2011 March Lake Highlands

Bac

The way Back

Storie S from the brink of de S truction

Matt Kieffer, 37, just finished his first half marathon when his heart suddenly stopped. Trainers from Baylor SportsCare were stationed at the finish line and were able to act quickly and restart his heart using an automated external defibrillator. “Baylor literally saved my life,” he says. As a preventative measure, Matt had an internal cardiac defibrillator implanted at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. The device monitors his heart and will shock it back into normal rhythm if an abnormality is detected. “Luckily it hasn’t had to trigger yet, but if it does, I know I’m protected.” Matt has resumed running, lifting weights and playing with his two young children. “I’m living life to the fullest. Thanks to Baylor, I can.”

For a physician referral or for more information about cardiovascular services, call 1.800.4BAYLOR or visit us online at BaylorHealth.com/DallasHeart.

“

When my heart suddenly stopped at the finish line, Baylor brought me back to life.”

TRIPLE SCORE

...All for the price of one. The Christy/ Norcross/ Thomas Group continues to be the market leader in Lake Highlands. Glen, Robin and Jason have sold more homes and volume in Lake Highlands than any other group or individual. Their energy, service and innovative ideas are their greatest assets. Find out why so many homeowners have trusted them with their greatest investment. The Christy/ Norcross/Thomas Group is ready to go to work for you and help you with your real estate needs.

214.520.4499 |

GLEN ROBIN JASON

CHRISTY NORCROSS THOMAS Real Estate Group

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Online Photo Contest: White Rock Lake Conservancy www.whiterockdallas.org/photo-contest

Centennial Champions: White Rock Lake Foundation and For the Love of the Lake (214) 367-8700 or (214) 821-2077

Luncheon with Ebby Halliday: Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce (214) 207-0017 or (214) 328-4100

Raise the Woof Pup Rally: White Rock Lake Dog Park

The Comerica White Rock Lake Centennial Celebration is a marathon of events and activities to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of Dallas’ signature parks. Kicking off in March and culminating in a grand finale weekend in June, proceeds from the Comerica White Rock Lake Centennial Celebration will help fund ten capital projects and improvements, including improving hike and bike trails, completely renovating the White Rock Dog Park and restoring the park forests.

Family Fun Nature Weekend: City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department (214) 243-2123

An Intimate Evening with Ebby at the Arboretum: Centennial Host Committee

The Comerica White Rock Centennial Celebration Pave the Way campaign allows families and businesses to forever commemorate their love of the lake on pavestones that will permanently grace the plaza at the spillway. Visit www.whiterockdallas.org to Pave the Way today.

To donate, buy tickets or for more information about the Comerica White Rock Lake Centennial Celebration, visit www.whiterockdallas.org or join us on Facebook at White Rock Dallas.

Centennial Golf Tournament at Tenison Park Golf Club: White Rock Lake Conservancy

Family Fun History Weekend: City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department (214) 243-2123

100 Years Historical Exhibit at NorthPark: Centennial Host Committee

Neiman Marcus Fashion Event at NorthPark: White Rock Lake Conservancy

White Rock Lake Festival: White Rock Lake Foundation (214) 367-8700 or (214) 821-2077

White Rock Lake Centennial Committee

2011 Designed by Allyn Media

Photo provided by Bikin’ Mike Keel

PHOTO bY bENjaMIN HagER

—patri Cia, iN respoNse to a post a Bout the l ake hiGhla N ds tow N Ce N ter sear C h: update Colovas oN lakehiGhla N ds.advo C atemaG.Com

re A der C omme N ts g CH eers for CH arity

Wow! What an inspirational story [“ doris daniely outreach helps survivors,” february issue]. i am going to share this with a friend of mine. We were just talking today about how we can do bigger things with our lives!

—Na NNette t ur N er i ’m a friend of a my’s and was so excited that a way opened up for her to have breast reconstruction. s he is a beautiful person and deserved all the help and attention she received. Blessings to all that made her complete recovery possible.

—Ge Na

What a wonderful organization this is! this is inspiring to read this story, and very happy to know of a my’s full recovery.

aNN CummiNGs

as a my’s mom and dad, words are inadequate to share how grateful we are for organizations like doris daniely outreach and the Bridge. the generosity of these two organizations along with medical teams is amazing. from the bottom of our hearts, we say, “thank you!”

—BoBBy Carroll

“turn off those darn traffic lights that you just installed that lead to nowhere!”

The help you

FIVE SQUARE MILES

A story of a life lived within these parameters

My grandmother died a few days ago. She was almost 99 years old, and other than noticeably shrinking in height, even at the end she looked and acted about the same as she had throughout her life.

She was one of 991 females living in Hawley, Minn., where the total population is 1,880 and has been for quite a few years. Hawley is what many of us wish our neighborhood could be: It’s a place so small that people truly know you and everything about you, for better or worse.

She grew up there, went to school there, was married there, gave birth to her three children there, buried her husband there about 25 years ago, and finally died there.

Virtually her entire life took place within an area of about five square miles, give or take a mile or two.

By the time it’s our time, how many of us do you think will be able to say that? And how many will want to?

Although I wasn’t her confidante, I don’t know that spending her entire life in a little town without a stoplight bothered her. She never seemed to worry about what might have been or what should have happened; she generally just played the cards she was dealt without flinching much on the “fold” hands or getting too excited when she drew a flush.

She seemingly had no regrets other than outliving her husband. For years after he died, even though she was surrounded by friends and relatives, she signed the letters she sent to me in Texas “Your Lonesome Grandma”.

She didn’t work what you or I would consider to be a “regular” job, in the sense that she packed her lunch and headed to a business to earn a buck. She and my grandfather were farmers, and although I don’t recall seeing her driving a tractor or handling a pitchfork, I never doubted she could do either of those things.

Instead, she managed the house and fed my grandfather and any number of other farmhands working the fields and barns. During a late summer harvest, it wasn’t uncommon to have eight or 10 hungry guys out in the field during the grain threshing, haying and corn silage-filling operations. When it was break time, my grandmother drove out to the field in a pickup, dropped the tailgate and produced a

seemingly endless buffet of sandwiches, cookies, dessert bars and water or lemonade.

Then she packed up the remains, headed back to the house, and began preparing the next meal.

I never knew her to be sick. Ever. She was the original Energizer Bunny, moving at a constant

speed without needing much attention. Even into her 80s, she led a bowling team and had no problem cracking 150.

When the time came, I’m told she talked so softly as to be hard to hear. As her body parts simply wore down, she lived on a diet of soft candy, cookies and water. One day, she simply went to sleep and didn’t wake up.

All in all, not a bad way to live. And not a bad way to die.

Even into her 80s, my grandmother led a bowling team and had no problem cracking 150.

Advocate

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EDITORIAL PH/ 214.292.2053

publisher: RICK WAMRE

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managing editor: CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB

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editors

KERI MITCHELL

214.292.0487 / kmitchell@advocatemag.com

EMILY TOMAN

214.292.2053 / etoman@advocatemag.com

RACHEL STONE

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web editor: CHRISTY ROBINSON

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senior art director: JYNNETTE NEAL

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art director: J ULIANNE RICE

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designers: JEANINE MICHNA-BALES, LARRY OLIVER

contributing editors: JEff SIEGEL, SALLY WAMRE

contributors: SEAN CHAffIN, SANDY GREYSON, BILL KEffER, GAYLA KOKEL, GEORGE MASON, BLAIR MONIE, ELLEN RAff, ELIz ABETH KNIGHTEN

photo editor: CAN TüRKYILMAz

214.560.4200 / cturkyilmaz@advocatemag.com

photographers: MARK DAVIS, MOLLY DICKSON, ALISON fECHTEL, BENJAMIN HAGER

interns: ASHLEY HUDSON, EMMA TIEDEMANN

Advocate Publishing 6301 Gaston Avenue, Suite 820, Dallas, TX 75214 advocate, © 2011, is published monthly by East Dallas – Lakewood People Inc. contents of this magazine may not be reproduced. advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for the content of all advertisements printed, and therefore assume responsibility for any and all claims against the advocate. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. Opinions set forth in the advocate are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s viewpoint. More than 200,000 people read advocate publications each month. advertising rates and guidelines are available upon request. advocate Publications are available free of charge throughout our neighborhoods, one copy per reader.

Spring Rose Festival

March 5th & 6th

Looking for Texas Pioneer Roses? These tough, gorgeous, antique roses are perfect for the modern rose garden. Their blooms are big and their beauty even bigger. You’ll find them all during Spring Rose Festival, March 5th & 6th at North Haven Gardens. We'll offer hundreds of rose varieties, FREE education, early shopping hours and the best rose garden advice. Don't miss a special presentation by Mike Shoup of Antique Rose Emporium on Pioneer Roses.

Be one of the first 50 people to join us each morning beginning at 7am on Saturday and 8am on Sunday during Spring Rose Festival and when you check out, you’ll get to choose between a FREE rose plant or a FREE bag of Vital Earth Ready Rose Mix!

NHG School of Gardening more at www.nhg.com

Mar 5-6 : Spring Rose Festival www.nhg.com

Sun, Mar 13th 1pm Beautiful Spring Lawns

Wed, Mar 16th Noon-1pm Raise Backyard Chickens

March 19-20 : Eco-friendly Festival FREE programs on growing veggies, bees & vermicomposting. View a FREE screening of “Vanishing of the Bees” and shop our local organic market. Details at www.nhg.com

Wed, Mar 23rd Noon-1pm Organic Pest Control

Sat, Mar 26th 1pm Succulent Container Gardens

Your Ultimate Urban Garden Center 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas TX 75230

214-363-5316

www.nhg.com

‘Thomas Affleck’

‘FJ Lindeheimer’ ‘Stephen F. Austin’

DC BOUTIQUE

Classic French Style

Embroidered Jackets

textures and designs

Tues.-Fri. 10 to 6; Sat. 9219 Garland Rd. 214.324.3332 dcboutiqueonline.com

PAINTING WITH A TWIST

Express your inner artist! Instructors lead attendees in creating paintings with a featured piece of art, bring nothing more than your imagination,wine or beverage.

Perfect for Private Parties as well. 5202 Lovers Ln. 214.350.9911 paintingwithatwist.com

THE GOODS

T-HEE GREETINGS

Add a little springtime to your table with fabulous new spring entertaining wares at both locations. Mockingbird & Abrams and Walnut Hill & Audelia 214.747.5800 t-heegifts.com

GARDENS

This beachy chest is just one example of the unexpected finds you can always expect from Brumley Gardens. The most unique gift store in Dallas. 10540 Church Rd. 214.343.4900 brumleygardens.com

DALLAS ANTIQUE MALL

great shopping for antiques, collectibles, vintage, retro, art, glass, fashion, jewelry, garden and much more. @ Forest Ln. 214.366.2100

CHEESECAKE ROYALE

When authentic family recipes meet fresh, high-quality ingredients, the result is a dessert experience that’s distinctly Royale. 9016 Garland Rd. 214.328.9102 CheesecakeRoyale.com

ONCE UPON A CHILD

Celebrate Spring with Once Upon A Child –LH where you can BUY and SELL both NEW and GENTLY USED kids’ stuff!

6300 Skillman @ Abrams 214.503.6010 onceuponachildlakehighlands.com

lakehighlands.advocatemag.com TEACHERS GRADING PARENTS: GOOD IDEA?

Neighborhood blogger Carol Toler mulls the idea of grading parents on their involvement in their children’s education. Do you think the bill has merit? Or is it just one more task to give overloaded teachers? To read this blog excerpt in full and to comment, search: teachers grading parents

Should parents be given a grade on their child’s report card to evaluate the job they’ve done supporting their child’s education? While I was on a recent weekend trip to Florida, I heard about a proposal by State Rep. Kelli Stargel. Teachers of students in pre-K through third-grade would assess parents based on the quality of their involvement in their children’s education, and that “grade” (satisfactory, needs improvement or unsatisfactory) would show up on the student’s report card.

