As the holidays bring family together, thoughts of new beginnings in a new home sometimes follow. If you’re ready to make a change - either now or in the new year - it’s a good time to begin planning with a professional, taking into account your personal situation and available neighborhood data.
Let us help you start the new year off right!
Have you been driving along Abrams Road and noticed dirt flying?
What’s happening at Juliette Fowler Communities’ 133-year-old campus?
In keeping with Fowler’s mission of serving young and older on the same campus, the Juliette Fowler Foundation is making significant investments in our neighborhood for expanded care and services.
BEZOS ACADEMY LAKEWOOD
Among the big news: The Fowler campus is welcoming Bezos Academy Lakewood, a Montessori-based preschool for underresourced community residents, says Nicole Gann, Fowler’s CEO.
Bezos Academy Lakewood is an income-qualifying weekday day-care program for up to 60 children. Qualified candidates will be housing-challenged, in foster care and/or have family incomes that don’t allow them to afford independent childcare aid.
The year-round Bezos Academy Lakewood will be housed on Fowler’s campus in a new multi-purpose building that also will provide increased purpose-centered retirement living.
The preschool will have three classrooms and include traumainformed education addressing things such as dealing with hunger and stressed home life.
In addition to an enriched educational experience, Bezos Academy Lakewood will supply nutritional support: daily breakfasts, morning snacks, lunches, afternoon snacks, plus a full dinner students can take home for the entire family.
Fowler will begin taking applications for Bezos Academy Lakewood in May 2026, Gann says, and the academy is expected to open in September 2026.
NEW EBBY HOUSE AND CAMPUS RENOVATIONS
In addition to the Bezos Academy Lakewood construction, work is proceeding on a new Ebby House, Fowler’s residential program for young women in danger of homelessness, neglect and abuse.
Ebby House has been a longtime fixture on the Fowler Campus, named in honor of the late Dallas Realtor Ebby Halliday.
Among the program’s focuses are life skills, education and career training for the young women living there.
Also, renovations are underway to two existing campus residential buildings that house seniors.
The campus improvements will allow Fowler to provide additional residential memory care options for residents, Gann says. Also available once the buildings are completed will be a new adult day-care program offering dementia care respite for neighborhood caregivers.
“Providing belonging and purpose to every age is essential to Juliette Fowler’s over 130-year-old mission,” Gann says.
The year-round Bezos Academy Lakewood will be housed on Fowler’s campus in a new multi-purpose building that also will provide increased purpose-centered retirement living.
“Being a part of the Lakewood community ensures we have local support for our residents and families, and we love that.
“Knowing that our vision for the community is aligned with the neighborhood’s personality enhances the success of Fowler’s mission to improve lives across generations.”
To learn more about the improvements and offerings at
IMPROVEMENTS:
• A new building for the Jackson Living Center, Fowler’s market-rate yet affordable independent living, including 30 new market-rate independent apartments and a wellness center.
• A new campus welcome center, lobby and patio overlooking Fowler’s beautiful, park-like grounds.
• New multi-purpose spaces for events and speakers.
• Updates to the Jackson building pool and club house, and creation of a resident wood-working shop and “Hobby Hub.”
• Construction of more accessible paths and outdoor seating areas.
• Remodeling of the Pearl Nordan Care Center Building adding 21 new Assisted Living Memory Care Apartments, addressing early- to mid-stage dementia.
• A new adult day program centered on dementia for up to 30 participants, offering affordable caregiver support.
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Victor H. Hexter Elementary asks the community to decorate their school fence for the holiday season. Photography by Lauren Allen. FOLLOW US: Talk to us: editor@advocatemag.com
advocatemag.com/newsletter
LAKEWOOD/EAST DALLAS
ADVOCATE VOL. 31 NO. 12
PROFILE
10 A Christmas story
DINING
18 It’s getting Haute in Lakewood
FEATURE 14 Joyful noise
24 Pivot and pour
22 The gift guide
30 Ways to give back
Aside from its signature macarons, Haute Sweets’ display is packed with cosmic brownies, cupcakes and more. Read more on page 18. Photography by Haley Hill.
Catching up with the Pattons, 10 years later
Yvette and Jeff Patton sit close together across the table, shoulders just barely brushing one another. The two prove that opposites really do attract. Where Yvette is bubbly, Jeff is calm. Her blonde hair juxtaposes his darker features. An opportunity to offer commentary for Yvette is usually no more than a head nod from Jeff.
Between Jeff’s Christmas trees and Yvette’s decorating business, The Patton family has been a staple in the holiday culture of Lakewood since 1975.
Starting on Nov. 15, their iconic white and blue tents pop up in the parking lot of the Lakewood Village Shopping Center and the Christmas chaos begins.
Yvette is holding a printed version of the Lakewood/East Dallas Advo cate’s 2014 December edition. She reads through it, pointing out moments she recognized from their feature “A Christ mas Story.” Jeff smiles softly as Yvette recounts bits of the story out loud. It’s been 10 years since they last spoke to the Advocate . Ten Christmases and 10 anniversaries, resulting in what is now 31 years of marriage and business.
