2013 February Lake Highlands

SHOT THROUGH THE HEART

SUDDEN RAPID HEART RATE. DIZZINESS. POUNDING PULSE.

If it’s not love, it may be atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation, or Afib, is a common heart disorder that occurs when electrical signals in the heart become irregular, making the heart’s upper chamber to beat out of rhythm. It can cause blood to pool and clot inside the heart and increase the risk for heart attack and stroke.

The Electrophysiology Lab at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake is dedicated to treating Afib. We perform minimally invasive ablation procedures to help stop the abnormal electrical signals that cause an irregular heartbeat.

For more information about Afib, visit DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/Afib or call 800-887-2525 for a free physician referral.

Photo by Can Türkyilmaz

He H ad it coming

Is that a good enough reason to break the law?

I was riding in a friend’s car on our way to some place now forgotten, and as we tooled along, a car raced up from behind us, careened into the adjacent lane, and then slid inches in front of us as we continued driving down the highway.

My friend, normally a calm sort but prone to an occasional invective or two, spoke up.

“Someday, when the doctor has told me I have two weeks to live, and I have nothing to lose, I’m going to slam right into that guy’s car. And when he gets out and starts yelling at me, I’m going to tell him he had it coming.

“And then I’m going to get back in my car and do it all over again to the next car that cuts me off.”

There wasn’t a lot I could add to those comments because even though he was obviously wrong, he was also right.

There have been plenty of times over the years I’ve felt the same way, although most of my bad-driver fantasies involve me driving a big truck with a snowplow so that when I slam into the idiotic driver, my vehicle isn’t damaged but his or hers is totaled.

I know, I know. There’s nothing to be proud of here. Clearly, neither my friend nor I should be doing anything like this to anyone at any time; taking the law into our own hands and acting like a bully to someone who already is a bully isn’t going to solve anything.

But it sure would feel good from time to time, wouldn’t it?

There seem to be plenty of times these days when taking the law into our own hands seems — if only for a fleeting moment — to be a really good idea.

And people express their opinions on everything from international topics to local issues instantly and loudly on social media

it’s not uncommon to see “suspects” convicted and sentenced online by peers long before they’re ever charged in court these days.

I even led a Sunday school lesson awhile ago where that was the theme — sometimes, you have to do “what’s right,” even if it means breaking the law.

Of course, the lesson was more of a theoretical exercise, and during the ensuing discussion, it was easy to see why.

I asked the class this question: If I’m attending a movie and the plot turns out to be sacrilegious (at least in my opinion), what should I do?

Should I walk out? Should I complain to the manager? Or should I just sit through it and be quiet?

The class was divided. Some said to forget it. Some said ask for my money back. One person suggested something more along the lines of my snowplow idea: Stand up and start yelling to everyone in the theater that the movie isn’t worth seeing and we all need to walk out right now.

And therein lies the problem in terms of taking “the law” into our own hands. Who’s to say I’m right about the movie and that it’s OK for me to disrupt the good time of the guy sitting next to me? Who’s to say I’m the good driver and the other guy is the idiot? Both likely have their own perspective, and both are likely much different from mine.

It’s easy to mouth-off online, where decisions are instantaneous and implications often don’t come into play. It’s harder to do it in person, because every decision has immediate and personal consequences.

Ultimately, that’s what laws and regulations do: They keep individual perspective on the sidelines for the most part and force us to live every day with the expectation that we will be here tomorrow to suffer the consequences of our actions.

Because more than likely, we will. And for the sake of our overall sanity, it’s probably best that we continue to think and act that way.

Rick Wamre is president of Advocate Media. Let him know how we are doing by writing to 6301 Gaston, Suite 820, Dallas 75214; or email rwamre@advocatemag.com.

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

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the Advocate are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s viewpoint. More than 200,000 people read Advocate publications each month. Advertising rates and guidelines are available upon request. Advocate publications are available free of charge throughout our neighborhoods, one copy per reader.

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

New LH homes

From the looks of the lot layout, it’s another “zero lot” project like they have across the street, with overpriced homes — probably $300,000-$450,000 — crammed in as close as they can squeeze them (lakehighlands. advocatemag.com, Jan. 10, “New houses planned behind Lake Highlands Kroger”). All the existing mature trees will, no doubt, be removed and hopefully relocated. I’m amazed that there is consumer demand to live in a development like this.

—The Spoiler, via advocatemag.com

A house is worth what someone’s willing to pay the most for it. And frankly, I welcome higher-priced homes in our neighborhood. Yes, trees will be cut down. Trees will be planted. It’s all the cycle of life.

—Lord Humungus, via advocatemag.com

Dirty water?

Has anyone noticed the water now has a very strong smell of chlorine or some other chemical (lakehighlands.advocatemag.com, Jan. 7, “Did Dallas’ water system fail?”)? As the mom of a child with several autoimmune illnesses, including inflammatory bowel disease, I was not pleased to receive a vague postcard from the City of Dallas about water treatment issues. —Susan, via advocatemag.com

Our water has been undrinkable since before Thanksgiving. Repeated calls to the city, including more than a few late-night visits from the guys over at Water Utilities, still haven’t yielded drinkable water. We intermittently have water that has a pale yellow tint to it (think of the color of a post-it note). Clean and safe drinking water should be a priority. Why it isn’t for the City of Dallas is baffling me. —Jbales, via advocatemag.com

Talk to us.

videO

Catherine Ogie-Lucas

To see a video about Catherine Ogie-Lucas visit lakehighlands. advocatemag.com/video.

On an unseasonably warm Saturday evening in December, 43 burmese children and their mothers gather in what is either an unfinished or extremely rundown clubhouse at the Newport Landing apartments on Walnut Hill. Catherine Ogie-Lucas, a woman of Nigerian descent, hurries around the room, laying down carpet so the children have a place to sit, carrying in bags of food donated by the neighborhood Chick-fil-a, and employing helpers (namely her 9-year-old daughter, Princess) to line a table with the 40-some gift bags she filled with clothing, hygiene products and other donations the previous night.>>

Catherine and husband Darren Lucas, founders of Rock Haven Ministries, and Princess have been hosting get-togethers for this group of people since last May, when they held a back-to-school rally.

An estimated 500,000 political refugees have been driven from their homes in Burma, an Asian country of 54 million, according to the office of Refugee Resettlement. Texas is home to the largest number of refugees, and Dallas is the second largest destination behind Houston.

A huge number of refugees from Burma, Bhutan and Iraq live in the Park Lane/Vickery Meadow area, but a large percentage of Burmese refugees have moved to the Lake Highlands area.

Most of the children in the group mothered by Ogie-Lucas attend Lake Highlands’ Wallace Elementary.

This gathering and the others — religious yet not proselytizing — are about building relationships, Catherine says. The idea is to eventually offer English and life-skills classes to the parents and help them gain American citizenship. Her dream, she says, is to form a coalition of refugee-aid programs called “Willing Workers.”

“My desire is to build a collaborative effort by the groups who are already helping,” she says. “First we need to make sure we are effective as possible in our efforts, reaching the neediest and most-recent refugees, making sure everyone is touched and no one is left behind. Once we are working together we can stop duplicating one another’s efforts, pool our resources and get an efficient system down.”

These refugees, she says, are coming from a different culture, they speak a different language and something such as using our public transportation system can be extremely confusing. In the group at the December event, only one of the Burmese parents speaks English. However, notes Ogie-Lucas, the children help with the interpretation and, she adds, “The language of love is universal. When you love people, it is easy to make them understand.”

As his wife works, Darren Lucas explains how they got involved with the

Burmese community. She had a dream one night about helping a large community of Asian people. She woke up and asked herself, what does it all mean?

Through their church, Covenant in North Dallas, and Catherine’s job, where she works with large numbers of Asian immigrants, they were led to this group, which Darren agrees is in enormous need of support.

“They come here and, often living in low-income, crime inhabited apartment communities, they are vulnerable to all of the ills of our culture — drugs, crime, violence. They desperately need someone to help them acclimate,” he says.

He calls his wife the “energizer bunny.”

DETERMINATION.

Determination is the key to Dani Hanna’s success. I don’t think I have seen a more focused individual when given the task of meeting her clients’ real estate needs. I have seen Dani create her own market many times by keeping in mind the future needs of her clients and putting deals together out of thin air. This work ethic and creativity in business is what makes her consistently a top producer at Dallas City Center. Dani is also a proud member of our Board of Directors and our Luxury division. Congratulations Dani!

Kevin Caskey Director @ Dallas City Center

“We hosted a Thanksgiving dinner where she cooked for all of them. The Friday after Thanksgiving I was ready for an easy day off — go see a movie, you know? But she wasn’t hearing it. We took food to the apartments. I was instructed to load the car,” he says with a laugh. “It turned out to be better than any movie,” he admits.

In the old clubhouse, once the children all settle on the rug, Darren, a preacher, tells stories that have the kids rolling in laughter. The parents, though they don’t understand his story, smile broadly as they observe their children’s joy. Catherine prays for each child individually.

Her daughter Princess good-naturedly rolls her eyes and warns, “This part will take forever.”

Catherine calls this a dedication ceremony.

She is not forcing religion on the children, she says, but letting them know God loves them. —Christina

Hughes Babb

“The language of love is universal. When you love people, it is easy to make them understand.”