Stargel says she’s interested in reforming the educational system, and schools and teachers can only do so much. It’s not about big government coming down on parents, she says. It’s about encouraging parents to fulfill their obligations.

Stargel, who has five children of her own, expects her HB 255 to be a topic of discussion

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MOM + DAD C+

and debate in Florida’s legislature over the course of the spring. The bill measures parent participation in factors like child tardiness and absenteeism, being well-rested and dressed properly for school, and completion of homework and test prep. It also grades parents for attending teacher conferences and PTA meetings.

While watching the television coverage and listening to parents and teachers being interviewed, I found wisdom on both sides. But the biggest issue is, frankly, that this bill is never going to pass. Like it or not, it has a snowball’s chance in hell.

The question I’d like to ask myself is: If I received a “needs improvement,” would it make me mad enough to go stomping up to the school to complain or would it cause me to become introspective and resolve to change?

NEWSLETTER CONTESTS

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Remodeling Talk...

Hire a Pro or Do It Yourself?

At Bella Vista Company, about 20% of our work now comes from xing DIY debacles. at’s why we believe every weekend warrior should know when to enlist the help of a professional in order to complete projects safely and properly. With these considerations, you’ll be able to make an informed decision for your next project.

Experience

If you have “apprenticed” and helped to complete a similar project, you may be ready to DIY. Similarly, if you have taken courses that have taught you the skills, steps, and techniques involved, you may not need to hire a pro. If you’ve only seen a project being done (especially on TV), keep in mind that professionals can make highly complex work seem unrealistically simple.

Skill Set

We recommend writing down the list of skills your project will require, and the skills that you have developed or learned in past projects or courses. If there’s a small gap, the project may enable you to improve your DIY skills without too much risk. But if the gap is wide, avoid the human tendency to bridge it with con dence. False con dence is the source of the emergency calls we get when projects go awry. If only they could show these calls on HGTV!

Understanding the Steps

If you know the end result, but have trouble putting together a detailed plan of action, hire a pro. If you’re able to research and nd plans, but then nd the instructions unclear or beyond your skill set, it’s also best to call a pro.

Safety and Building Codes

If certain steps in a project seem dangerous or physically beyond your comfort and experience level, don’t take it on yourself. In fact, safety issues are o en under-anticipated. So research and understand the safety risks in every step of the project rst. Familiarize yourself with all the tools and materials you’ll need to use before making the determination to do it yourself. Feel free to call us if you need more information about what your project will involve.

For projects requiring electrical work or plumbing work, professional certi cations are o en legally required to complete the project up to “code”. Not getting professional help can lead to safety risks, insurance penalties, legal sanctions, and failures down the road if you make a mistake. Hire a pro unless you have signi cant training and you’re certain you can handle any consequences should mistakes occur.

Consideration #1: Time

With today’s 50+ hour workweeks, and the obligations most of us have in our scarce free time, buying a little more downtime is a decision you probably won’t regret.

The Handyman Test

Still not sure what call to make? If a handyman service in your area can do the project, a strong do-it-yourselfer probably can too. While we don’t o er handyman services, we can certainly help you understand what steps you should take to make your project a success, big or small.

Why hire a pro for your major remodeling project?

• Pros work in compliance with local building codes and regulations.

• Pros handle the required electrical, plumbing and building permits.

• Pros can finish the job in a fraction of the time it takes to DIY.

• Pros can often purchase materials at a much lower cost than homeowners. offsetting a percentage of the labor cost.

• Pros own the right tools for the job, and know how to use them.

• Your experience, skill set, and knowledge fall short of what your project requires.

• Your night and weekend hours are limited.

• You want the peace of mind that the job is done right.

• You’re concerned with resale value and documentation of renovations.

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

LAUNCH

doN ovAN C A mpbe LL , who grew up in Lake Highlands, started writing “Joker o ne: A m arine p latoon’s Story of Courage, Leadership, and b rotherhood” during his second year of Harvard b usiness School. t he riveting book enjoyed multiple weeks on the New york t imes bestseller list, despite the fact that its author insists he’s not really a writer and that he has no desire to ever write another book. t he p rinceton grad really didn’t even intend to write this one. t he manuscript, about Campbell’s combat-heavy tour of duty in i raq, began as a gift to the men in his platoon. w hen his professors read it, however, they convinced him that it was a story everyone should read.

It’s rare, in this era, to hear about someone with your educational credentials joining the military. Why did you join the Marines?

There are three reasons: I felt I’d been given a lot of things in my life I didn’t really deserve. I had a wonderful family and a terrific education, and I felt this great obligation to give back. Two, during college I >>

BENJAMIN HAGER

White Rock/Lake Highlands OFFICE

2010 TOP PRODUCERS

<< started taking my faith seriously, and I felt strongly that I needed to serve. Three, I wanted to develop character and leadership skills within myself. During high school I had a mentor who was a great leader — whom I wanted to emulate. He attributed his strong character to the Marine Corps. It is rare, as you note. Out of my 2,000 or so Princeton classmates, one guy other than me joined the military.

IMUST ASK — DID YOURPARENTS FREAK OUT?

My father was quietly pleased, I think, but my mother was completely horrified. She actually told me she felt they had wasted their money on my education! In reality, she was understandably scared for me. Once she realized I was serious — that I was really doing this — she supported me 100 percent.

DID YOU EVER DOUBT YOURDECISION?

Between my junior and senior year I attended officer school — this is a boot-camp type experience. I hated it. Yes, I had second thoughts, but in the end, this was not something I necessarily wanted to do but something I needed to do.

DID YOU GO STRAIGHTTO WAR?

During my first deployment I worked as an intelligence officer. As soon as I returned home, I begged to be put on an infantry platoon. That is what I joined for — to lead on the front lines. I had been trained to do it, and that’s what I wanted to do. And you know what they say: Be careful what you ask for.

ANDTHAT SECONDDEPLOYMENTISTHE STORY BEHIND “JOKER ONE”?

Yes. It is about my Marine platoon, whose men were engaged in one of the war’s most casualty-intense deployments. We fought three to four times a week. These men were 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds engaged in some of the worst fighting among civilians since [the] Viet Nam [war]. Daily, they were asked to make split life and death

WHITE ROCK/LAKE HIGHLANDS OFFICE

Excellence In Customer Service Award

Office Spirit Award

Rookie of the Year Tie – Mentor Award

Runner Up –Top Individual Producer

Runner Up –Top Group Producers

Top Individual Producer Runner Up – Excellence in Customer Service Award Tie – Mentor Award

decisions — to decide who to kill and who not to kill. In this situation, they not only risk killing civilians, but they also risk turning the [Iraqi] population against them if they make the wrong decision. And we asked these men to make these decisions while they were regularly operating on three hours of sleep, in the extreme heat, carrying heavy equipment — when one of them was wounded, the first question he would ask would be, “How soon can I get back?” That’s the type of men they are.

DID YOU EXPECTTO MAKEITHOME ALIVE?

No. I had seen so many injuries and casualties. I had made my peace with not making it back. You think when going into combat that if you are smart enough and skilled enough, you’ll mitigate the evil that is out there. Then you see your friends getting killed, and you realize no matter how good or intelligent you are, the enemy is in control. To do our job meant to risk our lives again and again. So I had to resign myself to the idea that I might die.

SO WHENDID YOU DECIDETO WRITE THE BOOK?

You know, I didn’t even realize until I was back in school that we were unique; I assumed everyone was fighting like we were. The first year at Harvard Business, I processed what had happened, and I learned more and realized that these were truly special Marines. When you return from war, it is very difficult to explain your experiences to your family, friends or anyone who hasn’t been there. The book began as a gift to them; I wanted them to have it so they could share it with their families

so they would understand how magnificent these men were. I just wanted to tell the story. I proposed to professors that I write the story as a class credit, and they agreed to it. When they began reading it, they suggested I publish it. Random House published it; it was well-received and even wound up on the New York Times bestseller list, which is unusual for a first-time writer. We sold every hard cover that was printed.

ANY PLANSTO WRITEANYTHING ELSE?

No. I have no desire to be a professional writer.

—CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB FIND “JOKER ONE”ATANY MAJOR BOOK RETAILER or download it for the Kindle — the cheapest option, notes Campbell —at amazon.com.

artists in residence

They definitely look the part in their Converse All-Star shoes and plaid shirts. But the girls from local rock band We’re Not Dudes can actually play, too. “When I was a baby and it was Easter, I would take two eggs and bang them together, and they said, ‘She’s got rhythm,’ ” says Mahrly Murphy, the band’s 8-year-old drummer and Lake Highlands resident. She has also appeared in plays, including male roles such as Tiny Tim in “A Christmas Carol” at the Dallas Theater Center and, most recently, Richard Duke in “The Executioner’s Son” at the Bath House Cultural Center. When Mahrly started scoring 90-100 percent on the Rock Band video game, it was time for a real drum set. About a year ago, We’re Not Dudes formed, comprising Mahrly on drums, Alex Belland as the lead singer and keyboard player, Kaia Brown on bass, and the oldest, 13-year-old Molly McNulty, on lead guitar and vocals. They all attend the Dallas School of Rock, and local singer-songwriter Sarah Jaffe recently asked them to open for her show in Fort Worth. “At first, I was kind of nervous. But once I started playing, I was like, ‘This is awesome,’ ” Mahrly says. Kaia, who attends Lakehill Preparatory School, comes from a musical family. “I chose the bass because no one really plays just the bass,” Kaia says. “It’s challenging when you have to play really fast.” Last month, the girls recorded their first original song, called “Someday You’ll Thank Me for This”, at Klearlight Studio. At the School of Rock, they are learning more about what it means to be a popular band, but for Mahrly, the best part is hanging out with her bandmates every week. “I love being able to interact with each other. We have a good chemistry.” —EMILY

TOMAN

WATCHA VIDEO of We’re Not Dudes at lakehighlands.advocatemag.com/video

For Boys and Girls in grades 1-8 Everyone is invited to come watch the competition and enjoy entertainment and a Fun Zone.

Saturday, March 26th

Highland Oaks Church of Christ

10805 Walnut Hill

$64 per team, 4 players per team pick up a Registration form online at hoopsinthehighlands.net or at any participating school

Registration Forms Due: March 4th

WHAT GIVES?

Small ways that you can make a big difference for neighborhood nonprofits

Juliette Fowler Homes Inc.

Full Continuum of Care

oin Fowler residents who enjoy all the comforts of home -- without the worry -- thanks to our full continuum of care campus.

THIS MONTH,SUPPORTSTYLE ...

and attend a fashion show at Dallas Elks Lodge No. 71, 8550 Lullwater, Sunday, March 12. The Elks’ spring style show, “Accessorize Your Style”, will feature ensembles from Draper’s and Damon’s, makers of classic women’s apparel. The show is $16 per person and includes wine and lunch. Proceeds benefit the Elks, who provide scholarships for neighborhood students, support for veterans, drug education and community improvement programs, to name a few. Wine is served at 11:30 a.m., lunch starts at noon, and the show kicks off at 1 p.m. Reserve your seat by March 7 by calling 214.348.2648.

OR RUN ‘TIL YOU’RE PINK ...

Only 5 minutes from Baylor Hospital.

ome -- whether you enjoy a temporary stay or choose to make your home with Fowler, the supportive community and continuum of care offered on our beautiful campus will give you and your loved ones peace of mind.

F Howler’s state-ofthe-art therapy suite includes a mock kitchen, bath and bedroom. Also, its rehabilitative outdoor garden and multiterrain walkways contributes a unique therapy environment while helping residents regain skills that help them return to a better quality of life.