But a lot can happen in 10 years. Now, their son John has taken over the tree lot. Not that it was particularly a shock, as he’s been watching Jeff and Yvette service the neighborhood with their trees since he was a boy.
“Well he worked for me growing up, worked at the tree lot,” Jeff says. “It gets in your blood. I mean, if you work there and you don’t love it, there’s something wrong with you because everybody’s in
Christmas Trees is one of the oldest and longest
he’s observed is Lakewood’s excitement and appetite for the holiday season.
“They all just love Christmas,” Jeff smiles. The pair owe a lot to Christmas. In fact, they met because of a Christmas tree.
It was 1980 and Jeff was delivering a tree in Yvette’s office building when he stumbled upon her boss.
“Her boss was standing in front of a big, 15-foot, just terrible tree, and she was crying,” he says.
Jeff saw an opportunity to replace the tree with one of his own. Yvette’s boss happily accepted his offer and when he returned to drop off payment information, a young Yvette was working the desk.
So every year, right around the holiday season, Jeff would deliver trees to her office. The two also began to bump into each other around the city and would keep in touch on and off.
“He wouldn’t leave me alone,” Yvette cracks a smile. “He would drive me around all these properties and tell me about all this money he was making.”
Jeff quickly retorts, “I was trying to impress her.”
Years later, the two became a duo and began taking on the tree business together. Yvette would be helping and hearing people ask if they could also have their trees decorated.
She had been a florist for several years and took on decorating when she saw fit. This felt like an opportunity to offer up her talents and she took it. She’s been decorating Christmas trees with Jeff ever since.
They had found the perfect combination of their passions. The retelling of their Hallmark-esque story seems to bring with it a warm and nostalgic feeling between the two, who also got married on Christmas.
But Christmas isn’t the only way the Pattons have become fixtures in the community. Yvette has taken on her own ministry through The Haven of Love, founded by Karen Green — providing services and resources to women in prison systems, county jails and treatment facilities with the intention to transition them back into society.
“ It’s such a worthy program,” she says. “They regain their families, their children, they identify with who they really are now.”
Yvette makes it clear that her pursuit of this work was directly a result of Jeff’s support. In 2014, she shared with him a deep sense of conviction to do ministry work within the prisons — hesitantly and ready for pushback.
She thought, “there’s no way Jeff’s gonna let me go do prison ministry.” Together, the two share multiple children and at the time, they were only a few years removed from
the death of their 21-year-old son Preston and raising their youngest son, Jeffrey Jr. Who would take care of Jeffrey Jr. when she was out ministering? How would she cover the costs associated with this kind of ministry? Questions seemed to overflow as Yvette considered her options.
“You know what he said?” Yvette smiles. Jeff urged her to follow the call she so deeply desired to answer, no matter the possible challenges. He even offered to take care of Jeffrey Jr. and provide any financial support she needed.
“That’s commitment,” Yvette says.
That same commitment, through the grief of losing a child, maintaining the family business and serving the community, seemed to have rubbed off on John. On top of taking over the lot for the past 10 or so years, he is now operating four transitional living homes for men as a licensed counselor.
As the Pattons gear up for another holiday season, Jeff says they’re looking forward to “a long tenure” in the neighborhood. Lakewood can expect fresh Christmas trees from the Patton family for years to come, as their grandson Jeffrey III has already declared his claim to the Christmas throne.
Meet the five Dallas Symphony Orchestra members from our neighborhood
Story by AYSIA LANE | Photography by RAE OVERMAN
IN ITS 120 YEARRUN, THE DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (DSO) HAS BECOME THE LARGEST PERFORMING ARTS ORGANIZATION IN THE SOUTHWESTERN REGION OF THE UNITED STATES, EARNING NATIONAL RECOGNITION AND PRAISE. THE HOLIDAY SEASON BRINGS WITH IT A RIGOROUS FURY OF PROGRAMMING FOR THE ORGANIZATION THAT INCLUDES PIECES WITH OVER 100 MUSICIANS ON THE STAGE AT ONCE. THERE ARE 93 FULLTIME MUSICIANS THAT ARE A PART OF THE DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA THIS SEASON — FIVE OF WHOM ARE OUR NEIGHBORS. LET’S GET TO KNOW THEM.
Haley Hoops, Second Horn – Lakewood
DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A MUSICIAN?
I didn’t always want to be a musician. I wanted to be an architect. However, when I tried to quit the horn, I was super depressed, like a part of me was taken away. So, I went back to playing and was happy again.
WHAT MUSIC OR ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?
I love Bonnie Raitt, and my mom inspired me to use music as a way to relax. I get inspired by any kind of good music. I also love movie music.
Willa Henigman, Associate Principal Oboe –East Dallas
WHAT ABOUT THE OBOE INTRIGUED YOU?
I chose the oboe for its sound after hearing an oboe/ flute duet performing on the street in New York City. I love the vocal, penetrating quality of the oboe and its great variety of tonal colors.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A MUSICIAN?
