a supply of daily disposable contact lenses. Or some fresh new everyday contacts with no need for solutions. It’s your money. Let the relaxed, knowledgeable staff at Dallas Eyeworks provide you the perfect fit!

Dallas Eyeworks

9225 Garland Rd., Ste. 2120, Dallas, TX 75218 214.660.9830

PARK AND PULL THE PURSE.

The crime left Enid Walker quite shaken. She totally did not expect this robbery.

Walker visits her friend weekly, and this was just a normal Tuesday. She pulled alongside the curb to park. While she was getting out another car with a man driving pulled up beside hers. Walker approached the car at first.

The Victim: Enid Walker

The Crime: Robbery

Date: 10.13

Time: 1:15 p.m.

Location: 9900 block of Springford

“I thought he wanted directions. I wasn’t really afraid,” she says.

Instead, the man said he wanted her purse and yanked it off her shoulder. Walker noticed that a woman and what looked to be a 3-year-old boy were also in the car.

Coffey is just glad to be unhurt in the incident, she says. She didn’t have much in her purse for the thief; she canceled her credit cards and is only out a couple of hundred dollars.

Dallas Police Sgt. Keitric Jones of the Northeast Patrol Division says it is always important to be aware of one’s surroundings. Criminals are always looking for an opportunity, and it is important to be prepared. As in this case, a criminal may appear to be friendly, asking for directions or needing help, but may have ulterior motives.

Residents who become victims or see suspicious people in their neighborhoods are asked to get license plate numbers when at all possible, along with detailed descriptions of suspects and vehicles. Writing down the details as soon as possible will help, as one’s memory may fade. Giving police as much information as possible can help apprehend criminals.

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 |

Price of a hamburger for which a patron at Studio Movie Grill refused to pay, though she ate half of it, because, she told police, it contained the wrong condiment

Cost to repair damage done by an unnamed offender inside the campus at Moss Haven Elementary, when he or she kicked a hole in the sheetrock and smashed a window

Amount an employee of Egg Roll Yeh allegedly was seen stealing, under the watchful eye of the restaurant’s surveillance camera

SOURCE Dallas Police reports

MALL-TERNATIVE

Just north of our neighborhood exists a lower-key version of the holiday shopping experience

COMMENT. Visit lakehighlands.advocatemag.com and search Valley View to tell us what you think.

It’s December, and if you’re like me, you’re frazzled with holiday festivities. Even grocery stores seem extra crowded. And just how early do you have to get up to find a parking space at NorthPark Center?

Do you dream of a laid-back mall experience? Where parking is plentiful, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you can find an impressive selection of first-run movies? Where movie tickets, furthermore, cost five dollars less than at AMC NorthPark?

Meanwhile, owners at Midtown/Valley View have a similar challenge to the one we’re facing with our future Town Center in Lake Highlands: hundreds of acres, mostly vacant, and an acute desire to get people into the habit of visiting the area. At our LH Town Center, we have the benefit of the outdoor facilities at Watercrest Park, where groups like the Exchange Club have maximized the potential of the site with Oktoberfest and food-truck events. Valley View’s physical strengths (and challenges) are about maximizing the potential of the indoor space.

arts, both visual and performing,” Kiki Winters told me. She said Beck has expressed a desire to find a way to keep the artist community as a part of future plans for the development.

On the third Saturday of every month, the mall hosts “Midtown Art Walk.” There’s live music, and galleries offer enticements such as bite-size chocolate, cheese samples and even wine. You can also meet many of the artists, including Nikki Duong Koenig of Cykochik, whose vegan (no animals contributed) handbags and designs are featured in this magazine.

If all that sounds good, then head over to Midtown Art Walk at Valley View Mall. If you haven’t been to Valley View in a while, you’re probably thinking, “Is that place still open?” And I don’t blame you for having that thought, because we’re used to distressed businesses shuttering their doors and windows at the earliest possible moment. But because of extensive highway construction on 635, redevelopment of Valley View has been delayed until 2015.

Here’s a quick update: Earlier this year, most of the mall property was purchased by Beck Ventures, who plan to redevelop the acreage as an updated mixed-use site, with retail, residences and a hotel. They will retire the name “Valley View” and re-christen the site “Dallas Midtown” (as opposed to Uptown or Downtown).

Sears owns its portion of the property. It is the only remaining anchor store at the mall. There are also 16 screens at AMC that still draw patrons. Both businesses plan to stay open through the construction and to be a part of the redevelopment.

Meanwhile, the mall has thousands of vacant square feet designed to show off pretty things for sale.

Enter Gallery at Midtown, which is managed by Kiki Winters and her husband, Douglas Winters III. Together they own the art studio SkyPony, and they also oversee 28 additional galleries at the mall.

“The owner, Jeff Beck, has told us he wants to keep the focus on the

This month’s Art Walk will be Saturday, December 21, but you don’t have to wait until then to stop by and visit the Christmas tree, which will be decorated with ornaments hand-made by contributing artists. The unique ornaments will be for sale to the public, and proceeds will benefit Operation Kindness for homeless cats and dogs.

Here are a few other activities you might enjoy during a leisurely visit to Midtown/Valley View: Get a portrait taken at Image Shots. Eat ice cream at Thirsty’s. Grab a pre-holiday manicure and/or pedicure. BYOBottle of wine and dine at China Grill, or even the hole-inthe-wall Latin-fusion restaurant, Alessandra’s, in the food court. And yes, it is possible to shop at this mall.

Finally, what about the carousel? Will it ever open again? Jan True, who manages the facility, told me the company who owns the carousel plans to move it, but if it’s still on site, they may open it periodically during the holidays.

In case anyone is listening, I vote YES to the carousel.

There’s live music, and galleries offer enticements such as bite-size chocolate, cheese samples and even wine.

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