... at the Half Marathon to Benefit Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure program. The race, which starts at 8 a.m. Sunday, March 27, begins at Dallas City Hall, winds through White Rock-area neighborhoods and ends at Fair Park.Registration is $75 at dallas.competitor.com/register, and entrants will have an opportunity to join a fundraising team. Organizers say 84 cents of each dollar raised will go toward breast cancer research and community outreach programs. To learn more about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit ww5.komen. org or call 1.877.GOKOMEN.

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.

Independent & Assisted Living Apartments

www.fowlerhomes.org

out&about

IN MARCH 03.26.11

RAISE THE WOOF PUP RALLY $5 White Rock Lake Dog Park will transform into a canine carnival during the Raise the Woof Pup Rally, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For a $5 donation to the park, neighbors can browse scores of vendors and local rescue organizations, plus the Dallas Agility Working Group (DAWG) will perform. Beth Bowers of Power to the PawZ Pet Services will demonstrate CPR techniques for dog owners, offering insight on what to do in a pet emergency. Other groups plan to provide dog training tips, low-cost vaccinations and microchipping on site. The fundraiser also features a cookout and live music from ’90s cover band Grand Theft Audio. Since the dog park has limited parking, a shuttle bus will pick up participants and their pups starting at 9 a.m. at Dallas Bike Works, 6780 Abrams. For details, visit whiterockdallas.org. To volunteer at the event, call Lisa Stabler at 214.448.7860. — EMILY TOMAN

03.02 TODDLER STORY TIME FREE The Episcopal Church of the Ascension’s Parent’s Day Out program presents Reading with the Stars Toddler Story Time 10-11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at 8787 Greenville. For details, call 214.340.4196 or visit ascensiondallas.org.

03.04-03.05 TROUBLE $5-$12 The Lake Highlands High School musical ensemble, Espree, will perform “Trouble” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the auditorium, 9449 Church. Tickets are $5 for seniors and students, $10 for general admission, and $12 for reserved seating. For details and to purchase tickets, call 214.348.5427 or visit lhhschoir.org.

03.05-12.31 FAIRY TALE CASTLEEXHIBIT

$12 The Dallas Arboretum presents an outdoor exhibit by local architecture firms, featuring castles from classic fairy tales such as “The Princess and the Pea” and “Beauty and the Beast”. Visitors also can view the floral festival, Dallas Blooms, March 5-April 10. Park hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 65 and older, $8 for children age 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children under 2. For details, call 214.515.6500 or visit dallasarboretum.org.

GO ONLINE Visit lakehighlands.advocatemag.com for a list of happenings or to post your event on our free online calendar. Posts will be considered for publication.

happeningsLAUNCH

03.13 CHeFS FoR FARMeRS $85 Chefs celebrate local farms during a benefit dinner at 4 p.m. at Highland Park Cafeteria, 1200 N. Buckner. They will prepare farm-fresh meals, and DJs Jennifer Miller and Paul Paredes will provide music. A portion of proceeds will go to The Family Place, a nonprofit that supports domestic violence victims. For details, visit chefsforfarmers.com.

03.04-04.03 THe FRog PRiNCe $12-$23

The Dallas Children’s Theater presents “The Frog Prince”, which adds a twist to the popular fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. Performances run at 7:30 p.m. March 4 and 11, and 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at the theater, 5938 Skillman. For details, call 214.740.0051 or visit dct.org.

03.18-03.20 ARTSCAPe $12 Nearly 100 artists will display and sell their artwork at the Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road. The sale spans all mediums such as sculpture, woodwork, paintings and jewelry. Park hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children and free for Arboretum members and children under 2. For details, call 214.515.6539 or visit dallasarboretum.org.

03.25-04.10 TUCK eVeRLASTiNg $12-$23

The Dallas Children’s Theater presents the classic story of a young girl who meets a family with a big secret. Performances run 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For details, call 214.740.0051 or visit dct.org.

03.30 AMY ALFoRD FRee

Local author-photographer Amy Simmons Alford will host a presentation and book signing 3:30-5 p.m. in the McGowan Performing Arts Center at Presbyterian Village North, 8600 Skyline. Alford will speak about her latest book, “When God Intervenes, Let Him”. For more details, call 214.355.9033.

Delicious

A guide to dining & drinking in our neighborhood

ALL THAIED UP

NOWHERE ELSE WILL YOU FIND a family owned Thai restaurant that also happens to have a golfing green in the back, made especially for the owners’ daughter to practice her skills on rainy days. That’s just one of the charming quirks about Tukta Thai, which has operated in Lake Highlands for 15 years. The owners, Wuttichai and Suwanna Ruengmateekhun, moved to the area from Thailand in 1982. “My mom had been cooking for 60 years,” Suwanna says. “I helped her prepare food in Thailand, and I loved it.” The husband and wife team learned more about the restaurant business after working at the Dallas Country Club. They later incorporated their skills and love for Thai food into their own place, serving up traditional favorites such as the spicy yam yam salad and the milder pad Thai. Be sure to take in the atmosphere, too, which includes two large fish tanks, lots of greenery and floral arrangements, and interesting sculptures. And, it’s BYOB. —EMILY TOMAN

TUKTA THAI

WALNUTHILL & PLANOROAD

214.342.0121

Pictured: spicy yam yam salad

WATCHA VIDEO AT lakehighlands. advocatemag.com/video

1 KAZY’S

For a fresh fish fix, this neighborhood Japanese grocery store offers all the fixings for sushi, sashimi and other cuisines. You can also stop in for a quick lunch.

MARKVILLE & LBJ

972.235.4831

KAZYSDALLAS.COM

2 PHO 95

For Pho lovers, this spot offers several combinations of the traditional Vietnamese dish, served in large bowls.

WALNUTSTREET & AUDELIA 972.644.6995

FOOD AND WINE ONLINE. Visit lakehighlands.advocatemag.com/dining.

3 BISTRO B

This cafeteria-style eatery has an extensive menu of Asian cuisine — from Korean barbecue to noodle bowls to bubble tea.

WALNUT STREET & AUDELIA 214.575.9885

MARK DAVIS

YOUR GUIDE TO DINING OUT

ASIAN MINT $$ODFBWB Our Highland Park location, The Mint, offers an array of Asian-fused cuisine, specializing in Bangkok style dishes. We feature farm fresh ingredients, beautifully presented, coupled with a chic atmosphere and friendly service. Happy Hour is 5pm6:30pm Mon.-Fri. – all beers and house wines are $3; $2 off appetizers, soups & salads. 4246 Oak Lawn Ave. 214.219.6469. The Asian Mint, along with its fused and sushi menus, also offers one of the best dessert bars in Dallas. 11617 N. Central Expwy. 214.363.6655. www.themintdallas.com

BACK COUNTRY BBQ $ WB Over 30 years of Texas-style BBQ. Family dining –8 different meats, variety of homemade vegetables. Complete catering & custom cooking. Beer, wine, margaritas. 6940 Greenville Ave. 214.696.6940.

Great Starters

Soups & Chili

Wings (19 flavors)

Grill Wraps

Classic Burgers

Signature

TEX MEX GRILL $WB

If you are looking for great Tex-Mex dining at reasonable prices try Tex Mex Grill and Cafe at the corner of Walnut Hill Lane and Plano Rd. Everything on the menu is quickly prepared using fresh ingredients. Offering a different lunch special each day, beginning at $4.99. Private Party room, seats 40 people. Adult beverages are limited to margaritas and beer. Catering beginning at $6.50 per person. New Hours: Mon- Sat 11 am - 10 pm, Sunday 10 am - 4 pm ALL DAY BRUNCH texmexlakehighalnds.com

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

DIVINE COFFEE SHOP

Under new ownership! Come by and check out our new daily specials. Serving breakfast and lunch daily ‘til 2:00 pm. Catfish Lunch Buffet, Mon-Fri. Mention this ad and get the lunch buffet for $5.95!

SZECHWAN PAVILION

Since 1980, we have offered the finest Chinese food in Dallas. Choose from our gourmet menu or convenient buffet.

BECKER

($15) TEXAS>

Texas wine has never been more popular or of better quality.

So what’s the Legislature about to do? Eliminate the state’s funding for wine research and marketing as it attempts to solve a $27 billion budget deficit.

The savings? About $3 a Texan a year for the next two years, which won’t make much of dent in the deficit.

It will, however, seriously damage the progress Texas wine has made over the past several decades. Texas wine is not some effete pastime enjoyed by a bunch of outsiders who don’t like to drink Lone Star and eat chicken fried. It’s Big Bidness.

Texas wine sales increased 6 percent in 2010, with consumers buying almost 240,000 cases of Texas wine from grocery and liquor stores, according to the Nielsen survey company. Texas wine outsoldArgentine and Chilean wine — combined in the state in 2010, reported Nielsen, and four Texas wineries were among the top 100 brands in the state.

So buy a bottle of Texas wine, toast the Legislature, and hope it does the right thing: ($15). This is the best-selling viognier in Texas, outselling viogniers from California and France. Which is exactly the point of the $3 a person tax, since it pays for the research necessary to find out if a grape like viognier will make quality wine here.

$10).

Yes, I always recommend this wine. And why not? It’s cheap and well-made, and, though pink, manly enough for any member of the Legislature.

($13). Texas chardonnay has always confused me. But if Texas is going to make chardonnay, this is a good start — unoaked, with lots of tropical fruit and balance.

—JEFF SIEGEL

WITH YOUR WINE

Pot-roasted pork loin

Pork gets short shrift as a roast, which is too bad. It can produce wonderful results. Serve this to celebrate the last cold day of this unending winter, and a Texas wine like the Becker viognier would be a great pairing.

Serves 4-6, takes 3 to 3 1/2 hours

4 lb boneless pork loin

2 onions, sliced

2 Tbsp carraway seeds

3-4 cloves garlic, chopped

6 carrots

1/2 head cabbage, sliced

1 c mixed dried fruit

2-3 Tbsp red wine vinegar

salt, pepper and red pepper to taste

1/4 tsp dried sage

2 bay leaves

1 bottle fruity red wine

Also may need: olive oil, rice or noodles

1. Preheat the oven to 325. Season the loin with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-proof casserole dish. Remove the loin to a plate.

2. Sauté the onions in the Dutch oven until they start to brown. Add the garlic and carraway seeds, and cook for 30 or 40 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant.

3. Slice the carrots lengthwise to produce 3-inch sticks. Add the carrots, cabbage, dried fruit, sage, bay leaves, and salt and pepper, to taste, to the Dutch oven. Add the wine and red wine vinegar, and bring to a boil.

4.Add the loin (with any accumulated juices) to the Dutch oven. Cover and place in the oven for 2 1/2 hours. Check after an hour or so. Flip the roast and add liquid if it seems dry.

5.Remove the loin from the Dutch oven, and cook the liquid down for a few minutes if you want. Thinly slice the pork, and serve in a bowl with rice or noodles, the vegetables and dried fruit, and the liquid.

JEFF SIEGEL’SWEEKLYWINE REVIEWS

appear every Wednesday on lakehighlands.advocatemag.com

AbbieChesney

An eating disorder is like a person. Like a deceitful, controlling, jealous, very bad best friend whose secret plan is suicide.

At least, that’s the way AbbieChesney talks about her disease.Chesney, 34, grew up in Lake Highlands and lives in Lakewood. Now she is a counselor specializing in eating disorders.

“I strongly believe the connection I have with my clients maintains because I have spent a lot of time in their shoes,” she says.

She knows what it’s like to be afraid of pain and failure. And she knows what it’s like to be afraid of eating.

Her struggle started as a middle school misfit, where she learned at the lunch table that eating less and being thin was “better”, so she challenged herself to eat less than her lunch mates.

She always judged thin, boyish figures to be “better”. In high school, she dated “the bad boy” just to fit in somewhere. And, as bad boys will, he took her virginity after much begging and then promptly dumped her.

She was devastated, full of guilt and self-loathing. So she tried drinking to numb the pain, but that didn’t catch on.

Soon, she found that if she didn’t eat, she thought about how hungry she was instead of how she felt about herself.