I never thought about becoming a professional musician; music was just part of my life growing up. My dad was a pianist and composer who made his living as an X-ray technician. He played piano every day after work, and our family often listened to classical music (long plays) during dinner. Dad taught all of us piano, and my siblings also played violin, guitar, harmonica … but I was always drawn to the wind instruments. I played recorder in third grade and clarinet in fourth because my school band didn’t start students in the ‘difficult’ instruments – like oboe, bassoon or French horn – until later. I switched to oboe as soon as I could, when I was 10 years old.
WHAT OTHER KINDS OF CREATIVE MEDIUMS DO YOU LOOK TO FOR INSPIRATION?
I enjoy reading poetry and going to theater and dance performances. All of these art forms exhibit the rhythmic balance and beauty of expression I look for in music.
Maria Schleuning, Violin –Forest Hills
ARE YOU FROM DALLAS?
I grew up in Oregon and moved here in 1994 after receiving my master’s degree at Juilliard and winning a position in the DSO. I met my husband in the orchestra (he was the former principal trumpet) and he had been a resident of Forest Hills for 34 years. I loved the area because of all the beautiful trees and its proximity to the lake. We were married in 2003 and I have lived in Forest Hills ever since.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE VIOLIN?
I was originally drawn to it because I was the youngest of three girls and both of my sisters were playing instruments, so I wanted to play something too. I loved it right away, and I especially like that in the orchestra the first violins most often have the melody and get to play in the higher range of sound.
DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE A MUSICIAN?
I knew that I wanted to be a professional musician by the time I was in high school. I spent several summers at music camps/festivals with other talented students my age from around the country and world. I so loved getting to play with them and meeting people from different places. I was also active in my youth orchestra in Portland, Oregon, and had the opportunity to travel both nationally and internationally with them. It made me understand what a universal language music is.
Brent Ross, Oboe –Lakewood
HOW DID YOU COME TO CHOOSE THE OBOE?
I was drawn to the sound of the oboe in an early music appreciation class when a recording of “Peter and the Wolf” by Prokofiev was played for the class. I was drawn to the sound of the duck, who is portrayed by the oboe in that piece. It’s ironic, because I’ve spent the rest of my career here at the DSO trying to sound beautiful, not duck-like. No one else wanted to play the oboe in the fifth grade band, so I think I was up for the challenge of a more exotic instrument. I always knew I wanted to be a professional musician. I loved being a part of the Cleveland Youth Orchestra throughout my high school years. It really prepped me for going to a music conservatory later on. But I also enjoyed playing guitar and drums in a few pop-punk and ska bands as a teenager.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING MUSICIANS?
I think music can be both serious and fun. Young people who are interested in becoming musicians should strive to find the best private teacher available to them, listen to many different recordings of the music they love and also practice how they listen. A quiet place, free of distraction, is also essential; oftentimes practice is as gratifying as performing.
Tom Fleming, Second Bassoon –Hollywood Hills
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE BASSOON?
The bassoon kind of chose me. I was a very enthusiastic beginner band student who wanted to play every instrument. As it turned out, I was the only one who raised my hand for the bassoon that day. Luckily, it was a very good match and we were inseparable almost immediately. I don’t come from a particularly musical family, but I knew by the 10th grade that I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. My family was incredibly supportive of this dream which made it all the more possible.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
Kayaking and cycling at White Rock have been among my favorite things to do here.
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
The music business is incredibly competitive. I spent many years as a freelancer playing with great groups, but struggling to really make ends meet. I encourage all of my students who want to pursue a music degree to simultaneously develop other marketable skills.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING IN THIS FIELD SO FAR?
I’ve had a unique career in that I’ve been able to perform with major orchestras across the globe, including spending over a year in Asia. The variety of these quality experiences have helped me develop a unique ability to quickly adapt to different playing styles. As a second bassoonist, that skill is critical.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Story by AUSTIN WOOD | Photography by HALEY HILL
HAUTE SWEETS owner Tida Pichakron was always with her mother in the kitchen. Growing up in New Orleans surrounded by King Cakes, all she knew how to make was rice in a rice cooker while her parents were at work.
While she eventually progressed to preparing full-on dinners for her family, she hadn’t necessarily started her baking journey yet.
That came later.
Pichakron studied business at Texas A&M University. She worked in the corporate world for a few years, but had doubts about her career trajectory. She had a background in cooking and baking had become an interest, so she took a basic culinary class at Collin College.
“Of course my boss, had he known what I was gonna do, he was like, ‘I would never have let you take that class,’” Pichakron says. “But then I decided to quit my job at that point. So a little after five years of being with that company, I left.”
She enrolled in a 30-week pastry program at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. A career changer and one of the older students in the class, she admits there were growing pains. However, she soon found herself staging at
the nearby Auberge de Soleil restaraunt, and before long, she had graduated and was working in Downtown Dallas at The Adolphus.
Her new-found career would eventually lead her to Las Vegas, helping to open up the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, now the Waldorf Astoria. It was there she met her eventual business partner and established pastry chef Gianni Santin.