Writer in residence: Kay Honeyman

Kay Honeyman recently penned a book for young adults about a Chinese girl whose immigration to the United States is fraught with heartbreak, desperation and struggle, yet empowered by a Mulan-esque doggedness and resolve, and instances of human kindness. In “The Fire Horse Girl,” the Lake Highlands resident and Fort Worth native displays a seemingly intimate understanding of the immigrants’ journey to America via Angel Island off the coast of San Francisco, which includes languishing for months and even years — enduring medical examinations and interrogations — on the so-called “Ellis Island of the West.” The subject became particularly interesting to Honeyman, a teacher in the Highland Park school district, when in 2010 she began the process of adopting a child from China. “I started thinking about migration and looking into the stories of Angel Island, which were truly captivating.”

As for her main character, Jade Moon, the fiery child born under the dreaded Chinese zodiac sign Fire Horse, Honeyman says the girl resembles some women she knows. “She’s like a lot of women in my family,” Honeyman says, citing the protagonist’s strength and strong will. There’s nothing wrong with a certain amount of willfulness, this middle-school teacher believes. In fact, when her adoption caseworker sent a photo of 3-year-old Jack, Honeyman warmed to the fact that orphanage staffers had checked the box “obstinate” on his paperwork. “I knew he was perfect for our family of pot-stirrers,” she says. Last year Honeyman and her husband adopted a second child from China, and she is working on a second book, which will be about smalltown Texas politics.

2013 Hot Design Trend Forecast

This year’s trends are all about balancing sensibility and practicality with imagination and customization for each homeowner’s style – and lifestyle!

Upgraded Cabinetry

Upgraded, refaced, and refinished cabinetry, designed to accommodate your lifestyle and the specific things you do in your kitchens and bathrooms will become increasingly popular.

Practical Spaces

Rooms are being repurposed from impractical uses like formal dining areas to suit today’s lifestyle needs, including health & fitness, entertainment, and work or study.

Bold Visuals and Creative Textures

Imaginative combinations of classic colors and rich textures with elements that gleam, pop, and sparkle, like mosaic backsplashes and LED lighting will become the new standard.

Energy Star stainless steel appliances, better attic insulation, and leak-proof windows will make remodeled homes not only more beautiful and functional, but less expensive.

Green and Sustainable Materials

Materials free of toxins and harsh chemicals are becoming mainstream. Upgrades include Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) materials to improve air quality, and sustainable flooring.

For more information on Remodeling or Custom Homes, read our blogs at www.bellavistacompany.com.

Lance Tyler and Darin Breedlove, CR, CGR, CAPS, CGP

White Rock Lake, Garland Road near San Rafael

as told to Keri Mitchell by Sally rodriguez, Dallas Park and recreation Department’s historian. Photos are courtesy of the Dallas Municipal archives and curated by rodriguez. She authored the book “White rock Lake,” available at area bookstores and through arcadiapublishing.com.

If you notice, Garland Road is just a two-lane road, not the sixlane road it is today. Because Garland Road is so small, there’s more parkland in that picture than there is today, and there was actually a park road that ran parallel to Garland down lower. We used to have a lot of little dirt roads that ran through. There’s now a guardrail at the edge of the trail, and that’s all the space there is. The parkland is very narrow now in most of the area.

This photo was something acquired at an estate sale, and so we have no background information on the picture. We have no clue what the group was gathered for. Behind them is the house, if I’m not mistaken, that used to have a line of rooms in the back, a separate building, and that was the hunting lodge.

(Because of the lack of photo information, city archivist John Slate, who oversees Dallas Municipal Archives, made an educated guess that the photo was taken in 1933-34.) “The cloche or clochestyle hats match the time period, as do the dress hemlines,” Slate says. “Hemlines were higher in the late ’20s, went back down to shin and lower in early ’30s. The one fellow in the white suit would not be out of place in the early ’30s. The fedoras on the men are also on line for about that time. The photos we have of hats on Clyde Barrow and his buddies are very, very similar and are 1933-34.”

Read moRe about Sally Rodriguez and her historical park photo findings at lakehighlands.advocatemag.com.

What gives?

Small ways that you can make a big difference for nonprofits

Run chilly …

at the Too Cold to Hold run Sunday, Feb. 3 at 8:30 a.m. at Norbuck Park, Northwest Highway and Buckner. The race benefits The Family Place, the largest family violence service provider in the Dallas area. Runners can register for a 10-mile, 5-mile or 5k event online at runproject.org on or before Feb. 2 or until the run reaches its 3,000-person limit. Registration is $45-$55. Participants will receive a long-sleeved navy technical race shirt, and the first 1,000 participants who pick up their packets at the Run On! store, 5400 Mockingbird, will also receive a warm beanie bearing the race logo.

Party like a cowboy …

because supporters of Moss Haven Elementary are notorious for themed fundraisers such as last year’s Boogie Nights auction and gala. This year organizers will host a Deep in the Heart of Dallas auction 6 p.m.-midnight Feb. 23 at the Double Tree Hotel, 8250 N. Central. General admission is $50 and reserved seating is $75. A $25 raffle ticket this year gets you a chance at a $10,000 AMEX gift card (that’s $7,500 after taxes, fyi). Only 800 tickets will be sold. Money raised at the event benefits Moss Haven Elementary in Lake Highlands. For tickets contact Jennifer Eckert at jenniferteckert@gmail.com, Sharon Kirkpatrick at sharonkirkpatrick@me.com or Erin Rosebery at erosebery96@sbcglobal.net.

Or shop for a cause …

at World of Goods, 10675 E. Northwest Highway. This furniture, clothing and appliance-stocked resale store funds the Catholic Charities of Dallas, which serves 57,000 poverty-stricken people every year. If you want to help, all you have to do is shop. Even better, if you are looking to get rid of gentlyused furniture or clothing, collectibles, or household items, donate them to the store. 214.342.8231.

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.

BRUMLEY GARDENS

Roses are red, violets are blue, all Valentine paper goods are 50% off to you! While supplies last!

Brumley Gardens- Lake Highlands: 10540 Church Rd. 214.343.4900 & Bishop Arts: 700 W. Davis 214.942.0794 brumleygardens.com.

THE goods

to advertise call 214.560.4203

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

ONCE UPON A CHILD

Show your Valentines how much you care! Dress them up in style on a budget with Name Brand ‘gently used’ apparel and lots of New bows, hair accessories and tights! 9am - 7pm M-F, 10am - 7pm Sat and 1pm - 6pm Sun 6300 Skillman St #150 214.503.6010 onceuponachildlakehighlands.com

T.HEE GREETINGS

Make your Valentine’s sweet at T. Hee!

The best kid’s valentines in town along with unique gifts, cards, and decorations. Available at all 3 locations. Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Preston Center. 214.747.5800 t-heegifts.com

THE STORE IN LAKE HIGHLANDS

Trollbeads spectacular Valentine’s and Spring Collection. Beads, sterling bracelets, leather bracelets, and necklaces. A bead for every occasion.

10233 E NW Hwy @ Ferndale (near Albertsons)

214.553.8850 Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 TheStoreinLH.com

BEAUCOUP

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

ADVOCATE AD

More than 200,000 sets of eyes are checking out these items right now. Get your specialty items or featured products in front of your neighbors that love to shop local for unique items.

PAINTING WITH A TWIST

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

ADVOCATE ORNAMENT

The Advocate Foundation’s limited-edition, numbered, and hand-painted ornament; perfect gift for the new home owner or Dallas transplant. Sales benefit neighborhood organizations. 214.292.0486 foundation.advocatemag.com

Out & About

February 2013

Feb. 15-24

‘Teen Brain: The Musical’

Explore the humorous, mysterious object called the teenage brain in the Teen Scene Players’ new production. The musical takes place on a Friday as eight youth navigate high school. Audience members ages 12 and older are welcome.

Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, 214.978.0110, dct.org, $10-$12

more local events or submit your own Rachel

Wells

LAKEHIGHLANDS.ADVOCATEMAG.COM/EVENTS

THROUGH FEB. 28

Friendship tea

Teatime includes a three-course lunch with choices such as soup, salads, pecan clusters, chocolate-covered strawberries, tea and, for a higher price, champagne in the DeGolyer Tea Room. The cost includes admission and parking. Reservations are available every day from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland, 214.515.6511, dallasarboretum.org, $47-$57

THROUGH MARCH 3

‘Goodnight Moon’

Watch the classic bedtime book come to life through singing, dancing and puppetry.

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

FEB. 2

Lawn care seminar

Keep a healthy lawn without wasting water. Turf and irrigation specialist Gail Donaldson will offer tips on basic lawn care, turf problems, efficient watering and more at the discussion, which begins at 9 a.m. in Fannin Hall, building F. Some lucky listeners will win free organic fertilizer bags. Reserve a spot online or by phone.

Richland College, 12800 Abrams, 214.670.3155, savedallaswater.com/wwls, free

FEB. 13

Book club

This month’s books are “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” and “Just After Sunset: Stories,” both by Stephen King. Read one or both and show up at 6:30 p.m. for the discussion.

Skillman Southwestern Branch Library, 5707 Skillman, 214.670.6078, dallaslibrary2.org, free

Feb. 3

‘Too Cold to Hold’

Sign up for the 5-mile or 10-mile run around White Rock Lake. It may be brisk but post-race festivities include a heated beer garden, coffee, massages and more.

Norbuck Park, 170 N. Buckner, runproject.org, $40-$60

FEB. 13

‘Intentional Parenting’

Child development expert Lowry Manders discusses how to be intentional in your job as a parent at this month’s Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA meeting. The 9 a.m. meeting is for LHAECPTA members, though membership is discounted this semester to $25. Childcare is available.