And by not eating, she got compliments for being enviably skinny.

“I was also doing what I learned at the lunch table every girl should want to do,” she says. “Every girl should want to lose weight. Smaller had to be better.”

Sometimes, she would eat enough so that people weren’t suspicious.

“Snuffers cheese fries were safe as long as it was a few bites,” she says.

That was at first, but the “rules” of her eating disorder kept changing.

continued on page 30

WAY BUT UP

After hitting rock bottom, they came back in a big way

s TO rY BY Chris Ti NA hU ghes BABB , rAC hel sTON e & e milY T Om AN Ph OTO gr AP hs BY C AN Türk Y ilm Az & Be NjA mi N hA ger

vide O

WATCh A videO

Visit lakehighlands.advocatemag.com/video to see more on these inspiring stories.

Thanks To Tabloid and reali Ty TV, we know that people are sometimes prone to self-destruction. Watching it can be morbidly entertaining, but more intriguing than the train wreck is the rare story of one who manages to pull himself out of his pitiful existence — the drug abusing, jailbird celebrity who finds lasting sobriety and subsequent success or “Biggest Losers” who shed hundreds of life-threatening pounds. These are the stories that move us, and you don’t need to turn on the TV to see them. These true tales of redemption are being lived, and touching lives, right here in our neighborhood.

“I was headed for a very slow suicide.”

By the time she was really sick — her senior year of high school — she sometimes would eat a bowl of rice with parmesan cheese for the day.

“I’d even go through the drive-through of Taco Bell to create some evidence to show my parents I had already eaten,” she says.

She was so thin, she had to wear two pairs of pants to keep warm.

At5-foot-3,herweightdroppedto 76 pounds in the matter of a year. By thetimeshestartedgettinghelpfor anorexia, her body was deteriorating so rapidly that all four of her heart valves were leaking.

“I was headed for a very slow suicide,” she says.

After that, her parents did not allow her to drive, go to school, ride horses or do any other activities. She was either with them, or she was in a treatment center.

She gained weight and was able to attendSMU(insteadofTexasA&M as planned). She struggled with eating throughout college.

“What I didn’t know through my initial treatment, but soon discovered, was that what I wanted was to disappear,” she says. “For me, to be seen meant getting hurt. I never wanted to be hurt again.”

She realized she was afraid of men and of being attractive to them.

She lost much of her identity in the disease. It cut her off from friends and family and most of the joy in life.

But slowly, she started to realize that

ABBIECHESNEY continued from page 28

John D. Bertrand, M.D. David M. Bookout, M.D. Julie M. Hagood, M.D. Hampton B. Richards, M.D. Jane E. Nokleberg, M.D. James K. Richards, M.D. Jeffrey M. Thurston, M.D.

some men are OK, and one of them fell in love with her.

“I stumbled into a relationship with someone who I wanted to be with more than I wanted to be with the eating disorder,” she says. “You can’t have both. It’s impossible to be in an intimate relationship with an eating disorder and a boyfriend.”

Soshespentmuchofthisromantic relationship just observing — how to eat normally, how to interact with friends, how to enjoy sitting on the couch watching television on a Saturday afternoon.

“I had gotten tired enough and seen through most of its lies by then,” she says of anorexia. “All the hurt it claimed to keep me from really just kept me from life.”

Her whole self needed restoration. Like a jigsaw puzzle, she took pieces she liked for the picture of herself, and she left behind the ones she didn’t. She got back in the saddle, literally, and returned to things she liked before the eating disorder. That’s when she decided to get a master’s degree in counseling.

Eating disorders are tricky, she says. You can’t take your eyes off for too long, or “it’s gonna get ya”.

“So, I decided to make it my life’s work,” she says.

She knows what it’s like to lose oneself inaneatingdisorder.Butnowsheis restored, and that gives her clients hope. They can believe in her before they can believe in themselves.

“They can see I’m not any different from who they are. I’ve just worked at it longer.”

MicheleDerrington

There is an old brick two-story abode in a residential White Rock neighborhood where women go to heal. It’s called The MagdaleneHouse, and those who end up there are alcoholics who have, in most cases, lost their families, jobs, homes and dignity. By the time they meet Michele Derrington, who runs the place, they are often dirty, sick and broken, yet she welcomes each new arrival with marked compassion.After all, it wasn’t so long ago that she was in the same dismal spot as them.

At43yearsold,Derringtonhas a commanding yet gentle presence — residents and workers at The Magdalene House listen to her intently when she speaks. It comes as some surprise, then, when the well-spoken, smartly dressed director shares that she has spent more than a few of her days in jails, treatment centers and psyche wards.

She grew up in the White Rock area in a sporadically violent home where she remembershavingherfirstalcoholic drink at age 5.

Throughout her youth, drinking and dabbling in drugs was normal. When she was in her late 20s, Derrington tried cocaine. From that point on, she says, she just couldn’t get her head straight.

“Once I [tried cocaine], it was all I ever thought about.”

Until then, she had been working toward a promotion at her job, but hooked on drugs, she could no longer function.

“I left the job, spent all my savings and things got really bad,” she says.

The addiction landed her in perilous places, including the scene of a murder.

“I witnessed someone getting shot over

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$20 worth of drugs,” she says. She was subpoenaed to testify against the gunman and showed up in court wrecked after a night of cocaine use.

“Fortunately, I was never called to testify,” she says.

Seems like that would be rock bottom, she says, “but I had many bottoms … I would tell myself, ‘I am never doing this again,’ but by the next night, I was doing it again. I couldn’t hold any type of job — call centers, restaurants, the simplest of tasks — I just couldn’t work.”

In 1999, she entered rehab for the first time, but there was “still a lot of denial going on,” she says.

Therehabilitationcenterpopulation included burglars and homeless people, she says.

“I was not like them. I wasn’t willing to do what [the counselors] told me to do. I just didn’t get it.”

She soon relapsed, and things became worse, she says.

“Iresortedtodesperateacts. I did whatever I had to do to feed the disease looking back, I should be dead today.”

Derringtonexperiencedperiodsof sobriety; she even landed a job with the DallasSymphonyOrchestraforsome time, but she couldn’t hang on. She says she just wanted to be normal — have a drink now and then. She didn’t understand why she had to be different.

Finally,herfamilymembersintervened.

“My mom told me we were going to the Arboretum. I knew something was up.”

They were actually staging an intervention, after which they drove Derrington continued on page 35

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SMU Dallas, 6116 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75206 SMU-in-Plano, 5236 Tennyson Parkway, Plano, TX 75024 214.768.5437 or www.smu.edu/youth.

SMU Summer Youth Programs bridge the gap between spring and fall with weeklong camps in writing, technology, arts, LEGOs, math, science and more. 10540 Church Rd. (at the Plano Rd. LBJ Exit) Open 7 Days A Week

Southern Methodist University will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or veteran status.

SMU is proud to present a summer youth camp in conjunction with the Trinity Trust and in celebration of the October 2011 opening of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.

JulieHersh

As she teetered on the edge of a cliff, JulieHershcontemplatedwhatmight happen if she jumped. She didn’t think about leaving her children motherless or her husband a widower.

“I thought, well, if I jump, I might hit that other rock and survive. Then I’ll just be paralyzed and depressed. That’s how distorted I was.”

Today, most people know Hersh as the DallasChildren’sTheaterboardpresident. But for years, she battled severe depression,attemptingsuicidethree times before seeking serious help. She wrote about her experience in the book “Struck By Living”, and she speaks at venues across the country to raise awareness about mental illness. She’s also an active supporter of the suicide and crisis center CONTACT.

Hersh’s story doesn’t begin with a troubled childhood or traumatic event that led

to her mental illness. She had a normal life, a loving husband, two beautiful children and no logical reason to abandon it all.

“I think I was depressed long before I knew it,” she says. “I just felt more disconnected from the world. It’s like being inside a glass tube. You can see everything going on outside, but you can’t participate in it. I had a mental deficiency. I was convinced I would never get better.”

That’s what drove Hersh to suicide.

First, she stood outside her home with a knife to her wrist, but her husband found her in time. She checked into rehab, but relapsed and nearly jumped off a cliff during a family hiking vacation. Lastly, Hersh closed the garage door and locked herself in the car with the engine running for 90 minutes. She thought, for sure, that would work.

But the garage was well ventilated, so she survived.

Hershsoughttreatmentagain this

Julie HersH’s book, “struck by living” is available at Barnes & Noble at Preston and Royal. For information, visit struckbyliving.com.

MIchELEDERRINGTON

continued from page 33 time undergoing electroconvulsive therapy, also known as EcT. Through the procedure, doctors attach probes to the head and send a small pulse of electricity through the body — basically resetting the brain.

The Food and Drug administration is currently debating the use of EcT, but hersh says the controversial treatment saved her life.

“When people think of EcT, they think of ‘[One Flew Over the] cuckoo’s Nest’. Unfortunately, it was abused during the ’40s and ’50s. But today, it has an 80 percent success rate.”

hersh says it’s like a triple bypass for the brain. although results differ from person to person, she remembers exactly how she felt after her first treatment.

“Myexperience was instantaneous,” hersh says. “I can remember looking at my journal and thinking, ‘Who is this person?’ Something completely changed my brain.”

hersh believes that people have chemical predispositions for depression just like those with heart disease, diabetes or cancer.

“Every thought and every feeling we have creates an electric and chemical reaction in the body. We are the environment.”

Part of her mission is to help eliminate the stigma attached to mental illness so people won’t feel afraid or embarrassed to seek help.

“You can’t measure it,” she says. “If you break a leg, the doctor takes an X-ray, and you can see it. With mental illness, there’s really nothing to show in a tangible way.”

To maintain her current mental health, hershfollows a consistentstructure that includes what she calls her “top six”. She takes her daily anti-depressant medication; gets plenty of sleep, nutrition and exercise; listens to family and friends; plans ahead for times of emotionalstress;excitesherbrainwith newactivitiessuchasattendingan art exhibit; and finally, she surrounds herself with friends who have different perspectives on life — older people who are living proof that life gets better.

“Don’t underestimatethepower of reaching out to each other. Saying a kind word to someone, physically being there for someone — I believe that can save a life.” t

to the 24-hour club on ross.

“I cussed at them the whole way, and when they dropped me off, I looked at the director and said, ‘I hate this place.’”

The 24-hour club, which provides transitional living for alcoholics and drug addicts, is located inside a dusty, well-worn hotel.

“It is the last house on the block,” Derrington says. “I was pretty disturbed to be there.”

again, she looked around at her bedraggled new dorm mates. Only this time, rather than saying to herself, “I’m not like them,” she said, “I am like them; this is me.”

Once you make it to this point, you basically have to choose to change or die, Derrington says.

So she changed.

She worked for a while at the 24-hour club, in the kitchen.

“I sat there thinking about how my mom used to say, ‘Get an education so you don’t wind up flippin’ burgers,’ and there I was, in my late 30s, flipping burgers at the 24-hour club.”

But it was better than the alternative; she was sober.

Today she loves the dusty old 24-hour club, where she says she realized that the key to staying sober was helping others.

In 2007, she took a job at Magdalene house, where she is now executive director. When women come in feeling like trash, she helps them understand that they are worth saving. That they are not bad, but sick. and she is living proof, for them, that recovery is possible.

She says her job gives her the opportunity to stay connected to the recovery community and the 12-step recovery program on which the Magdalene program is based.

“I’m not actually doing service work here, because I get paid, but it gives me the unique opportunity to be among women who have been where I have been.”

and work with alcoholics is not always happy — a day earlier, Derrington received a call about a former Magdalene house resident who had relapsed and died.

It’s a reminder of the seriousness of alcoholism and addiction, she says.

“You can’t take this lightly. If I don’t stay connected, that could be me. With this disease you are either working at living or dying. I still have to work every day to maintain my serenity and sobriety.” t

hollyHunter

She had everyone snowed — her parents, teachers, school administrators all thought the private school honor student was a relatively good kid.