“It was through him and just being around him,” she says. “He’s like, ‘let’s do it’. He had come from Dallas as well. So that’s when he was just like ‘we could totally do something.’ And I said, ‘sure, why not.’ I think if you think about it too much, then you’re gonna talk yourself out of it.”
She and Santin originally operated out of a Trinity Groves events kitchen. Using their industry connections to find clients for the largely-wholesale business, the pair supplied pastries for events, hotels and area restaurants. Moving into its current location in 2015, Haute Sweets was making waves for its French-style macarons.
“That’s definitely how we broke into the markets,” Pichakron says. “Because that’s where we started with farmers markets and at the time when we came onto the scene per
se, French macarons were not very popular in Dallas. At the time, I think there were only a few of us. Bisou Bisou and Joy Macarons were pretty much the only ones really doing a good style macaron in Dallas … That’s how we were able to break into the market.”
Close to a decade later, Santin is retired in Canada, business has largely shifted towards retail post-pandemic, and Haute Sweets has opened up a second location in Far North Dallas. One thing that hasn’t changed? Macarons are still the number one seller, and Pichakron doesn’t exactly hide which pastry is her favorite.
“When people ask me what’s my favorite thing to make, I say it’s macarons because we make a very good French macaron. And I take pride in the fact that they’re very consistent and they’re difficult to make. Ask anyone who’s ever learned how to make them, they’re never going to make them again.”
She says what makes her’s so scrumptious is that they have plenty of filling — where the flavor comes from. Made with ganache, buttercream or jam filled between two brightly colored pastry shells, the macaron is a well-established confection. Flavors often include pistachio, berries or chocolate. Haute Sweets has the classics, but Pichakron experiments with flavors such as PB&J and salted caramel.
“Sometimes it’s just because I have an ingredient on hand and I’m like, ‘Okay, can we use this?’”
She recently incorporated black sesame, using it to create a black macaron to complete Haute Sweets’ Olympic Ring set.
“It’s a very different flavor and it went really well,” she says.
Besides macarons, the bakery sells cookies, cupcakes, tarts and cakes. Pichakron also sells a treat which she says is an improved version of an American classic.
“Our oatmeal cream pie is better than Little Debbie,” she says. “We were doing a meal train for a chef friend of mine … And she’s like ‘where’s the oatmeal cream pie?’ I was like, ‘damn, no, sorry’ so she was like ‘really? I’ve been looking forward to that.’ But the oatmeal cream pies are really good.”
Her biggest goals include getting the oatmeal cream pies into a supermarket or grocery store, and shipping her macarons — as long as they aren’t crushed in transit.
Visitors at the Northwest Highway location will notice a large window as they enter, giving them a glimpse behind the scenes in Haute Sweets’ pastry kitchen.
“I love seeing the kids hop up on the chair,” she says. “If we’re right at that mixer right in front of the window and they’re looking, we wave to them. I love that. I love for them to see what’s going on.”
Those kinds of interactions are why Pichakron opens her store every day.
“It brings a smile to a lot of people’s faces and that’s the humane side of it,” she says. “You create a product, you see the smile on someone’s face or the joy that it brings. That’s why you do what you do.”
Haute Sweets Patisserie 10230 E Northwest Highway, hautesweetspatisserie.com, 214.856.0166
by Aysia Lane
The holiday season is the perfect time to explore the small and locally-owned businesses that make up the backbone of our neighborhood. From your favorite furry friend to the most picky coffee drinker, these places have gifts for them all.
GIFT CERTIFICATE - GOOD LOCAL MARKETS
From local produce, to handmade furniture, toys and clothes, this certificate will give you the chance to try something new at this producer-only market.
6301 Gaston Ave.
PARISIAN PET MRS. CLAUS AND SANTA HOODIE - THE UPPER PAW
Pups can get festive for the holiday season too. These dog costumes are available in sizes XS to XL, for both good girls and good boys at Deep Ellum’s only pet store.
2809 Commerce St. $36 - $38
GROVE CANDLE LARGE - FAVOR THE KIND
This zesty citrus and sea salt candle has over 70 hours worth of burn time. Our neighborhood’s Favor The Kind is one of only two in the world and carries homemade, sustainably produced apparel, gifts and home items.
3024 Greenville Ave.
$38.00
MUD PIE CIRCA COOKIE JAR - BETTY LOU
This footed ceramic jar is part of Betty Lou’s expansive Mud Pie collection and features a vintage door knob handle on the lid. The boutique is a one-stop-shop for all things gift and decor.
6465 E. Mockingbird Lane
$59.00
SILVER HORSESHOE RING - HEY KONEKO
This handmade horseshoe ring is one of many curated vintage and handmade goods that can be found in-store. Grab a coffee as you shop from the GOOD BOY Coffee Shop located inside.
3901 Main St.
$175.00
POP THE BUBBLY LARGE TRAY - KEEPSAKE
Jewelry, perfumes, keys — this handmade tray can do it all. This women’s clothing and gift boutique sports international brands and oneof-a-kind items you can only find at their storefront.