Highlands Christian Church, 9949 McCree, lhaecpta.org, free, $25 to join LHAECPTA

FEB. 14-17

Used book fair

Browse favorites and new finds at the Richardson ISD Council of PTAs’ 31st annual used book fair. Last year, the fair offered more than 83,000 donated books, CDs and DVDs, many costing 25 cents to $2. This is the RISD Council of PTAs’ primary fundraiser, with proceeds benefitting causes like senior scholarships and local PTAs. The fair is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 14-16 and noon-6 p.m. on Feb. 17.

Dal-Rich Village Shopping Center, 101 S. Coit, risdpta.org, free entry

FEB. 16

‘Heart and Sole’

Run with your heart in the 5k and one-mile fun runs. The post-race party includes a bounce house, live music and refreshments. Proceeds benefit Attorneys Serving the Community and Hope’s Door, which helps families affected by domestic violence.

Winfrey Point, 950 E. Lawther, runontexas.com, $10-$35

FEB. 27

Meet East Dallas

Network and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at the event, hosted by the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Last year’s event hosted more than 200 people. Show up at 5:30 p.m. at the Point building at C.C. Young.

C.C. Young Retirement Community, 4847 W. Lawther, 214.827.8080, eastdallaschamber.com, $5 entry

Shop for the Women in Your Life

Delicious

Eat sweet

It’s possible to start taking neighborhood staples such as Highlands Café — in business eight years now — for granted. Don’t. Appreciate it. Love it. As V-Day approaches, hone in on the sweet treats owners Anita Siegers and Kathy Stewart offer, starting with the moist, melt-in-your-mouth, decadently frosted banana cake. Or go chocolate with a dense dark brownie, crave-creating cake or chipped cookie. Siegers favors the fat and flavorful oatmeal cookie, which just doesn’t get enough attention. Every dessert is cooler with a scoop of Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, a locally made product that comes in flavors such as Turtle Torture (the perfect mix of vanilla, caramel and praline, Siegers extols), Dr Texas (made with Dr Pepper) and kid-favorite, Cupcake. The appetizers, including a sampler platter with hummus, pimento and guacamole or homemade fried chicken tenders, are a fitting prelude to dessert, as are the fresh wraps, soups, salads, sandwiches and specials (meatloaf, chicken-fried steak and pulled pork tacos, to name a few). Vegetarian options include a veggie burger, cucumber sandwich and Greek salad.

—Christina Hughes Babb

HIGHLANDS CAFÉ

9661 Audelia 214.349.2233

AMBIANCE: COMFORTABLYHIP

PRICE RANGE: DESSERTS: $1.25-$3.99 MENU: $6-$15

DID YOU KNOW? HIGHLANDS CAFÉ’S TABLESAREMADE FROMDOORSAND OTHERPARTSOF ITS REMODELEDBUILDING.

Left: Oatmeal raisin cookies at Highlands Café.

Above: Banana cake. Photo by Mark Davis

1 Cake Ball Company

The Lake Highlands-born cake ball makers now sell their sweet spheres online. Or opt to drop by the tiny shop where the nationally renowned magic happens. 10230 E.Northwest Highway

214.559.5788

cakeballs.com

2 Momo Italian Kitchen

Romantic? Check. Perfect pasta? Check. But don’t even think about leaving this newly relocated Lake Highlands eatery without sampling the tiramisu, creamy panna cotta or the zabaione egg custard, complemented with strawberries and whipped cream. BYO wine.

8989 Forest

972.234.6800

momoitaliankitchen.com

3 Chubby’s

Desserts are made fresh daily at this family restaurant. Try the lemon pie or Hershey’s chocolate cake. 10230 E.Northwest

Highway

214.348.6065

eatatchubbys.com

JJ’s Cafe

We serve our full breakfast & lunch menu 7 days a week from 7am-2pm. Special Fish Nights, every Friday starting February 15 from 5pm-9pm. Enjoy a exiting menu of seafood and fun. BYOB.

Go 4 It Sports Grill

Now Serving Boiled Crawfish and Oysters On The Half Shell!

Lunch Specials Mon.-Fri. 11am - 3pm; Grill Open til 2am – 7 Days a Week; Catering Available Daily Drink Specials. Happy Hr. 3-7pm. M-F

Highlands Cafe

Great food in your neighborhood – fresh sandwiches, salads, homemade soups; famous hamburger; delicious dinner entrees; kid’s meals; beer and wine. Serving lunch and dinner from 11am - 9 pm Monday thru Saturday.

Enchilada’s

Enchilada’s is a fun and comfortable place, enjoy brunch on the weekends, live music on Saturday nights and tasty Tex Mex food for all. Home of the Big E Margarita.

6301

Make your valentine sparkle

J Vineyards Cuvée 20 Brut ($28)

The Holiday That Must Not be Named makes its annual appearance this month, which means the insecure among us will be scrambling to show their devotion to the people closest to them. Let it not be said that I don’t feel their pain.

One sure bet: sparkling wine. Nielsen reports that the week around Valentine’s Day is the fourth biggest sales period for bubbly after New Year’s, Christmas and Thanksgiving. When buying bubbly, you can divide it into three groups — cheap, more expensive, and Champagne prices:

($12) a Spanish sparkling wine or cava — crisp but a little more complex than most Spanish sparkling wine. The Italian is a Prosecco ($12) with lemonlime fruit. It’s especially fresh and effervescent for a Prosecco, and surprisingly well done.

($17)

is from the Burgundy region of France, with tiny bubbles that don’t quit and an almost spiced baked apple flavor. Truly a wonderful wine. ($15) is more open than $10 cavas like Cristalino, with a bit of yeast on the nose and a tropical middle.

214-821-0829

($28) shows up a lot on lists like this, and it’s easy to understand why — always well made, with bright, crisp green apple fruit and lots of sparkling-ness. The from Oregon ($27) has long been a favorite — very clean and almost austere. Beware older vintages, which sit in warehouses and turn flat and flabby.

—Jeff Siegel

JEFF SIEGEL WRITES about wine and neighborhood dining news every Friday on lakehighlands.advocatemag.com.

Ask the wine guy

What’s the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine?

eg al-ese, mostly. A U.S.-European n ion trade agreement has de f ined rms for products like this, so that nl y spar kl ing wine ma d e in t h e h ampa g ne re g ion of France can e ca ll e d C h ampagne. It’s t h e same e ason that prosciutto made in Iowa a n’t b e ca ll e d Proscuitto, w h ic h is m ited to the pork product made in h at p art o f Ital y.

—Jeff Siegel

with your wine

Not just chocolate chip cookie brownies

This variation takes a tried and true recipe to the next level — even sweeter and richer and more decadent. Feel free to experiment with a variety of different flavored chips.

GROCERY LIST

1 1/8 c all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 stick butter, softened

3/8 c granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease 8x8 pan.

3/8 c packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 to 1 1/2 c chips (chocolate, butterscotch, white chocolate, and the like)

1/2 c chopped pecans

2. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Add the egg, beating well. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Spread into prepared pan.

3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes about two dozen, about 30 minutes

Shotheart through the

Each February we media consumers get whomped over the heads with sappy romance stuff — longing love songs, movies starring Kate Hudson and/ or Matthew McConaughey and those tear-jerking diamond commercials, to name a few.

Though these things entertain and sometimes stir up pleasant sensations in our guts, they are contrived, fantastical and primarily aimed at selling us something.

This month, we give you the Advocate antidote for the cynicism that no doubt digs deeper into our psyche with each passing year: a collection of true love stories from our real-life neighbors, complete with all the awkwardness and authenticity unseen in cheesy movies.

Story by Christina Hughes Babb

Photos by Can Türkyilmaz and Danny Fulgencio

As the schmaltziest holiday approaches, these couples give love a good name

Clockwise from top left: Joshua and Autumn McLean; Natalie and Scott Taylor; Mildred and Glen Haedge; Amy and Joe Martin; and Diana and Michael Birmingham.

Michael A. Anderson

Mel Ferro Cole

Shot through the heart

Josh and autumn mcLean

“We sometimes talked on the phone three hours at a time while he was gone.”

Joshua

and Autumn McLean don’t mind crediting the nerve-quieting effects of alcohol with both their initial encounter and subsequent affection for one another. Wine-induced inspiration even helped them score a free wedding.

It was summer 2009. Autumn and her best friend, Brittany, were tipsy and reminiscing about old flames when Brittany had a brilliant idea. Her ex-boyfriend Jared’s brother, Josh, a handsome former Lake Highlands High School wrestling star, would make Autumn’s perfect match.

Sure, it was 2 a.m., but they had to inform Josh.

When he didn’t answer the phone, they left a sprawling message.

Upon return to sobriety, Brittany assured Josh that her friend Autumn wasn’t a wine-o or a nut. He would like her, Brittany insisted, adding, “She’s gorgeous.”

His curiosity sparked, Josh searched for

Autumn on Myspace, the social media tool of the time. “Wow,” he thought. “She was really pretty.”

The two chatted online, but Josh soon flew back to South Carolina where he was training to be an Army Green Beret.

When he returned to Lake Highlands to serve as groomsman in a fellow LHHS grad’s nuptials, Brittany, who would attend the event with Jared McLean, suggested Josh invite Autumn. He needed no prodding this time.

The date started out awkwardly, as they tell it. Josh was in the wedding party, so they were separated much of the time. When he joined her, they both had butterflies and bumbled through the requisite banter.

But at the reception, “beverages were flowing and we loosened up,” Josh recalls. “It turned out to be one of the best nights of my life. I got to see all of my old friends, my old wrestling coach was there and meet Autumn.”