Sure, she’d been kicked out of the hockaday School for swearing at a staffer, but that was typical teenage angst, no?

and, yeah, she had wrecked the car, but she was trying to avoid a dog that ran into the street — that’s what she told her dad anyway.

“Of course he believed me — he knew how I loved animals,” says holly hunter, who today runs a counseling service with an office in our neighborhood.

In truth, at age 16 hunter was the school drug dealer. She asks that we don’t share the name of her private Dallas high school (the one she attended after the hockaday incident) where she was such a good student that she graduated a year early.

Marijuana, alcohol, cocaine — she loved drugs, she says. She started selling them not to feed a habit as much as to nourish her ego.

“Ego is when you edge God out,” she says. She points to the book “alcoholics anonymous”, which sits on her desk. “That’s where I got that acronym — E-G-O, see? I like acronyms.”

her boyfriend, who was older, cooked the drugs, and she sold them.

“I was trapped in the money game,” she says. “I could make $1,000 for 20 minutes of work.”

and while that sounded pretty cool to the young rebel in hunter, she knew deep down that something

was terribly wrong.

“I thought I had it good, but I was living in fear. constant fear. I no longer had a relationship with my family.”

One day, after sleeping for several hours — “I didn’t sleep much back then,” she says — she woke up staring at a copy of the Bible that a family member had given her.

“It was covered in dust — that made me feel bad. Then I prayed. I said, ‘God, I wish I had my life back.’ Well, be careful what you wish for. Less than 72 hours later, I was sitting in jail.”

Police raided hunter’s place and locked her up — that wasn’t her last time in jail, either. She couldn’t shaketheaddiction,andsheultimatelyrevisited prison multiple times.

“Let’s just say — all told — about a third of my life was spent in prison.”

It was during that last stint that she committed to getting clean.

She could have taken drugs while behind bars. her cellmates regularly did, she says, but instead she asked for help.

“I began requesting substance abuse counseling immediately when I got to prison [in the 1990s]. It took two years for me to get into classes — Life Skills and Drug Education.”

after her last release, she embarked on an education in chemical dependency treatment that included becoming certified as a licensed chemical dependency

counselor,certifiedclinicalsupervisor and certified anger resolution specialist.

Now she runs acourt class, which specializes in drug counseling and education, especially for those in legal trouble because of drug abuse.

Neighborhood attorney Sharon Diaz says she refers her drug-related offenders to hunter. Diaz says hunter’s personal experience makes her an effective counselor.

“I send my criminal drug clients to her for evaluation and to get them sober to face their cases,” Diaz says. “She is amazing, and open about her journey.”

hunter’s office is filled with gifts and cards from clients she has helped (one is from a well-known newscaster who was a heroin user, she confides).

“This is not a zip code problem,” she says. “People from all walks of life are subject to [drug or alcohol abuse problems].”

Forexample,shementions a high school student from a “good neighborhood” with whom she’s currently working. he and his friends were smoking marijuana in a garage in his gated community when an off-duty officer patroling the neighborhood arrested them. The youngster tried to run from the officer and, in the process, ran into him.

“Nowthekidislookingatpossession, assault and evading arrest charges. Those charges kept him from going to the college he had already been accepted to. Yes, what he did was very wrong, but he needs help. he needs someone to work on his behalf to make sure legal problems don’t prevent him from becoming a productive member of society.”

hunter works closely with the courts to help people — some like this teenager, others with even deeper problems — successfully complete court-mandated probation and find sobriety. Each person is different and requires an individualized treatment plan, she says.

Inadditiontohaving a successful business that serves people from many Dallas neighborhoods, hunter says her personal life is back on track and better than she could have ever imagined.

“I have a relationship with my mom. We talk every day. I have true friendships and intimate relationships.”

and maybe most importantly, she is at peace: hunter says she doesn’t condemn herself today for what happened in the past. again, she reads from the literature on her desk: “Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in God’s world by mistake.” n

MeadowsMusuem 02-11 Page 1

CATEDRAL DE TOLEDO MEADOWS MUSEUM SMU DALLAS

Learning to heal

There is a shortage of preschools in the Vickery Meadow neighborhood. The Avance program educates young children at Hotchkiss Elementary while their parents gather in a nearby classroom.

oryears,PaulaSanchez’sunrelenting worries about feeding and clothingherfamily,coupledwith concern over dangers of daily life in one of Dallas’ most violent neighborhoods, prevented her from treasuring time with her children.

The young mother’s neighborhood, Vickery Meadow, flanks our own, but the2.86-square-mileareawithits almost 18,000 apartment homes can seem to Lake highlands homeowners

like a different world. at least 20 different languages are spokenamongthe36,000Vickery Meadowresidents.Itisoneofthe mostdenselypopulated,ethnically diverseandlowest-incomeareasof Dallas, according to statistics provided by the Vickery Meadow Improvement District,whichformedin 1993 in an effort to curb crime. The average income is $24,000 and average family size is 5.3 persons.

In February 2009, Dallas Police pinpointed Vickery Meadow the violent-crime capital of Dallas, reporting more than 350 rapes, assaults or murders for 2008.

For 18 years, the improvement district has been working to increase the quality of life for the residents by partnering with Dallas Police and city officials, hiring off-duty officers to patrol the area, and implementinginteractivepolicingprograms that involve apartment owners.

as theVMIDcontinuesto build

It’s known as a rough part of town, but through educational programs, Vickery Meadow is growing stronger and safer

PHOTO BY CAN TürkYIlMAz

a healthier and safer environment for renters (crime is down 52 percent since itformedanddown 6 percentsince 2008, according to Dallas Police statistics)complementarygroups,suchas the Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation, are reaching the heart of the neighborhood — children and their parents — in an effort to heal the community at its core.

MarthaStowe,executivedirectorof the VMYDF who is also on the VMID

a

■

DeSiGn

board, says she tries to meet the most pressing needs of the children in Vickery Meadow, specifically through education and enrichment programs.

“We work closely with the schools that serve the neighborhood, assess the greatest needs, and try to put the best programs in place to meet those needs.”

One such program is Avance, a group thatworkswithelementaryschools servingat-riskfamilies that’sthe one that changed the lives of Sanchez, the 24-year-old mother, and her three children.

“The most important thing I learned inAvance is that I am my child’s first teacher,” Sanchez says, “and that you only have one life to enjoy time with your children. Now we spend time together. I read to them. I never used to do that. I realize now that they need me.”

Another mom, Maria Martinez, says her children, ages 5 and 3, once only seemed to compound life’s pressures.

“Iusedtogetannoyedwhenthey asked me questions,” she says through aninterpreter.“Now I taketimeto answer every question.”

Sanchez and Martinez are among 30 or so moms of elementary- and preschool-age children who gather Tuesdays from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at Hotchkiss Elementary (a Dallas ISD school located just a mile from White Rock Elementary) to learn how to be better parents.

OnthedayfollowingChristmas break, the Avance moms sew pillows for their children. Sanchez says she’s learned to handcraft gifts for her children.Meanwhile,theyoungchildren areinpreschoolatnearbyportable buildings.Onemajorprobleminthe

Sponsored by:

The students are hardworking, gracious and appreciative. Many of them come to my night class following a day of hard work — cleaning houses, working construction jobs.”

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Vickery Meadow area, Stowe says, is the lack of preschools. “Research shows that brain development begins in early childhood,” she says. “So (if they don’t go to preschool) when they enter kindergarten or first grade, they are already at a disadvantage.”

Nearby,Vickery MeadowLearning Center’s Family English Literacy program provides preschool for children of the center’s adult students.

LakeHighlands resident Liz Luthans, who works in the oil industry by day, says her volunteer teaching assignment at the Vickery Meadow Learning Center is the highlight of every week.

“The students are hardworking, gracious and appreciative,” she says. “Many of them come to my night class following a day of

hard work — cleaning houses, working construction jobs. They want to learn to communicate with their children’s teachers, and to get better jobs and build a better life. They are dedicated.”

They are a diverse group of students whose native tongues are varied.

“When I first started about four years ago,thestudentswerepredominately Spanish speaking,” Luthans says. “Now we have students from Burma, Iran, Peru there are two brothers from the Congo and French-speaking African natives. Many of them are refugees.”

Englishistheonlylanguagespoken in the VMLC classroom. In addition to learning English and grammar, Luthans says, students learn about things such as health issues and American culture, “and

Organizers of the Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation say a preschool education is vital to children’s success in school during later years. PHOTO BY CAN TÜRKYILMAZ

I learn about their culture.”

She says that in Mexico the government funds public education only through the sixth-grade.

“Did you know that? Most people don’t know that.”

As a by-product,educational and enrichmentprogramsmovemembers ofVickeryMeadow to interact with and support one another, Stowe notes. Mothers who traditionally kept to themselves will work together on behalf of their children, she says.

Sanchez says that’s true in her case.

“Iusedtobe a soloperson,doing everything alone, but when I met the other moms in Avance, we began going shoppingtogether,supportingeach other. This experience has shown me

E EDUCATION GUIDE

st. Paul academy

6464 E. Lovers Ln. Dallas / 214.321.1275 / www.StPaulAcademy.com Grades 5-8. This is a rare opportunity to participate in coeducational, non-denominational private school exclusively for middle school students. In order to maintain a small, nurturing community of learners where students can grow and develop their talents and skills, enrollment is limited to 100 students. We offer a balanced and challenging curriculum that prepares students to enter high school with a strong academic foundation and the confidence to be successful, life-ling learners. Contact us at info@StPaulAcademy.com for pre-registration and other information.

white rock north school

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas / 214.348.7410. 2 Years through 5th Grade. 45 years of successful students! Our accelerated curriculum provides opportunity for intellectual and physical development in a loving and nurturing environment. Character-building and civic responsibility are stressed. Facilities include indoor swimming pool, skating rink, updated playground, and state-of-the-art technology lab. Kids Club on the Corner provides meaningful after-school experiences. Summer Camp offers field trips, swimming, and a balance of indoor and outdoor activities designed around fun-filled themes. Accredited by SACS. Call for a tour of the campus. www.WhiteRockNorthSchool.com.

Zion lutheran school

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

that other people go through the same things as me, and that there are people who really do care about us.”

Foradolescent-agedstudents, the VickeryMeadowYouthDevelopment FoundationstartedtheEagleScholars program,whichaimstogetstudents from Vickery Meadow to college. Through a partnership with Southern Methodist University, 120 middle school students spend five weeks each summer at SMU’s Simmons School of Education and human Development.

“They take a lot of pride in being on a university campus,” Stowe says.

To date, VMYDF has sent 16 Vickery Meadow youth who attended conrad high School to college on scholarships.

“So far, they are all doing well — haven’t had one drop out yet,” Stowe says.

It takes time, but through the various programs, Vickery Meadow is becoming a better

Volunteer opportunities

community, Stowe says.

Lake highlands homeowners have an opportunity to helpimprove thelives of Vickery Meadow families — not just an opportunity, stresses Vickery Meadow Learning center teacher Liz Luthans, but an obligation.

“They are our neighbors,” she says, “yet some [Lake highlands residents] are afraid to even drive through Vickery Meadow. I live by the belief that if you ‘teach a man to fish, he can eat forever’.”

The payoff for volunteering,” she says, “is far greater than the effort exerted constructing a lesson plan and teaching once a week.