2821 N. Henderson Ave.
$156.00
EL SALVADOR MEDIUM ROASTEL PORTON COFFEE
El Porton’s coffee beans are always on a rotation but this one is available year round. From light to dark roasts, these beans are picked ripe and dried in the sun on raised beds before they make their way to our neighborhood.
9540 Garland Road
$19.00
MICRO MAXI LED SCOOTERFROGGIE’S 5 & 10 TOY STORE
Meant for ages 5-12, this adjustable children’s scooter can grow with its owner, all while LED lights flash while they’re on the move. It’s also avail able in colors like yellow, green and blue.
6465 E. Mockingbird Lane
$149.99
Story by AYSIA LANE
Photography by CAT ILER
it’s 4:15 p.m. at Goodwins on Greenville. A cluster of bartenders huddle next to the bar. It’s pre-shift. They all wear white collared button down shirts with black ties, black pants and brown aprons. In the cluster is a woman sporting glasses and a content smile. Twenty-six-year-old Micah Bernard. She is one of two women staffed at the front bar for tonight. In total, there’s three.
Bernard tucks a green reusable water bottle and a small brown box filled with “snackies” that will serve as dinner for the shift in a small nook. Bernard takes her place at the corner of the bar, closest to the entrance – it’s called the “personality.” The first face you see when you come in.
This kind of Wednesday night wasn’t always part of her plan. She went to Southern Methodist University, majoring in English and, after graduating, she felt herself begin to pivot.
“Genuinely, I was just lost,” she says. “I had no idea what I was doing with my life, and that was totally unlike me.”
Bernard needed some time to figure out the next step, something that felt natural.
She always had a palette for alcohol and even before she could drink it, she was known for working up some sort of juice concoction for family members during gatherings at home. In hindsight, becoming a bartender made sense. Although she never anticipated it.
“In my mind, I was doing it for fun, to basically give me a year of time,” she says.
Bernard cracks a smile as a regular makes his way in. He calls her by name. They laugh and joke as she thumbs through garnishes. The year of time she needed has now turned into two.
“I had only planned on bartending or being in the industry for about a year, and I was like ‘I’m just gonna take a gap year, go back to school, figure out what I want to do,’” Bernard says. “And I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I actually love this.’ I am still going back to school, but I realized that there was no rush to leave the industry when I had so much support to stay.”
She’s relaxed as she pours, stirs and
slides drinks across the bar, smiling at patrons. When she first started – as a barback – this interaction wouldn’t have been possible.
“When you’re a barback, you just keep your head down and you do your job,” she says.
As a barback, you prep the space, handle kegs and do the groundwork for the bartender but you never interact with guests. That’s a no-no. Barbacks are common. But a woman being a barback? Not so much. Let alone, one that is 5-feet even.
“I definitely had to work out to get up my strength to be able to do the job,” Bernard says.
Bernard is originally from Arkansas, so making herself at home in Dallas was top of mind. She knew the city was where she was “meant to be.” Af ter making the jump from barbacking to bartending, she began to create a community among her peers.
Drinks after a shift was their form of team building. She began rubbing elbows with people who had been in the industry for years. She was learning and bonding and eventually, she was fully in the mix.
She has now served as a bar lead, a restaurant supervisor and has also taken on private events like happy hours and weddings.
Bernard is considered a craft bartender, focusing on the presentation, quality and flavor profiles a drink can offer.
“The first way that you taste a cocktail is with your eyes,” Bernard says.
This way of thinking isn’t necessarily prioritized in a club or dive bar environment, known for being more casual. Bernard clarifies that speed is a component in almost all forms of bartending and that different types of bars lend themselves to different styles of bartending.
Alongside learning from her peers, Bernard attributes her growth to simply doing the job.
“You can go to bartending school, or you can serve tables, you can be in the industry, but there’s nothing like
10:00 AM 10:00 AM FAMILY SERVICE FAMILY SERVICE CHILDREN’S CHILDREN’S NATIVITY PLAY NATIVITY PLAY
5 5 :30 PM PM CANDLELIGHT CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION COMMUNION (CHILDCARE AVAILABLE) AVAILABLE)
the tangible work and actually experiencing and getting the reps in,” she says. “And that’s really important for me, because I had never been beyond just ordering a drink that I knew.”
Bartenders can also further their education within the craft through educational drink making classes. Usually put on by spirit ambassadors whose goal is to have their brand used in a bar’s drinks, the classes have become a way for bartenders to meet one another.
“It can definitely take over your life if you let it. That’s why some people do this their entire life. It’s genuinely a full career,” she says.
With so many options for development, there’s even niche groups within the bartending community. Being only one of three women in her bar, Bernard has looked for other women in the space. This pursuit led her to finding The Shake Up, a local cocktail competition started by Rosie Sullivan for women bartenders in the area.
Bernard shares that she usually runs into the expectation that women are only servers or cocktail workers in the industry.
But the ratio at Goodwins beats her last job, where the grand total number of women working the bar was one: Bernard.
“Unfortunately, women are not as prevalent,” Bernard says.