They went on three dates before he re-

turned to South Carolina. Autumn knew that a relationship with a guy who, in the immediate future, would spend months and possibly years in a faraway war zone was probably not ideal, but the damage was done.

“We sometimes talked on the phone three hours at a time while he was gone,” she says.

In 2011 Autumn moved to South Carolina to be with Josh. They rented a house. She awaited a proposal. The holidays came and went with no bended knee. Then, the day before Josh’s second deployment, UPS delivered a big box. Inside was a second box and another. The tiniest container held the diamond ring. (Turns out Josh was as distressed as Autumn by the delayed delivery.) Autumn’s answer when Josh asked her to be his wife was a resounding, “Duh!”

So the marriage was on, but Josh was headed to Afghanistan for up to a year. Plus, the couple’s finances were no match for the demands of modern wedding.

Autumn discovered a contest. Operation Marry Me, founded by a wedding photographer in South Carolina, offered a chance for

Michael A. Anderson

Michael A. Anderson

military couples to win a free Veterans Day wedding. Autumn’s first entry was “halfassed,” she jokes, so several weeks later — after a long work day followed by sipping wine at her computer — she submitted a second, more imaginative entry, complete with slideshow. She later learned that this did the trick.

“One of the judges apparently thought it was funny and impressive that I entered twice,” she says. “And he liked the video.”

Aug. 15, the day winners were to be publicized, lasted forever and passed with no phone call. No emails. Nothing. What a letdown. The next morning Josh called and Autumn delivered the bad news.

“I wasn’t too disappointed,” Josh says, “because I knew there was no way we were going to win that thing.”

He was wrong. Operation Marry Me was just a tad tardy with the announcements. Later that afternoon, Autumn received a call from Teresa Hogan, the planner who would handle her prize wedding.

“I asked her to repeat what she had said and as soon as the words came out of her mouth I began to bawl. I hadn’t even realized how much I wanted this. A wedding was so far-fetched, considering the expenses and our situation. I have never been more thankful and flabbergasted in my life.”

Since Autumn couldn’t call Josh at the base, he didn’t learn his wedding date until the next day. He initially was skeptical. “I had never won anything. I had to do a little research to make sure it wasn’t some sort of racket.”

But it was the real thing. And beyond, Autumn says. Some 40 vendors — the consultant, a pastry chef, photographers, hotels, churches, caterers, florists, jewelers, tailors, bridal shops, spas and salons, a chauffer, engravers, travel agents and more — contributed services.

On Nov. 11, 2012, the bride and groom enjoyed a $35,000 event at an historic Cabarrus County hotel.

“When we won, I imagined it would be a modest little wedding, which would have been wonderful. But this was unbelievable. I mean, they made a Dallas Cowboys-themed cake for the groom, they drove us around in a Rolls Royce, the bridesmaids got their nails done … there was an ice sculpture. I don’t think anyone realized how amazing this would be,” Josh says. “It was just insane that all these people did all of this, pulled off this elaborate event — I didn’t have to lift a finger just to help out a soldier and his girl.”

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Amy And Joe mArtin

For her, it was supposed to be an easy jog in the park. For him, it was perhaps the most stressful fitness feat of his 20-something years. It wasn’t the run that worried him, but the event he had meticulously orchestrated along the trail at Moss Park — a marriage proposal complete with a picnic spread, spirits and even a chair in which his love could sit as he bent on one knee.

Amy, a teacher at St. Patrick’s, met Joe at a bar in the early ’90s. “We used to tell our kids that we met at church,” Joe jokes, “but, yes, we met at Lone Star.”

Both, having had previous long-term relationships, knew that this one was different. They were undoubtedly the yin to one another’s yang. After a couple of years together, the young couple took up running and planned to race a Memorial Day 5k at White Rock Lake. The evening before the race, they scheduled a 2- to 3-mile training run at Harry Moss Park in Lake Highlands. When, less than a half mile into the exercise, Amy saw one of her kitchen chairs in the park, she knew something was weird. “What the …?” she exclaimed. Joe guided his dazed date to the romantic arrangement and asked her to marry him. She said “yes,” let the situation sink in, and started with the questions. “What? When? How did you manage all of this?”

Joe pointed to the other side of the trail where their two best friends stood cheering and waving. Joe had enlisted help to protect the proposal area. “It took us more than three hours to arrive after we set up,” Joe says. Therefore, he doesn’t really blame his buddies for drinking his brew.

“I stocked the cooler with lots of beer and champagne. When we sat down at the picnic, there was just a beer or two left.”

Today the Martins have two kids, Meredith and David, ages 13 and 11, respectively, and, while Joe doesn’t run much anymore, just completed her ninth full marathon.

“We used to tell our kids that we met at church, but, yes, we met at Lone Star.”

Shot through the heart

Afteralmost 67 years of marriage, Mildred Haedge still knows her husband Glen’s military serial number by heart, even though she forgets her own social security number. She spent 33 months writing letters to him during World War II before they were officially engaged.

“I always say it took me six years and two weeks to get him to the altar,” Mildred says.

The two met in 1940 at a church convention. Mildred lived in Austin and Glen in Dallas, so their long courtship consisted mostly of letter writing, though Glen visited

several times. In May 1941, they shared their first kiss and spent an afternoon dressed up in their Sunday best drinking Dr Pepper on a motorboat on Lake Austin.

Mildred and Glen only saw each other a few times before he went overseas but built their relationship on paper and postage.

“We did so much writing to each other. We loved each other,” Mildred says.

When the United States entered the war in 1941, Glen — who was an army private — asked Mildred to wait for him. He spent a couple years training in the United

States and eventually headed to Africa, Italy, France and finally Germany, where he was wounded. One month before the war ended, Glen stepped on a landmine that broke his femur and shattered his knee. He was carried on a door from aid station to aid station, about six of which gave him morphine shots.

“I felt like I’d made it through the war because you were in danger of getting killed every day and when I got wounded, I wouldn’t have to face that death every day,” Glen says.

In July 1945, he was sent to the only Texas military hospital that could treat his wounds, in El Paso. Mildred and her mother hopped on a Greyhound bus in August and went to see him for the first time in almost three years. Glen and Mildred married on June 30, 1946.

Mildred and Glen, who now live together in C.C. Young Retirement Community, were separated again recently. Glen moved to the community’s nursing building after heart trouble. For two years, Mildred walked across the community campus once or twice a day to visit him. They now share an assisted living residence at C.C. Young.

“We’re just glad to be back together,” Mildred says.

After significant time apart, the secret of their marriage is in their togetherness, they say.

“That’s the main thing: putting up with each other,” Glen says. “If we get to arguing with each other, we put up with that.”

“And then we settle it before we go to bed,” Mildred says.

Mildred and Glen HaedGe

“i always say it took me six years and two weeks to get him to the altar.”

Shot through the heart

When Michael returned, they started dating. Michael loved Diana’s beauty, her brains, her sexy German accent and the joy she brought to an otherwise anticlimactic military assignment. She loved his wit, how they liked the same things (their CD collections consisting of Beastie Boys, Nirvana and other ’90s alternative names were virtually identical) and the time they spent together watching American movies with subtitles.

But Michael’s German deployment had to end. When it was time to return to Dallas, he went alone.

The young man, who had never really lived free of either parental or military rule, wasn’t sure what he was going to do with his life. He needed to figure it out before dragging Diana into it, he says.

At 23, Michael traveled back to Texas, found a place to live and landed a job with Dallas ISD. He was on track. Except he wasn’t happy.

He asked Diana to come, but by now she was mid-way through law school.

BirMinghaM

WhenMichael Birmingham realized that he could not live without Diana, he had just moved some 5,200 miles away from her.

Michael, 18 and restless, joined the Army after high school. He was deployed to Korea, then Germany, and served a stint in Poland following the 9/11 attacks. Upon return to the base at Giebelstadt, Germany, around Thanksgiving 2001, he and his buddies were ready to unwind. They hit a nightclub called The Airport near the local university.

That same night, a Wednesday, a freshfaced student with ginger locks and a heartmelting smile would also join her friends at The Airport.

It didn’t take long for Michael to notice.

“After I had enough drinks to work up the courage, I walked up to her and said something lame and asked her for her phone number.”

Diana gave him the number. And he soon

called her. And called her. And called again. “She was kind of flaky about returning my calls,” Michael says.

“I’d say I returned one out of every three of his calls,” Diana admits, but says she had a good reason. For one, she wasn’t used to speaking English, so conversations were awkward. In addition, German girls learned to exercise caution when dealing with American military men.

“Soldiers can be crazy,” she says.

Michael doesn’t argue. “She had a right to be weary. We did not have the best reputations.”

And so it went for three or four months. Then, Michael took a holiday vacation and didn’t call Diana for a week. “A whole week,” she exclaims, shaking her head.

“I thought, ‘That’s weird.’ ” she says. “Weird that he wasn’t calling and weirder still that I was so affected by the fact that he wasn’t calling.”

Unwilling to wait any longer, Michael quit his job, packed his bags and returned, this time as a civilian, to Diana’s hometown, Wuerzburg.

They married there on May 5, 2005 and stayed until Diana graduated. Then they said “good-bye” to Diana’s family and moved again, eventually settling, with their three large dogs, in a charming Lake Highlands home.

Here in the states, Michael can use the GI Bill to attend college, which he does while Diana works Downtown.

When he’s not in class, Michael is stay-athome dad to the adorable little product of this obstacle-busting romance, Lena Grace, who was born last February. Feb. 13, in fact, just after 6 p.m. In Germany time, seven hours ahead of ours, it was Valentine’s Day.