“To watch them progress is such a reward. Most of us who teach here aren’t teachers for a living, but this is how teachers must feel … it uplifts me for the whole week,” she says. “I consider the center my neighbor, and a great one to have.” n

Vickery Meadow learning Center: Amy Glover at 214.265.5057 ext. 12

Vickery Meadow improvement District: 214.265.8285 or vickerymeadow.org

Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation: Martha Stowe 214.443.7985

eagle scholars: Sherril English at 214.768.8402, or shenglish@smu.edu

Avance: Anne Thomas at 214.887.9907, ext. 115, or athomas.dal@avance.org

At least 20 languages are spoken among the 36,000 Vickery Meadow residents. The average familiy in the densely populated community has about 5 people. Jill Stone Elementary is at the heart of the neighborhood. phoTo by CAn TürkyilMAz

LIVE LOCAL

THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT’S UP WITH NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESSES

Once Upon a Child 1 has finally made it to Dallas proper. The owners are a mother-daughter duo, Tricia Hundley and Lake Highlands High School teacher Addi Ledford. The store, which recently opened on Skillman near Mariano’s, has a unique business approach, Hundley says, “because we are first allowed to open only to buy.” The store has to reach a particular inventory level before it can officially open to sell clothing and merchandise, including furniture, mattresses, car seats and strollers. “Once Upon A Child is a franchise that has been in existence for 25 years, and there are a number of the shops in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but most of them are in the suburbs. We’re the only one in Dallas,” Hundley says. The store carries merchandise for children from infancy to age 8, and pays cash for new and gently used clothing and toys. 214.503.6010, onceuponachild.com, 6300 Skillman.

White Rock Dental recently welcomed Dr. Lynette Page to its team. Page lives in Old Lake Highlands and joined the practice after searching for a position close to home. “I heard about White Rock Dental’s reputation for great dentistry and comprehensive care, and I met the owner, Dr. Edward Lutz, and we got along great,” Page says. Aside from her dental work, Page also is an accomplished triathlete and enjoys working close to the lake so that she can continue her training. She says she will be competing in two upcoming Iron Man 70.3 challenges, one in Puerto Rico and the other in Las Vegas. 214.321.9191, whiterockdentalgroup.com, 8940 Garland.

He says his expertise is in “any age fitness”, and John Reeg, owner and creator of Silver Star Health and Fitness 2 , means just that. Reeg, who lives in Lake Highlands, is a former college gymnast, Marine, Vietnam veteran, and physical education and gymnastics instructor. His business is a personal home training pro-

gram that specializes in senior citizen fitness. “I’ve been in fitness for awhile, and I see that with older people, there’s a need for them to stay fit so they can stay independent, and a lot of times there is not an avenue for them to do that,” Reeg says. He takes the equipment ranging from benches, dumbbells, bands and balls — to the client’s home, where he conducts an evaluation to discuss the client’s goals and fitness level. “Some people need ambulatory skills, where they’ve been sedentary and need a lot of leg stretching, while others might be a little bit younger and are looking to tone and shape a little more,” Reeg says, “so I tailor-make each program to the individual.” He says his biggest reward from the new business is helping people gain confidence and boost their energy. 972.800.8031, silverstarfitness.com.

Picasso’s Pizza 3 at Skillman and Walnut Hill is now offering online ordering. Laurie Stovall, director of marketing and catering sales, says the restaurant initially tried delivery via online ordering with its FrankfordTollway location and discovered it was a major success. “Month after month, the business has increased,” Stovall says, adding that after the Frankford-Tollway success, Picasso’s launched online ordering with its Inwood location and, shortly afterward, the Lake Highlands restaurant. “A lot of times, people are content with just perusing the menu and ordering at their leisure instead of talking to someone on the phone,” Stovall says. Customers can view the entire menu online, and Picasso’s doesn’t add a delivery charge for any order. 214.553.8100, picassospizza.com, 7215 Skillman.

The Lab at Lake Highlands 4 is hosting a spring break camp March 14-18 with two sessions each day, 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. The theme of the $150 camp is “Animals Live”, owner Melissa Wright says, “so it is all about animal habits, and we will have live animals every day.” Visiting animals will include tortoises, iguanas, snakes, rabbits and a hissing cockroach. 214.901.4280, thelabdallas.com, 10050 Shoreview.

—ELIZABETH KNIGHTEN

DO

YOU KNOW OF A NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS renovating, expanding, moving, launching, hosting an event, celebrating an anniversary, offering a special or something else noteworthy? Send the information to livelocal@advocatemag.com or call 214.292.0487.

Silver Star Health & Fitness

to advertise call 214.560.4203

a cHUrcH WortH MillioNs M EASURING IMPACT IN DOLLARS RESULTS IN A STAGGERING vALUATION

How much is your church worth to the community?

It seems almost impossible to put a value on everything, but economists try. For instance, ever wonder about those numbers they throw around every time we’re asked to consider a bond election to build a new sports arena?

They claim that the number of jobs added, concessions sold, hotel and rental cars arranged, advertising booked, merchandise purchased, and restaurants frequented all add up to some enormous number — much more than the zero that would be the case if we didn’t do it at all. Then subtract the amount it costs us in tax abatements to bribe a billionaire to build it in our town — from which he gets all the profit — and there’s your number.

Well, a University of Pennsylvania professor and a secular research firm have now figured a way to measure the economic impact of religious communities on their wider communities. They devised 54 categories to measure the value of what they call the “halo effect” of churches, synagogues and the like.

What’s the worth of one marriage saved? One suicide averted? One addiction conquered? One teenager taught right from wrong?

Interesting. But they took it even further: They added up the money generated by weddings and funerals, festivals, counseling programs, preschools and elder care. They tallied salaries of staff, and the wages of roofers, plumbers and even snow shovelers. They put dollar signs on intangibles, such as helping people find work and teaching children to be socially responsible. They even measured the diameter of trees on church campuses.

After analyzing 12 churches in the Philadelphia area, the results are in: The economic benefit exceeds $50 million dollars. The numbers, culled from clergy and staff interviews, “just blew us away,” says Robert Jaeger, executive dire ctor of the research group Partners for Sacred Places.

They don’t blow me away. I expected a number far beyond what most people would think.

A skeptic about the church and its doctrine once approached a pastor colleague of mine.

W ors HiP W

BaP tist

Forest MeadoW / 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

Pastor Jeff Donnell / Worship 10:50 am www.lbc-dallas.org

WilsHire BaPtist / 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

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

The man asked if the pastor really could imagine hell. My friend answered, “Sure, all I do is think of our own city and take out every church, every synagogue, every hospital that cares for the indigent, and every community benevolence institution that tries to help the homeless and the hopeless. That would be hell.”

I don’t know how you put a value on avoiding hell, but the exercise in assigning value to the presence of a religious organization in a community revealed to researchers something they didn’t anticipate. They found that churches did far more than simply conduct worship services and other religious rites. They hosted dance classes, senior citizens programs, childcare centers, youth sports activities, self-defense classes, grief and addiction recovery programs, small non-profit businesses, computer classes for the elderly, job search classes for the unemployed and job training for the underemployed.

The array of services offered by churches is a reality of social good that hides in plain sight.

One pastor, whose church was part of the study, put it this way: “Our mission is not just to get people into heaven,” he said, “but help them maneuver through the trials and troubles of life.”

The church is an easy target for critics, since it is composed of only sinners who are more or less aware of our need for God’s grace to become more than we are now. It’s also true that the church sometimes forgets its mission for God to the world and turns out to be just another social club or tax-exempt business that fails to give back as much as it receives. Hypocrisy tarnishes whatever halo effect social scientists may calculate.

But when you consider the positive impact of religious congregations in the lessening of misery and the elevating of human dignity, there’s reason to give thanks for good neighbors as you drive by buildings with steeples that point your eyes upward.

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.

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

BiBle c HU rc H es

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

disciPles oF cHrist

east dallas cHristiaN cHUrcH / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185

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

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

lU tH era N

First UNited lUtHeraN cHUrcH / 6202 E Mockingbird Ln.

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

214.821.5929 / www.dallaslutheran.org

ZioN lUtHeraN cHUrcH & scHool / 6121 E Lovers Ln.

Sunday: Sunday School 9:15 am, Worship 8:00 am,

10:30 am, & 6:00 pm / 214.363.1639 / www.ziondallas.org

M et Hodist

laKe HiGHlaNds UMc / 9015 Plano Rd. / 214.348.6600 / lhumc.com

8:30-Adult Sun. School / 9:30-Traditional Service & Sun. School ‘A’

10:30-Fellowship / 10:50-Contemporary Service & Sun. School ‘B’

NoN- de NoMiN atioN al

laKe HiGHlaNds cHUrcH / 9919 McCree

Sun. Classes 9:30 am, Assembly 11:00 am / 214.348.0460

Home groups meet on weeknights. / lakehighlandschurch.org

WHite rocK coMMUNity cHUrcH / 9353 Garland Rd /214.320.0043

Sun. Bible Study 9:30 am, Worship 10:45 am / Wed. Bible Studies

10:00 am & 7:30 pm / event facilities for rent / whiterockchurch.org

Pres B yteria N

laKe HiGHlaNds PresByteriaN cHUrcH / 214.348.2133

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

Christian Ed. 9:45 am, 9:00 am Contemporary, 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

mAkiNg A DiffErENcE

c hristian b uechel, Elliott Schermerhorn and c onnor Davis recently participated in Jesuit College Prep’s Cultural and Service Immersion Program in Nicaragua. They worked with the “Amigos for Christ” organization to promote rural development in water and sanitation, health care, education, and community. All three boys are Lake Highlands residents, seniors at Jesuit, and graduated from St. Patrick’s Catholic School.

HEALTH RESOURCE bu LLE ti N bo ArD

TuToring & Lessons

ART: Draw or Paint. All Levels. Church Hill Rec. Ctr. on Hillcrest 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

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

TUTORING ALL SUBJECTS Including Algebra 2/ Chemistry. In Your Home. Jennie. 214-597-6925

VOICE TEACHER with 38 years experience. MM, NATS, MTNA www.PatriciaIvey.com 214-324-5625

LISTEN - SPEAK READ - WRITE

Spanish Classes for Adults & Children

Spanish Immersion Preschool Ages 2-5

DallasSpanishHouse.com 2 14-826-4410

ChiLdCare

LOVING, CHRIST-CENTERED CARE SINCE 1982

Lake Highlands Christian Child Enrichment Center

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

empLoymenT

AIRLINES are hiring. Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified. Housing available. Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 866-453-6204

ALL CASH VENDING ROUTE Be Your Own Boss. Local Vending Routes. 25 Machines/Candy. $9,995 1-877-915-8222

VEND 3. “S.S.REGNO.299” AINB02653

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

YOUR COMPUTER GEEK Let Me Solve Your Computer Problems. 25 Yrs. Exp. Hardware/Software Issues/Install. Network

serviCes for you

Creating

organizing

ORGANIZE & REJUVENATE

Enhance Your Home And Life. Linda 972-816-8004

professionaL serviCes

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

BOOKKEEPING NEEDS? Need Help Organizing Finances? No Job Too Small or Big.