As the city of Dallas expands, so does the bar culture. The city’s nightlife has grown and evolved with social media. People are eager to show their nights out with friends or share a day in their life – putting craft cocktails directly in front of the camera.
“My experience of making a cocktail is immediately having placed a cocktail in front of a guest, knowing that they’re possibly going to take a picture is something that we all have to think about,” she says.
Bernard has seen it plenty of times: a group making their way into the bar, pulling out their phones and recording TikToks and snapping photos of their food, drinks and peers.
It has an air of show business to it. Lights, cameras and certainly lots of action. Bernard notes that since starting in 2022, the pace of bartending has changed.
“It’s definitely more intense. Just more people are out. More people are wanting to explore and experience new places,” she says. “The social scene of Dallas is definitely going to eat and going to bars, just wanting to hang out, go to the hottest new places.”
Bernard’s fear is that the intensity will push Dallas bars toward prioritizing speed bar environments, rather than championing casual neighborhood spots.
Although the fear of a more commercialized version of bar culture looms over the future as a possibility, tonight feels familiar and warm. A football game flashes across the televisions as soft rock music echoes throughout the chatter-filled space.
It’s now 5:45 p.m. at Goodwins’ front bar. Bernard is still floating around the personality portion of the bar, as it becomes cluttered with after work conversations and solo visitors, all washing down the day with their drinks of choice.
Bernard braces herself, as this is the last part of the shift that can be considered slow before it ends at 11 p.m.
H R I S T M A
C S
AT ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH
CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE
NATIVITY OF THE LORD (VIGIL) ON DEC 24TH: 4 PM (CHURCH & GYM), 6:30 PM, 9 PM
NATIVITY OF THE LORD ON DEC 25TH: 8 AM. 10 AM, 12 NOON
NEW YEAR’S MASS SCHEDULE
THE SOLEMNITY OF MOTHER MARY (VIGIL) ON DEC 31ST: 5 PM THE SOLEMNITY OF MOTHER MARY ON JAN 1ST: 10 AM, 12 NOON
ADVENT CONFESSION TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14TH: 2:30-3:30 PM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH: 9-10 AM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18TH: 5-7 PM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19TH: 4-6 PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21ST: 2-3:30 PM
ADVENT NIGHT OF WORSHIP
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH
STARTING WITH MASS AT 6:15 PM
VISIT OUR WEBSITE, SCAN QR CODE, OR CALL US FOR MORE DETAILS STADALLAS.ORG | (214)-821-3360
AC & HEAT
CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING
FLOORING &
ALEXANDER HOME REPAIR. AC/HEAT Repair & Install. LIC#28052 469-226-9642
FLAGSTONE PATIOS, Retaining Walls, BBQ’s, Veneer, Flower Bed Edging, All Stone work. Chris 214-770-5001
JOHNSON PAVING Concrete, Asphalt, Driveways. New or Repair. 214-827-1530
THE HEATING & AC EXPERTS
Installations & Repairs
Emergency Services
24/7 On-Call
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
AIR SHIELD LLC AC/Heat Repairs, Installs Airshieldpros.com. 214-394-1788 TA CLA67136C 214-710-2515 dallasheatingac.com
ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS!
JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE
TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898
BUY SELL TRADE
I BUY USED CARS
Sam. Dallas. 469-609-0978.
!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. Top Dollar Paid. 1-866 -433-8277
SALE: FULL SIZE BED. $400. Bed frame, headboard, box spring, mattress, Good Condition. 469-363-2480
CABINETRY & FURNITURE
SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING
Cabinet Refacing, Built-ins, Entertainment/ Computer Centers. Jim. 214-324-7398 jhholbert2@att.net
CLEANING SERVICES
ALTOGETHER CLEAN
Relax ...We’ll Clean Your House, It Will Be Your Favorite Day! Bonded & Insurance. Free Estimates. 214-929-8413. www. altogetherclean.net
CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133
WANTED: HOUSES TO CLEAN, Organize, De-clutter, or Pack. Sunny 214-724-2555
WINDOW CLEANING Power washing No Job To Small. 30 Yrs exp. 214-360-0120
WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134
COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS
CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let a seasoned pro be the interface between you & that pesky Windows computer. Hardware/Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $100/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 972-639-6413 / stykidan@sbcglobal.net
NEED HELP WITH YOUR COMPUTER, Smartphone or Smart Home? My Tech Guy Harvey. 214-770-2598. harveymccall@gmail.com.
CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING
ADVANCE STONE ART CREATIONS
Decorative Concrete Overlays. 214-705-5954
CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable. Chris 214-770-5001
CONCRETE, RETAINING WALLS 25 yrs exp. T&M Construction, Inc. 214-328-6401
EDMONDSPAVING.COM Asphalt & Concrete Driveway-Sidewalk-Patio-Repair 214-957-3216
Concrete • Driveways Retaining Walls Stamped Concrete
ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC
Master Electrician. Anthonyselectricofdallas.com
TECL24948 50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333
BRIGHT LIGHT ELECTRIC • 214-553-5333
TECL 31347 Brightening Homes and Businesses
LAKEWOOD ELECTRICAL Local. Insured. Lic. #227509 Call Rylan 214-434-8735
TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658
WHITE ROCK ELECTRIC All Electrical Services. Lic/Insd.TECL-34002 214-850-4891
BENJAMINS PAINTING Hiring:18-26Yr.olds, Top Pay- Will Train. In Advocate since 2007. 214-725-6768
EXPERIENCED NANNY 2 months-6 Years Great References.15 Years Experience warconie@gmail.com. 469-987-2172
G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/Exterior. 214-808-8925
4 QUALITY FENCING • 214-507-9322 Specializing in Wood. YourWoodmaster.com
AMBASSADOR FENCE CO. Automatic Gates, Fences/Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers, Arbors. AmbassadorFenceCo.com 214-621-3217
FENCING, ARBORS, DECKS oldgatefence.co 214-766-6422
LONESTARDECKS.COM 214-357-3975
Trex Decking & Fencing, trex.com All Wood Decks, Arbors & Patio Covers
HANNAH WOODWORKS • Decks • Pergolas • Patio Covers
Hannahwoodworks.com 469-427-0058 or 214-435-9574
HASTINGS FLOORS Epoxy Garage Foors Many colors to choose (flakes optional) Call Nick for bid 214-341-5993 hastingsfloors.com
HARDWOOD INSTALLATIONS Waterproof, hardwood, carpets, tile laminate, & vinyl click. 214-440-6244 . aaa-texas-floors.com
FOR SALE 6 pc Queen bedroom set (solid wood). Separately or together. Good Condition. $1200 for set. 956-645-1747
FOUNDATION REPAIR
Slabs • Pier & Beam
Mud Jacking
Drainage
RGC - HOME IMPROVEMENTS 214-477-8977
HOUSE PAINTING
BENJAMINS PAINTING - Professional work @reasonable price. In Advocate since 2007 214-725-6768
HECTOR PEREZ PAINTING Commercial/residential. Intrior/ Exterior. Fair Rates. 214-489-0635
RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513
TEXAS BEST PAINTING LLC Resd,Interiors 30Yrs. 214-527-4168
TOP COAT 30 Yrs. Exp. Reliable. Quality Repair/Remodel. Phil @ 214-770-2863
VIP PAINTING & DRYWALL Int/Ext. Sheetrock Repair, Resurfacing Tubs, Counters, Tile Repairs. 469-774-7111
GARAGE SERVICES
UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned. 214-251-5428
GENERAL CONTACTING
A2H GENERAL CONTRACTING,LLC Remodel, Paint, Drywall/Texture, Plumbing. Electrical, Siding, Bathroom/Kitchen Remodels Tilling, Flooring, Fencing. 469-658-9163. Free Est. A2HGeneralContactingLLC@gmail.com
GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS
LAKE HIGHLANDS GLASS & MIRROR frameless shower enclosures • store fronts replacement windows • mirrors 214-349-8160
ROCK GLASS CO Replace, Repair. Single, Double Panes. Showers, Mirrors. 214-837-7829
HANDYMAN SERVICES
BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730
DANHANDY.NET Repairs Done Right For A Fair Price. References 214-991-5692
HANDY DAN The Handyman. ToDo’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628
HANDYMAN SPECIALIST Residential/Commercial. Large, small jobs, repair list, renovations. Refs. 214-489-0635
HANDYMAN WANTS your Painting,Repairs, To Do Lists. Bob. 214-288-4232. Free Est. 25+yrs exp.
HOME REPAIR Doors, Trim, Glass. Int/Ext. Sheetrock, Windows, Kitchen, Bathroom 35 yrs exp. 214-875-1127
HOMETOWN HANDYMAN All phases of construction. No job too small 214-327-4606
ONE CALL WEEKEND SERVICES
Contractor & Handyman. Remodels, Renovations . Paint, Plumbing, Drywall, Electrical. 469-658-9163
Us Tackle Your To-Do List!
TILE & MARBLE Shower &
Tubs, Tiles or Sinks
Cultured
• Kitchen Countertops
SERVICES FOR YOU
LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES
#1 WHITE ROCK TREE WIZARDS Professionals, Experts, Artists serving Dallas 15 years.Trim, Removals. Tree Health Care services. Insured. Arborwizard.com. Free Est. (972) 803-6313.
A BETTER TREE MAN Trims, Removals, Insd. 18 Yrs Exp. Roberts Tree Service. 214-808-8925 Lawns, Gardens & Trees
DAVIS LAWN CARE, LLC
580-222-4909 or davislawncare214@yahoo.com
Serving Lake Highlands & Lakewood.
HOLMAN IRRIGATION
Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061
MAYA TREE SERVICE Tree Trim/Remove. Lawn Maintenance. Resd/ Commcl.Insd. CC’s Accptd. mayatreeservice.com 214-924-7058 214-770-2435
MONSTER TREE SERVICE DALLAS
Certified Arborists, Fully Insured 469.983.1060
NEW LEAF TREE, LLC
Honest, Modern, Safety Minded. 214-850-1528
PAT TORRES 214-388-1850 Lawn Service & Tree Care. 28 Yrs. Complete Landscape Renovation. New Fence Install & Brick Repair. Concrete Removal and Gutter Cleaning.