Michael and diana

“after i had enough drinks to work up the courage, i walked up to her and said something lame and asked her for her phone number.”

WHERE BORING BECOMES BEAUTIFUL!

ERIC CANTU

NATALIE AND SCOTT TAYLOR

ForNatalie, it was just a ride around White Rock Lake — nothing unusual, really, though these rides had been especially enjoyable since she’d met Scott Taylor, both a training companion and potential soul mate, via the online dating service plentyoffish.com.

Both were seasoned athletes, and it was weird that, this particular day, Scott kept asking to stop for water breaks. As the couple worked their way over the Mockingbird Bridge, Scott, unknown to Natalie, was working up his nerve.

That’s when Natalie took a tumble, bloodied her knee, and wept ever so slightly (mostly from embarrassment, she says). The two soon powered on, heading south on the trail, along the shimming lake toward the bountiful backyard of the Dallas Arboretum.

Scott wanted to stop there to check the progress of the under-construction Children’s Garden. Again, weird. Maybe Scott had interests of which Natalie wasn’t previously aware. Alas, he was not really interested in the garden (admittedly, we don't know that for sure, but it wasn’t his main concern).

When he popped the question, Natalie laughed and assumed he was joking, she says. Sweating, bleeding, giggling, crying and being eaten alive by mosquitos, she finally said, “yes.”

He originally had planned to propose on the Mockingbird Bridge, Scott says, but Natalie’s fall threw a wrench in the works. Once the deal had been sealed, Natalie says, the couple celebrated the way you might expect from two people training for an Ironman triathlon.

“With cold Gatorade at the Winstead 7-11!”

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BUSINESS BUZZ

The lowdown on what’s up with neighborhood businesses

Send business news tips to LIVELOCAL@ADVOCATEMAG.COM

Houses for Lake Highlands Lake Highlands could soon see a new crop of single-family dwellings at 8501 Plano. A rezoning application filed in January indicates new-home builders David Weekly Homes will request permission to put 85 units on the seven or so acres that once housed the Northwest Terrace apartments. Those apartments were razed several years ago to make way for Churchill Estates, a luxury living community for seniors. The remaining seven-and-a-half-acre patch has been on the market ever since.

Five years of life-saving service Healing

Hands Ministries in January celebrated five years in operation on Skillman near Church. This spring the charity medical and dental clinic will move into a larger facility at Greenville and Royal.

Sweet and tangy music Advocate writer

Carol Toler fortuitously learned, recently, that the Dallas Banjo Band plays the first Saturday of every month from 11 a.m.-noon at Back Country Bar-B-Q on Greenville. “I stepped inSaturday for lunch and accidentally stumbled into another era,” Toler notes. It all started when the band’s rehearsal studio closed for remodeling and Back Country let them use the restaurant to practice. The patrons seemed to like it. The rest is history.

Antique store show The antique addict’s dream come true, City View Antique Mall, is open in Lake Highlands. The former Design District store featuring various vendors’ wares is located near Skillman-Abrams, behind Jake’s. Not only is this a one-of-a-kind spot to browse and buy, but it also offers an opportunity for local artists and collectors to set up shop. According to owners, floor space is still available for $75 a month. City View is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and noon-5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Pool guy Lifetime Lake Highlands resident Tim Hall, a graduate of Moss Haven Elementary,

GET IN CONTACT

David Weekly Homes

DAVIDWEEKLYHOMES.COM

Healing Hands Ministries

7475SKILLMAN (UNTIL SPRING 2013)

214.221.0855

HEALINGHANDSDALLAS.ORG

Dallas Banjo Band

DALLASBANJOBAND.COM

Forest Meadow Junior High and Lake Highlands High School, has started a small business called DFW Pool Chemical, which delivers commercialgradepool chemicals to homes. “It’s safe, easy, convenient, and it saves time,” Hall says. “With just a few mouse clicks, a person can purchase their pool chemicals and have it delivered to their home the next day.” Become a DFW Pool Chemical fan on Facebook for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate.

Furniture replaced with convenience Demolition of the former Adams Office Furniture store has made way for construction of a new QuickTrip gas station and convenience store at the corner of Royal and LBJ. Adams moved down the block and across LBJ. The family business has been around for almost 20 years. Owner Pat, wife Linda and son Jason sell new and pre-owned office furniture to home and business owners.

Lucky dogs in drive Lake Highlands entrepreneur Marshall Hayes, who owns Lucky Ducky Car Wash and Lucky Ducky Oil and Lube on Audelia — perhaps the only such place where you can watch mechanics work on your engine via a “Pit Cam” — recently put his gourmet sausage and hot dog business on the road in his, you guessed it, Lucky Ducky Dogs food truck. Follow the truck on your preferred social media site: facebook.com/luckyduckydogs or twitter.com/luckyduckydogs.

Back Country Bar-B-Q 6940GREENVILLE 214.696.6940

BACKCOUNTRYBARBQ.COM

City View Antique Mall 6830WALLING, 214.824.4136

CITYVIEWANTIQUES. HOMESTEAD.COM

DFW Pool Chemical 214.215.4949

DFWPSC.COM

Adams Office Furniture 10202MILLER 214.348.4741

ADAMSOFFICE.COM

Lucky Ducky Car Wash, Oil and Lube 10710AUDELIA 214.553.9460

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more business buzz every week on

LAKEHIGHLANDS.ADVOCATEMAG.COM/BIZ

The new LuckyDuckyDogs food truck

SCHOOL OF CONTEMPORARY BALLET DALLAS

5400 E. Mockingbird Ln. Dallas / 214.821.2066 / schoolofcbd.com

GUIDE

SPANISH HOUSE

5740 Prospect Ave. Dallas / 214.826.4410 / DallasSpanishHouse.com

ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL

6121 E. Lovers Ln. Dallas / 214.363.1630/ ziondallas. org

If the little ladies in green don’t find you first, the Girl Scouts have an app that will help you track down their seasonal cookies. The smartphone app, available for both Apple and Android products, will help you find the nearest location selling cookies, based on zip code, when the scouts start selling them at grocery stores Feb. 22. This year, says Northeast council spokeswoman Monica Gonzalez, the group hopes to sell 3.5 million cookies in its 32-county area. The app also lets you vote for your favorite cookie — Thin Mints, Tagalongs, Samoas, Do-Si-Dos, Trefoils, Dulce de Leche, Thank U Berry Munch, or Savannah Smiles. The price this year is $3.50 a box.

people

Lake Highlands senior Kent Perkins participated in January’s televised U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The Dallas Morning News called Perkins the number-one recruit in the area, and USA Today named him to their All-Star Team. He’ll play on the offensive line at the University of Texas in the fall.

Former Wildcat Desmond Roland didn’t score any touchdowns for Oklahoma State at the Heart of Dallas Bowl in January, but he likely solidified his role as a workhorse in the backfield, with 9 carries for 51 yards. The Cowboys won the game 58-14, and Lake Highlanders can expect to see D-Ro, as he was widely known before he graduated from LHHS in 2011, carry the ball much more over the next two years.

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

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

WHITE ROCK NORTH SCHOOL

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas / 214.348.7410 / WhiteRockNorthSchool. com

Out of 517 submissions to the 2013 Young Masters Exhibition, Lake Highlands student Adam Stone is among 46 chosen to see their art displayed in the Dallas Museum of Art through Feb. 17. Stone is an advanced placement studio art student. Apart from the honor of being included in the exhibit, more awards will be announced at a reception Feb. 5 from 5-8 p.m. at the museum. The Dallas Museum of Art, located at 1717 N. Harwood, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and stays open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Right now admission costs $14 or less but beginning Jan. 21, general admission–which doesn’t include special exhibitions–is free.

community

Dallas Water Utilities recently notified customers of a Dec. 10 failure at the city water treatment plant to meet the minimum requirements for disinfecting drinking water. The assistant director of operations for Dallas Water Utilities, Randall Payton, told the Advocate that the failure was not serious and that Dallas tap water is safe to drink. Any breach of treatment procedure requires public notification within 30 days, therefore the city sent out almost 300,000 postcard notices about the failure to Dallas water customers.

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

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DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS

Since the earliest days of medicine, practitioners have recognized the importance of the relationship between doctors and patients. (It’s even enshrined in the Hippocratic Oath: First, do no harm.) Even so, health care is a top-down experience for most patients.

Often, we view doctors as authority figures who make all the decisions about our treatment, and today the constraints of insurance companies seem to narrow our choices even further. It’s no wonder patients sometimes feel like they don’t have much say in regards to their own health

care.

Are you ready for the good news? That ideology is slowly changing, as evidence continues to mount that a heightened emphasis on patient-centered care provides better results for the whole team: patients, their families and health care providers.

“I approach my patients as people I plan to spend the rest of my life with,” says Dr. Jorge Ontiveros, an internist with Doctor’s Hospital.

“You have to have their best interests at heart. You have

“A lot of times the same complaint means different things to different patients.”

Dr. Hampton Richards, Walnut Hill Ob/Gyn.

to genuinely care about their issues. I would even say, treat them like family.”

Today, many doctors recognize that a technologically correct diagnosis is only one facet of treating a patient.

“You can’t just say, ‘Your problem is X,’” says Dr. Hampton Richards of Walnut Hill Ob/Gyn.

“You have to figure out what their end goal is. And that re-

ally ties into who they are, where they come from and what their life is like. The key to helping a patient get better is to figure out what is unique for her. Sometimes, the same complaint means different things to different patients.”