Call C.A.S Accounting Solutions. Cindy 214-821-6903

214.683.0103

galasbyginger.com ginger@galasbyginger.com

Holiday/Birthday Parties Bridal/Baby Showers

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

QUICKBOOKS Having Issues? Free Consultation. Jack Hicks 214-734-4767 jchicks@sbcglobal.net

unS ung heroe S

b randon Landis and Will m organ received Unsung Hero awards at a recent Lake Highlands Exchange Club event. Landis has Dystonia, a symptom of a brain disorder, which causes him to lose muscle control in his arms and legs. Morgan suffers from Ewing’s Sarcoma, a form of leg cancer. The award, presented by John York, recognizes community members who show leadership while facing adversity. Pictured from left: Drew and m elissa Landis with their son, b randon Landis, and Will m organ with parents, r enee and Sam Long

teacher appreciation

Moss Haven Elementary teacher Lea a nne p illers won the KLTY Teacher of the Month award for December. In partnership with CareNow, KLTY recognizes a teacher each month during the school year. A parent nominated her for the honor, and she was selected from more than 100 entries. Pillers is pictured with her former kindergarten student a nna Speer

Professional serViCes

Website Design

Flash Demos

Graphic Design

RibbitMultimedia .com 214.560.4207

Mind, Body & sPirit

HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS Motivational, Compassionate & Confidential Sessions Offered To Those Wanting To Lose Weight & Gain A Healthier Lifestyle. Dr. Nicole Mangum, Health Psychologist. 214-692-6666 ext. 311

IN HOME professional personal trainer. Moneyback guarantee. Many specialties. www.silverstarfitness.com 972-800-8031

W.O.W. WE ONLY WAX www.weonlywax.com

Full body waxing for men and women. 214-739-2929

WWW.TRAINWITHJEAN.COM On-Line Training Or Golds Gym White Rock Lke. email@trainwithjean.com 214-886-1459

Pets

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

POOPIE PATROL We Scoop Poop So You Don’t Have To! Call Us! 214-923-2575 or www.poopiepatrol.com

april deadline march 9

TO adVerTiSe call 214.560.4203

Pets TADDY’S

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

www.taddyspetservices.com

Buy/sell/trade

DONATE YOUR CAR Free towing. “Cars For Kids” Any condition. Tax deductible. outreachcenter.com 1-800-597-9411

SAVVY CONSIGNMENTS Eclectic Furniture & Accessories. Great Gifts. Affordable Pricing. 214-660-8700

TEXAS RANGERS BASEBALL SUITE Share this prime suite on a partial basis (sets of 5,10 or 20 games) during the 2011 season. Our suite is located directly behind home plate, and each game includes 16 tickets, three parking passes, game day programs, private bathroom, air-conditioned seating, three televisions with cable channels, and a great view of the game and the Ballpark. Great for birthday parties, anniversaries, family reunions and client appreciation events. Email rangerssuite@gmail.com or call 214-560-4212 for more information.

estate/GaraGe sales

ESTATE SALES & LIQUIDATION SERVICES

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

real estate

BEAUTIFUL 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT Must See. 600 SQ Ft. Junius Heights Area. Beverly. 972-809-0407

OWN 20 acres Only $129/mo. $13,900 near growing El Paso, TX. Low Down, No credit checks, owner financing. Free map/ pictures. Free map, pictures. 866-257-4555 sunsetranches.com

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

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

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

BLUE RIBBON

Heating & Air Conditioning 214-823-8888

$25

Spring Special

972-216-1961

APPLIANCE REPAIR

APPLIANCE REPAIR SPECIALIST

Repair, Sales. 214-321-4228

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

CARPENTRY & REMODELING

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

DREAM CONSTRUCTION Home Remodeling Interior/Exterior. www.DCHCRM .net 469-360-0152

ERIC CANTU CONSTRUCTION

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

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

KITCHEN AND BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

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

PREVIEW CONSTRUCTION INC.

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

QUALITY REMODELING Kitchen and Bath, Granite, Flooring, In & Out Painting, Drywall and more. References: Call Tim 817-714-0260.

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

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

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

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

A K S

CARPENTRY & REMODELING

15.00 OFF - HOUSE CLEANING BY DEBBIE Free estimates. References. 972-333-7942

A CLEANING SERVICES

mcprofessionalcleaning.com 469-951-2948

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

CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 972-213-8614

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

DIANE’S CLEANING SERVICE Residential & Make Ready. Free Estimates. 214-549-5299

KDR SERVICES Residential and Vacant Property Cleaning. 214-349-0914

Total

Cleaning Service. 15 Yrs Exp. Residential.

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

SUNSHINE HOUSE CLEANING

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

THE MAIDS 4 Person Teams. Bonded & Insured. www.maids.com Free Estimates. 800-843-6243

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

972.495.3478 beckncallmaids.com

COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS

214-321-1110 I.T. ROADMAP Tech Support Home or Business computers repaired. Virus, Internet, wireless, slow, All fixed! Brad or Amy

BILL’S COMPUTER REPAIR

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

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

I CAN FIX IT NOW! 214-926-7144 Computer & Network Support. Operating Systems, Hardware, Security & Game Consoles. OMGFixit.com.

CONCRETE/ MASONRY/PAVING

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

CAZARES CONCRETE Concrete retaining walls, Patios, Driveways, Removal, Sidewalks. 214-202-8958 Free estimates.

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

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

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

STAMPED CONCRETE Driveways, Patios, Walk Ways, Acid Staining, Resealing. 972-672-5359

972-727-2727

ELECTRICALSERVICE

ACCURATE ELECTRIC

All Jobs.Panel Upgrades. Free Est. TECL# 27297. Steve. 214-718-9648

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Family Owned/Operated. Insd. 19 Yrs Exp. TECL24948 214-328-1333

IF IT HAS WIRES ... WE DO IT! Supreme Electric & Solar. TECL#25178 214-876-0575

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

MCCARTER ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. We can light up your world or repair your shorts. $50 Off Service Calls. TECL#19347 972-877-4183

SWITCH ELECTRIC Lic. #E19800 24/7 Calls 30 yrs exp. Federal panel chgs. 214-629-0391

Prompt, Quality Services. Days, Evenings & Weekends. 34 Yrs Exp. TECL 24668

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

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

ELECTRICALSERVICE

‘07, ‘08, ‘09, ‘10 CONSUMERS CHOICE AWARDS

Making Homes Safer One Call at a Time

TECL20502

972-665-8399

dallaselectricalexperts.com

Phones Answered 24/7

FENCING & DECKS

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

4 QUALITY FENCING

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

AMBASSADOR FENCE INC. Automatic Gates, All Fences. Decks. Since 1996. 214-621-3217

CREATIVE METAL SOLUTIONS LLC

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

KIRKWOOD FENCE & DECK

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

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

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

STAINED & SCORED CONCRETE

GARAGE DOORS

GARAGE DOOR & SPRING REPAIR 972-672-0848 TexasGaragePros.com

20% off with “Advocate Magazine”

HOLLYWOOD DOOR CO. Since 1938. Residential/Commercial. Sales. Service. All Brands of Garage Doors & Openers. Free Estimates. 214-348-7242. 9525 White Rock Trail, 75238.

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

UNITED GARAGE DOORS Repair/Replace. Res./Com. Doors/Gate Openers. 214-826-8096

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS

CLEARWINDOWSANDDOORS.COM LH owned Replacement windows. Free Quote 214-280-9280

CUSTOM STAINED/ LEADED GLASS & Repair. 26 years exp. 214-356-8776

GREEN WINDOW COMPANY 214-295-5405 Specialty in Replacement Windows/Doors

LAKE HIGHLANDS GLASS & MIRROR

LANDMARK ENERGY SOLUTIONS 214-395-9148. Specializing In Replacement Windows/Doors.

ROCK GLASS CO Complete Glass & Window Service since 1985. Replace, repair: windows, mirrors, showers, screens. 214-837-7829

HANDYMAN SERVICE

A NEIGHBORHOOD HANDYMAN Electrical, Plumbing & Carpentry. Call Tim 214-824-4620; 214-597-4501

A+ HANDYMAN KARL

All Home Repairs, Remodels, Maintenance, To-Dos. 214-699-8093

AAAEEE! NEED HELP? FAST! Repairs/Remodel. Chris, Rick. 214-693-0678, 214-381-9549

ALL JOBS BIG/SMALL

38 years exp. Ron Payne 214-755-9147

ALL STAR HOME CARE Carpentry, Glass, Tile, Paint, Doors, Sheetrock Repair, and more. 24 yrs. exp. References. Derry 214-505-4830

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

CARPENTRY, PAINT & MORE Repair to Remodel. No job too small. Zane 214-778-9121

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

Locally owned and operated since 1980

214-349-9132

FIREPLACESERVICES

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

FLOORING/CARPETING

HARDWOODS 214-724-0936

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

HOME REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

Small/Large Jobs.Steve Brandt. 214-440-7070

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

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

RENT A MAN HANDYMAN

One call does it all! 214-289-0307

WANTED: ODD JOBS & TO DO LISTS

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

HANDYMAN SERVICE

INSULATION/ RADIANT BARRIER

LANDMARK ENERGY SOLUTIONS

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

SAVE UP TO 40% on your energy bills! Insulation, Radiant Barrier and Weatherization. Instant quotes at Millsquote.com 214-879-9881

INTERIOR DESIGN

A LADY’S TOUCH WALLPAPERING

Texture, Paint & Repair. 27 yrs. exp. Free Est. Call Martha 972-712-2465; 972-832-3396

DESIGNER CONSULTATION 1 Hr. Session $95. Trained / Reg. ASID Designer Carl 214-288-3298

JUDY BUELL, ASID

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

85% Referrals/Estimates 214-348-5070

A TEXTURE & FINISH SPECIALIST

Since 1977. Int/Ext. Kirk’s Works 972-672-4681

ABRAHAM PAINT SERVICE A Women Owned Business 25 Yrs. Int/Ext. Wall Reprs. Discounts

On Whole Interiors and Exteriors 214-682-1541

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

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

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

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

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

WHITE ROCK INTERIORS Paint & Remodel References. Mark Reindel 214-321-5280

BRIAN GREAM PAINTING & RENOVATIONS LLC

PayPal ®

214.542.6214

WWW.BGRONTHEWEB.COM

BRIANGREAM@YAHOO.COM

Residential. Interior. Exterior. Call today for a FREE estimate 214-346-0900 www.certapro.com

KIM ARMSTRONG INTERIOR DESIGN www.interiorsbykim.com

Licensed/CID/ASID 214-500-0600

LILLI DESIGN Residential Design & Renovations NCIDQ Cert. 10 yrs exp. www.Lilli-design.com Katie Reynolds, RID 214-370-8221

WWW.STUARTSVF.COM

Decorative Architectural Finishes 214-684-3667

KITCHEN/BATH/ TILE/GROUT

A KITCHEN & BATH Remodeling Company. One Call Does It All! 214-574-9182

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

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

TILE INSTALLER 25 Yrs. Exp In Design & Art of Tile. Back Splash, Fireplace, Bathrooms, Flooring. Free Est. Mike 469-576-1636

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

MULTI-SURFACE RESTORATION TUBS/TILE/COUNTERTOPS 972.323.8375

WWW.PERMAGLAZENORTHDALLAS.COM

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

25.00 OFF - ALL ABOUT TREES, INC Removals, Pruning, Insured. 972-697-3956

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

A BETTER TREE MAN Trims, Removals, Insd. 10 Yrs Exp. Roberts Tree Service. 214-808-8925

A&B LANDSCAPING Full Lawn Care, Landscaping, Tree Trimming, Fireplaces & Stonework. 214-221-4421 - 214-534-3816

ALL SPRINKLER SYSTEMS REPAIRED Also plant replacements & outdoor lighting. Serving Dallas for 25 yrs. LI 3449. 214-660-4860 Good as the best. Better than the rest.

ALTON MARTIN LANDSCAPING Spectacular

Curbside Appeal! Excellent refs. 214-760-0825

AYALA’S LANDSCAPING SERVICE

Call the Land Expert Today! Insured. 214-773-4781

B.J.’S LANDSCAPING Complete Lawn & Garden Maintenance. Seasonal Color/Perennials. Certified. 16 Yrs. Exp. Res/Com. 214-336-4673

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older

MOW YOUR YARD $27

White Rock Landscaping 214-415-8434

PARADISELANDSCAPES.NET · 214-328-9955

Installations of Fine Gardens, Patios, Paths & more!