RED SUN LANDSCAPES • 214-935-9779
RedSunLandscapes.com
RGC - STORM WATER MANAGEMENT drainage solutions 214-477-8977
TAYLOR MADE IRRIGATION Repairs, service, drains. 30+ years exp. Ll 6295 469-853-2326. John
WALTON’S GARDEN CENTER
Stop in for home decor, candles, house plants, succulents and more. It’s time to plan for spring. Call us for design, prep and plantings! 8652 Garland Road 214.321.2387
Lawn service
GARDEN OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Walnut Hill @ CENTRAL.3 Smaller Suites Avail. Flexible Terms 214.915. 8886
ORGANIZATION
A CHARMING HOME
Decluttering + Organizing + Styling acharminghome.co 214-794-6382
MOSQUITO SHIELD 972–850-2983
Imagine A Night Outside Without Mosquitoes NATURE KING PEST MANAGEMENT INC.
All types of Pest control. Natureking.com Natureking.com. 5 Star rating on Google 30+yrs. Exp. 214-827-0090.
OFFICE SUBLEASE In Bishop Arts. Cool, Quiet. 1,179 Sq ft. 4 rooms + kit / bath, parking. $2,950 + NNNs. 713.302-7722.
BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730
FENN CONSTRUCTION Kitchens And Baths. Call Us For Your Remodeling Needs. 214-343-4645. dallastileman.com
RENOVATE DALLAS renovatedallas.com 214-403-7247
S&L CONSTRUCTION All Home Services & Repairs. 214-918-8427
BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation,production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads
DENTAL INSURANCE- Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance -not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-888-623-3036 www.dental50plus.com/58 #6258
DIRECTV STREAM - Carries the most local MLB Games! ChoicePackage $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once.HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.)No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405
DONATE YOUR CARS TO VETERANS TODAY. Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800 -245-0398
"Keeping Children & Pets in Mind"
Termite Specialist - Mosquito Mister Systems Licensed · Insured · Residential · Commercial · Organic 214-350-3595 • Abetterearth.crw@gmail.com abetterearth.com
PLUMBING
AC PLUMBING Repairs, Fixtures, Senior Discounts. Gary Campbell. 214-321-5943
• Water Heaters • Water Leaks
• Sewer Backups
• All Plumbing Repairs 24/7 On-Call
972-379-4000 staggsplumbing.co
ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS! PLUMBING ISSUES ? We’re the Experts! 30 Years of Excellent Service
CERULEAN POOL SERVICES Family Owned/ Operated. Weekly maintenance, Chemicals, parts & repairs. CeruleanPro.com 214-557-6996
C.A.S. BOOKKEEPING SERVICES
Personal/Small Business. Payroll, Accounting, Organizing, Consult. Cindy 214-577-7450
WHERE DID YOUR MONEY GO? Bookkeeping Services for small businesses & Personal. Financial organizing. Quicken & other programs. Sharon 214-679-9688
REAL ESTATE
ESTATE HOME NEEDS TO BE SOLD?
Facing forclosure? IG Heron Homes Call Ricardo Garza @ 469-426-7839
FOR RENT Little Forest Hills 2/1 Single Family Home w/fence. $1,600mo. $1,600 deposit. Cheryl. 214-235-1399
Kitchens, Bathrooms, Windows, Doors, Siding, Decks, Fences, Retaining Walls, New Construction
New Construction & Remodels FiferCustomHomes.com• 214-727-7075
KITCHEN
ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-402-0373
GENERAC Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt. Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-844-334 -8353
GET DISH SATELLITE TV +INTERNET Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-479-1516
HUGHESNET Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live.25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499 -0141
PROFESSIONAL LAWN SERVICE: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Call now for a free quote. Ask about our first application special! 1-833-606-6777
REPLACE your roof with the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install. (military, health &1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234
SAFE STEP North America's #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306
THE GENERAC PWRCELL, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services
WATER DAMAGE
cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809
WANTED: OBOE TEACHER needed for 14 year old student. Call 214–235-7429
Volunteer - CC Young
Donate - Toys for Tots
Donate - Office of Homeless Solutions and Dallas Public Library 2024 Coat Drive
Volunteer - Juliette Fowler
Donate - Shared Housing Center
Volunteer and donate - Dallas Leadership Foundation
Volunteer and donateBehind Every Door
Donate - Angel Tree Dallas CASA
Volunteer - Love In Motion
It’s officially giving season in our neighborhood. So if you’re looking for ways to give back over the holidays, here’s nine places to donate, volunteer, or even do both.
Come catch the Holiday Spirit at our Open House, Tuesday evening, Dec. 3rd, from 6-9. Enjoy “Holiday Sips & Snacks” while shopping our Storewide Sale of the Season! Come meet many of our great dealers who will be on hand to help you! Happiest of Holidays to all of you from all of us!