Mayo Clinic research indicates that when treatment decisions are shared between patients and doctors, best practices can be combined with patients’ values and preferences. The

Jeffrey M. Thurston, M.D

David M. Bookout, M.D.

Julie M. Hagood, M.D.

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

Jennifer Muller, M.D.

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

Jane E. Nokleberg, M.D.

Hampton B. Richards, M.D.

“We strive to provide a

ous

environment,

feel

talking

difficult issues.”

Dr. Julie Vu, Brothers & Crochet Ob/Gyn

new thinking attempts to blend the clinical side of medicine lab results, statistics and machines — with greater attention to the patient’s experience. The impersonal nature of technology makes a connection to the physician more important than ever.

The patient’s experience begins in the reception room. If the space feels cold or unwelcoming, it can add unnecessary stress to the visit.

expectations realistic.”

Trust and communication help increase satisfaction with the outcome for both doctor and patient.

When care is patient-centered, doctors make sure patients have all the information they need about their options. As technology advances, there is often more than one good choice.

Patients also have more responsibility in the partnership. They must tell doctors their priorities, and their lifestyle choices (such as nutrition or sleep habits) can enhance treatment success. A good relationship with a doctor increases the likelihood that a patient will follow through on healthy behaviors.

“We strive to provide a courteous relationship and a relaxing environment, where people will feel comfortable talking about difficult issues,” says Dr. Julie Vu, an associate Brothers & Crochet Ob/Gyn Associates of Dallas, LLP. This applies whether she is working with an expectant mother or a woman in menopause.

“Often, women have read a lot about childbirth, and have very specific wishes,” Dr. Vu says. “We try hard to let them h ave the kind of delivery they would like, while keeping their

Something as simple as keeping appointments close to the scheduled time is an acknowledgment that while the doctor’s time is valuable, so is the patient’s. This is another example of how clinicians are focusing on the patient experience rather than the old model of emphasis on efficient delivery, where sometimes clinical excellence seems to be divorced from simple courtesy.

Not only is patient-centered care the right thing to do from a standpoint of better health outcomes, but evidence shows it also leads to a wiser allocation of resources. Researchers have reason to hope that as doctors and clinics increase their awareness of patient-centered care, the doctor-patient relationship will continue to evolve toward partnership and increased success in patient treatment.

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Dr. Angela Fields Walker is enthusiastic to work with physicians that share her passion for women’s health. She is dedicated to patient-centered care and education, and embodies an honest, analytical, and attentive approach to patients’ needs and concerns, which make her a perfect fit for our growing practice.

Dr. Julie Vu previously practiced in Garland. She is excited to join a practice that focuses on the individual needs of women, in a center that offers resources needed to fully care for patients. As women balance careers and families, Dr. Vu offers care utilizing minimally invasive methods, giving women the ability to return to their lives more quickly.

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Brothers & Crochet ObGyn Associates of Dallas, LLP

high risk pregnancy | natural childbirth | robotic-assisted and minimally invasive surgery | prepregnancy counseling | ultrasound | infertility | incontinence pelvic organ prolapse | same day appointments

“I focus on putting them at ease and zooming in on why they’re there for the day.”

Dr. Clint Meyer, Dallas Eye Works

Dr. Sandra Brothers, Dr. Julie Vu, Dr. Angela Fields Walker and Dr. Melissa Crochet

Dental health: aligning patient goals with best practices

When a patient and dentist meet at the appointed hour, do they have the same goals?

The individual who goes dental school has chosen a rigorous profession dealing with the health of gums and teeth, apparatus the rest of us take for granted. As a group, dentists are practical and science-oriented. But they also place high value on ethics, and genuinely care about their patients.

Most patients, on the other hand, prefer not to think beyond the toothbrush, not to mention the floss. Most of the time, only two things motivate a patient to visit the dentist: pain (or its avoidance) and the desire for an attractive smile.

As it happens, achieving both goals depends on good health. Although patients tend to think of their mouth as separate from other health issues, a single bad tooth can cause serious illness if left untreated.

Naturally patients prefer compassionate and personable dentists, and there’s also evidence that a good relationship with the dentist encourages patients to practice better treatment adherence. Since good oral care is one area where patients can have a huge influence on a successful outcome, dentists and patients both win when patients take a more proactive role.

Dr. Brent Fleming • Dr. James Guirguis

The

Trust in the Dentist-Patient Relationship – a review (Journal of Young Investigators, June 2005) By Jeremy Jacquot, UCLA (Chapple et al. 2003, and Schouten et al. 2003)

Dr. Dena Robinson understands her patients’ concern with an attractive smile, but she says her true motivation came from her grandmother, who had oral cancer and died without teeth.

“It was difficult to watch,” Dr. Robinson says. “I want to educate people and get them up to speed with what I see going on in their mouth. It might be decay, or missing teeth, or a funny lesion on the tongue.”

She says one of her pet peeves is when patients who saw their parents use dentures believe they are destined for the same fate.

“That’s just not true,” says Dr. Robinson. “I want people to keep their teeth and chew their food.”

If there is more than one potential treatment plan available, many dentists explain the pros and cons of each to allow the patient to make an informed decision.

“I like to gather all the information I need and educate patients as to what disease may be present,” says Dr. Brent Fleming of Richardson Dentistry.

Sometimes a dentist can see a problem developing before it becomes painful or uncomfortable.

“I like to sit down and show them the X-rays and show them what I’m seeing.”

As part of his practice, Dr. Fleming uses an intra-oral camera

that takes pictures and video of the surface inside the mouth to find hidden problems.

“Then I explain where we can go and what we can offer at our practice to take care of those issues,” says Dr. Fleming. “It’s ultimately the patient that drives any treatment.”

Dentists know that trust is the cornerstone of their relationship with patients. Dr. Ashly Cothern believes it’s imperative that patients trust their medical providers.

“Our objective is to build the relationship based on trust and integrity, on honesty and communication. It’s our job to tell patients what we see and recommend, and it’s the patient’s prerogative to accept all of it, some of it, or none of it.

“Ultimately, the acceptance of treatment comes if they trust us and reciprocate in that relationship,” Dr. Cothern says.

That level of collaboration requires two-way communication between patient and doctor.

Sometimes people who exercise and choose healthy diets still find reasons to put off a visit to the dentist. The reality is that if we hope to live long, we should be making plans to keep our teeth.

Dr. Dena Robinson puts it this way: “At the end of the day, we all want to really enjoy our food and be able to chew it. It’s the nutrition we need to sustain our lives.” HCA

Dena T. Robinson D.D.S., F.A.G.D. Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry

“It’s ultimately the patient that drives any treatment.”

Dr. Brent Fleming, Richardson Dentistry.

BAPTIST

ForeST Me Adow / 9150 Church Rd. / Welcoming the mosaic of cultures living in our neighborhoods / www.fmbcdallas.org

Worship 10:50 / Bible Study 9:30 / Tim Ahlen, Pastor / 214.341.9555

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

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

BIBL e CHU r CH eS

GrACe BIBLe CHUrCH / www. gracebiblechurch.org

Sunday Worship: Traditional 9:00 am; Contemporary 10:30 am

Adult Bible Classes both hours /11306 Inwood Rd./214.368.0779

NorTH HIGHLANdS BIBLe CHUrCH / www.nhbc.net

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

Wed: Student Ministry 7:00 pm / 9626 Church Road / 214.348.9697

dISCIPL eS oF C Hr IST

CeNTrAL CHrISTIAN CHUrCH / 4711 Westside Drive / 214.526.7291

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

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

eAST dALLAS CHrISTIAN CHUrCH / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185

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

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

L UTHerAN

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

Me THodIST

L AKe HIGHLANdS UMC / 9015 Plano Rd. / 214.348.6600 / lhumc.com

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

10:50 – Traditional & Contemporary Worship

wHITe roCK UNITed MeTHodIST / www.wrumc.org

1450 Oldgate Lane / 214.324.3661

Sunday Worship 10:50 am / Rev. George Fisk

NoN- de NoMINATIoNAL

L AKe HIGHLANdS CHUrCH / 9919 McCree / 214.348.0460

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

Home groups meet on weeknights. / lakehighlandschurch.org

PreSB yT erIAN

KING’S PArISH ASSoCIATe reForMed PreSByTerIAN CHUrCH

kingsparish.com / Rev. David Winburne / Worship at 10:00 am

Meets at Ridgewood Park Rec Center / 469.600.3303

L AKe 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

NorTHPArK PreSByTerIAN CHUrCH / 214.363.5457

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

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

UNIT y

UNIT y oF dALLAS / A Positive Path For Spiritual Living

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

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

An Age-old tension

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science has opened to rave reviews. Deservedly so. It’s a work of art that honors the Creative Mind behind it all.

Of course, creative minds designed and built the museum. Architects, builders, directors and donors: These all had a hand in the making of something that adds aesthetic and cultural value to the city. But when I say that it honors the Creative Mind behind it all, I mean something that people of science and faith both might challenge.

The museum doesn’t just exhibit, it teaches. It takes evolution as a working fact of how the world and human life developed. Which is the rub for many who see there a contest between religion and science.

It doesn’t need to be so, though. A tension, yes, but a contest, no.

Evolution says something similar to what Genesis says: There is a relationship between time and matter in how things have come to be. Genesis poetically uses a seven-day week to picture it, rather than the scientific estimate of 13.9 billion years since the universe burst into being. Evolution says also what Genesis says about how one thing builds upon another, about how all things hang together, and about how all things — including human life — are related. Even the iron in the blood of your veins was once a part of an exploding star. Marvelous.