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

SPRINKLERS, LANDSCAPING, Stone Work, Drainage. Installed and Repair. www.bigdirrigation.com

THE POND MAN Water Gardens

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

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

U R LAWN CARE Maintenance. Landscaping. uwereisch@yahoo.com 214-886-9202

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

A Better Tree Company

JUST TREES

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

ACOMPLETELANDCARESERVICE

Lawn Care Landscaping Sprinklers Installation Maintenance Residential Commercial Randy Greer 214-537-3001

Fenn Construction Co. Full Service Contractor www.dallastileman.com

BEACHSCAPE Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping. Stonework. Seasonal Color and Perennials. Residential/Commercial. Free Ests. 214-287-3571

Kitchen/Bathroom Remodeling, Ceramic Tile, Marble, Stone and Glass Tile Installation, Paint, Repair Family Owned & Operated Since 1976

214 - 343 - 4645

Natural Stone & Quartz

Silestone / Caesarstone 20 Years Experience 214-293-9323

bjones2517@gmail.com

BILLY JACK SPRINKLER REPAIR & INSTALL

Locate & Repair Leaky Valves, Pipes, Heads. Add Rain Freeze Sensor. 972-303-0007. Li 6099

BLOUNTS TREE SERVICE Trim, Removal. Refs

Avail. Free Ests. 44 yrs exp. Insured. 214-275-5727

BUSSEYS LAWN CARE

Weekly Service $30 Most Jobs. 214-725-9678

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

Lawn Service & Landscape Installation

GREENSKEEPER

Sodding, Fertilization. Lawn Maintenance & Landscape. Res/Com. 214-546-8846

HOLISTIC TREE CARE

A Full-Service Tree Care Company

Chuck Ranson, Certified Arborist c.ranson@sbcglobal.net 214-537-2008

Design Construction Maintenance HorticulturalServices

LICENSE #L115031 Since 2003 214.421.1153

barerootsdesigns.com

Dan Coletti’s

JUST

Landscape Solutions from the Ground Up Xeriscape

NATURAL DESIGN

Native Plants & Grasses

Perennial & Annual Color

Butterfly and Herb Gardens

Dan Coletti 214-213-2147

www.JustNaturalDesign.com

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

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

SPECK PLUMBING Licensed & Insured

No Repairs Too Big or Too Small Master Plumber. M-17697

Slab Leak Specialists – inquire about reroute instead of jackhammering

All Plumbing Repairs Licensed/Insured 214-727-4040

ML-M36843

PEST

A BETTER EARTH PEST CONTROL Keeping the environment, kids, pets in mind. Organic products avail. 972-564-2495

MOSQUITO SYSTEMS

Pest Control #9989. Live Animal Removal. JDubDesigns.com Home Construction Services. Sprinkler Controller Repair. 214-794-4089

McDANIEL PEST CONTROL Prices Start at $75 +Tax for General Treatment Average Home, Interior, Exterior & Attached Garage Quotes for Other Services

214-328-2847

Lakewood Resident

PLUMBING

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

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

ARRIAGA PLUMBING: Repairs, Remodels, Water Heaters, Stopages. Ins’d. Lic 20754 214-321-0589, 214-738-7116

BLOUNTS PLUMBING REPAIR Rebuild or Replace. 44 yrs exp. Insured. 214-275-5727

FIXXER PLUMBING #M38904. BBB Accredited. www.fixxercompany.com. Call 214-534-1468.

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

M-36580

Astro Plumbing

20 Years in the Plumbing Business

Full Service Plumbing Company

Call Michael 214.566.9737

PLUMBING SERVICES

MPL36677

214-808-9262

POOLS

ADAIR POOL & SPA SERVICE

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

LEAFCHASERS POOLS

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

MICHAEL’S POOL SERVICE

Maintenance & Repair 214-727-7650

WHITE ROCK POOL CLEANING

Friendly Service & Repairs. 20 yrs experience whiterockpools.com David 214-769-8012

POOLWORKS

SWIMMING POOL REPAIR 25 years experience

Marty Halliburton · 214-212-0360

Accepts most major credit cards

ROOFING & GUTTERS

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

We Repair and Replace. High-Quality & Affordable!

Roof replacement-solar vents & skylights

Re-Roofing/Repairs/Gutters/Green Options. Free Estimates.www.guarantyroof.com

PLATINUM ROOFING Metal & Non-Metal Roofing, Windows, Painting, Gutters. Fully Insured. NewMetalRoof.com 972-310-9721

ROOFING

Allstate

THE LAKE HIGHLANDSAREA EARLYCHILDHOOD PTA meets 9-11:30 a.m. March 9 at Highlands Christian Church, 9949 McCree. The program features a guest from the Dallas Arboretum who will speak about the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. For information, visit lhaecpta.org.

THENORTHEAST PATROLDIVISION OF THE DALLAS POLICE DEPARTMENT will recognize neighborhood crime watch volunteers during a ceremony at 7 p.m. March 2 at St. James Episcopal Church, 9845 McCree.

THREE SISTERSCONSIGNMENT is accepting volunteers and consigners for its sale April 1-3. Items may include children’s clothes (newborns to size 16), shoes, toys, books, videos, gaming systems, children’s furniture, baby items, bicycles and maternity clothing. Consigners receive a 70 percent commission on items sold — 75 percent if they volunteer at the sale. For information, visit threesistersconsignments.com.

RUN THE HIGHLANDS, a 5k and 1-mile family walk on Saturday, April 30, is now open for registration. The event is an annual Lake Highlands Junior Women’s League fundraiser with proceeds used to build and maintain a trailhead in Lake Highlands. Registration fees for individuals and families are $18 and $50, respectively, before April 21; $20 and $55 after April 21; and $25 and $60 on race day. Children 3-12 can register for $10 with no deadline. To register, visit ljhjwl.org. For questions, contact Stephanie Logan at 214.418.6693.

education

BEN MASON, a sixth-grader at Merriman Park Elementary, advanced to the Regional Spelling Bee in February after winning the MPE contest and earning the top spot of all Lake Highlands area contenders at the district competition.

people

ELLIOT BUCKI AND CALEBDANIEL POLACHEK of Lake Highlands High School, along with Carolyn Marie Walther of Lutheran High School of Dallas, received nominations to the U.S. Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, Colo. Candidates must undergo a rigorous selection process and be nominated by a member of Congress, the Vice President, or from the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps. The nominations are determined based on academic performance, college entrance test scores, physical aptitude, medical certification, extracurricular activities and demonstrated leadership potential.

HAVEANITEMTO BE FEATURED?

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

SOMEONE SNATCHED THE WEDDING SHOWER GIFTS.

Amy Moore had been planning a wedding shower for a friend. She was the chief organizer for the shower, and also had the honor of being a bridesmaid in her friend’s upcoming nuptials. The happy date was approaching, and Moore had purchased a few gifts, including some champagne glasses for the festivities.

The Victim: AmyMoore

TheCrime: Burglary of a motor vehicle

Date: Thursday, Jan. 20

Time: Between 8:15 p.m. and 9 a.m.

Location: 10600 block of Lake Haven

Unfortunately, one unlucky night she happened to leave the shower items in her car. And a thief took advantage — grabbing her gifts and some other property, including a fly-fishing rod, a few pairs of pants, an iPod, and even two bags of clothes she was donating to Goodwill.

“I had just gotten in the car that morning, and I drove to the stop sign, and realized all our stuff was gone,” Moore says. “It was really scary. You just feel violated.”

The thief had easily entered her car parked in front of her home in the L Streets neighborhood. Moore says she must have

$480

02.06

6100

accidentally left her car unlocked as there were no signs of forced entry and the car has an alarm.

“I feel really safe in my neighborhood,” she says. “I just feel bad I didn’t lock it.”

Dallas Police Lt. Mackie D. Ham of the Northeast Patrol Division says it is very important to secure all items in a car —either by removing them, hiding them, or leaving them in the trunk. Visible valuables make easy targets for people with unscrupulous intentions, he says.

“Do not leave property inside of your vehicle. If valuables must be left in a vehicle, store them inside of the trunk where they are not visible,” Ham says. “Sometimes we have trunks that are broken into, but more often than not the suspects will just take items from the main inside portion of the vehicle where items are readily accessible.

“If you do not have any visible items inside of your vehicle, there is a very good chance that suspects will bypass your vehicle and go to another vehicle where there is visible property. Suspects are looking for items that they can quickly remove within a matter of seconds.”

—SEAN CHAFFIN

TOTAL VALUE OF ITEMS STOLEN AFTER SOMEONE BROKE INTO A VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT AT PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL.

SOURCE: Dallas Police Department

DATE WHENA DRIVERNOTICEDHIS DISABLED VEHICLEHADBEENSTOLENFROM THESTREETAT NORTHWEST HIGHWAYAND CENTRAL;THE 2000 CHEVROLET PICK-UP WAS VALUEDAT $2,980.

BLOCK OF ABRAMS WHERE SOMEONE STOLE A $6,000 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS ALONG WITH ITS $650 SOUND SYSTEMAND $1,500 RIMS.

Use it, don’t lose it IF WE ABAN d ON NEIGHBORHOO d STORES , WE ABAN d ON RETAIL HOPES

Optimistsin Lake Highlands wonder why all of us nice people who want to shop and dine locally never seem to get our way. We’re hungry for restaurants, thirsty for wine and beer, and clamoring for upscale merchandise.

When will all of this demand produce the supply that economists tell us ought to follow?

Meanwhile, rumors that Tom Thumb may be looking at a location in the future Town Center have evoked a negative reaction. Why? For starters, it’s because we’re afraid our other two Tom Thumb locations will close.

Tom Thumb at Royal/Skillman has been showing signs of distress, especially considering the visible struggles at the shopping center (most recently the loss of Sweet Temptations). Another favorite neighborhood go-to, Tom Thumb at Skillman/Abrams, has seemingly defied gravity for years, despite the competition of nearby Super Target and a bustling Fiesta within a stone’s throw.

Of course, that Tom Thumb has always been a staple supplier of wine and beer to Lake Highlands connoisseurs. But with changes in wet-dry legislation, that advantage is now moot.

Pessimists in our midst, sadly, have a valid point when they say we won’t be able to attract or retain high-quality retail unless we solve a glaring problem with one

serious deal-breaker — crime.

I remember when my peers (women with school-age kids) were excited about the Walmart Neighborhood Market at SkillmanWalnut Hill. Everybody seemed to love it — until they didn’t. Suddenly, nobody seemed to go there anymore because of bad vibes, experienced either first- or second-hand. That store has been closed for years now.

So who is right, the optimists or the pessimists?

As usual, there is wisdom on both sides of the argument. We-the-stakeholders

but that employees seemed to take it in stride. Some people in our neighborhood have vowed, as a result, to stop patronizing the store.

A few days later, Kroger manager Jeff Parman told me that the shouting man was a familiar shoplifter who was intent, that day, on carrying a free 12-pack of beer out of the store. Instead, employees escorted him to the exit without his beer, and the man tried to save face by making a scene, which was his worst crime that day.

To ensure safety, Parman said the store employs a security guard, and it now has a golf cart in the parking lot to discourage panhandlers. In addition, the security guard will escort shoppers to their cars if a customer makes the request.

Panhandlers! Shouting shoplifters! Is that enough to discourage you from shopping at Kroger?

If so, where else will you go?

In Lake Highlands, the familiar choices are: the two Tom Thumbs, Super Target, Walmart and Fiesta. (Good luck if you never want to run into a panhandler at any of these locations.)

understand the dark forces in our neighborhood, but we aren’t willing to abandon our shopping centers to check-cashing businesses or bingo parlors.

Which brings me to a current debacle concerning the Kroger at Forest-Greenville.

A few weeks ago, emails flew around the neighborhood describing a scary incident at the store. Reportedly, an irate man shouted threats at employees before he left the premises. Witnesses expressed alarm not only that the incident happened,

I agree with Brad Henderson, president of the Moss Farm Alliance homeowners association, who wrote in an email that it’s up to us to “develop a plan where we can be a part of the solution.”

Sometimes it’s good to “laissez” and sometimes it’s good to “faire”. If you don’t want to stand by and watch while the invisible hand closes more Lake Highlands grocery stores, (and if you want to see exciting retailers show interest in our Town Center), then become part of the solution.

Shop local — not because it’s virtuous, but because it is the only way to hold onto our retail.

Pessimists in our midst, sadly, have a valid point when they say we won’t be able to attract or retain high-quality retail unless we solve a glaring problem with one serious deal-breaker — crime.