Admittedly, evolution and Genesis, science and religion do not agree at all points, and they operate with different starting points. Yet each can increase our bank of knowledge.

Religious congregations offer perspectives that might enrich those in the world of science whose worldview is open enough to include things untestable. Science can

religion

say a lot about what things are and how things come to be, but it has little to say about why. The age-old philosophical question Why is there something and not nothing? can’t be answered in a laboratory.

Sometimes science itself gestures in the direction of faith. Harvard socio-biologist E. O. Wilson has coined the term eusociality to describe something rare in his study of evolutionary behavior. Eusociality involves ways of living that go beyond the red-claw instinct for self-preservation. Foundational characteristics of eusocial behavior are nest building, cross-generational communities, divisions of labor and altruistic actions — individuals working for the common good, defending the nest, even to the point of sacrificing one’s life. Love? Out of all the lines in the evolutionary tree that lead to modern humans, only one, homo sapiens, is eusocial. We are, evolutionarily speaking, rare birds.

Wilson traces the emergence of these behaviors and follows their development across eons and the vast realm of nature and helps us see that we are part of a grand evolutionary epic, one that few of us know much about. People of faith know something about this grand epic from other sources. Our biblical traditions point again and again to a story that is embedded in the fabric of the universe. It’s a story of self-sacrificing love that derives from a God deeply engaged in the essence of all things.

Compassion, self-sacrificing love, communities of support and encouragement: We have vital houses of worship all over Dallas that teach and practice these things. They form a wonderful complement to the wonderful new museum. You can join one of these, too, and frequent it often. It will prove eusocial.

It doesn’t have to be science vs.

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.

Home sweet home tour

Natalie Ross and Stephani Walne were among hundreds who visited houses on the Lake Highlands Women’s League home tour. The winter event raises money for college scholarships and community improvement. Lake Highlands resident Carol Toler shot the home tour photos.

BBULLETIN BOARD

CLASSES/TUTORING/

LESSONS

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

ARTISTIC GATHERINGS

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

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

GUITAR OR PIANO Fun/Easy. Your Home. 9 to Adult. Prof Musician. UNT Grad. Larry 469-358-8784

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

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

MATH TUTORING Elementary through High School

Sari Bahl, MS Ed 25+ years exp. 214-357-8680

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

FOLLOW US

TO ADVERTISE CALL 214.560.4203

CHILDCARE

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

EMPLOYMENT

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

AIM 866-453-6204

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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

SERVICES FOR YOU

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

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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

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

find links to all our social media at advocatemag.com/social facebook.com/ LakeHighlandsAdvocate twitter.com/ Advocate_LH

Marcie Bishop, Kristi Kendall, Whitney Whitehead, Kim D’Angelo and Michelle Dotson took a moment to pose while in between houses.

Alicia Goss, Sherry Clark, Fran Patterson, Vela Tomba and Suzanna Voss visited four Lake Highlands homes on the annual tour.

Welcome, tourists

The Curtiss family, Chuck, Lisa and Andrew , supported Lake Highlands by participating in the holiday home tour, a major Lake Highlands Women’s League fundraiser.

Submit

to advertise call 214.560.4203

Newsman

Lake Highlands resident and CBS reporter Steve Pickett takes a moment for lunch and a read at JJ’s Café in Lake Highlands.

BULLETIN BOARD B

ProfeSSional ServiceS

EStAtE/PROBAtE MAttERS Because every family needs a will. Mary Glenn, J.D. maryglennattorney.com • 214-802-6768

tRANSLAtIONS English, Spanish, & French at affordable rates. LenguaTutoringAndTranslation@yahoo.com or 214-331-7200.

Legal Services for Individuals and Small Businesses Wills & Probate, Real Estate, Contracts

Initial Office Consultation $125 for Advocate Readers (applied to future fees if matter or case accepted)

REAGAN MCLAIN LEE & HATCH, LLP

6060 North Central Expressway, Suite 690 Dallas, Texas 75206

214.691.6622

www.reaganmclain.com

Pet ServiceS

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

Dallas’ First Doggie Daycare

Featuring “Open Play” Boarding

• 14,000+ sq. ft. Play Area Inside

• 5,000+ sq. ft. Play Area Outside

• 15 Lux Suites w/ Webcams

• Grooming All Breeds

• Training & Obedience Classes 6444 E. Mockingbird at Abrams www.deesdoggieden.com • 214-823-1441

In-Home Professional Care Customized to maintain your pet’s routine In-Home Pet Visits & Daily Walks

“Best of Dallas” D Magazine

Serving the Dallas area since 1994 Bonded & Insured www.societypetsitter.com 214-821-3900

Buy/Sell/trade

MAvS/DALLAS StARS tICkEtS Neighborhood group needs partners for great Dallas Mavs/Dallas Stars seats — tickets are priced at our cost; 2 seats for each game. Mavs seats are in Platinum Level Section 204, front row; Stars seats are Section 123, Row B (second row from the glass).

E-mail rwamre@advocatemag.com or call 214-560-4212. We have great Rangers seats available, too!

OLD GUItARS WANtED Gibson, Fender, Gretsch, Martin. 1920s-1980s. Top dollar paid. Toll Free 1-866-433-8277

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

eState/GaraGe SaleS

CLUttERBLAStERS-EStAtE/MOvING SALES

De-Clutter/Organize www.ClutterBlasters.com

Donna@ClutterBlasters.com 972-679-3100

EStAtE SALES & LIQUIDAtION SERvICES

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

CHAMNESS

972-216-1961

TACL-B01349OE

appliaNCe

APPLIANCE REPAIR SPECIALIST

Repair, Sales. 214-321-4228

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

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

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

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

PREVIEW CONSTRUCTION INC.

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

RENOVATE DALLAS

renovatedallas.net 214-403-7247

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

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

THE CLIENT’S CONTRACTOR www.CuttingEdgeRenovationsLLC.com

''You dream it, we create it''

DAVIS CREATIVE SERVICES

daviscreativeservice.com 214-223-0478

BRIAN GREAM RENOVATIONS LLC

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

NORTHAVEN AIR & HEAT Affordable Quality. Jim. 972-365-1570. TACLA46391E

S&E A/C & HEATING, LLC 214.912.7900

#TACLA00029455E

BBB approved CCs Accepted

CleaNiNg ServiCeS

A CLEANING SERVICES

mcprofessionalcleaning.com

469-951-2948

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

CLEANING BY LT

Full Service House Cleaning, Personal Errands, Parties, Rentals. Linda 214-566-7743

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

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

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

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

WANTED: HOUSES TO CLEAN 20 yrs. exp., Reliable, Great Prices, Excellent Refs., Free Estimates. No Crews. Sunny 214-724-2555

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM

Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

WWW.BGRONTHEWEB.COM

BRIANGREAM@YAHOO.COM

JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE

TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898

Residential . Commercial Construction Remodel Cleans make-readys windows carpet

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

214.750.4888 20 years in business!

ComputerS & eleCtroNiCS

BILL’S COMPUTER REPAIR

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

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

IQUEUE MEDIA COMPANY 214-478-8644 TV Installation, Computer Repair, Security.

CoNCrete/ maSoNry/paviNg

BRICK & STONE REPAIR

Don 214-704-1722

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

CONCRETE REPAIRS/REPOURS

Demo existing. Driveways/Patio/Walks

Pattern/Color available

972-672-5359 (32 yrs.)

CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable.

Chris 214-770-5001

ConCrete/ Masonry/Paving

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

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

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

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

TEXAS ELECTRICAL • 214-289-0639

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

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

CREATIVE METAL SOLUTIONS LLC

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

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

Decks, Arbors, Fences, Patio Covers Trex Decking & Fencing.

#1

EST. 1991

COWBOY

FENCE & IRON CO.

214.692.1991

SPECIALIZING IN Wood Fences &Auto Gates

cowboyfenceandiron.com

Northlake Fence and Deck

Locally owned and operated by the Mccaffrey family since1980

214-349-9132

www.northlakefence.com

FirePlaCe serviCes

CHIMNEY SWEEP Dampers/Brick & Stone Repair. DFW Metro. Don 214-704-1722

Flooring & CarPeting

ALL WALKS OF FLOORS

214-616-7641

Carpet, Wood, Tile Sales/Service Free Estimates

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

DALLAS HARDWOODS 214-724-0936

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

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

Flooring & CarPeting

STAINED & SCORED CONCRETE FLOORS

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

WILLEFORD HARDWOOD FLOORS

214-824-1166 • WillefordHardwoodFloors.com

WORLEY TILE & FLOORING

Custom Marble Install. 214-779-3842

Restoration Flooring 469.774.3147

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

glass, WinDoWs & Doors

Energy-Efficient Windows

Quality Workmanship, Quality Materials, Reasonable Prices, since 1987. 214.319.8400 fosterexteriors.com

1350 N. Buckner Suite 216

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

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

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

Taking pride in our work

since 1975

WHITE ROCK FLOORS Hardwoods New/Refurbished Ceramic Tile

25+ Years Experience wrfloors@sbcglobal.net

Old fashioned work ethic.

HanDyMan serviCes

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

214-293-7039

FounDation rePair

• Slabs • Pier & Beam

• Mud Jacking • Drainage

• Free Estimates

• Over 20 Years Exp. 972-288-3797

We Answer Our Phones

garage Doors

GARAGE DOOR & SPRING REPAIR

972-672-0848 TexasGaragePros.com

20% off with “Advocate Magazine”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

glass,

WinDoWs & Doors

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

CLEARWINDOWSANDDOORS.COM

Replacement Windows & Doors Free Estimate 214-274-5864

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

PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Home Repair Specialists

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

HandymanMatters.com/dallas

Bonded & Insured. Locally owned & operated.

March DEaDLINE FEb. 6 214.560.4203 TO aDVErTISE

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

A QUALITY PAINTING SERVICE

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

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

ABRAHAM PAINT SERVICE A Women Owned

Business 25 Yrs. Int/Ext. Wall Reprs. Discounts On Whole Interiors and Exteriors 214-682-1541

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

BENJAMIN’S PAINTING SERVICE Quality

Work At Reasonable Prices. 214-725-6768

BILL’S PAINTING 214-697-7611

Interior/Exterior. Pressure Washing

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

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

Fully Bonded & Insured. 214-563-5035

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

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

WHITE ROCK PAINT & REMODEL

References. Mark Reindel 214-321-5280

Painting · Remodeling

214-870-3939

www.amistadcsc.com

interior Design

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

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

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

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

YOUR DREAM HOME COME TRUE!

Exp’d. Design Pro. Call Carolyn 214-363-0747

KitcHen/BatH/ tile/grout

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

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

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS LLC

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

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

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

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

NAT-90143-1

BRIAN GREAM

PAINTING & RENOVATIONS LLC

• Interior/Exterior • Drywall

• Rotten Wood • Gutters

All General Contracting Needs

PayPal ®

214.542.6214

WWW.BGRONTHEWEB.COM

BRIANGREAM@YAHOO.COM

Exterior & Interior

Painting Professionals Call Local (Toll Free) NOW

For a FREE estimate

877-212-4076

www.protectpainters.com

lawns, garDens & trees

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

A BETTER TREE COMPANY • JUST TREES

Complete tree services. Tree & Landscape Lighting! Fence & Deck, install/repair. Mark 214-332-3444

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

lawns, garDens & trees

ADVANCED TREE SERVICE

Quality Tree Trimming & Removal. 214-455-2095

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

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

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

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

CHUPIK TREE SERVICE

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

COLE’S LAWN CARE • 214-327-3923

Quality Service with a Personal Touch.

DALLAS K.D.R.SERVICES • 214-349-0914

Lawn Service & Landscape Installation

DURING FEBRUARY Like our facebook page for a chance to win a 5 gallon Japanese Maple. Details on FB. Walton’s Garden Center 214-321-2387

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

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

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

MOW YOUR YARD $27

White Rock Landscaping 214-415-8434

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

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

TAYLOR MADE IRRIGATION

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

THE POND MAN Water Gardens

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

TRACY’S LAWN CARE • 972-329-4190

Lawn Mowing & Leaf Cleaning

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

WATER-WISE URBAN LANDSCAPES

www.TexasXeriscapes.com 469-586-9054

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

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

LocksmiThs

CHIEF SECURITY & SAFE Expert & Quality Locksmith & Safe Service. 10% Off. 214-827-7535

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

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

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. 24 Hours/7 Days. plumberiffic@yahoo.com

Sewers • Drains • Bonded

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

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

JUSTIN’S PLUMBING SERVICE

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

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

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

PooLs

ADAIR POOL & SPA SERVICE

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

LOCK’S POOL SERVICE - 469-235-2072

Dependable repairs. Pool Electrical TICL #550

MICHAEL’S POOL SERVICE Maintenance & Repair 214-727-7650

LEAFCHASER’S POOL SERVICE

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

roofinG & GuTTers

A&B GUTTER 972-530-5699

Clean Out, Repair/Replace. Leaf Guard. Free Estimates. Lifetime Warranty

NATIONWIDE ROOFING,FENCING,GUTTERS

BBB member. 214-882-8719

S&H IMPROVEMENTS 972-231-4273

Hand-nailed Roofing In Dallas Since 1984

Transferable Labor Warranty

Allstate Homecraft Roofing

roofinG

SOMEONE WRESTLED AWAY THE BASKETBALL GOAL.

It seemed like something that would be difficult to steal, and Lake Highlands Estates resident Max Dunham thought his kids’ basketball goal — hoop, backboard, pole and all — was probably pretty safe from being stolen.

He was wrong.

“It must have taken two or three guys,” he says of its theft that night in December. “It was heavy as all get out.”

The Victim: Max Dunham

The Crime: Theft

The basketball goal was the portable kind, with wheels on the bottom and a base filled with lots of water so that it couldn’t be moved easily. Dunham says it was stable even in very heavy winds.

Date: Saturday, Dec. 15

Time: Between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Location: 10000 block of Edgecove

He and his kids shot some hoops the night before the theft. The next morning, Dunham, who works as an Ebby Halliday Realtor, left the house to put out some open house signs. When he returned home, he noticed that the goal was gone.

The kids were a bit disappointed that their HORSE and pick-up basketball games would come to a stop. But Dunham says he plans on getting a new one soon.

“We’re going to buy another one, but we’re going to put this one in the ground permanently,” he says.

Dallas Police Sgt. Keitric Jones of the Northeast Patrol Division says criminals steal property that is easily accessible, and it’s important to secure all outdoor items to make it harder for a criminal to take.

“Secure items with a chain so that they cannot be easily carried away,” he says. “If it cannot be secured with a chain, place the item inside of a locked fence.”

| CRIME NUMBERS |

2 1 0

doors kicked in at a home in the 11400

of Vistadale between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Jan. 9

SOURCE: Dallas Police Department

wooden panel in the garage ceiling moved

items missing from the home, as far as the owner could tell

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.

block

Unintelligent design

Get ready for an overhaul of the LBJ-Skillman-Audelia ‘Bermuda Triangle’

Comment. Visit lakehighlands.advocatemag.com and search White Rock Addition to tell us what you think.

It was the late ’90s. We had an address, a Mapsco and a destination: Picasso’s Pizza. My husband and I navigated sharp turns, doubled backward, forward and past bleak store fronts, until a combination of luck and stubbornness led us to the restaurant.

Today, Picasso’s is one of the few businesses from that era and location that still thrive — partially due to its sensible decision to relocate to Walnut Hill-Skillman, an intersection friendlier to patrons.

Ever since I first encountered our local version of the Bermuda Triangle (where LBJ meets Skillman meets Audelia), I wondered how such a snafu was possible in modern times. Recently, I was

designed this threaded intersection so it would cross a single bridge to get over LBJ,” Morgan says. “Then if you fast forward 10 years to the economic boom in the late ’70s, it just mushroomed into urban density. The transportation infrastructure was never built to handle the traffic we have today.”

Since Picasso’s moved, I almost never think about anything north of the shopping center at Skillman-Royal, anchored by Tom Thumb. A short (but not complete) list of restaurants that have opened and closed in the center includes: Sweet Temptations, Burger Spot, Starbucks and Boston Market. North of that center, if you look hard, you might find: Gatti’s Pizza, Family Dollar, Michelle’s Home Cooking, an African grocery store, Fedex-Kinko’s, Queen’s Beauty supply and a tattoo parlor.

call.) When Causey explored leasing at Skillman-Royal, the property managers welcomed her.

“At the time, there was Sweet Temptations, an insurance company, another salon, and a burger place right next to us that was jumping,” Causey says. Despite losing their neighbors, LH Media Center is succeeding, but Causey is anxious to see improvements.

“It’s like Rube Goldberg designed this,” she says. “ ‘A curly Q here, a curve there — let’s make ’em go upside down here.’ LBJ has no access road at all, on either side, which makes it very difficult for the businesses on those corners. That leads to a chaotic placement of business.”

thrilled to learn that real, concrete reform may finally be coming to the area.

Lake Highlands neighbor Susan Morgan has headed a volunteer committee to improve LBJ-Skillman since before “Town Center” had a name. She told me how the intersection evolved.

In the late ’60s, Skillman and Audelia were country roads in the middle of pastureland. Inconveniently, the trajectory of the future 635 shot through the intersection of the two roads. “They

“If you speak to the tenants there, it’s very cumbersome to run a business when the streets don’t provide visibility to your storefront,” Morgan says. “One of the things a new infrastructure design will do is straighten out the curves and provide better visibility to the commercial spaces. Instead of it being an intersection that people avoid, let’s make it an intersection where people want to go.”

When asked about changes the committee hopes to see at the intersection, Morgan says, “Economic vibrancy, safety and beautification.”

Cindy Causey is another longtime LH neighbor active on the committee. When she and husband Scott decided to open their business, LH Media Center, two and a half years ago, they found it surprisingly difficult to negotiate with property managers at Audelia-Walnut Hill and Ferndale-NW Highway. (In one case they did not even receive a return

Causey also cites safety as one of her goals because anyone who has driven through the area understands the pitfalls of speed and confusion. She also would like to see basic logic applied to retail access points.

“I want us to attract businesses I want to go to: a gift shop, a clothing store, a deli or a bakery,” Causey says.

Morgan and Causey are only two of the volunteers who have worked on the committee. Jerry Allen has been a member since before he ran for City Council, and LH architect Tip Housewright is leading a comprehensive study of the area, which is expected to take 18 months. Compared to the 40 years LH has wrangled with the intersection, 2014 isn’t far off.

“Don’t listen to the glass-half-empty people,” Causey says. “This is a glasshalf-full situation.”

For ongoing reports on the LBJ-Skillman project, including an overview of the Jan. 17 public meeting, visit lakehighlands.advocatemag.com.

“It’s like Rube Goldberg designed this. ‘A curly Q here, a curve there — let’s make ’em go upside down here.’ ”

EllenRaff, a neighborhoodresident,writes a monthlyopinioncolumnaboutneighborhoodissues. 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.